Is 'Die Hard' Truly A Christmas Movie? Americans Divided In A Poll

Jessica Wilson
Dec 11, 2023
Dec 11, 2023

“Die Hard” is a classic 1988 action film directed by John McTiernan. Starring Bruce Willis as NYPD cop John McClane, the story follows him battling terrorists in a Los Angeles skyscraper. Known for intense action and Willis's iconic performance, it's a beloved entry in the action genre.

For decades, the debate over whether “Die Hard” qualifies as a Christmas movie has become a pop culture phenomenon. Some argue it's a holiday classic due to its Christmas Eve setting, while others view it as an action film that coincidentally takes place during the festive season.

A poll has been opened

Source: 20th Century-Fox

Over 3 decades since its debut in July 1988, the question lingers: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? People have enjoyed debating whether this action film, featuring off-duty cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) at his wife's holiday party turned hostage situation, belongs in the festive lineup. For years, fans have pondered if it should be considered a part of the holiday tradition.

Source: Yahoo/YouGov poll

According to the latest Yahoo/YouGov poll, 50% of respondents don't consider Die Hard a Christmas movie, while 26% believe it is, and 23% are unsure. The majority of Americans seem to prefer holiday classics like Home Alone and A Christmas Story, with 34% regularly rewatching the Macaulay Culkin classic and 33% revisiting the timeless tale of a boy and his BB gun each holiday season.

“Die Hard” is at the bottom of the list, with only 14% of respondents in the poll planning to watch it this season. However, there might be a shift as AMC Theatres recently announced the re-release of the movie in theaters starting on Dec. 8. So, there's a chance more people might enjoy the classic action flick on the big screen. Yippee ki-yay!

What makes a movie a Christmas movie?

Source: 20th Century-Fox

“Die Hard” took place on Christmas Eve and it is sprinkled with festive Easter eggs. Film data analyst Stephen Follows uncovered 21 Christmas references, such as paper cascading like snowflakes from the skyscraper. The movie features plenty of ho-ho-hos and Santa hats, plus three Christmas songs like Run-DMC's “Christmas in Hollis” on the soundtrack.

“Die Hard” boasts the essential elements of a holiday classic. “The rekindling of family ties" and “the hunt for the lone savior,” Josh Sinclair wrote.

Source: 20th Century-Fox

James Hibberd - an editor of Entertainment Weekly, also wrote, “You clearly have sacrifice for the community and family. You also want presents being opened? McClane’s gun is wrapped with Christmas tape on his back before giving a bullet to Hans [Gruber]. Do you want some religion? McClane is victorious after praying for help — plus he simply shouts ‘Jesus Christ!’ repeatedly throughout the film.”

Despite these hints, film creator John McTiernan declared that Die Hard was never intended to be a holiday movie but a summer blockbuster. “It's not for us to say, it’s people. It’s for the audience to say,” he told Empire, a film fan podcast, in an August 2022 interview. “It wasn’t intended as a Christmas movie, or the fact that it was deliberately built around Christmas, but not intended to be a Christmas movie.”

Source: 20th Century-Fox

Bruce Willis, the star, addressed this at his Comedy Central roast in 2018, clarifying any misconception about the film's intended holiday status. “Now please, listen very carefully: Die Hard is not a Christmas movie! It’s a goddamn Bruce Willis movie. So a yippee ki-yay to all of you motherf***ers.”

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