Every year, the same topic comes up: isDie Harda Christmas movie? While originally seen as a contrarian answer to what somebody’s favoriteChristmasmovie is,Die Hardhas endured as a holiday classic. Despite all the blood, violence, and foul language, the aesthetic of the movie does capture that holiday feeling. Its hopeful message at the end also does fit in with other holiday classics likeIt’s A Wonderful Life,A Christmas Story, andMiracle on 34th Street, just with more guns.
WhileDie Hardis an alternative to theclassic Christmas movies, it also is not alone. Before its release and especially after, filmmakers tried to tap into that similar vibe of a Christmas movie that is not quite a Christmas movie. At first, if one tries to put these movies on at a family holiday event, somebody might scoff at the idea. Yet within a few minutes, the Christmas vibes set in, and it becomes clear these are Christmas movies just like any other. So if you enjoyDie Hardand are looking for an alternative Christmas viewing option, here are some picks for you.
Updated: June 26, 2025: If you love Christmas action movies and have a spirited soul that cannot sit still on Christmas Eve, then you’ll be glad to know that this article has been updated with additional content byBen Hathaway.
16Rocky IV (1985)
A major box office hit but also a clear sign theRockyfranchise was walking on thin ice,Rocky IVis fun but very, very silly. Yet, the story of Balboa’s fight against Russian titan Ivan Drago has its fans and then some. Set after the events ofRocky III, Rocky Balboa — played once more by Sylvester Stallone — faces his greatest challenge yet as he takes on the virulent Russian boxer Ivan Drago.
Rocky IV Is a Wintry Classic
This sequel, which features a fight in the Soviet Union during the Christmas season, has gone on to become an iconic piece of ’80s cinema. If anything, it’s the most iconic entry in theRockyfranchise, save for the original. It’s an impressive feat, consideringRocky IIIhas a Mr. T-flavored rep all its own.Rocky IVreally goes for broke, making Rocky seem almost inhuman in his abilities. This is especially true during the icy mountain-climbing training montage.Rocky IVis available to stream on Max, Max’s Amazon Channel, and DIRECTV.
15Death Race (2008)
Death Race
Believe it or not, part of the maximum security prison-setDeath Racetakes place during Christmastime, though one would be forgiven for failing to realize this. The narrative follows Jason Statham’s wrongly-convicted Jensen Ames as he’s roped into performing in a televised race to the death, with cars equipped with guns and defense systems. The film is a remake of the pulpy 1975 original film,Death Race 2000, with direction provided by the polarizing Paul W. S. Anderson.
Death Race Is a Dystopian Christmas Movie
Anunderrated racing adventurethat makes for a wonderful companion piece to anyFast & Furiousmovie Jason Statham’s in,Death Raceisn’t high art, and it was never supposed to be. It is, however, wildly entertaining, well-cast (with Ian McShane being a particular highlight) and its emulation of early Roger Corman movies is spot on. If you want some action-packed dystopias in your Christmas movie,Death Raceis a terrific pick.Death Raceis available to stream on fuboTV.
14Die Hard 2 (1990)
Die Hard 2: Die Harder
Like its predecessor,Die Hard 2is set during Christmas. This entry sees John McClain attempting to avert catastrophe when a group of terrorist types, led by the always great William Sadler, set their sights on Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. around Christmastime. Is there any more fertile a situation in which things could go horribly wrong for John McClane? The film is notable for being directed by Renny Harlin instead of John McTiernan, with Harlin later going on to direct films likeCliffhangerand the upcomingStrangerstrilogy.
Die Hard 2 Is Actually a Christmas Movie
With Christmas lights and other signifiers to remind the audience what time of the year it is,Die Hard 2is very much in the same festive spirit as the first film. But there’s something darker about it, especially when you see just how much higher the stakes are this time around.Die Hard 2may essentially beDie Hardset in an airport, but it’s also every bit a Christmas film its predecessor was.Die Hard 2is available to stream on Hulu, Starz Apple TV Channel, and DIRECTV.
13Fatman (2020)
Read Our Review
Fatmanis an oddball Christmas action movie thatfeatures Mel Gibsonin a role that is, surprisingly, reminiscent of his roles in theLethal Weaponfranchise. Gibson stars as Santa Claus, technically referred to as “Chris Cringle,” who has to deal with a dangerous hit being placed on him. To make matters worse, his altruistic business is on the verge of shuttering altogether.
Santa Claus Packs Heat
The movie is a grounded, violent retelling of the Santa Claus story.Fatman, in many ways, takes the myth of Santa Claus and puts an intriguing twist on it, even if it is more interesting as a thought exercise than a full movie. That being said, it’s still incredibly entertaining to see Gibson play this role completely straight alongside Walton Goggins.Fatmanis available to stream on Peacock.
12Violent Night (2022)
Violent Night
David Harbor dons the silk red coat and hat of Santa Claus in Violent Night, a black comedy Christmas action film by director Tommy Wirkola. A group of mercenaries lays siege on the property of a wealthy family on Christmas Eve in hopes of scoring a self-bestowed gift of $300 million, leaving Santa Claus as the unlikely but capable last line of defense. Though the family themselves may not be perfect, the youngest daughter remains a kind-hearted child. With her help, and a unique repertoire of magical skills and tools at his disposal, Santa will double-check his naughty and nice list as he dispenses his own brand of justice to the assailants.
Violent Nightis the closest any movie has come to capturing the spirit ofDie Hard. Instead of asking ifDie Hardis a Christmas movie,Violent Nightdecides to make a Christmas movie in the style ofDie Hard. Instead of John McClain, we have Santa Claus as our protagonist. It’s a very cynical Santa Claus, played by an enthusiastic David Harbour. The film sees him taking on a group of malevolent heisters at a wealthy estate, with his only assistance being the voice of an innocent girl through a walkie-talkie. Santa slowly takes out the bad guys while an evil, charismatic villain played by John Leguizamo tries to pursue him.
Santa Delivers the Pain
Violent Nightdelivers on its title. It is a Christmas movie with a lot of bloody action, and the fun is seeing Santa Claus deliver brutal beatdowns. But also, likeDie Hard, the movie still has the classic theme of family sticking together through the holiday, which truly makes it a Christmas movie. Some would even consider it to be amodern holiday classic, given how it effortlessly integrates violence into its jolly setting.Violent Nightis the movieFatmanwanted to be, while playing more into the myth of Santa Claus as a whole.Violent Nightis available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
12 Christmas Movies Not About Christmas
From Die Hard to Gremlins there are a ton of classics that take place during the Holidays but should we really consider them Christmas movies?
11Reindeer Games (2000)
This sex-filled Christmas action movie is certainly a doozy. Ben Affleck stars as Rudy Duncan, an incarcerated man who pretends to be his dead cellmate as a means to escape. After reconnecting with his cellmate’s pen pal, (Charlize Theron), things only get more complicated when Duncan gets wrapped up in a casino heist as an unwilling participant. Should he refuse to participate, there will be dire consequences.
Reindeer Games Is a Christmas Cult Classic
Reindeer Gamescertainly isn’t the most popularChristmas action movie, but it does capture the spirit ofDie Hardby using the wholesome holiday to highlight how naughty the whole proceedings are. Some of the performances are a little off, but Affleck leads it well, and Gary Sinise is dynamite in his antagonistic role.Reindeer Gamesis available to stream on DIRECTV.
10Death Wish 3 (1985)
The late Charles Bronson, at one time, was the biggest and most bankable actor in America. Being an action star, he also happened to serve up a Christmas action film in the form ofDeath Wish 3. When Paul Kersey (Charles Bronson) returns to New York, he is sought out by a not-so-honest police chief (Ed Lauter) to clean up its crime-plagued neighborhoods.
Death Wish 3 Is Festive and Violent
Christmas serves as the backdrop for this no-holds-barred tale of street justice, but it is also a classic Bronson action film all the way. With his trusty .475 Magnum in hand, Bronson doles out his own brand of Christmas spirit with plenty of hot brass.Death Wish 3is one of the most popular films featuring this weapon. While not as well-known as other Christmas action films as the others on this list,Death Wish 3brings more than Christmas cheer throughout its 92 minutes.Death Wish 3is available to stream on Cinemax Amazon Channel, Max Amazon Channel, and Max.
9Invasion U.S.A. (1985)
Invasion U.S.A.
Invasion U.S.A.pulls no punches, showing the many ways that somebody can be killed throughout the holiday season. In this cheesy ’80s classic, Chuck Norris plays a retired CIA agent, Matt Hunter, as he gets back on the field when a Soviet adversary from his working days rears his murderous head. Thus, we end up with the eponymous invasion of the United States, perfectly timed to coincide with the holiday season.
A Christmastime Invasion
Whether it’s having your neck snapped or being shot with a bazooka,Invasion U.S.A.might be the gold standard of the Christmas action genre. Being made by the folks at Cannon Films, a studio notable for their prolific action films, only bolsters its credibility in this category. With Chuck Norris’s signature line in the film being, “It’s time to die,” this is a Christmas action movie on steroids.
Invasion U.S.A.is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video or for free with ads on The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, and Pluto TV.
8Cobra (1986)
Cobra follows a seasoned police officer as he takes on a ruthless gang terrorizing the city. The film explores his relentless pursuit of justice while confronting challenges that push him to his limits. Set against an urban backdrop, it combines action with a compelling character study, making it a gripping addition to the crime thriller genre.
On the surface,Cobrais your garden-variety Sylvester Stallone action film. He plays Marion Cobretti, a tough-as-nails cop who has to protect a witness (Stallone’s wife at the time, Brigitte Nielsen) from “The New World.” This is a group whose intention is to take over America, and it is up to Stallone and his candy-loving partner Gonzales (Reni Santoni) to stop them.
Cobra Leans on the Action
This movie isn’t overflowing with Christmas feelings. If you’re expecting the milquetoast vibe ofLove Actually,then you’re going to be severely disappointed. However, if you want shootouts in supermarkets and other establishments in which there are Christmastime goods,Cobrais a solid Christmas action movie, carrying with it the occasionally-felt melancholic themes of the holiday season. That, and it’s admittedly entertaining to see a toothpick seemingly never leave Stallone’s mouth.Cobrais available to stream on DIRECTV.
7Iron Man 3 (2013)
Iron Man 3
While one may not usually find a Marvel movie on a Christmas movie list,Iron Man 3might just be the exception. Even though the story features Robert Downey Jr. defying all odds and saving the day, this particular Marvel movie takes place during the jolly season. The narrative follows Tony Stark as he faces a massive terrorist organization fronted by the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley). But, the Mandarin may not be all that he appears.
Iron Man 3 Takes Place During Christmastime
Iron Man 3certainly deserves a spot on this list, mainly because it is written and directed by Shane Black, who is the king ofChristmas action moviesand has three more films on this list.Iron Man 3has the classic Christmas decorations but, likeDie Hard, also sees a hero fighting off a group of villains that are posing as terrorists to save his loved ones during the holidays.Iron Man 3is available to stream on Disney+, Starz Apple TV Channel, and Starz Amazon Channel.
