The 1940s classic It’s A Wonderful Life has been named best Christmas film in a nationwide poll of radio listeners.
The movie, starring James Stewart, topped a ranking of 12 festive films of all time – with Die Hard in second place.
Festive favourites The Muppet Christmas Carol, Home Alone and Elf completed the top five in the poll of BBC Radio 2 listeners.
Film critic James King said: “It’s A Wonderful Life is what Christmas is all about, friendship, kindness and the importance of family, even in the toughest times.”
Second-placed Die Hard - which was originally released during summer months - has since acquired status as a festive film, thanks to its plot taking place on Christmas Eve.
King said: “As for Die Hard in the runner-up spot? Well, it should finally answer the question as to whether John McClane’s antics in the Nakatomi Plaza constitute a Christmas film or not.”
Here are the top 12 films.
1. It’s A Wonderful Life
2. Die Hard
3. The Muppet Christmas Carol
4. Home Alone
5. Elf
6. Love Actually
7. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
8. Miracle On 34th Street
9. White Christmas
10. The Polar Express
11. Santa Claus: The Movie
12. Scrooge
– A countdown programme, which also features seasonal songs from the silver screen, is on BBC Sounds and also on Radio 2 on Christmas Eve at 9pm.
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