Survey Reveals Top Traditional and New Holiday Movies

With another holiday season upon us, Marcus Theatres^®, the fourth largest movie theatre circuit in the U.S., surveyed more than 4,500 of its Magical Movie Rewards℠ members in eight states to find out what traditions — and Hollywood blockbusters — made the top of their list. Survey respondents were from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Survey participants were first asked about how they approached the holiday season. A total of 80 percent shared that the holidays tend to put them in a “more festive mood” versus “stressing them out,” and nearly 44 percent indicated that they got a jump start on holiday shopping beginning in October. But what traditions rose to the top?

Favorite Holiday Traditions

A whopping 72 percent of respondents reported that “going to the movies with friends and family” was a yearly holiday tradition. In fact, moviegoing was the third most frequently enjoyed activity, behind only “decorating the house/tree” and enjoying a “big holiday meal,” which were tied at 86 percent. Other annual pastimes that topped the list included “hanging stockings” (61 percent) and “sending holiday cards” (53 percent). Separately, the survey asked about traditional holiday specials and movies that are “must sees” each year. The top five present and past films/specials follow.

Most Anticipated Holiday Blockbusters

When going to the theatre this holiday season, respondents had clear favorites for what they are most excited to see. Of the big blockbusters debuting this November and December, the top five picks included:

1. “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch”
2. “Mary Poppins Returns”
3. “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald”
4. “Aquaman”
5. “Ralph Breaks the Internet”

Must-see Holiday Classic Specials and Movies

In addition to seeing new films, certain holiday specials and movies have also become a standing tradition. Animated classics and comedies topped this list:

1. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”
2. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
3. “A Christmas Story”
4. “Elf”*
5. “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”*

*These films are part of Marcus Theatres’ Holiday Classics Series.

“The survey results echoed something we already know — holidays are all about making memories and movies are a big part of the season,” said Rolando Rodriguez, chairman, president and CEO of Marcus Theatres. “Moviegoing is more than an entertainment experience; it’s about gathering with friends and family to create memories that will last long after the credits roll.”