Poll Reveals: Die Hard Is Not a Christmas Film, According to Majority

The longstanding debate over whether “Die Hard” qualifies as a Christmas movie has reached a new resolution, with a recent poll indicating that 44% of respondents believe it does not. This finding continues to stir a cultural conversation that has divided opinions for years.

Why It Matters

This question transcends mere film classification; it taps into deeper issues of holiday traditions and cultural identity. Movies often reflect societal values and beliefs, and the ongoing discourse about “Die Hard” highlights how differing perspectives can create schisms in families and friendships during the festive season.

Key Developments

• A poll conducted by the British Board of Film Classification found that 44% believe “Die Hard” is not a Christmas movie.
• Only 38% argue that the Bruce Willis film is indeed festive, with 5% naming it as their top Christmas film.
• 17% of respondents expressed uncertainty regarding its Christmas classification.
• Bruce Willis previously stated at a comedy roast that “Die Hard” is “a goddamn Bruce Willis movie,” aligning with the poll’s results.
• Macaulay Culkin supported this argument, noting that the film is essentially a non-Christmas narrative set during the holiday.
• “Home Alone” topped the poll as the favorite Christmas film, garnering 20% of votes, followed by “Love Actually” and “It’s A Wonderful Life.”

Full Report

The debate over “Die Hard” has frequently spilled into family gatherings, often resulting in passionate arguments and silence at the dinner table. Following the latest poll conducted by the British Board of Film Classification, it appears that a significant proportion of the public—44%—believes the film does not belong in the Christmas genre. Trailing behind, 38% contend that it is, in fact, a holiday film, while an additional 5% claimed it as their favorite festive movie. Interestingly, 17% of participants chose not to take a definitive stance on the issue.

In a notable entry into the debate, Bruce Willis himself asserted in 2018, during a comedy roast, that “Die Hard” is not a Christmas movie, further fueling the discussions surrounding its classification. He emphasized its identity as a “Bruce Willis movie” rather than purely a seasonal film.

Macaulay Culkin, known for his role in “Home Alone,” recently echoed Willis’ sentiments, stating that “Die Hard” could retain its essence regardless of its seasonal setting. “It’s just a movie set at Christmas,” he said, suggesting that if it had been set during a different holiday, the plot would remain largely unchanged.

Beyond the “Die Hard” debate, the poll also explored public sentiment regarding Christmas films in general. “Home Alone” emerged as the fan-favorite, receiving 20% of the vote, while “Love Actually” came in second at 9%. Classic films like “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “Elf” followed closely, showcasing a diverse set of holiday favorites.

Additionally, the survey revealed that 43% of respondents feel it is acceptable to begin watching Christmas movies at the start of December, with 13% stating they indulge as early as November. Some even relish holiday films throughout the entire year, hinting at their enduring popularity.

Context & Previous Events

This debate gained momentum after many prominent figures, including movie stars and film critics, weighed in on the Christmas classification of “Die Hard.” The divide in public opinion surrounding the film has illuminated broader cultural perspectives on what constitutes a holiday movie. The recent completion of the British Board of Film Classification’s poll moved this conversation forward, further entrenching perspectives on this beloved action classic.