Is ‘Die Hard’ a Christmas Movie? Bruce Willis Settles the 36-Year-Old Debate Once and for All

It’s the annual debate that has sparked countless arguments, memes, and passionate pleas for nearly four decades: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Every year, as the holiday season rolls around, fans of the iconic Bruce Willis action flick find themselves flocking to Nakatomi Plaza to witness John McClane (Willis) take down a group of terrorists and save his wife on Christmas Eve. The timing? Perfect. The location? A Christmas party gone terribly wrong. But does that make it a Christmas movie?

To many, the film’s Christmas setting, complete with festive decorations and a Christmas party at the heart of the plot, makes it a clear contender. But there are still those who argue that the film’s gunfights, explosions, and Bruce Willis looking too cool for school in a vest are not what Christmas is about. As one fan quipped, “They’ve never been to Christmas with my family.”

The debate, which has raged on since the film’s 1988 release, finally got some closure when Bruce Willis himself weighed in on the matter.

Bruce Willis’ Shocking Declaration

During the 2018 Roast of Bruce Willis (via @RealEmirHan on X), Willis took the stage for his final moment, jokingly making a bold statement to end the night. As guests, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Martha Stewart, sat in suspense, Willis shouted:

“Die Hard is NOT a Christmas Movie!”

The crowd erupted in a mix of cheers and gasps, but Willis didn’t stop there. He playfully declared, “It’s a god-damn Bruce Willis movie!” The iconic action star, who has starred in films from Die Hard 4.0 to The Fifth Element, made it clear that he viewed the film as just another part of his legendary career. However, many fans weren’t convinced.

Die Hard Fans Strike Back

If you thought Willis’ declaration would end the debate, you’d be wrong. Fans of Die Hard weren’t ready to surrender so easily. Under the tweet sharing Willis’ words, fans quickly came to the defense of the Christmas classic, arguing that Die Hard more than qualifies as a holiday film.

“What the hell does he know???” wrote one user, @popsofone. Another fan, @MarkAJones15, made an impassioned case, saying, “Easy to settle this debate… which would you rather watch on Christmas? A Christmas Story? Or Die Hard? I submit Die Hard is indeed a Christmas movie.”

But the best argument came from @GrabbyHayes, who raised the stakes even higher by suggesting that Die Hard isn’t just a Christmas film — it’s a Hallmark Christmas film. “Guy travels across the country to try to put his marriage back together over Christmas… It’s a goddam Hallmark Christmas movie!” The logic? Perfect. John McClane’s personal journey, attempting to reconnect with his wife, Holly, on Christmas Eve, could easily fit into the heartwarming themes of a traditional Hallmark holiday movie. The setting just happens to include terrorists.

The Case for Die Hard as a Christmas Movie

While Bruce Willis may have tried to close the chapter on this debate, fans and film lovers alike can’t help but point out that Die Hard undeniably embraces the Christmas spirit — albeit in its own unique, action-packed way.

First off, the timing couldn’t be more Christmas-centric. The entire movie takes place on Christmas Eve, with John McClane arriving at Nakatomi Plaza to reconcile with his estranged wife, Holly (Bonnie Bedelia), who’s attending a Christmas party. Even the movie’s soundtrack features classic Christmas tunes like “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” and Christmas in Hollis by Run-D.M.C., adding a festive backdrop to the high-octane action.

Additionally, McClane’s struggle throughout the film can be seen as a metaphor for a Christmas wish — his attempt to restore his family and reconnect with his wife on a holiday that emphasizes love, redemption, and second chances. In many ways, that’s the essence of Christmas itself.

A Legacy of Tradition

Whether or not Die Hard is a “traditional” Christmas movie in the vein of Home Alone or It’s a Wonderful Life may be up for debate. However, what can’t be denied is the film’s place in holiday tradition for countless fans. For them, Die Hard has become an essential part of their Christmas movie marathon — not for its sugary-sweet plot, but for the heart of the story and the endless action that somehow feels like Christmas.

As Die Hard continues to dominate holiday movie marathons, one thing is clear: The debate is far from over. So, this Christmas season, as you gather around the tree with family and friends, maybe throw on Die Hard. Whether it’s a Christmas movie or just a damn good Bruce Willis movie, one thing’s for sure — it’s a classic.

Happy holidays, and as John McClane would say, “Yippee-ki-yay, motherf***er!”