When it comes to holiday movie classics, the usual suspects include Home Alone, A Christmas Carol, or Elf. But there’s one film that stands out from the pack—Die Hard. Yes, the 1988 action-packed thriller starring Bruce Willis. It’s not just a great movie—it’s the best Christmas movie. Let’s settle this once and for all.

Christmas Spirit, Die Hard Style

What makes a movie a Christmas movie? At its core, a Christmas movie must embrace the themes of the holiday: love, redemption, family, and a touch of magic. Die Hard delivers on all of these.

The film is set on Christmas Eve, and the central plot revolves around John McClane’s (Bruce Willis) mission to reunite with his estranged wife, Holly (yes, her name is Holly), and save her from terrorists during a holiday office party. If that’s not about family and redemption, what is?

Meanwhile, the backdrop is brimming with holiday cheer: Christmas decorations, festive music like Let It Snow, and even a memorable holiday moment when McClane sends a message to the villains by dressing up a defeated henchman in a Santa hat with the iconic line, “Now I have a machine gun. Ho-ho-ho.”

The Underdog Story of the Season

The holidays are all about rooting for the underdog, whether it’s Rudolph, Charlie Brown, or Kevin McCallister. In Die Hard, John McClane fits that bill perfectly. Armed with little more than wit, grit, and his service weapon, he takes on a team of highly trained terrorists led by the charismatic Hans Gruber (played to perfection by Alan Rickman).

Watching McClane’s one-man battle to save the day feels as satisfying as watching George Bailey realize his life’s worth in It’s a Wonderful Life. Except instead of heartfelt tears, you’re cheering as McClane shouts, “Yippee-ki-yay!”

The Music Makes It Festive

A good Christmas movie has to nail the music. Die Hard does this in spades. The soundtrack features Let It Snow during the end credits, Beethoven’s Ode to Joy as a recurring motif, and even sleigh bells in the score during key action scenes. These musical choices remind us that, while Hans Gruber is trying to pull off the heist of the century, it’s still Christmas.

The Grinch Who Failed to Steal Christmas

Hans and his band of merry henchmen hold hostages and terrorize Nakatomi Plaza for one reason and one reason only: to rob the vault of its bearer bonds. On Christmas Eve. A well-executed and ruthless plan that even ends with a “star” on top of the tree, so to speak: they blow up the roof off the Nakatomi building. 

SPOILER: at the end, Holly and John choose love over material possessions when Hans is dangling by Holly’s gifted Rolex - one they sacrifice to send the Grinch down 30 floors to his demise. They immediately embrace, not caring about the loss of the expensive watch (or the fact that John is covered in blood). 

Holiday Lessons That Hit Hard

Christmas movies are about more than just tinsel and gifts; they carry important lessons. Die Hard teaches us about resilience, love, and the lengths we’ll go to for the people we care about. John McClane isn’t just battling terrorists; he’s fighting for his family, his love, and ultimately, a chance to make things right.

The film also reminds us that heroes come in all forms. McClane isn’t perfect—he’s flawed, relatable, and someone we root for, much like the protagonists of many other classic holiday tales.

The Debate Is Over

Sure, Die Hard might not feature snowmen or flying reindeer, but it has everything else: Christmas themes, holiday music, an underdog hero, and a heartfelt resolution. It even “snows” at the end of the film when thousands of loose printer paper fall from the sky. So, when someone asks if Die Hard is a Christmas movie, the answer is a resounding yes.

This holiday season, skip the predictable fare and embrace a new tradition. Curl up by the fire, pour some eggnog, and watch Bruce Willis save Christmas—one broken window at a time.

Because when it comes to Christmas movies, Die Hard doesn’t just make the list—it blows it up.

Your Turn:

Is Die Hard on your holiday watchlist? Let me know in the comments, or share your favorite scenes from this action-packed holiday classic. Yippee-ki-yay, Christmas fans!