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Is Die Hard a Christmas Film?

  • Yes

    Votes: 26 52.0%
  • No

    Votes: 10 20.0%
  • Sort of but not 100%

    Votes: 3 6.0%
  • Maybe if you squint a little

    Votes: 3 6.0%
  • 16GB storage

    Votes: 8 16.0%

  • Total voters
    50

keysofanxiety

macrumors G3
Original poster
Nov 23, 2011
9,539
25,304
Season's Greetings, everybody! Hope this thread finds you in great festive spirits.

So, we've got a heated argument in the office at the moment, and I'm just wondering if I can get your thoughts too. Is Die Hard a Christmas film? Some are arguing that it isn't - it's just an action film set at Christmas, and the fact it's Christmas doesn't drive the plot.

However, a few made the point that it does drive the plot - McClane wouldn't have travelled to see his wife otherwise. You've got Christmas music throughout, it's set at Christmas, decorations everywhere, and there are little pointers even when the action gets going (now I have a machinegun, ho ho ho).

Most that say it isn't then say Home Alone is a Christmas film - yet the argument that Home Alone is a film just set at Christmas is equally as valid as the Die Hard argument IMO.

Thoughts? Discuss?

I'll start the ball rolling - I think it is a Christmas film! :)
 
Its set during the holiday season, but that does't mean its a "Christmas" film. I think stuff like the Christmas music is done to set a tone and atmosphere, not to celebrate the holiday.

Agreed, when I think of Christmas movies Die Hard doesn't come to mind.
 
When I think of Christmas movies I do think of Die Hard. No, the movie is not about Christmas like A Christmas Carol or A Christmas Story, but it does have a holiday tone to it that makes me think of it. Specifically, I love that Run DMC's Christmas is Hollis is used in the movie. Great song, fun movie.

If it helps your argument Die Hard is ranked #9 on Rotten Tomatoes list of 25 Best Christmas Movies.

It's also included in Wikipedia's List of theatrical Christmas films.
 
Great to see some love for Die Hard as a Christmas film - no film gets me more in the festive spirit, pleased I'm not alone! Quite a few 'classic' Christmas films are just a little mushy for my taste anyway, I'd much rather watch Die Hard.

8 votes for yes, 8 votes for no ... we're neck and neck :eek:
 
When i think of Christmas movies i think of Miracle on 34th Street with the added extra violence and Santa being killed after his heist at the bank doesn't go to plan.

Bruce Willis saves the day.
Santa dead. :p
 
I don't know that it’s a Christmas themed movie per se, but it is certainly a film set on the holiday, and always worth a watch around this time.
 
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Yes, of course it's a Christmas movie. It celebrates family togetherness at Christmas for the McCleans. Christmas is also the time we get to reflect inner most about our past incidents with a side arm. Just a couple of examples of Christmas spirit in the movie.
 
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bad-santa_610.jpg


Bad Santa is the best Christmas movie ever made.
 
Sure thing, Die Hard 1 and 2, Lethal Weapon 1, Iron Man 3, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, all great Christmas movies.

Just because it isn't slapping you across the face with Jesus, Santa, and family values doesn't mean it isn't a Christmas movie.
 
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