Is Die Hard a Christmas Movie? Let’s Settle This Once and For All (With a Wink!)

There are few festive debates as enduring, or as enthusiastically argued, as the annual question: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? 

Every December, families across the UK gather for mince pies, mulled wine, and the inevitable good-natured bickering about whether John McClane belongs alongside the 1951 A Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life and not to forget The Muppet Christmas Carol.

So, in the spirit of seasonal cheer (and mild chaos), let’s take a playful look at both sides of the argument before delivering the definitive answer. Well… sort of.

The Case For Die Hard Being a Christmas Movie

Those in favour stand proud and firm — like a heroic action star walking barefoot across broken glass.

1. It’s literally set on Christmas Eve

Not “around Christmastime”. Not “in winter”. Christmas Eve. At a Christmas party. With tinsel. That’s pretty strong evidence.

2. Christmas music is everywhere

Run-DMC’s Christmas in Hollis sets the tone. We hear festive favourites throughout. Even the closing song wishes us a merry Christmas. If music makes a Christmas film Christmas-y, Die Hard qualifies.

3. The theme of reconciliation is pure Christmas tradition

John wants to mend things with Holly. Families reconnecting? Hearts softening? That’s prime festive material. Actually, is the name of the hero's wife, Holly, perhaps a producer's nod to it being a Christmas movie? 

4. There are presents

Granted: one of the presents is a machine gun (“Ho-ho-ho…”), but let’s not be snobby about alternative gift-giving cultures.

5. Hans Gruber falls from a great height — which is practically a panto tradition

“Oh no he didn’t!”

“Oh yes he did!”

6. It’s become an annual ritual

If you watch it every December without fail… congratulations. It’s a Christmas movie to you. And that counts for something.

The Case Against It

For balance, and to keep the peace at the table, here are the counter-arguments.

1. It’s an action film first, Christmas film second

Most Christmas movies don’t feature a body count, explosions, and endless gunfire. Elf this is not.

2. Remove Christmas from the plot… and it still works

You could set the Nakatomi incident in July at the office summer BBQ and the story wouldn’t fold in half.

3. There’s no Santa, snow, reindeer, or magical lesson

Unless you count “always check the ventilation ducts”, which admittedly is quite practical.

4. Hans Gruber is not a festive villain

He doesn’t want to steal Christmas. He wants the bearer bonds. Not very Christmassy.

So… What’s the Verdict?

Here at That’s Christmas 365, we believe in festive inclusivity. Some people love pudding. Some prefer trifle. Some think Die Hard is a Christmas film. Some think it isn’t.

But we can reveal the definitive, conclusive, scholarly truth:

If you watch it at Christmas, it’s a Christmas movie. If you don’t, it isn’t.

There you go. Argument settled. John McClane may not wear a Santa hat (although that ho-ho-ho jumper counts for partial credit), but he brings families together every year — even if it’s just to argue about him.

Final Die Hard Thought

Whether you’re Team Christmas Movie or Team Absolutely Not, pop it on this December, grab a plate of leftover turkey sandwiches, turn down the lights, and enjoy the explosions.

And remember:

Now I have a machine gun. Ho-ho-ho.

Happy watching — and happy debating!

The Great Debate: Is Die Hard a Christmas Movie or Not?

Few cinematic debates ignite as much passion as the question of whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas movie, or not.

Since its release in 1988, this action-packed thriller has become a cultural touchstone, and every festive season, the argument resurfaces. 

Let’s look into the pros and cons of this contentious issue to determine whether John McClane’s explosive escapades deserve a place in the Christmas film canon.

The Case for Die Hard as a Christmas Movie

Set During Christmas

The film takes place on Christmas Eve, at a Christmas party in Nakatomi Plaza. The festive backdrop is integral to the plot, as McClane’s reason for being there is to reconcile with his estranged wife during the Christmas period.

Christmas Themes

At its core, Die Hard touches on themes of family, redemption, and togetherness — hallmarks of the Christmas season. McClane’s determination to save his wife and the hostages can be interpreted as an ultimate act of Christmas spirit.

Christmas Aesthetics and Music

The film is peppered with Christmas imagery, from decorations to Santa hats (including one with the darkly humorous “Now I have a machine gun. Ho-ho-ho”). Additionally, the soundtrack includes festive tunes like "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" and "Christmas in Hollis" by Run-D.M.C.

Cult Status Among Fans

Many fans have adopted Die Hard as a Christmas tradition, watching it annually during December. For them, it embodies the unconventional yet festive spirit of the season.

The Case Against Die Hard as a Christmas Movie

Not About Christmas

While the film is set during Christmas, Christmas itself is not central to the story. The plot revolves around McClane’s battle against terrorists, with the festive setting serving as little more than a backdrop.

Genre Mismatch

Traditional Christmas movies typically fall into the categories of family-friendly, heartwarming, or comedic. As a high-octane action thriller with intense violence, Die Hard doesn’t fit this mould.

Absence of Christmas Spirit

Critics argue that the film lacks the sentimental or moral lessons typically associated with Christmas movies. McClane’s journey is more about survival and heroism than spreading goodwill or Christmas cheer.

Creator’s Intent

Some point to comments by the film’s creators, who have offered mixed opinions. Screenwriter Steven E. de Souza has leaned into the Christmas movie label, but director John McTiernan has been less definitive, describing it more as a “movie about redemption.”

Why the Debate Persists

The debate over Die Hard taps into broader questions about what defines a Christmas movie. Is it simply the presence of Christmas elements, or must the story revolve around the Christmas spirit and traditions? As audiences continue to redefine holiday norms and embrace unconventional favourites, the line between “Christmas movie” and “movie set at Christmas” has blurred.

Final Thoughts

Whether or not you consider Die Hard a Christmas movie ultimately comes down to personal interpretation. For some, it’s a Christmas staple that injects a bit of adrenaline into the season. 

For others, it’s a thrilling action film that happens to occur during Christmas. Either way, the debate ensures that Die Hard remains a beloved and enduring part of pop culture.

So, where do you stand? Is Die Hard a Christmas movie, or is it just a great action flick with a festive backdrop? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!