Bruce Willis as John McClane holding a lighter while crawling through an air duct in Die HardImage via 20th Century Studios
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Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck
Published 49 minutes ago
Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck is a writer for Collider. He grew up creating lists, stories, and worlds, which led to his love of anime and video games. He attended Sheridan College where he earned an Honours Bachelor of Game Design. Lucas and his group won 1st place for technical innovation at LevelUp Toronto 2023, and he was also an intern for the Oakville Film Festival of Arts.
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The end of the year is a time of joy and celebration, as people get more festive in anticipation of their favorite holiday, Christmas. From turkey dinners to gift giving to spending time with family, it is truly a magical part of the year. However, sometimes nothing can beat watching a good Christmas movie, and there are plenty of them, from timeless classics like It's A Wonderful Life or the modern-day sensation, Elf.
However, some holiday movies are up for debate as to whether or not they are classified as Christmas films, and this list will highlight ten of those films. This author isn't making a decision; it is simply stating reasons why each film may or may not be a Christmas classic. Every film must have some sort of holiday theme or Christmas backdrop, but it is up to the fans to decide if it is a Christmas movie or not.
10 'Die Hard' (1988)
Bruce Willis as John McClane lying on the ground, pointing a gun, in the first Die Hard (1988)Image via 20th Century Studios
Let's get the obvious one out of the way. Die Hard is at the helm of the debate, so much so that some say it is out of spite. It gets annoying at a point, but either way, there is no way Die Hard is not making this list. John McClane (Bruce Willis) is visiting his estranged wife and daughters for Christmas, but when terrorists storm the building she works at, John is the only one who can single-handedly save the day.
Die Hard is an action movie through and through, but fans can't deny that it also features plenty of Christmas themes. The main point is that the film is set during Christmas and features themes of reconnecting with family, both staples of Christmas movies. On the other hand, the real reason people watch the film is because of its exhilarating action and thrilling plot, with genre-defining themes and characters. Even Bruce Willis himself has stated that Die Hard is NOT a Christmas movie, so the debate will probably go on forever.
9 'Iron Man 3' (2013)
Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts and Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark in 'Iron Man 3'Image via Marvel Studios
A surprising number of superhero movies double-act as Christmas films, and fans will see a couple of them on this list, including Iron Man 3. The MCU has dabbled with Christmas before, but many overlook this underrated classic. When Tony Stark's (Robert Downey Jr.) reliance on his suits and persona crumbles, he needs to rebuild his confidence and take down the newest enemy who threatens him and his loved ones.
Some fans will say Iron Man 3 is a Christmas movie just because it is set during the holidays, but it goes deeper than that. It has a loose connection with A Christmas Carol, with Tony's past villains, present enemies, and fears of the future serving as the main obstacles of the film. These themes aren't super apparent and will go over many viewers' heads, but that still might classify it as a superhero Christmas extravaganza.
8 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' (2005)
Michelle Monaghan sitting down next to Robert Downey Jr in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.Image via Warner Bros.
Following one Downey Jr. film is another one that is also strangely Christmas-themed, but not directly a Christmas movie. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang follows a crook on the run from the law who stumbles into an audition and inexplicably gets the role. He and his childhood crush must now maneuver through the conspiracy he is involved in, all against the backdrop of Christmas.
The murder and crime genres clash with its Christmas setting, especially since the holiday isn't a key part of the plot, with the neo-noir and buddy-comedy elements sticking out. Still, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is set during Christmas and features arcs of redemption, forgiveness, and second chances. These qualities, paired with the festive humor and holiday scenery, are enough for many to consider it a Christmas film, but not all.
7 'In Bruges' (2008)
Colin Farrell as Ray and Brendan Gleeson as Ken sitting together in 'In Bruges'Image via Focus Features
Most fans think about Die Hard being in this debate, but many overlook In Bruges, another mature thriller that has plenty of holiday tidings to earn a spot on this list. After a challenging job that claims the life of the most unexpected victim, two hitmen lie low in Belgium, with one loving the historic city and the other finding it drab and boring. However, things only get weirder and weirder as their stay turns into an existential crisis along with plenty of life-threatening danger.
The atmosphere is unmistakably Christmas, with decorations and lights aplenty. However, it also features essential Christmas themes such as guilt and moral reckoning. A modern classic in every possible way, In Bruges is about redemption, and all good Christmas movies have the cynic turning a new leaf, believing in the holidays. On the other hand, Christmas isn't necessary for the plot, only enhancing the themes a bit.
6 The 'Harry Potter' Franchise (2001-2011)
Image via Warner Bros.
There isn't a franchise more magical and cozy than Harry Potter, which hooked the world with its whimsical world, dazzling spells, and entertaining story. Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) follows his destiny to Hogwarts, where he will train to become a wizard strong enough to defeat the man who killed his parents, Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). However, there will be plenty of downtime and holiday cheer before that happens.
The Harry Potter franchise has nothing to do with Christmas as a whole, but each of the early films features a small segment during the holidays and winter. The vibes are cozy and mystical, really bringing out the Christmas magic. With Chris Columbus directing the first two films, the holiday spirit is even more evident. Harry Potter may not be a Christmas franchise, but there is something right about watching it during the holidays. Fans only hope that, with its extra time, the TV show will extend the Christmas segments.
5 'Gremlins' (1984)
The gremlins go Christmas caroling in Gremlins.Image via Warner Bros.
There are plenty of cute and adorable Christmas movies that the entire family can enjoy, but Gremlins subverts that by delivering a pseudo-horror Christmas movie. When a father gifts his children a weird creature for Christmas, there is a strict set of rules that comes along with it, and breaking those rules will result in the creature becoming a wicked and grotesque version of itself, wreaking havoc around the city.
They recently announced a new Gremlins movie, which many fans hope will also be Christmas-themed. The violent and horror aspects don't feel very Christmas-like, and the story didn't need to be set during Christmas. However, it takes place during the holidays and uses its yuletide setting well, from decorated houses to busy malls to carolling outside houses in the snow. There's also a message here about the consumerist nature of modern Christmas, at least for those willing to see it.
4 'Frozen' (2013)
Elsa sings "let it go" in her palace of iceImage via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
One of the most popular animated films took the world by storm in 2013, from its gorgeous visuals to its amazing songs, Frozen became an instant classic. With her kingdom stuck in a perpetual winter, Anna sets off on an adventure to find her sister, the powerful but confused Elsa, whose great but unchecked power caused all of this mayhem. The journey is filled with danger and unexpected encounters, and Anna will have to prove herself in more ways than one.
Strictly speaking, there is nothing about Christmas in Frozen; it only takes place in the winter with plenty of snow everywhere. Despite its lack of Christmas themes, decorations, and aesthetic, this movie is still a cozy film perfect for the holidays. The atmosphere evokes comfort, and the themes of bonds and friendship can relate to Christmas. Moreover, it's literally set in a winter wonderland. Many fans make Frozen their Christmas movie of the year because it is so closely associated with winter.
3 'Batman Returns' (1992)
Tim Burton is a master of Halloween, but many of his movies also include Christmas, including The Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands, and Batman Returns. The latter sees Batman (Michael Keaton) facing another round of villains aiming to ruin Gotham with their dangerous plans: the Penguin (Danny DeVito) and Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer). The action develops over a couple of weeks against the background of the holiday season.
In a snowy Gotham with decorations, lights, Christmas trees, carolling, gift giving, and overall Christmas cheer, Batman Returns absolutely feels like a Christmas movie. Some fans claim the Christmas vibe is just a decoration and doesn't impact the overall plot and events, and they have a point. Still, others dispute that Christmas sneaks its way into the themes, message, and events of the movie. Either way, Batman Returns is one of the best Batman movies ever, and its ambiguity is just one of the many reasons why.
2 'Eyes Wide Shut' (1999)
Tom Cruise as Dr. Bill Harford looking straight ahead in 'Eyes Wide Shut'Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Stanley Kubrick is one of the greatest directors of all time, and his last masterpiece was Eyes Wide Shut, which many fans debate whether it is a Christmas movie or not. When Barry's (Tom Cruise) wife admits to having fantasies about another man, he himself wishes for a sexual encounter. This takes him to a mysterious meeting, where he realizes he is way over his head.
Everything Kubrick does is planned, so the Christmas decorations aren't just filler material, but a deliberate piece of the movie to enhance its narrative and visual identity, including themes and story. The tone and message are far from holiday-oriented, and Eyes Wide Shut isn't exactly cinematic comfort food, nor the first film viewers watch during Christmas. Still, the mood is there, and it is set during Christmas, leaving it open to debate.
1 'Home Alone' (1990)
Image via 20th Century Studios
Fans aren't ready for this debate, because what is considered one of the most essential Christmas movies of all time doesn't need to be set during the holiday at all. Home Alone is a definitive holiday film, following Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) as he enjoys his time alone when his family forgets him at home. However, a duo of robbers attempts to break in, prompting Kevin to take action.
Many fans won't agree with Home Alone's inclusion, but thinking about it, the film is mainly about a kid protecting himself and his home from robbers with a series of makeshift traps. There is no reason for it to be during Christmas at all. Sure, it is set during Christmas and features some relevant themes, but so do all of these movies, and the rest of them are highly debated. This list isn't stating that Home Alone isn't a Christmas movie: in fact, it is an excellent holiday film, but fans should consider what makes this movie more Christmassy than the rest of the entries.
Home Alone
PG
Comedy
Family
Release Date
November 16, 1990
Cast
Joe Pesci, Macaulay Culkin, Daniel Stern, John Heard, Roberts Blossom, Catherine O'Hara, Angela Goethals, Devin Ratray, Gerry Bamman, Hillary Wolf, John Candy, Larry Hankin, Michael C. Maronna, Kristin Minter, Diana Rein, Jedidiah Cohen, Kieran Culkin, Senta Moses, Anna Slotky, Terrie Snell, Jeffrey Wiseman, Virginia Smith, Matt Doherty, Ralph Foody, Michael Guido
Runtime
103 minutes
Director
Chris Columbus
Writers
John Hughes
Genres
Comedy, Family
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