A long-running cultural debate appears to have been settled — at least for now — after a new survey by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) found that a majority of the public does not consider Die Hard a Christmas film.
Despite unfolding during a Christmas Eve office party, 44% of respondents said the action classic should not be classed as a Christmas movie, while 38% insisted it is festive. A further 17% remained undecided, perhaps weary of the annual argument. Only 5% of those surveyed named it their favourite Christmas film.
Even the film’s star, Bruce Willis, has previously weighed in on the debate. During a 2018 comedy roast, he declared: “Die Hard is not a Christmas movie. It’s a goddamn Bruce Willis movie!” His stance appears to be shared by the public — and by Macaulay Culkin, who was recently booed on stage after saying: “It’s just a movie set at Christmas. If you set it at St Patrick’s Day, the exact same movie.”
While Die Hard continues to split opinion, the poll shows that the nation’s true festive favourite is Home Alone, with 20% of the vote. That puts it well ahead of Love Actually (9%), It’s a Wonderful Life (8%), and Elf (7%).
The BBFC also asked respondents what makes the perfect Christmas film. A heartwarming story topped the list at 33%, followed by family friendliness (15%) and humour (13%). Only 2% said they actively seek out something tear-jerking for their holiday viewing.
David Austin, chief executive of the BBFC, said the findings highlight the timeless appeal of uplifting seasonal storytelling, noting that “heartwarming, family-friendly stories continue to sit at the heart of the nation’s Christmas viewing traditions.”
