Is 'Die Hard' a Christmas Movie? Ranking 20 Films using the Christmas Quotient Scale
Introduction
The debate over whether "Die Hard" qualifies as a Christmas movie has become a festive tradition in itself, sparking discussions that extend far beyond the screen. This debate leads to a broader question: what makes a movie a "Christmas movie"?
Is it the holiday's themes of love, giving, and redemption, or merely its seasonal setting?
Here, we rank 20 popular films from those where Christmas is vital to the narrative to those where it's incidental, employing our new ranking system:
The Christmas Quotient Scale
The Christmas Quotient Scale: The Rules
1 - 6: Christmas is not vital; it adds flavor but the movie could work at another time of year. In these films, the holiday might provide a backdrop or enhance the atmosphere, but the core plot could be adapted to another setting without losing its essence.
Christmas elements like decorations, music, or even the holiday spirit might be present, but they don't define the story's purpose or resolution.
These movies might use Christmas for comedic effect, to set a mood, or to highlight certain themes, but the narrative would hold up if you replaced the holiday with a different occasion or time of year.
7 - 10: Christmas is central to the plot or themes, making it a true Christmas movie, with 10 being the most Christmas-centric.
In these films, the holiday is not just a setting but a character in its own right.
Christmas drives the story forward, influences character development, or is the reason for the movie's conflict or resolution.
Here, the narrative would collapse or lose significant meaning without the Christmas context.
The holiday's themes of joy, family, redemption, or the magic of the season are integral, and the story is often about the celebration, reflection, or transformation that Christmas evokes.
Christmas is Vital to the Story
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) - Ranking: 10
Why it is: The entire plot revolves around the Grinch's hatred for Christmas and his eventual redemption through the holiday's spirit. Without Christmas, there's no story.
Why not higher: It's already at the highest rank since there's no aspect more central than the holiday itself.
A Charlie Brown Christmas - Ranking: 10
Why it is: The narrative centers on Charlie Brown's quest to understand the true meaning of Christmas, making the holiday essential.
Why not higher: It's already at the peak, as Christmas is the focus of the entire special.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Ranking: 10
Why it is: Rudolph's story culminates on Christmas Eve with his acceptance and heroism. The holiday's magic and themes of acceptance are core to the narrative.
Why not higher: It's already at the peak, as Christmas is the climax and resolution of the story.
The Santa Clause - Ranking: 9
Why it is: The transformation of Scott Calvin into Santa is fundamentally tied to Christmas.
Why not 10: While Christmas is crucial, the story also explores personal growth and family dynamics, slightly diluting its pure Christmas focus.
Elf - Ranking: 9
Why it is: The journey of Buddy from the North Pole embodies Christmas joy, magic, and the spirit of the season.
Why not 10: While fully embracing Christmas, some of the humor and plot points are more about Buddy's fish-out-of-water antics, which could theoretically be adapted elsewhere.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) - Ranking: 9
Why it is: The belief in Santa and the magic of Christmas are what drive the plot, leading to a legal and personal resolution centered on the holiday.
Why not 10: It's a near-perfect Christmas movie but includes elements of skepticism and commercialism critique, which slightly detract from pure holiday celebration.
It's a Wonderful Life - Ranking: 9
Why it is: The holiday setting frames George Bailey's life review and ultimate redemption, deeply embedding Christmas into its themes.
Why not 10: While Christmas is vital, the film's broader message about life's value transcends the holiday, giving it a universal appeal.
A Christmas Story - Ranking: 8
Why it is: The nostalgia, family gatherings, and holiday wish-list elements are all Christmas-centric.
Why not higher: Although it captures the essence of Christmas, the core narrative could be adapted to another setting with some modifications.
The Polar Express - Ranking: 8
Why it is: The journey to the North Pole is about believing in the magic of Christmas.
Why not higher: The adventure aspect could potentially be set in a different magical context, though Christmas greatly enhances its charm.
The Muppet Christmas Carol - Ranking: 8
Why it is: A retelling of "A Christmas Carol" where the holiday is key to Scrooge's transformation.
Why not higher: The Muppet humor adds layers that aren't solely about Christmas, though the holiday is central.
White Christmas - Ranking: 7
Why it is: The plot to save an inn through a Christmas show is central, highlighting holiday themes.
Why not higher: The musical and romantic elements could stand independently, though the Christmas setting is integral.
Christmas is Incidental to the Story
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - Ranking: 6
Why not: While Christmas drives the comedy, the family chaos could occur at other major gatherings.
Why it is: The holiday adds a unique twist with its traditions and expectations, enhancing the comedic effect.
Home Alone - Ranking: 6
Why not: The core narrative of defending one's home against burglars is not inherently Christmas-related.
Why it is: The holiday setting provides warmth and a thematic depth about family and love.
Love Actually - Ranking: 6
Why not: The stories could be set at any romantic time of year; the holiday is more a backdrop.
Why it is: Christmas adds layers of romance, connection, and the spirit of giving to the narratives.
The Holiday - Ranking: 5
Why not: The romantic and personal journeys don't require Christmas; they could happen anytime.
Why it is: The holiday setting facilitates the home-swap premise, enhancing the festive mood.
Scrooged - Ranking: 5
Why not: A modern take on "A Christmas Carol" where the holiday is key, but the cynicism and redemption could fit other contexts.
Why it is: Christmas is essential for Frank Cross's character arc and the movie's message.
Jingle All the Way - Ranking: 4
Why not: The plot could be about any high-demand item, not just a Christmas toy.
Why it is: The Christmas shopping frenzy gives the narrative its urgency and humor.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) - Ranking: 3
Why not: The story itself isn't about Christmas; it's more about wonder and opportunity.
Why it is: Its magical themes align with the holiday's spirit, making it a cozy watch during Christmas.
Gremlins - Ranking: 2
Why not: The core story of chaos could happen anytime, with Christmas adding only ironic contrast.
Why it is: The holiday setting provides a unique backdrop to the mayhem, enhancing the film's tone.
Die Hard - Ranking: 1
Why not: The action and plot could occur without the Christmas setting; it's not vital to the story.
Why it is: The holiday themes of redemption, family, and the festive atmosphere give it a Christmas vibe, fueling the debate.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the classification of a movie as a "Christmas movie" might be less about strict adherence to holiday themes and more about personal nostalgia and connection.
So there you have it, by the standards of the Christmas Quotient Scale, "Die Hard" is not a Christmas movie. However, the debate itself has become a part of the holiday tradition, with some finding as much Christmas spirit in its action-packed scenes as in "It's a Wonderful Life." It's the viewer's experience, the memories formed while watching these films, and the emotions they evoke that truly define their status as Christmas movies.
Therefore, while we can rate these films using the Christmas Quotient Scale, it's the audience's nostalgic experience that decides what truly constitutes a Christmas movie.
Now that this is settled, it's Christmas, and I must indulge in the festive tradition by watching "Die Hard."
