A new nationwide survey has delivered a definitive verdict on one of the most contentious debates in British pop culture: Die Hard is officially not a Christmas movie, according to the UK public. The research, commissioned by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), polled 2,000 people on their festive viewing habits and preferences.
The Great Festive Film Debate Settled
The findings show that 44% of respondents do not consider the 1989 Bruce Willis action classic to be a genuine Christmas film. However, the result was far from unanimous, with a significant 38% passionately defending its festive credentials. A further 5% even selected it as their absolute favourite film of the genre, while 17% remained undecided.
This verdict comes after actor Macaulay Culkin was booed by a live audience in California last month for stating that Die Hard "isn't a Christmas movie." Culkin, celebrating the 35th anniversary of Home Alone, argued the film's plot was not inherently festive, quipping that if it were set on Saint Patrick's Day, it would be the same movie.
Britain's Favourite Festive Films Revealed
The clear winner for the nation's favourite Christmas film was Home Alone, favoured by 20% of those surveyed. It was followed by the star-studded British romantic comedy Love Actually (9%), the timeless classic It's a Wonderful Life (8%), and the modern favourite Elf (7%).
When asked what defines the perfect Christmas movie, a heartwarming story was the top priority for 33% of Britons. This was followed by family friendliness (15%) and humour (13%). Notably, only 2% actively sought out a tear-jerker during the festive season.
David Austin, chief executive of the BBFC, commented on the results, stating: "Heartwarming, family-friendly stories continue to sit at the heart of the nation's Christmas viewing traditions."
Cinema Trips and Enduring Debates
The survey also shed light on holiday cinema traditions, with just under a fifth (18%) of respondents saying a trip to the pictures over Christmas is a family custom. Of those, a third (33%) prefer to go before Christmas Eve, while 20% favour a Boxing Day outing.
The debate over Die Hard's status has raged for years, even splitting the film's own creators. Director John McTiernan has previously said he did not intend it to be a Christmas movie but was delighted it "turned into one." The film's star, Bruce Willis, humorously weighed in back in 2018, declaring: "Die Hard is not a Christmas movie, it's a goddamn Bruce Willis movie."
Despite the survey's conclusion, the strong minority support suggests this festive argument is likely to be replayed for many Christmases to come.
