Every year the Die Hard argument rolls back into town like Mariah Carey defrosting on November 1st. But the Christmas movie gray area is way bigger than one Bruce Willis rooftop showdown.
A whole lineup of beloved films quietly sneak their way into the holiday conversation thanks to snow, twinkly lights, or one random Christmas tree that shows up for five seconds.
So if you’ve ever wondered whether a movie needs jingle bells, Santa, or at least one ugly sweater to qualify as a Christmas movie, here are 13 more films that keep the internet arguing.
First up, the entire Harry Potter franchise. Even though only parts of each movie happen at Christmas, the cozy Hogwarts vibe, the snow-covered grounds, and that first Great Hall holiday feast have permanently connected Harry and the holidays in people’s minds. Movie eight is the only one that skips the festive spirit, but the franchise as a whole still gets honorary holiday status.
Speaking of moody snow, Batman Returns earns its place simply because Gotham decorates like it’s trying to win a neighborhood lights contest. The giant Christmas tree alone seals the deal.
And then there’s Eyes Wide Shut. Despite the steamy storyline, it’s undeniably set during holiday season.
Gremlins is maybe the most obvious Christmas-adjacent pick on this list. It has a Christmas gift, Christmas carols, and tiny troublemakers, so it gets a big “yes.” First Blood is a funnier case, because it technically includes a single Christmas tree in one scene, which some fans treat as a binding legal argument.
Trading Places brings holiday chaos with its tipsy Santa moment, while Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Iron Man 3 both take place in Los Angeles during the Christmas season. Shane Black, the director of both, basically treats Christmas like his favorite film set accessory.
Other classics sneak in through tone. Edward Scissorhands has that dreamy winter fairytale feeling. Lethal Weapon opens with Christmas music. Rocky covers multiple holidays and basically treats the entire winter season like one big emotional montage. And Hook sets its real-world scenes at Christmastime before we head off to Neverland.
And finally, The Nightmare Before Christmas remains the movie most likely to start a fight at family gatherings. Christmas movie? Halloween movie? The only correct answer is: yes.
Happy debating.