There is one Christmas movie that year-upon-year splits opinions among viewers. And now, it has been voted as the most overrated Christmas film.

Elf is a 2003 Christmas comedy film directed by Jon Favreau and written by David Berenbaum. It stars Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf, alongside James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Asner and Bob Newhart in supporting roles.

Upon release, it became a major critical and commercial success, with Ferrell’s performance, in particular, being praised by critics. Despite being named the most overrated of the Christmas movies by Buzzfeed, it has been hailed by many as a modern classic and is often listed as one of the best Christmas films of all time.

The film’s summary reads: “Buddy (Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.”

Viewers over on Buzzfeed shared their reasons for not enjoying the Christmas flick, with one stating: “I couldn’t really get into it. I watched it once, maybe, but that was enough for me.”

Another said: “It’s obnoxious, annoying, and just downright bad. It’s just [Will] Ferrell acting like an idiot for two hours. Awful.”

“Elf is a terrible movie. Will Ferrell’s character is so annoying, and not in an endearing way. I spent the entire movie just wishing he would lose the ability to speak,” added a third.

However, despite this, it has amassed a high score of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, with one describing it as the “best Christmas movie ever”.

“Will Ferrell gives a hilarious performance, and the supporting cast does too. This is one holiday movie I will always watch every year,” another added.

A third said: “This film is so funny, this is one of the greatest Christmas movies ever!! Probably my favourite.”

Elf is available to stream now on NOW TV.