The long-running debate over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie has resurfaced once again, this time with commentary from an unexpected voice: Macaulay Culkin. Despite being the star of one of the most beloved holiday films of all time, Home Alone, Culkin has made it clear that he does not consider the Bruce Willis action classic to be a true Christmas movie.
In a recent TikTok interview that quickly went viral, Culkin shared his perspective on the issue, arguing that while Die Hard is set during the Christmas season, the holiday itself is not essential to the story. According to Culkin, the film’s plot could take place during almost any other event or time of year without fundamentally changing the narrative.
“Take Christmas out of Die Hard, and the movie still works,” Culkin suggested. “But take Christmas out of Home Alone, and the whole thing falls apart.” He emphasized that Home Alone depends entirely on the holiday setting—family travel, seasonal traditions, and the emotional themes associated with Christmas—to make sense.
Culkin’s comments immediately sparked renewed debate online, with fans divided along familiar lines. Supporters of Die Hard as a Christmas movie were quick to respond, pointing out that the film’s central conflict exists because of a Christmas Eve office party. They also highlighted the frequent use of Christmas music, decorations, and recurring themes of family, reconciliation, and coming home—elements many argue are core to holiday films.
Others agreed with Culkin’s assessment, maintaining that Die Hard is first and foremost an action thriller. While it may use Christmas as a backdrop, they argue that the holiday functions more as a setting than a driving force of the story. To them, seasonal details alone do not qualify a film as a Christmas movie.
Released in 1988, Die Hard follows New York City police officer John McClane as he battles a group of terrorists led by Hans Gruber during a Christmas Eve party at a Los Angeles skyscraper. Over the years, the film has gained a cult following as an unconventional holiday favorite, often appearing on Christmas watchlists despite its violent action and suspense-driven plot.
Home Alone, released in 1990, tells a very different holiday story. Culkin starred as Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old accidentally left behind when his family travels for Christmas. The film quickly became a seasonal classic, closely tied to Christmas traditions and broadcast annually during the holidays.
As the debate continues year after year, Culkin’s remarks have added fresh fuel to an argument that shows no sign of ending. Whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie may ultimately come down to personal definition—but once again, fans are more than ready to argue it out.
