Is '“Die Hard” a Christmas Movie?
I will admit that I am a fan of the original Die Hard movie, and I probably watch it at least once a year, but I do not classify it as a Christmas movie. I know, I know, this is a controversial stand to take in some households. I live alone, so I am safe. So, what do you think? What qualifies as a Christmas movie? I went to some of the experts (and not) to see what they had to say.
Max Timm from The Story Farm, a screenwriting development and consulting company, has given this great thought and has put together a list of the essential elements of a successful Christmas movie:
Themes of Love, Hope, and Redemption
Christmas movies explore personal transformation, familial bonds, and the power of kindness, and realizing the value of family, such as in Home Alone or A Christmas Carol.
Memorable Characters
From Buddy the Elf to the Grinch, unforgettable characters are so important when it comes to nailing a Christmas movie. They are often quirky, relatable, and larger-than-life, reflecting the joy and challenges of the holiday season.
Atmospheric Settings
Snow-covered streets, twinkling lights, and cozy fireplaces create the perfect holiday ambiance. We want these settings to trickle into our subconscious. We need the settings to be just as much a part of our Christmas movie viewing as an elf or Santa.
A Dash of Magic (and sometimes a LOT more than just a dash)
Whether it’s a flying reindeer, a department store Santa who might just be the real deal, or the whimsical North Pole, Christmas movies include a touch of magic that helps us believe in miracles. Christmas is a season that most celebrate and have come to believe is a special time of the year. We believe it’s special whether we’re religious or not.
Universal Appeal
The best Christmas movies are timeless, cross generational boundaries, and are generally the most rewatchable movies on the market. There is a familiarity that may remind us of what it felt like when we first watched them.
So that brings us full circle in Timm’s explanation of the appeal of Christmas movies, but how did we all become addicted to them? Amanda Hess (NY Times 2024) writes, “When I first discovered the existence of made-for-television Christmas movies, maybe 15 years ago, they struck me as sentimental and anti-feminist. Also, they seemed to be made for older people. Then, one December morning, I awoke to find that I had transformed into the target demographic. I am older now, and the movies are made just for me.” I am officially old, but I have not yet succumbed to the Hallmark versions of Christmas.
Abe Beame (GQ 2024) explains another side of the Christmas movie obsession, “I’m culturally Jewish/agnostic. I love Christmas, and always have, but I have never put up a tree or observed any of the actual quasi-religious customs surrounding the holiday. Jews celebrated Christmas by eating at Chinese restaurants and going to the movies, and for the majority of my life, this is how I’ve spent Christmas Day.“ And so, his definition of a Christmas movie: “It’s a movie that comes out on Christmas.” His top three are:
1. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013).
2. Django Unchained (2012); and
3. Ali (2001)
I admit, none of these make my top ten or twenty, or any list to be honest. So, let’s return to Max Timm, who offers some classics that are on my list as well.
It’s A Wonderful Life
Christmas in Connecticut
Holiday Inn
Miracle on 34th St (b & w only)
White Christmas
And to this list I will happily add How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Prancer, Joyeux Noel, and A Charlie Brown Christmas. In all transparency, I don’t like comedies in general, so you will not see Elf, Home Alone, Dear Santa, or A Christmas Story playing in my house. Okay, folks, take your best shot. What are your favorites? And I leave you with this important question you can banter about during this holiday season: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?
Eileen Brogan