Love Actually, The Polar Express, The Santa Clause – they’re all undoubtedly some of the most beloved and re-watched Christmas films, but when it comes to finding the perfect festive flick, there’s no franchise as highly contested as Die Hard.
For argument’s sake, the WHO team are firmly of the belief that the 1988 action classic *is* a must-watch Christmas film, but for those who still need some convincing or just have no idea what all the fuss is about, we’re recapping everything you need to know about the Die Hard Christmas debate.
What is Die Hard about?
In case you’re unfamiliar with the Die Hard saga, the first film centres around New York City police detective John McClane, played by Bruce Willis.
Set on Christmas Eve, John travels to Los Angeles to reconcile with his estranged wife Holly, who is attending a holiday party at the Nakatomi Plaza. Despite the festivities, the atmosphere quickly turns into chaos when a group of heavily armed German terrorists led by Hans Gruber, portrayed by Alan Rickman, takes control of the building and holds the partygoers hostage.
As the terrorists attempt to steal $640 million from the building’s vault, John finds himself in a unique position—he’s not captured and instead uses his wits and resourcefulness to fight back against the terrorists. Armed only with his service pistol and his determination to save his wife and the other hostages, John engages in a deadly game of cat and mouse within the skyscraper.
Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?
Since the film’s release almost four decades ago, the debate over whether Die Hard can be classed as a Christmas movie has practically become a festive tradition in itself.
For those on the ‘Yes’ side of the discourse, the primary argument is that the entire plot unfolds on Christmas Eve and is centred around an office Christmas party (and what can be more festive than that?)
The film also features a healthy sprinkling of holiday classics, including songs such as Let It Snow and Christmas in Hollis and with the underlying themes of love and reconciliation, Die Hard fans continue to argue that the plot, as intense and action-packed as it is, is all within the spirit of Christmas.
On the flip side, critics argue that Die Hard does not meet the traditional criteria for a Christmas movie, with many arguing that its original release in July 1988 and its focus on action, rather than holiday themes, disqualify it from being categorised as such.
In good news for those on the non-Christmas side of the debate, the film’s director John McTiernan has previously stated that while he is flattered by the film becoming an annual tradition, it was *not* intended to be a Christmas movie.
Where to watch Die Hard in Australia
While the jury may still be out on whether Die Hard is a Christmas film, its high action, edge-of-your-seat suspense makes it a worthy watch regardless of where you stand.
If you see what sparked so much Christmas controversy, you can watch Die Hard now in Australia through Disney+.
Stream Die Hard now on Disney+ from $13.99/month. Subscribe here.
