Yearly ‘Die Hard’ debate rekindles during holidays

Every December, the age-old debate takes place at family dinner tables across the country. Is the movie “Die Hard” really a Christmas movie? The answer is yes: “Die Hard” fits all three criteria to be a Christmas movie.

The movie “Die Hard,” directed by John McTiernan, has viewers split over whether or not it can be considered a Christmas movie since its release in 1988. 

The movie follows John McClane (Bruce Willis) and takes place on Christmas Eve in Los Angeles, California. McClane is a New York City cop who visits his estranged wife in L.A. to attend her office’s Christmas party. The party is taken over by terrorists led by the film’s antagonist, Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). McClane then has to save all of the people taken hostage by the terrorists, including his wife.

I define Christmas movies by whether or not they contain the three essential criteria. First, the movie must take place during the holiday season (preferably on Christmas Eve or Day). The movie must also take place in a festive atmosphere and feature things that allude to Christmas, such as Christmas trees, lights and Santa Claus. Finally, the plot of the movie must embody the Christmas spirit, meaning it contains themes such as love, giving, family and togetherness. 

“Die Hard” fits all three of these fundamental criteria, making it a Christmas movie.

“Die Hard” doesn’t just take place during the holiday season, but on Christmas Eve specifically. After all, the entire reason McClane is traveling to see his wife is for a Christmas party. There are also many scenes in the movie that portray relatable holiday settings, such as bustling airports full of people traveling home to be with their family for Christmas. 

Elements of Christmas are sprinkled throughout nearly every scene in the movie. While watching “Die Hard,” it’s easy to get caught up in the action and not notice these symbols, but things like Christmas trees, decorations, Santa hats, lights and Christmas carols all appear in the background of all pivotal scenes. The ending of the movie also alludes to a “white Christmas” despite the film being set in L.A. 

“Die Hard” is a Christmas movie at its core because it illustrates themes of the Christmas spirit such as companionship, passion and the importance of family. McClane is attempting to save both his marriage and Christmas for all of the hostages. The main character has a revelation about the importance of family, and the movie’s ending gives a feeling of togetherness that’s felt at the end of other Christmas classics like “Home Alone” and “A Christmas Carol.”

Although “Die Hard” may not be the typical warm and fuzzy Hallmark movie, it’s perfect for people who love action but still want something festive for the holiday season. The film’s action-packed plot will surely keep you entertained, and the nostalgic carols and festive scenery make it the perfect holiday movie night pick. So, if you find yourself in a debate this season about whether or not “Die Hard” really is a Christmas movie, it is.

Is ‘Die Hard’ a Christmas movie?

Compiled by Harper Reinhard and Sammie Ross