Now TV reveals nation’s favourite movie Santa

With Christmas fast approaching and nearly half of Brits set to watch at least six festive films this year, new research by streaming service NOW TV reveals the nation’s favourite on-screen Santa.

From Jim Broadbent’s wholesome portrayal in Get Santa to the darkly comic Billy Bob Thornton in Bad Santa, the depiction of Father Christmas has changed a lot over the years. But one Santa has come out on top, as 43% of the nation voted for Richard Attenborough in the Christmas classic, Miracle on 34th Street.

More than half (53%) of families claim this is the film the whole family watches every single year over the festive period. Four in ten believe this is the first Christmas film they remember watching – suggesting Attenborough is the nostalgic choice.

The top 10 favourite movie Santas:

1. Richard Attenborough – Miracle on 34^th Street (1994) (43%)
2. Tom Hanks (motion capture) – Polar Express (27%)
3. Tim Allen – The Santa Clause (22%)
4. Edward Asner – Elf (20%)
5. David Huddleston – Santa Claus: The Movie (19%)
6. Ken Hudson Campbell – Home Alone (17%)
7. Jim Broadbent – Arthur Christmas (15%)
8. Billy Bob Thornton – Bad Santa (14%)
9. Edward Ivory – The Nightmare Before Christmas (10%)
10. Jim Belushi – Jingle All the Way (9%)

Top five favourite Movie Santa’s for 18-24 year olds

1. Tom Hanks (motion capture) – Polar Express (35%)
2. Edward Asner – Elf (30%)
3. Ken Hudson Campbell – Home Alone (22%)
4. Richard Attenborough – Miracle on 34^th Street (18%)
5. Tim Allen – The Santa Clause (17%)

Top five favourite Movie Santa’s for 55 year olds and over

1. Richard Attenborough – Miracle on 34th Street (1994) (30%)
2. Tom Hanks (motion capture) – Polar Express (16%)
3. David Huddleston – Santa Claus: The Movie (10%)
4. Tim Allen – The Santa Clause (9%)
5. Ken Hudson Campbell – Home Alone (8%)

There’s festive favouritism between the generations, although those aged 55+ in particular love Richard Attenborough’s portrayal of Santa, while 18-24 year olds  prefer Tom Hanks in Polar Express (35%), followed by Edward Asner in Elf (30%) and Ken Hudson Campbell from Home Alone 2 (22%).

They also have different reasons for picking their favourite – millennials much prefer a Santa who is funny (53%), whereas the over 50s prefer a Santa who is magical (37%), kind (36%) and jolly (35%)!

Whether you’re searching for a Christmas classic this December or simply want to stream your favourite on-screen Santa, the NOW TV Smart Stick and Sky Cinema Pass bundle has you covered for just £19.99, contract free.