Wealth of Geeks
It’s time to curl up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa and, of course, your favorite Christmas movie. But deciding which Christmas movie truly captures the essence of the holiday is a matter of national controversy.
Using data from Rotten Tomatoes and Google Trends, Wealthy Nickel pulled the numbers to determine the most popular holiday movie in each state. Many vacation classics made the list, but a few states surprised us with their unconventional tips. Snuggle up on the couch in the twinkling glow of the Christmas lights and find out if your state’s idea of the most beautiful time of the year includes the North Pole or Nakatomi Plaza.
Top ranked Christmas films by state
Something about Christmas movies really captures the spirit of the season and can evoke a sense of nostalgia that transports viewers to Christmases past.
One of those vacation classics is The Polar Express, which took first place in Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. These states love the mysterious train that travels to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Who doesn’t love the dancing waiters and chefs serving hot chocolate to all the kids?
Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Texas and West Virginia loved The Grinch, the story of a cynical grump trying to ruin Christmas for all of Whoville. Although there are a few theatrical versions of the story, the most popular is the 2018 animated rendition, with the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch as the Grinch.
With a flair for romance, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oregon, Virginia and the District of Columbia have all opted for Love Actually, which follows ten Britons as they navigate their love lives in a countdown to Christmas. This romantic comedy has become a modern day Christmas for many.
Other popular Christmas movies are Home Alone, Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life.
The Midwest – Illinois, Ohio and North Dakota – are backing the Chicago-based film Home Alone, starring Macaulay Culkin as a resourceful eight-year-old who fends off two hapless robbers from his family home. Nebraska, Nevada and Utah eat as much sugar as they can while watching Will Ferrell run around New York City in the endearing story of Buddy the Elf. And Connecticut, Missouri, New Hampshire and Wisconsin stand by the oldie but goodie, It’s a Wonderful Life.
Some recent films are even beginning to make their mark and become part of the Christmas tradition. The 2019 Netflix animated film Klaus is popular in states like Colorado and Washington.
Elf or Edward Scissorhands?
What Counts as a Christmas Movie? Does something scheduled during the holiday season fit in or does Santa Claus have to show up? This debate has undoubtedly sparked many arguments at family gatherings. However, the cold hard facts don’t lie. Wealthy Nickel’s research showed that December’s search volume skyrocketed for several films that wouldn’t normally come to mind as heartwarming Christmas classics.
One of the most surprising Christmas movies, voted a favorite by six states, is Trading Places. The 1980s comedy has thrilled audiences in Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania year after year. The film follows an upper-class financial executive and a street prostitute who switch lifestyles to win a bet. Set in Philadelphia during the holiday season, there are plenty of opportunities for holiday fun, including Dan Akroyd in a Santa suit.
Shockingly, Edward Scissorhands makes the cut with four states — Arizona, California, Florida and New Mexico — all of whom agree the film is a must-see during the holidays. While it doesn’t fit the “merry and merry” definition of a standard Christmas movie, it is set during the holiday season and is loved by many.
Perhaps the most famous Christmas movie that may not be a Christmas movie is Die Hard. Both Montana and Idaho enjoy watching John McClane fight to save Christmas from a group of renegade terrorists.
Which states have the most and least Christmas cheer?
According to the rankings, Utah is the most festive state, always looking for a dose of holiday cheer. Of the twenty films reviewed, Utahns were among the top five seekers for twelve of them. West Virginia and New Hampshire came in second and third as states that can’t say no to a good Christmas movie. West Virginia was among the top five seekers for eleven films and New Hampshire for seven.
The least festive states, at least by volume of Christmas movie searches, were Hawaii, Florida, Mississippi, New York and Louisiana. While most of these states will never have a white Christmas, New York should feel a little ashamed to be on this list.
What do Nevada and Nebraska have in common? Her love for the film Eleven of course! Here is the complete list of the most popular Christmas movies in each state.
- Alabama – The Polar Express
- Alaska-Jack Frost
- Arizona – Edward Scissorhands
- Arkansas – The Grinch
- California – Edward Scissorhands
- Colorado – Klaus
- Connecticut – It’s a wonderful life
- Delaware – Trading Places
- District of Columbia – Actually love
- Florida – Edward Scissorhands
- Georgia – trading places
- Hawaii – trading places
- Idaho – Die Hard
- Illinois – Home Alone
- Indiana – A Christmas Carol
- Iowa – Christmas Vacation
- Kansas – Miracle on 34th Street
- Kentucky – The Grinch
- Louisiana – The Grinch
- Maine – jingle all the way
- Maryland – Actually love
- Massachusetts – Actually love
- Michigan – Krampus
- Minnesota – jingle all the way
- Mississippi – The Polar Express
- Missouri – It’s a wonderful life
- Montana – Die Hard
- Nebraska- Eleven
- Nevada – Eleven
- New Hampshire – It’s a wonderful life
- New Jersey – Trading Places
- New Mexico – Edward Scissorhands
- New York – trading places
- North Carolina – The Polar Express
- North Dakota – Home alone
- Ohio – Home Alone
- Oklahoma – The Polar Express
- Oregon – Actually love
- Pennsylvania – trading places
- Rhode Island – Jack Frost
- South Carolina – The Polar Express
- South Dakota – Christmas Vacation
- Tennessee – Santa Claus
- Texas – The Grinch
- Utah – Eleven
- Vermont – Miracle on 34th Street
- Virginia – Actually love
- Washington- Klaus
- West Virginia – The Grinch
- Wisconsin – It’s a wonderful life
- Wyoming- Krampus
More articles from the Wealth of Geeks Network:
- The ultimate holiday travel gift guide for every aspiring jet setter
- Easy ways to make $10 fast this holiday season
This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.