With fast-paced action and decidedly adult themes (not to mention an R rating), Die Hard certainly doesn’t seem like your classic holiday flick. But, with millions of plays every holiday season, it’s undeniably a Christmas tradition for some. If it’s not in your festive movie collection, you might be wondering: Why is Die Hard a Christmas movie?
Whether you agree or disagree that Die Hard is a firm holiday favorite, we’re here to explain why it’s earned the label of a Christmas movie. Don’t worry, we’ll also provide a list of other festive films to enjoy this holiday season, after you’ve seamlessly sent off your Christmas cards for everyone on your list!
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What Makes Die Hard Christmassy?
Die Hard is a Christmas movie because it’s set on Christmas Eve during an office Christmas party, includes many classic Christmas songs, and features numerous Christmas tropes, like snow and a character named “Holly”.
In 2023, Die Hard ranked 13th on Samba’s list of top Christmas movies on TV and streaming with 1.4 million plays. With millions of families choosing to watch this film on Christmas Eve and around the holiday season, it’s undoubtedly a popular choice to get in the festive spirit.
For people who don’t revel in the cozy festivity of a stereotypical Christmas movie, or who want to enjoy a more mature holiday film in child-free households, Die Hard is a fitting choice. With Christmas tunes and themes, minus the predictability of a typical Hallmark holiday film, Die Hard can provide a more exciting experience for adult viewers.
Why is Die Hard Not a Christmas Movie?
People may not consider Die Hard a Christmas movie because of its violence and mature themes. With its “R” rating, it’s likely to frighten young children, making it a no-go for many households.
It’s clear that Die Hard certainly isn’t your typical holiday movie. The film, directed by John McTiernan and starring Bruce Willis, is typically classified as an action movie. It follows a New York City police officer as he attempts to rescue hostages taken by terrorists during a Christmas party in Los Angeles.
While people typically think of Christmas movies as warm, lighthearted, and family-friendly, Die Hard is rated ‘R’ for violence and profanity. Beyond the mature rating, many people don’t consider Die Hard a holiday movie because it simply doesn’t go along with what we’d consider the spirit of the season. With gore, fight scenes, crime, and other heavy topics, it doesn’t exactly embody the generosity, togetherness, love, and peace associated with Christmas.
If you need another reason to banish Die Hard from your festive movie collection, it premiered on July 22, 1988 – far from December 25th! So, unless you believe in Christmas in July, this movie may not be your yuletide staple.
The Best Christmas Movies to Watch This Holiday Season
If Die Hard isn’t for you, don’t fret: There are countless other holiday movies to enjoy all throughout the festive season! Whether you love a campy holiday romcom, a children’s Christmas classic, or something in between, one of these movies is sure to bring a sparkle to your eye.
The best Christmas movies to add to your holiday lineup include:
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Whether you adore the 1966 animated classic or the Jim Carrey reboot, you can’t go wrong with a bit of grinchy fun.
- It’s a Wonderful Life: Countless generations have passed down this 1946 film as a charming holiday tradition.
- A Christmas Carol: With themes of generosity, redemption, and forgiveness, this quintessential holiday film will have your whole family tapping into the true meaning of Christmas.
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Rudolph is one of the most recognizable and beloved Christmas characters. Especially if you need a family-friendly holiday movie, this 1964 classic never misses!
- Home Alone: A fan-favorite holiday movie that breaks the typical mold, Home Alone is the ideal choice for households who want a comedic, fast-paced break from the decades-old classics.
More Fan-Favorite Holiday Films
- Elf: This Will Ferrell Christmas comedy is a non-negotiable holiday watch for many – kids and adults alike! With a heartwarming ending and solid laughs throughout, we’d suggest adding this one to your Christmas movie lineup.
- Miracle of 34th Street: This holiday staple is from 1947, but despite its dated appearance, it’s just not Christmas without it.
- The Santa Clause: This Tim Allen Christmas movie has two sequels, so you can nestle into the couch with your favorite festive treats for a Santa Clause marathon.
- Love Actually: With some raunchy lines and adult scenes, this R-rated flick is for adult viewers at Christmastime. But, with a star-studded cast and lively storylines, it’s a great way to spice up your holiday movie night, after the kids have gone to bed!
- The Polar Express: If you loved the book when you were a kid, you’ll either adore this film adaptation, or decide to stick with the original story. No judgment from us either way!
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: Starring Chevy Chase, this holiday favorite takes countless twists and turns. With a PG-13 rating, it’s ideal to play when your kids have reached teenagerhood – and still want to enjoy a family Christmas movie night.
Make More Time for Your Holiday Movie Marathon
Worried that you’ll be too busy printing, packing, stamping, and sending out Christmas cards to enjoy your favorite holiday films this year? Don’t worry, Postable has you covered!
We’ll deal with sending out all of your personalized holiday cards – it’s the charm of snail mail with the convenience of email. You’ll be done within a few minutes, just pick out your card, type out your message, provide an address, and we’ll handle the rest! That leaves plenty of time to snuggle up with a hot cocoa and start the Christmas movie marathon (whether or not your lineup includes Die Hard).
So, the debate lives on: Why is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Is it an action flick that just happens to be set during the holiday season? No matter your opinion, we hope you and your family will create your own festive movie night to remember!
