IsDie Harda Christmas Movie? Why the Action Film Starring Bruce Willis Is Still a Fan Favorite During the Holidays

Mar. 15, 2025

Bruce Willis in ‘Die Hard,’ 1988; Peter Billingsley in ‘A Christmas Story,’ 1983.Photo:20th Century-Fox/Getty; MGM/courtesy Everett Collection

20th Century-Fox/Getty; MGM/courtesy Everett Collection

As a seasoned holiday-movie star,Peter Billingsleyisn’t without his own opinion when it comes to whether or notDie Hardis a Christmas film.

In a 2023 episode ofA Cinematic Christmas Journeypodcast, the actor — who famously starred inA Christmas Story(1983) and appeared in other holiday hits, such asElf(2003) andFour Christmases(2008)— and co-host Steve Byrne discussed all thingsDie Hardwith the help ofthe film’s cinematographer, Jan de Bont.

“You know Jan de Bont’s work — he directedTwisterandSpeed,” Billingsley tells PEOPLE. “I had seen some quotes of him that he did not believe thatDie Hardwas a Christmas movie. He said, ‘I just don’t see it.’ So I said, ‘Would you mind if I try to convince you of why this is a Christmas movie? I know you made it. I know you’ve lived with it for a very long time, since 1988.’ He said, ‘Okay.’ ”

Read below to see Billingsley’s reasons whyDie Hardshould exist in the holiday movie canon.

Why shouldDie Hardqualify as a Christmas film?

Bruce Willis in ‘Die Hard,’ 1988.20th Century Studios

“Not to mention there’s Christmas songs, and they have the snow falling. In my opinion it is a Christmas movie,” he adds.

Do the director and star considerDie Harda Christmas movie?

Jan de Bont, John McTiernan and Bruce Willis on the set of ‘Die Hard,’ 1988.20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

Die Harddirector John McTiernanagrees with fans and critics who categorizeDie Hardas a holiday film. “We hadn’t intended it to be a Christmas movie, but the joy that came from it is what turned it into a Christmas movie,” hetold the American Film Institutein 2020.

However, during Comedy Central’s 2018Roast of Bruce Willis, the star finally gave his input on theDie Harddebate 30 years after the film’s release. “I did this roast for one reason and for one reason only, to settle something once and for all,” said Willis. “Now, please listen very carefully:Die Hardis not a Christmas movie! It’s a goddamn Bruce Willis movie.”

Did Peter Billingsley sway Jan de Bont onDie Hardas a holiday classic?

Despite Willis’ opinion, Billingsley convinced de Bont otherwise.

“I went through my criterion,” Billingsley tells PEOPLE. ”And he said, ‘I’ve never thought about it that way.’ He said, ‘You have now convinced me it is a Christmas movie.’ And I was like, ‘Yes!’ So I was able to change a filmmaker’s mind, which was cool.”

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source: people.com