Brits love black and white films, but iconic Brief Encounter fails to make their top ten

Christmas tearjerker It’s A Wonderful Life is the UK’s favourite black and white film, according to research.

The 1946 classic, which stars Hollywood icon James Stewart as suicidal businessman George Bailey, edged out Steven Spielberg’s 1992 Oscar winning epic Schindler’s List and Hitchcock blockbuster Psycho.

However, David Lean's iconic Brief Encounter doesn't even make the top ten, ranking just 12th in a poll of 1,500 UK film fans aged between 18 and 41.

Research, commissioned by LG Electronics, revealed that over half of the British nation (54%) believe black and white films are back in fashion.

In fact 64 percent shun the misconception that black and white films are only for older generations.

Meanwhile, 21 percent of Brits polled who admit they can’t stand a lack of colour and over a third (34 percent) feel they lose much of the cinematic experience due to not being able to distinguish between the shades of grey on screen.

However, a monochrome approach is increasingly favoured by top directors, including Sir Kenneth Branagh, whose coming-of-age drama Belfast won outstanding British film at this year’s Baftas and earned seven Oscar nominations. He has spoken about the added authenticity of black and white films, boasting of their ‘poetic quality’.

LG, whose range of LG OLED TVs achieve perfect black and infinite contrast, also revealed that those who enjoy watching movies in black and white are more likely to be seen as artistic (45%), cultured (44%) or impressive film buffs (38%).

And just over four in ten black and white film fans enjoy how the lack of colour helps to create an atmosphere that feels separate from real life.

"It’s fascinating to see the enthusiasm there is for black and white films,” said LG’s James Thomas.

“Our findings underline the importance of the technology when sitting down to watch something - with four in ten (42 percent) believing that the quality of the screen can improve the viewing experience, particularly with black and white films. Whatever the colour palette, LG’s superior OLED technology can help you do just that .”

Top 10 black and white films younger Brits are watching

1. It’s A Wonderful Life, 1946

2. Schindler’s List, 1993

3. Psycho, 1960

4. Casablanca, 1942

5. To Kill a Mockingbird, 1962

6. The Elephant Man, 1980

7. Young Frankenstein, 1974

8. Citizen Kane, 1941

9. 12 Angry Men, 1957

10. Dr. Strangelove: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, 1964