# The best Christmas movie ever: "Die Hard" **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 7, 2017, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827 "2017-12-07T20:15:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2017, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/41 "2017-12-08T20:33:31Z")
> [@Biffster](#): > > Hard to picture George Bailey running on broken glass though. But satisfying somehow. ---
**Author:** ![vislor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vislor/32/5933_2.png) [@vislor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vislor)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2017, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/42 "2017-12-08T20:49:30Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > _Die Hard_ would be exactly the same movie if it were set during any other holiday, or none at all. > > So, no. Except that the reason he goes to the Nakatomi Plaza is to see his wife, who is at the Christmas party. So, unless they do that for every holiday, that’s not true. I would also assume that only the top floors were occupied, so part of the plan had to be only the Nakatomi corp would have people there. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2017, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/43 "2017-12-08T21:16:52Z")
[I saw this cartoon about a week ago](http://hollywood-elsewhere.com/images/column/ocky17/diexmas.jpg), and this this thread came along. It’s a Christmas miracle! ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2017, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/44 "2017-12-08T21:23:25Z")
This whole thread is rather sad and depressing. In addition to the perversity of choosing the film, it’s not even in the same universe as _Arthur Christmas._ ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2017, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/45 "2017-12-08T21:50:01Z")
> [@vislor](#): > > Except that the reason he goes to the Nakatomi Plaza is to see his wife, who is at the Christmas party. So, unless they do that for every holiday, that’s not true. I would also assume that only the top floors were occupied, so part of the plan had to be only the Nakatomi corp would have people there. And if it had not been Christmas, John McClane would not have flown across country to see his estranged with and family, and thus would not be “Just a fly in the ointment, Hans. The monkey in the wrench. A pain in the ass.” Unless your definition of a “Christmas movie” must include an actual Santa Claus figure, there is no way to exclude _Die Hard_ and still include many films that are widely accepted as Christmas movies. It may not be the film you personally watch in preparation for the holiday, but it is inarguable that it incorporates many themes of the traditional Christmas holiday, occurs on Christmas Eve, and celebrates the true meaning of Christmas in the primary characters coming together as family and friends despite travails and hardships. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Biffster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biffster/32/339_2.png) [@Biffster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffster)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2017, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/46 "2017-12-08T21:55:20Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > And if it had not been Christmas, John McClane would not have flown across country to see his estranged with and family, and thus would not be “Just a fly in the ointment, Hans. The monkey in the wrench. A pain in the ass.” > > Unless your definition of a “Christmas movie” must include an actual Santa Claus figure, there is no way to exclude _Die Hard_ and still include many films that are widely accepted as Christmas movies. It may not be the film you personally watch in preparation for the holiday, but it is inarguable that it incorporates many themes of the traditional Christmas holiday, occurs on Christmas Eve, and celebrates the true meaning of Christmas in the primary characters coming together as family and friends despite travails and hardships. > > Stranger Which begs the question, how in the heck did the Sound of Music become a traditional Christmas movie? ---
**Author:** ![NDP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ndp/32/55_2.png) [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2017, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/47 "2017-12-08T22:26:16Z")
> [@Biffster](#): > > Which begs the question, how in the heck did the Sound of Music become a traditional Christmas movie? For the same reason “My Favorite Things” is now considered a Christmas song. Even the John Coltrane version gets more airplay this time of year. ---
**Author:** ![Biffster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biffster/32/339_2.png) [@Biffster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffster)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2017, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/48 "2017-12-08T22:28:52Z")
Yeah, it’s weird. My Favourite Things is about how to calm yourself down during a thunderstorm. No mention of anything even remotely Christmassy about it. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2017, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/49 "2017-12-08T22:47:28Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > And if it had not been Christmas, John McClane would not have flown across country to see his estranged with and family Thanksgiving? A death in the family? Divorce papers? A birthday? Any one of those could fit with only minor adjustments. There’s no doubt that once McTiernan decided to use Christmas as his backdrop it opened up a few possibilities for set-pieces and fun dialogue, but that would’ve been equally true if he had decided on it being McClane’s daughter’s graduation from preschool. The original release was July 15th. It’s not a Xmas movie. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2017, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/50 "2017-12-08T22:48:41Z")
If it was a Christmas Movie, it would be the best Christmas Movie. But it isn’t, so it isn’t. ---
**Author:** ![Biffster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biffster/32/339_2.png) [@Biffster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffster)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2017, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/51 "2017-12-09T00:04:22Z")
> [@Snarky\_Kong](#): > > If it was a Christmas Movie, it would be the best Christmas Movie. But it isn’t, so it isn’t. It is to me. It’s not Christmas until I see Hans Gruber falling from the Nakatomi Tower. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2017, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/52 "2017-12-09T02:21:55Z")
As usual, you’re all wrong! THE best Christmas movie is ‘The Ref’, with Dennis Leary! Don’t believe me? Give it a watch and then let me know what you think. Action, humour, holiday music, wild family dysfunction, reconciliation-it’s got it all! Not sappy, never trite, still hilarious. An underrated, overlooked masterpiece for your Christmas enjoyment. For when you’re tired of the same old thing and want something you haven’t seen before! ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2017, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/53 "2017-12-09T02:30:23Z")
> [@GuanoLad](#): > > The original release was July 15th. It’s not a Xmas movie. Taking a look at [RottenTomatoes.com](http://RottenTomatoes.com) list of the “25 Best Christmas Movies of All Time” gives the following generally agreed upon Christmas-themed movies which were not originally relased in the Christmas season (which I’ll generously assume to be the entire months of November and December): [ul] [li]_It’s A Wonderful Life_: released on January 7, 1947.[/li][li]_It Happened On Fifth Avenue_: released on April 19, 1947[/li][li]_Miracle on 34th Street_: released on October 2, 1947.[/li][li]_The Bishiop’s Wife_: released on 16 February 1948.[/li][li]_Christmas in Connecticut_: released on August 11, 1945. [/li][li]_White Christmas_: released on 14 October 1954.[/li][/ul] Even if you want to make the argument that somehow a Christmas release season somehow stretches back into October, it still leaves several definitive Chrismas holiday flms which were released outside of any plausible window to be associated with Christmas. Ergo, release date is not a required criterion for classifying a film as not being a Christmas film. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Biffster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biffster/32/339_2.png) [@Biffster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffster)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2017, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/54 "2017-12-09T02:33:27Z")
> [@elbows](#): > > As usual, you’re all wrong! > > THE best Christmas movie is ‘The Ref’, with Dennis Leary! Don’t believe me? Give it a watch and then let me know what you think. > Action, humour, holiday music, wild family dysfunction, reconciliation-it’s got it all! Not sappy, never trite, still hilarious. > > An underrated, overlooked masterpiece for your Christmas enjoyment. For when you’re tired of the same old thing and want something you haven’t seen before! You’re right. And it’s got actually Christmas themes too. And lots of colourful metaphors, as Spock would say. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2017, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/55 "2017-12-09T02:48:38Z")
The best Christmas movie is the only movie that’s the best movie for two holidays. I’m speaking of **Nightmare Before Christmas** , of course. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2017, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/56 "2017-12-09T02:53:41Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > Taking a look at [RottenTomatoes.com](http://RottenTomatoes.com) list of the “25 Best Christmas Movies of All Time” gives the following generally agreed upon Christmas-themed movies which were not originally relased in the Christmas season (which I’ll generously assume to be the entire months of November and December): > > [ul] > [li]_It’s A Wonderful Life_: released on January 7, 1947.[/li][li]_It Happened On Fifth Avenue_: released on April 19, 1947[/li][li]_Miracle on 34th Street_: released on October 2, 1947.[/li][li]_The Bishiop’s Wife_: released on 16 February 1948.[/li][li]_Christmas in Connecticut_: released on August 11, 1945. [/li][li]_White Christmas_: released on 14 October 1954.[/li][/ul] > Even if you want to make the argument that somehow a Christmas release season somehow stretches back into October, it still leaves several definitive Chrismas holiday flms which were released outside of any plausible window to be associated with Christmas. Ergo, release date is not a required criterion for classifying a film as not being a Christmas film. > > Stranger I have to admit I DO watch all these films over Christmas. Usually when I’m feeling the over commercialized side. Or conflicted on what to buy, feeling the pressure, and decidedly not Christmasy. Definitely after a trip to the mall! These films take the edge off for me, set me back to warm and fuzzy. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2017, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/57 "2017-12-09T02:54:18Z")
I’m surprised no one has mentioned this one yet: [Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale](https://youtu.be/2pH9IyqTk1E) ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2017, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/58 "2017-12-09T05:32:50Z")
While it’s certainly reasonable for thoughtful people to disagree 1st vs 2nd place, it is most definitely one of The Christmas movies. ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2017, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/59 "2017-12-09T06:39:48Z")
I’m with Xmas movie. I’m also partial to Reindeer Games. Why? Who hasn’t been tempted to pick up a fully automatic assault rifle and shoot the piss out of a casino. ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2017, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827/60 "2017-12-09T07:05:45Z")
> [@elbows](#): > > As usual, you’re all wrong! > > THE best Christmas movie is ‘The Ref’, with Dennis Leary! Don’t believe me? Give it a watch and then let me know what you think. > > Action, humour, holiday music, wild family dysfunction, reconciliation-it’s got it all! Not sappy, never trite, still hilarious. > > An underrated, overlooked masterpiece for your Christmas enjoyment. For when you’re tired of the same old thing and want something you haven’t seen before! This, too, is in my collection of XMas movies. It ain’t XMas until Hans Gruber falls out a window, and Lloyd asks his Mom, “Is it possible for you to shut the fuck up for five minutes?” Yet another overlooked XMas gem is [29th Street.](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101252/?ref_=nv_sr_1) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-christmas-movie-ever-die-hard/803827.md?page=4)