‘Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!’: Home Alone reigns as Ireland’s festive film king

Ottoline Spearman

Home Alone has defended its crown as Ireland’s must-watch Christmas movie, according to a festive film survey by ODEON Cinemas.

Home Alone was voted a Christmas movie favourite by 34 per cent of people, with Love Actually coming in second at 20 per cent.

The Grinch and Elf also featured high on the list, at 13 per cent and 11 per cent respectively.

“Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!” from Home Alone 2 was also voted by 61 per cent of respondents as the most iconic Christmas movie quote.

Ireland’s festive film switch flicks firmly to “ON” in early December, according to 50 per cent of people. Meanwhile, 14 per cent are already watching by November, and 21 per cent claim Christmas movies are not seasonal at all.

Irish viewers also said they rewatch their favourites, with 44 per cent watching their favourite festive film over 20 times, and 19 per cent with 11–20 viewings.

When asked which Christmas movie character they'd most like to sit beside, people leaned heavily toward troublemakers. The Grinch took the top spot at 33 per cent, followed by Buddy the Elf at 27 per cent, Kevin McCallister at 22 per cent, and Olaf at 18 per cent.