More than 10,000 users of the nation's fastest growing movie-ticketing company's website participated in the poll that asked them which of the holiday's big-budget films they most wanted to see. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings stood tall among the fall's offerings, with 52 percent of respondents (5,184) naming it as the single film they are most eager to see. The New Line release, the first of a planned trilogy, is scheduled to be released on Dec. 19.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone garnered 38 percent of the poll's votes, ranking it second among the six choices from which Fandango users selected. The Warner Bros. adaptation of the J.K. Rowling novel is due in theaters on Nov. 16.

Disney-Pixar's Monsters Inc., a computer-generated comedy, was the third most-anticipated film release of the season, according to Fandango users. The Disney-Pixar comedy hits screens on Nov. 2.

"There's every indication that these three films represent just the tip of the iceberg for holiday moviegoing, and that they're going to be enormously popular," said Art Levitt, president and CEO of Fandango. "To hear directly from moviegoers that they are so excited about these movies is a great sign for an industry upswing this fall and winter."

Fandango is a market leader in remote ticketing for consumers planning a trip to the movies. Its convenient service lets moviegoers quickly select a film, plan where and when to see it, and buy tickets in advance. Fandango's partners include seven major North American exhibitors, representing more than 14,000 movie screens: Carmike Theatres, Century Theatres, Cinemark Theatres, Edwards Theatres, General Cinema Theatres, Loews Cineplex Entertainment and Regal Cinemas.