Few movies spark as much controversy among festive movie fans each holiday season as Die Hard. Since its release in 1988, the question of whether the film is a Christmas movie has been debated. While the film undoubtedly deserves to be labeled as an action movie, Die Hard should also be classified in the Christmas category.

To start, the film takes place on Christmas Eve. This evidence alone can explain why it should be considered a holiday movie. The plot follows John McClane, a New York City police officer who has traveled to Los Angeles to visit his estranged wife for Christmas. While visiting her at her work Christmas party, German terrorists take over the building and take all the party-goers as hostages. John realizes he is the only one capable of saving the hostages and the building and does everything he can to do so.

If this isn’t a Christmas movie, why is it taking place during Christmastime? Surely, this is not the only time an office can come together or John can see his wife.

Along with the film taking place on Christmas Eve, there is a collection of Christmas songs in this movie. According to a YouTube video published by Fandom Entertainment, a TV and film channel with over 1.5 million subscribers, there are 12 instances in the film when a Christmas song is being played or a character is singing or humming a tune. Some of these songs include popular classics such as Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, Winter Wonderland and Ode to Joy. If Die Hard is not a Christmas movie, why did the director need to add Christmas music throughout the film?

Christmas is also mentioned abundantly throughout the entire movie. According to FresYes.com, a lifestyle blog, “Christmas” is said 18 times. In fact, towards the end of the film, when one of the terrorists is successful in their mission, he finishes by saying, “Merry Christmas.” Other than saying the word “Christmas,” there are other references to the holidays, such as sayings like “ho-ho-ho” and allusions to Santa and Christmas presents.

If all of these references to Christmas are not enough for you to be convinced, there is even more evidence to prove my point. There are plenty of Christmas trees, lights and decorations throughout the entire film that keep this movie feeling festive, just like every other holiday classic.

Also, the plot perfectly shows the holiday spirit and demonstrates what Christmas is about. Think of another holiday classic, Home Alone. Most people would agree the plot of this film is very festive and shows what the holidays mean for families. It takes place around Christmas time, and Kevin McCallister gets separated from his family, does everything he can to ensure his house stays safe from criminals and tries to reunite with his loved ones. Both of these films share the qualities of a story about the holiday season while also including plenty of action and criminal activity. So why is one considered a Christmas classic and the other is not?

While Die Hard may not be the most traditional Christmas film, there is too much evidence that it is in fact a Christmas movie that cannot be disregarded as a regular action film. Because of its festive soundtrack, characters, setting and plot, Die Hard should be considered a holiday classic for years to come.