Kentucky Household Divided Over Controversial Christmas Movie

In recent years, a very important discussion has been brewing on the internet and specifically social media regarding one of the best action movies of all time, Die Hard starring the man, the myth, the legend, Bruce Willis.

This 1980s blockbuster has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 94% with everything you could want in an action thriller. Critics have labeled Die Hard as a gold standard by which all other films of the genre strive to live up to. But should this classic also be categorized as a Christmas movie?

I say the discussion has been brewing on social media, but it has also been a point of contention in the Maddox household. My husband Michael is adamant that John McClane is a Christmas character right up there with Rudolph and Buddy the Elf. Everyone in our circle knows how much he loves this movie. His friend Pablo gifted him a Christmas countdown calendar a couple of years ago that is in the shape of Nakatomi Plaza. *Spoiler Alert* You move Hans Gruber down the 25 floors and when he reaches the bottom, it's Christmas Day! As you can see, our elf Kirby is Team Die Hard Christmas.

I even made Michael this ornament for our tree that looks like John McClane crawling through the air vents. However, I don't know that I am fully on board with the idea that Die Hard should be included on the list of holiday films. In my mind, Christmas movies are the stories that give me warm fuzzies with feelings of joy and nostalgia. Tales that showcase the true meaning of Christmas or how important it is to give to others or spend time with family.

Our son, Rollins is even more adamant than I am that Die Hard is NOT a Christmas movie. So last night, Michael decided it was movie night and we all watched as Hans Gruber and his crew hijacked Nakatomi Plaza.  I looked over and Michael had a piece of paper out taking notes to prove his case. He filled it front and back as you can see below.

Get our free mobile app

Why 'Die Hard' is Definitely a Christmas Movie

1. The story is set at Christmas time. John McClane goes to California to be with his family for the holidays, and he starts by visiting his wife at her work Christmas party which just so happens to take place on Christmas Eve. Which I think is kind of weird. Do these people not have children they should be home with? Anyway, does the movie being set on Christmas Eve automatically make it a Christmas movie? Michael thinks so!

2. As you can see from the list, there is a lot of Christmas music incorporated throughout the story. From Run DMC played on the limo radio, to carols mixed into the intense score in the background of the action. Characters even whistle or hum Christmas songs here and there.

3. There are many random references to the Holidays with lines about not snooping for presents, Santa, Ebenezer Scrooge, etc. There is a line that says "Its Christmas Theo, its the time for miracles."

4. Of course, the building and Christmas party is full of decorations with trees, garland, poinsettias, lights all setting the holiday mood.

5. This last point Michael actually didn't make, but I noticed while being forced to watch the movie. It is the factor that I think may change my mind and have me convinced that Die Hard is, in fact, a Christmas movie. If the Holidays are about giving and doing for others, that theme is driven home in the storyline, no doubt. By the end of the movie, John McClane has been put through the ringer. He's been shot at, survived countless fights, his bare feet are cut and bleeding from broken glass, and he has taken out the bad guys one by one. Not every innocent hostage is saved, but John puts himself at risk to save his wife and her co-workers.  Now THAT is an example of the season of giving.

While I wouldn't say we are quite on the same page, I am coming around. It doesn't have the same wholesome vibe as 'It's a Wonderful Life', or 'A Christmas Story,' but I don't know that it necessarily has to. If it gets my husband into the Christmas spirit, by all means, Yipee-ki-yay!

Do you think Die Hard is a Christmas movie? Chime in on our poll today!