Revisiting the “Die Hard” Question!

Is it a Christmas Movie? We have the answers!

Well it's another holiday season, and folks are watching and talking about their favorite Christmas movies again. And it seems that eventually the discussion always turns into an argument over whether or not “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie.

As some of you long time fans may remember I covered this topic quite thoroughly a few years back; but now that Dad's Christmas Blog has gone global I thought it was time to readdress the topic for my newer readers. (Both of them!)

So here is the (slightly updated) original article that puts the whole thing to rest, and will probably have you thinking about Christmas movies in a whole other way. Enjoy! - DCB

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Controversy.  That’s the main thing we try to avoid here at Dad’s Christmas Blog. But sometimes it’s necessary to step in, especially when the subject is as serious and important to society as this one. It has come to the attention of the staff here at DCB (Dad’s Christmas Blog) that over the last several years there’s been one question that keeps coming up: “Is “Die Hard” a Christmas movie?”

”Climb down the chimney, we’ll get together, 

have a few laughs…’” 

“Die Hard”, the summer blockbuster film starring Bruce Willis. Released on July 15th, 1988, it was one of the year’s top grossing films and made a huge star out of Mr. Willis.

Original Theatrical Poster

It is regarded as one of the most influential films of the 1980’s and considered one of the greatest action films ever made!

“Oh, the weather outside is frightful.”

Despite being released in July with the full intention of the studio for it to be a “summer blockbuster”, the movie is set at Christmastime.  I won’t go into a lot of plot details here, but the story starts at a Christmas party and there are several holiday references and even a couple of holiday songs sprinkled throughout the exciting action scenes of Bruce Willis single-handedly defusing a terrorist threat.

“Nine million terrorists in the world, and 

I gotta kill one with smaller feet than my sister.”

I’ve seen this movie many times and consider it a favorite, but… (here’s where I pick a side) I do NOT consider “Die Hard” to be a Christmas movie. It’s a great movie, yes, but just because it happens to take place during December and there are some Christmas trees in the background doesn’t cut it.

"I got your Jingle Bells right here, punk!"

If this were the only criteria, then “Lethal Weapon”, “Batman Returns”, “Iron Man 3” & “Gremlins” would all be considered holiday classics as well. I love those movies too; but come on!  If you removed the Christmas references in these movies, it really wouldn’t alter their basic storylines significantly.

"I'm Batman! I don't smell!"

In my “exhaustive” research on this issue, I’ve read that those on the other side of this argument state that the same thing could be said of accepted holiday movies like “Home Alone” or even “It’s A Wonderful Life”.  Well, I’ve found some holes in that logic.  Yes, you could remove the Christmas elements from these movies and still have a story, but there is a difference. 

“You guys give up? Or are you thirsty for more?”

First, films like “Home Alone” and “It’s A Wonderful Life” were released near Christmas specifically to appeal to an audience celebrating or getting ready to celebrate the holidays.  Whereas “Die Hard”, and the other "not-so Christmas" movies mentioned above, were all released in the summer when blockbuster action movies are most popular. They weren’t originally considered or promoted by their studios to be Christmas movies at all.

“Please don’t make me go back to the Wal-mart.”

Secondly, and most importantly, a Christmas movie should have some scenes of emotional warmth that reflects the beauty and hope of the season. It must do more than mention Christmas to be a Christmas movie.

So, by these standards, “Die Hard” fans are just stuck with one of the greatest action movies ever made, but definitely not a Christmas movie.

“You gotta be kiddin’ me.”

But wait! If you still want to celebrate the holidays with Bruce Willis taking down terrorists, I’m all for it!  Enjoy it with all your loved ones! That’s one of the best parts of this season, and if “Die Hard” is what brings you together, then it’s a beautiful thing and in that way, it certainly IS a Christmas movie!

“Joy to the world!”

Who says a Christmas cookie must have sprinkles and frosting? If you like Oreos for Christmas, then those are your Christmas cookies.  If you want a cactus or palm tree instead of a pine, that’s fine too.  It’s not so important how you celebrate, it’s why you’re celebrating that really counts.

In summary:  If you want to have a great holiday, do something fun with your family or friends and enjoy your time together. (And watch whatever you want!) - DCB

Yippee-ki-yay, Merry Christmas!