Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and Avatar are the blockbuster movies which must be viewed on the big screen, according to research.

A study of 2,000 film fans revealed the top 40 films which simply aren't the same when watched at home.

Other classics which made the list were Jaws, Jurassic Park and Titanic.

lso featuring highly were Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Apollo 13 and The Hunger Games.

The 1939 American historical romance Gone with the Wind should also be seen on a big screen as should Guardians of the Galaxy and Saving Private Ryan.

Top 40 films which must be seen on the big screen:

• Avatar
• Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
• Jurassic Park
• Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
• Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
• Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
• Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
• Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
• Jurassic World
• Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens
• Titanic
• Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
• Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones
• Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
• Jaws
• Dunkirk
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark
• The Matrix
• Saving Private Ryan
• Gravity
• Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
• Terminator 2: Judgment Day
• 2001: A Space Odyssey
• The Terminator
• Schindler's List
• Apollo 13
• Gone with the Wind
• The Hunger Games
• Guardians of the Galaxy
• Braveheart
• Interstellar
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

The study was commissioned by Cineworld ahead of the third IMAX Film Festival, which will give film fans across the country a second chance to see some of the top releases from last year in IMAX.

A Cineworld spokesperson said; "From the research we know that over half of those surveyed regret missing out on seeing a film on the big screen.

"We are delighted to give film fans another opportunity to enjoy some of the biggest releases from 2017 as part of the IMAX Film Fest.

"From Dunkirk to Beauty and the Beast, seeing a movie in IMAX quality at Cineworld is so much more.

"Every element is planned, designed and positioned to create the most intense experience for our customers."

The research also looked at the top films from the last 12 months that film-goers wished they'd seen at the cinema.

Dunkirk, depicting the epic evacuation of the allied troops during World War II, featured as the most popular film released in the last 12 months to be enjoyed on the big screen.

This was closely followed by Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi, with Darkest Hour and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 also featuring.

Beauty and the Beast and Thor: Ragnarok also made the top 10.

Seventy-five per cent of the nation agreed a bigger screen is the best thing about a trip to the movies, with over half preferring the cinema experience for its enhanced sound and picture quality.

One in five said they enjoy watching the trailers and 13 per cent stated it's the presence of others which adds to the experience.

The research confirmed the best seat in the picture house is, without a doubt, the middle centre followed by the centre back rows.

Two-thirds of adults are more likely to make a trip to the movies with their partner, and three in 10 will see the latest blockbuster with pals.

One in five would much rather a trip to the cinema over a meal out, but just under two in three wish they went to the movies more often.

The study also found three in five brits confessed there are films they wish they'd seen in the cinema.

Sixty-eight per cent agreed people are missing out on the experience by watching movies on smart devices, with three in 10 confirming they would rather watch a film on an IMAX screen.

The study also found a trip to the movies is enjoyed twice a month on average, with just under one in 10 going up to once a week.

A fizzy drink will never go a miss during a trip to the cinema for nearly one quarter of Brits, accompanied by a box of sweet popcorn and classic pick 'n' mix.

IMAX uses a cutting-edge projection system and delivers crystal-clear images, coupled with the customised theatre design and powerful digital sound system. IMAX creates a unique environment that makes audiences feel as if they are in the film.