There has been an age-long debate over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Released in July 1988, Die Hard was primarily considered an action movie, with Bruce Willis’s emergence as an action star and Alan Rickman’s memorable villain, Hans Gruber. The Christmas setting was largely viewed as a backdrop rather than the main narrative focus. However, viewers soon began to ask, Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?
Christmas is a time of gathering with loved ones, exchanging gifts, giving, and showing compassion, contrary to the shootings, explosions, and violence depicted in Die Hard. Even though the movie was not released during Christmas, the arguments surrounding it have caused a division among many, including lead actor Bruce Willis and one of the screenwriters, Steven E. de Souza.
Is ‘Die Hard’ a Christmas movie? Film fans still debate to this day
If anyone could decide whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie, it should be the cast and crew since they were involved in its making. But even they are divided over the topic. Bruce Willis, who played an important role in it, has publicly picked a side, and one of the screenwriters, Steven E. de Souza, has also chosen a side, leaving the audience divided.
The movie opens with John McClane, a New York City police officer, who visits Los Angeles on Christmas Eve to reconcile with his estranged wife, Holly Gennaro McClane (Bonnie Bedelia). While attending her office Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza, a group of highly organized terrorists led by the charismatic and cunning Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) takes the building hostage.
Die Hard features Christmas songs like Let It Snow, and some fans compare it to It’s a Wonderful Life due to parallels between John McClane and George Bailey and villains Hans Gruber and Mr. Potter. But whether it’s truly a Christmas movie remains a matter of perspective.
Bruce Willis and screenwriter Steven E. de Souza’s opposing opinions
In 2017, Die Hard screenwriter Steven E. de Souza spoke about the long-standing debate, declaring on X that the film is indeed a Christmas movie. For some fans, this was the final word, and the debate seemed settled. However, just a year later, Bruce Willis stirred the argument again.
At a Comedy Central roast in 2018, Willis ended the event with a bold statement: “Die Hard is not a Christmas movie.” The crowd shouted, and the debate continued. With the writer and the star offering opposing opinions, the question of Die Hard‘s holiday status remains unresolved.
What’s your opinion? Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?