As Christmas draws near, certain traditions are inescapable: the twinkling of lights, festive carols, and the annual resurgence ofDie Hardas one of the greatest Christmas traditions of modern family festivities. This week, the 1988 action classic starringBruce Willisfinally started its ascent up the Tubi Top 10 streaming chart. Regardless ofwhere you stand in the debate, there is no way to get through the season without dropping in on John McClane yippee ki-yaying his way up (and down) the Nakatomi Plaza.
Directed by John McTiernan,Die Hardsees Willis’ McClane visiting his estranged wife Holly during her office Christmas Party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles. While this seems like the set-up of a Hallmark Christmas movie, things get more interesting when the suave and calculating Hans Gruber (the impeccableAlan Rickmanin his movie debut) and a group of terrorists attempt to carry out an elaborate heist in the building. As the only man on the inside who can take on the bad guys, McClane and his increasingly bloody vest must fight to save the day, and deliver one of the most quoted lines in cinema history.
The film joined a huge number oficonic 1980s action moviesstarring the likes of Stallone and Schwarzenegger, and along with the help of Rickman’s memorable performance as the movie’s villain, managed to deliver a $140 million box office. The film inspired many future films, and delivered four sequels starring Willis as the ever-troubled McClane. Although the franchise has seen highs and lows, its place in movie history was cemented back in 1988 with the first movie.
The GreatDie HardChristmas Movie Debate
WhileDie Hardhas always been a fan favorite, its status as a holiday movie is something that not only sparks debate amongst fans, but also the stars of the film. Yes, even Bruce Willis once took the chance to make it clear thatDie Hardis not a Christmas movie – which he emphatically declared during a special televised roast six years ago. But with the movie being set on Christmas Eve, and closing with the song “Let It Snow,” it is hardly surprising that other people would strongly disagree.
The fact that, this time every year,Die Hardmakes a stealthy bid to take over various streaming charts, is a staple of network television, and finds its place in many lists of top Christmas movies suggests that the court of public opinion has spoken time and time again. Its explosive and brutal action sequences, and an unorthodox take on seasonal cheer, may not make it the kind of movie that will have families gathering around the tree to watch it together, but does that really matter in the crazy world we live in now?
Chuck Norris’ Overlooked ‘80s Christmas Action Movie Is Just as Good as ‘Die Hard’
Chuck Norris' 1980s filmography includes a Christmas action movie. And it’s just as good as ‘Die Hard.’
WhileDie Hardis now part of the Disney family since their merger with Fox, meaning that the film has been bouncing around on Hulu/Disney+ depending on where you live, its position on Tubi is now allowing more people to stream it for free whenever it fits into their busy Christmas schedule. So sit back, grab your drink of choice, and get ready to “Yippee-ki-yay” your way into Christmas the right way.
