Why Die Hard Deserves Its Christmas Movie Status

When people discuss Christmas movies, Die Hard rarely comes up. However, many argue that it fits well within the genre, sharing commonalities with classic films like Elf, The Santa Clause, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. This essay will explore why Die Hard is a Christmas movie, despite not being categorized as one in the mainstream.

The Timing of Release and Cultural Impact

While Die Hard (1988) was released in July, contributed to its association as a Christmas movie through its cultural impact and timing. The film is often aired during the holiday season, becoming part of household traditions and routines. The visual and aural references to Christmas, combined with its presence on television during the holiday period, have reinforced its status as a "Christmas movie" in the hearts and minds of many viewers.

Visual References and Soundtrack

Die Hard is set during Christmas Eve at the Nakatomi Plaza, and throughout the 2-hour film, there are constant references to the holiday. The Christmas party scene and the overall festive atmosphere play significant roles in the narrative. The soundtrack, filled with Christmas-themed music, further enhances the sense of Christmas. This immersive atmosphere, coupled with the recurring Christmas imagery, helps to cement Die Hard's place as a holiday watching option.

Inclusion in Holiday Traditions

Many people have grown up with Die Hard as a part of their Christmas viewing routine. It has become so embedded in holiday traditions that the absence of Die Hard feels like an incomplete Christmas. This phenomenon is common among films that are often aired during the holidays, even if they are not primarily designed as Christmas movies. Home Alone is a prime example of this: it is not technically a Christmas movie, but its inclusion in the holiday season has made it a standard viewing choice.

Character References and Message of Togetherness

Characters in Die Hard frequently make references to Christmas, emphasizing themes of family and togetherness. The protagonist, John McClane, is separated from his family and must save them from violent adversaries, which mirrors the essence of the holiday spirit. This central theme of family and unity, often associated with Christmas, reinforces the film's status as a Christmas movie.

Conclusion: Die Hard as a Christmas Movie

Recent arguments have posited that a special characteristic is missing from Die Hard to classify it as a Christmas movie. However, the film does indeed fit the criteria set for Christmas movies. It is set at Christmas, has a festive atmosphere throughout the film, uses Christmas imagery, and features elements of family and togetherness. These factors, combined with its cultural influence and holiday tradition, make Die Hard a true Christmas movie in the hearts and minds of many viewers.

If any of the standards being used to exclude Die Hard from the Christmas movie category are applied strictly, such as the requirement that the plot revolves around a specific holiday scenario, then films like Home Alone would also be excluded from the list of Christmas movies. This highlights the flexibility and broadening nature of what we consider 'Christmas movies' in popular culture.