A new survey by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has settled the long-running debate over whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas film, with 44% of Britons saying it is not. The poll of 2,000 people found that 38% defended the film’s festive credentials, while 17% were undecided.
Home Alone emerged as the UK’s favourite Christmas film, chosen by 20% of respondents. It was followed by Love Actually (9%), It’s a Wonderful Life (8%), and Elf (7%). Only 5% selected Die Hard as their top festive film.
The survey also revealed what Britons look for in a Christmas film: a heartwarming story (33%), family friendliness (15%), and humour (13%). Just 2% sought a tear-jerker. David Austin, BBFC chief executive, said the research shows that “heartwarming, family-friendly stories continue to sit at the heart of the nation’s Christmas viewing traditions”.
Nearly a fifth (18%) of respondents said going to the cinema over Christmas is a family tradition, with 33% going before Christmas Eve and 20% on Boxing Day.
The debate was reignited last month when Macaulay Culkin, star of Home Alone, told a live audience that Die Hard is not a Christmas movie. He argued that it is “just a movie that’s set at Christmas” and would be the same if set on Saint Patrick’s Day. Despite being booed, Culkin stood by his view, which now aligns with the British public’s verdict.
