The Most Popular Christmas Movies Across America

The festive season is finally here, which means it’s the perfect time to snuggle up and put on your favorite Christmas movie. There is an abundance of genres to choose from; romcoms, drama, animated movies, or comedies. The selection is endless!

But do you want a fool-proof Christmas movie you know people enjoy? Well, we took a break from reviewing casino sites and collected Google Trends data to find the Christmas movies that are most beloved across the states. Below, you can read more about it to find the perfect movie for you to watch this winter. 

The Most Beloved Christmas Movies Across the States 

Looking into Google Trends data, we’ve been able to find out exactly which Christmas movies are loved across the states. We then broke it down to look at state-specific movies further down in the article, and have found some dissimilarities between states.

1. Elf

Who doesn’t love Will Ferrell as Buddy in this classic 2003 Christmas movie? This movie is a comedy about Santa’s child, who has been raised by elves at the North Pole. When Buddy realizes he’s, in fact, not an elf, things start to go sideways, and he has to rediscover who he truly is. 

A heartfelt, comedic movie, this is the perfect Christmas film to put on in order to feel festive and ready for Christmas Day – which probably explains why it was the favorite in a huge 12 states, ranging across the US from Alaska to Florida. 

2. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Did you fear the Pigeon Lady in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York? You’re not alone. This 1992 comedy is renowned for its comedic action where Kevin must fight against two burglars once more. Clever and heartfelt, this movie is the perfect watch for those who want a bit of fun.

This comedy is loved by adults and children alike and is a great film to put on when you’re wanting a pick-me-up, or to feel more festive. It’s filmed in New York, and appropriately enough it was also the favorite pick in New York State – as well as in nine other states, including Georgia, Illinois, and Ohio. 

3. Home Alone

Taking third place is the original Home Alone, where Kevin has to fight the burglars, or the Wet Bandits as they are called. This 1990 movie follows eight-year-old Kevin as he has to fend off burglars from his home at Christmas Eve.

With only himself to rely on, he uses his cunning to try defeat the Wet Bandits and save Christmas. All in all, this movie was a favorite in nine states, from Arizona to Vermont.- just one less than Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. 

4. It’s a Wonderful Life 

This film, starring James Stewart and George Bailey, dates all the way back to 1946, where a businessman has to give up his own dreams to help his community, offering a new perspective on his busy life.

This is a movie all about life lessons, and how seeing things differently than you have previously can help you grow as a person. It’s a vintage, black-and-white film that’s loved by many countries outside of America, too. It topped the charts in seven states, two under Home Alone. 

5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

An all-time family favorite, How the Grinch Stole Christmas from 2000 starring Jim Carrey is a story about the revenge-seeking Grinch, and the Christmas-loving citizens of Whoville. The movie takes inspiration from author Dr. Seuss’ wacky book with the same name. 

The Grinch was the favorite in six states: Hawaii, Kentucky, and Minnesota, among others. It’s a great movie to sit down with ahead of Christmas, if not on Christmas Eve to prepare for Christmas day!

The Favorite Christmas Movies Broken Down by State 

Looking at the favorite Christmas movies per state, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York throned as number one in the state of New York, while Washington preferred The Grinch. Idaho, on the other hand chose a completely different movie as their top first: The Holiday! So did Maryland.

Turning west, to California, it was It’s a Wonderful Life that remained on top as the favorite Christmas movie. For Oregon in the north, it was Home Alone, and for Colorado it was Elf. 

North Carolina and South Carolina differed, with North Carolina preferring Elf, and South Carolina It’s a Wonderful Life! North and South Dakota also preferred different movies, with North Dakota loving It’s a Wonderful Life, but South Dakota cherished Elf. 

Hopefully, you now know which movie you’d like to watch leading up to Christmas. You could even watch more than one on Christmas Eve to truly get into the festive spirits! 

If you want more information or inspiration ahead of Christmas, check out our blog; or alternatively, you could discover our free casino games and online casinos.