In a surprise twist this holiday season, actor and director Peter Billingsley, best known for his iconic role as Ralphie Parker in ‘A Christmas Story,’ has weighed in on the longstanding debate of whether ‘Die Hard‘ is a Christmas movie. The debate over whether the action-packed classic starring Bruce Willis qualifies as a holiday film has raged on for years, and Billingsley’s recent comments have reignited the discussion.
Billingsley’s stance on the matter was revealed recently in a clip that he shared on his Instagram. He unequivocally declared that “Die Hard“ is indeed a Christmas movie. His reasoning? The film’s backdrop of a holiday party and the theme of reuniting with loved ones.
“It’s got Christmas music. It’s got a Christmas party,” Billingsley said. “And the thing about Christmas is, it’s a time to be with family and to put aside differences and come together, and that’s what this movie’s about.”
Billingsley’s perspective echoes the sentiments of countless ‘Die Hard‘ enthusiasts who argue that the film’s setting during a Christmas party and its themes of family and redemption make it a worthy addition to the holiday movie canon.
However, not everyone agrees with Billingsley’s assessment. The debate over ‘Die Hard‘ as a Christmas movie has been a hotly contested one, with fans and experts on both sides of the argument.
While John McTiernan, the director of ‘Die Hard,’ and its fans classify the film as a holiday classic, Bruce Willis, the film’s lead actor, asserted during a 2018 roast that ‘Die Hard‘ isn’t a Christmas movie but, in his words, a ‘goddamn Bruce Willis movie.’
This ongoing debate over ‘Die Hard‘ as a Christmas movie has become a beloved and lighthearted holiday tradition, with fans and critics alike passionately discussing the film’s place in the pantheon of seasonal classics.
'Die Hard' Is A Christmas Movie, Everybody Shut Up – https://t.co/BzGrzRDSmq pic.twitter.com/xb3sojGkVv
— Cracked.com (@cracked) December 18, 2018
In recent years, various media outlets, including die-hard fans, have revisited the debate annually, often adding a touch of humor to the discourse. Memes, social media posts, and festive arguments over dinner tables have kept the conversation alive each holiday season.
Whether ‘Die Hard’ officially qualifies as a Christmas movie or not, one thing is for certain: the debate is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon. With Peter Billingsley’s recent endorsement of its status as a holiday classic, fans on both sides of the argument now have a new perspective to consider as they gather with their loved ones this Christmas to watch their favorite movies, whether it’s ‘Die Hard,’ ‘A Christmas Story,’ or any other film that brings joy during this special season.
