Christmas movies are a staple of the holidays. It’s always fun to snuggle up with your loved ones, or even by yourself, and put on a seasonal classic with a cup of hot chocolate in hand. However, with this comes a large debate on what actually constitutes a Christmas movie. Where does it have to be set? Does it have to take place during winter? Does the conflict need to be Christmas-centric? One film that is commonly debated under these uncertain guidelines is Die Hard (1988). So, after consulting with Art of Film teachers Mrs. White and Mrs. Schrebe– along with Christmas enthusiast Mrs. Bunch, I have figured out the qualifications for a movie to be placed in the Christmas genre, and I will finally answer the age-old question of whether Die Hard can be classified as a Christmas film or not.
“While it is not my favorite Christmas movie–It’s A Wonderful Life is; Die Hard is definitely a Christmas movie” said Mrs. White.
- Timeline
The time the story takes place should ultimately, unless for a specific reason stated otherwise, be during cold weather/December. This aligns perfectly with classic films such as It’s a Wonderful Life and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Even films such as Gremlins are placed within this timeline, making them earn this point of qualification. Die Hard is no exception to this, as it in fact takes place during a Christmas party.
- Setting
The setting of the film is very important for a successful Christmas movie, but it can vary from film to film. Christmas movies that are considered cheesy or cliché may include a small-town bakery or shop, while other more notable films such as Elf and Miracle on 34th Street take place in big cities such as New York. Die Hard fits this qualification as well, seeing as it takes place in Los Angeles, which aligns in size with the aforementioned classic setting of New York City.
- Soundtrack
The soundtrack must include at least one Christmas or holiday song. This is a rather easy one to fulfill, and numerous movies– albeit with their own twists at times– do accomplish this task. Essentially every holiday classic features at least one song, original or classic, relating to the season. Die Hard is absolutely no exception to this qualification, either, seeing as Christmas songs are incorporated into the soundtrack including “Winter Wonderland,” “Ode to Joy,” and “Let it Snow” as prime examples.
- Conflict and Resolution
The conflict should be centered around family or friends, the resolution of said conflict usually then being a warm and fuzzy reunion. The idea of Christmas is togetherness which should be reflected in the resolution. This is seen in numerous classics such as Home Alone where the resolution is a family reunion after the conflict of being apart. Die Hard is a wonderful example of this trope, as the entire movie happens because John, the protagonist, travels to L.A. and wishes to reconcile with his estranged wife, and by the end of the film– having saved her from the terrorists– Holly, his wife, and John get back together and resume their normal relationship.
- Romance
There usually must be some element of romance within it like in Love, Actually and The Holiday. Exceptions to this being movies like Home Alone where the protagonist is a child and therefore a love story would be only awkward. In Die Hard, the qualification is easily met by the motivation of John’s actions throughout the movie being his desire to save his wife and be reunited with her. Their love story is, arguably, the entire reason why the film even takes place and I would go as far as to argue that this element solidifies Die Hard as a romantic Christmas classic.
- Holiday Decor/Holiday Set
The set itself must show Christmas or other merry and bright decorations more than one time. This is an extension of the first qualification, further proving the timeframe it is set within. This is at the core of any argument regarding a Christmas movie– The Nightmare Before Christmas, Gremlins, and other films which are heavily debated all meet this qualification (otherwise, how would you argue it is a Christmas movie?). Die Hard obviously meets this qualification by having the film set during a Christmas party, and the decorations of the season being shown numerous times throughout.
- Enjoyment
Overall, the whole point of a Christmas movie is for you to enjoy it. If you don’t, it can’t be something you relate to the holiday season and the happiness it’s supposed to exude. This means that as long as you think it fits the qualifications you find important, who’s to say you’re wrong? This is not to say that this article has been for naught, however, for I am still a fervent believer in the fact that Die Hard is a Christmas movie and will not accept a different opinion of it– I am just reminding you to do what makes you happy.
“I’ll leave you with this, watch what makes you get you in the spirit and if I give you a five gallon jug and a three gallon jug, how would YOU measure exactly four gallons of water?” said Mrs. Bunch.
