Die Hard: The Ultimate Christmas Film?

It's that time of year again, Christmas has arrived. What better way to enjoy the holiday season than by tackling the age-old debate: is Die Hard really a Christmas movie?

The festive season is all about indulging in good food, drinks, and merry celebrations, as well as revisiting our beloved holiday films for the umpteenth time.

Some movies firmly establish themselves within the genre, such as Home Alone, Jingle All the Way, Love Actually, and The Holiday. And then there's Elf, a classic that can't be forgotten.

On the other hand, some movies blur the lines - take Eyes Wide Shut for example. Additionally, the action-packed Die Hard may not seem like a typical Christmas movie, yet the debate over its holiday classification continues.

Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?

Yes, Die Hard is officially a Christmas movie – at least, it is according to its distributor, 20th Century Fox. 

Despite being released in 1988, the debate over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie has continued every year. To settle the debate once and for all, the studio recently released a new trailer proclaiming it as "The Greatest Christmas Story." The trailer starts with sleigh bells and snow falling over the 20th Century Fox sign, then cuts to Bruce Willis' character John McClane. The voiceover introduces him as someone who just wanted to spend Christmas with his family, but ends up stuck at an office party, making it a holiday he'll never forget.

Prior to the release of the tongue-in-cheek trailer in 2018, John McTiernan's classic action film was already recognized as fitting into the Christmas genre for several reasons. It takes place on Christmas Eve, capturing the holiday spirit with various festive elements. Additionally, the soundtrack features Christmas songs, creating a festive ambiance, and the themes of reconciliation and family play a prominent role as McClane attempts to reconcile with his estranged wife.

Die Hard also includes Christmas decorations and nods to holiday customs. Even the villainous Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) embraces the festive season, telling his henchman: “It’s Christmas, Theo. It’s the time of miracles. So be of good cheer and call me when you get the last lock.”

20th Century Fox

Numerous fans support this conclusion, as they have made Die Hard a yearly Christmas tradition for many years.

For our top 25 Christmas movies of all time, click here, and explore our TV & Movie hubs below.

Avatar 3, Batman: The Brave And The Bold, Beetlejuice 2, Blade, Deadpool 3, Dune 2, Gladiator 2, Mission: Impossible 8, Mortal Kombat 2, Beyond the Spider-Verse, Superman: Legacy, Thunderbolts, Venom 3, Wicked, 1923 Season 2, Citadel Season 2, Daredevil: Born Again, Euphoria Season 3, Severance Season 2, Stranger Things Season 5, The Last of Us Season 2, The Mandalorian Season 4, The Penguin, The Sandman Season 2, The White Lotus Season 3, Wednesday Season 2, Yellowjackets Season 3.

Editor's P/S

As a true passionate fan of Die Hard, I firmly believe that it is indeed the ultimate Christmas film. The movie perfectly encapsulates the essence of the holiday season with its festive atmosphere, heartwarming themes, and iconic Christmas elements. From the twinkling lights and decorations that adorn the Nakatomi Plaza to the memorable Christmas carols that play throughout the film, Die Hard creates an immersive and enchanting holiday experience.

Moreover, the movie's central themes of family, redemption, and the triumph of good over evil resonate deeply with the spirit of Christmas. John McClane's journey from a jaded and estranged husband to a heroic protector of his family embodies the transformative power of the holiday season. The film's heartwarming conclusion, where McClane reunites with his wife and daughter, further reinforces the notion of Die Hard as a quintessential Christmas tale.