IS DIE HARD A CHRISTMAS MOVIE?

Does watching John McClane take on terrorists while Christmas lights twinkle in the background brings you holiday cheer? The debate over whether “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie has been going strong for years, and it largely depends on how you define a "Christmas movie." Settle the debate, is Die Hard indeed a Christmas movie?

Here are some points for both sides:

Yes, it's a Christmas movie:
Setting: The entire movie takes place during a Christmas party on Christmas Eve.
Music: The soundtrack includes Christmas songs like "Let It Snow" and "Winter Wonderland."
Themes: There are elements of family, redemption, and love—common themes in Christmas movies—as John McClane fights to reunite with his wife.
Holiday Atmosphere: There are Christmas decorations, references to the holiday, and even iconic moments like "Now I have a machine gun. Ho-Ho-Ho."

No, it's not a Christmas movie:
Core Story: The film is primarily an action movie, with its central plot focusing on a hostage crisis, not Christmas.
Genre Expectations: Traditional Christmas movies often revolve around the holiday spirit, miracles, or lessons tied specifically to Christmas.
Timing: The movie wasn’t marketed as a Christmas movie upon release, and its appeal doesn’t rely on the holiday season.