The best Christmas action movies besides Die Hard

Holidays are the time to celebrate tradition and share in annual rituals with friends and family in order to feel the joy of the season. This takes a lot of different forms — putting up festive decorations, caroling, shared dinners with rarely seen loved ones. You can do something elaborate or simple like a rewatching of your favorite movie that you have saved for this occasion.

This yearly veneration has gone to the 1988 film, which is a groundbreaking action masterpiece. Die Hard. However, this distinction is not without controversy. But, there are those who strongly disagree with its inclusion among the more popular and beloved holiday films. The story about NYPD Detective John McClane saving Nakatomi Plaza residents from Euro-trash thefts on Christmas Eve (Bruce Willis), is not appropriate holiday fare. The film’s equally vocal defenders argue the copious amounts of references to the holiday contained in the film are more than enough for it to be considered a classic of the season.

This difference of opinion has led to another yearly tradition — a heated debate over whether Die Hard is a “Christmas movie” or not. It’s an argument that has raged for years, with no signs of slowing down or finding common ground. It has become a tedious talking point for some and has left even hardcore action-movie fanatics dreading hearing the words “Die Hard” and “Christmas” together. If you need to take a step back from all the nonsense, but still enjoy some festive cinematic fun, here are 10 movies that have connections to holidays. Who knows — one of these entries could become the next subject of never-ending debate or, more importantly, a new yearly favorite.

Batman Returns

Image: Warner Bros. Entertainment

Warner Bros. gave Tim Burton the task of creating a sequel for their 1989 smash hit film. BatmanThe studio basically asked him to record lightning in the bottle for another time. The impossible task of recreating the success of that film was given to Burton. He also received a blank check by the studio. Instead, he made a film with twice the amount of bizarre and fetishistic elements. This defiant choice by Burton resulted in 1992’s Batman ReturnsThe strangest live action film adaptation of the comic book hero. It is uncanny how surreal this sequel creates. The early-era horror film aesthetics and the gothic, meticulously constructed sets awash in wintery white give the feeling of watching stars Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Danny DeVito square off in the world’s gloomiest snow globe.

The macabre holiday vibes displayed at the festival and the story of costumes worn by weirdos fighting more with their repressed identities with each other than theirs was shocking summer moviegoing. With time and perspective comes a new appreciation. Batman ReturnsIt has earned a solid place in the top echelon for Batman media because of its unique, nuanced approach to timeless characters and breathtaking visuals. This holiday movie is a great choice for those who are tired of all the joy and cheer.

Batman Returns You can watch it on HBO Max.

Cobra

Warner Bros.

A Christmas scene in a film isn’t always intended to inspire positive feelings. The holiday background can be used to create contrast and irony. 1986’s CobraIn many scenes, you will see Santa cutouts, colorful wreaths, and Santa cutouts. This festive decoration is a random bit of joy that brightens up the unpleasant atmosphere in the rain-slicked streets and dingy storefronts.

Although it was deemed a failure upon its initial release, Cobra has aged well as a prime example of Reagan-era action movie excess — a time when the heroes on screen were defined by the size of their muscles and the guns they carried. It’s unapologetically violent and more than a little trashy. Its short running time means that it is not able to last more than 30 seconds without some outrageous event. This could be Stallone eating an entire pizza slice with scissors or a wild car chase. Cobra Always entertaining

Cobra It is also available for digital rental on Amazon and Apple TV.

Dark Angel

Image by Vision PDG

Dark Angel This movie is a classic example of an action film that was popular in the 1980s. In an attempt to find the murderer of his former partner, Dolph Lundgren (a loose-cannon cop officer) is paired with a federal agent. What sets the film apart from the glut of other “mismatched partners” films of the era is the heavy dose of sci-fi dropped into the familiar “renegade cop” story structure. The film’s real antagonist is surprisingly outlandish — an intergalactic criminal who has come to Earth to forcibly harvest drug-soaked human brain fluid to peddle to space junkies.

Dark Angel (akaIch komme in Frieden) is a rock-solid genre mashup with all the irony-free, square-jaw hero moments, over-the-top one-liners (“And you go in pieces, asshole”), and thrilling practical stunt work that isn’t seen much anymore in modern-day action filmmaking. This film also features holiday scenes (burning Christmas tree lots and gratuitous shots). It’s a Wonderful Life Playing on TV, with holiday decorations visible throughout), makes this a great seasonal option for genre fans who love films. Predator They are aliveThey are among their favorite.

Dark AngelTubi allows you to view it for free, with no ads.

Deadly Games

Image by Deal

Unprotected, a young boy is left to defend himself against an intruder Christmas Eve. He uses only his makeshift weaponry and traps. Makers of You Are the Only One at HomeThis idea was used to create a family-friendly film franchise. However, they weren’t among the first to employ it. They actually borrowed the core idea of this French-language movie, which was much darker than it is.

It’s only fitting that Deadly Games (aka Ove GamingThe following is a list of r 3615 code Père NoëlThe iconography of the film’s icons is a clear homage to other directors, and would be a great inspiration for filmmakers. Part II: Rambo’s First Blood Commando. Young protagonist Deadly Games loves action films and regularly plays in his family’s massive home by imitating American action stars, sneaking from house plant to house plant with his hair secured with a hand-tied headband, brandishing toy weapons, and wearing jungle-stripe face paint. The boy disguises himself as Santa Claus to protect his house from a deranged, knife-wielding burglar.

The truly frightening antagonist of the film and its sudden, violent violence against children or animals is unsettling. Deadly GamesIt is certainly not recommended for all ages. This obscure film is a great choice for anyone who likes Christmas humor.

Deadly Games Shudder offers the ability to see it.

Invasion USA

Image: Cannon Films

Invasion USA is one of the only entries in Chuck Norris’ filmography that truly understands the current appeal of the former world karate champion. This 1980s “Red Scare” cult classic finds Russian terrorists invading the southern Florida coast (during the days leading up to Christmas) and, of course, only the ginger-haired living internet meme himself can thwart their nefarious plot.

The film never tries to create tension, or establish any stakes. There is no doubt that he will save us all. It instead mythologizes its stone-faced lead man, and makes sure it provides all of the entertainment possible. Norris is portrayed as nothing short of a boogeyman for bad guys, a stoic denim-clad Jason Voorhees that appears out of nowhere and ruthlessly decimates machine-gun-brandishing goons. The villain who survived an encounter with Norris even deals with nightmare-inducing symptoms of PTSD as if he were a teenager in a horror film. There are too many preposterous, but entertaining, moments to mention them all, but a few highlights include: a military assault on a suburban neighborhood that’s in the midst of decorating for the holidays; a bazooka standoff framed like a Wild West gunslinger duel; and Norris himself wrangling a live alligator! It’s great fun for anyone who still gets a chuckle from the occasional Chuck Norris fact.

Invasion USAIt is free to view with advertisements on Tubi, Roku and Pluto TV. Or, you can get it free by downloading a Hoopla Library Card.

Lethal Weapon

Warner Home Video

Shane Black’s films could be used to fill a whole list of holiday action movies. Since the beginning, the wildly popular screenwriter has juxtaposed the joy of Christmas with all the horrors found within the genre. This choice is present in most of his production screenplays. But it all started here with his script. Lethal Weapon. The film is credited with influencing holiday imagery and has been called “the original.” Die Hard. It also popularized the “mismatched partners” trope that was prevalent in action projects during the rest of the late ’80s and well into the ’90s.

Its clever script is full of iconic action and sharp dialogue, all captured beautifully by The Goonies Richard Donner, director), has been rejected as a Christmas rebellious classic. Die Hard. It is possible that this was due to numerous controversies around members of the Lethal WeaponCasts that repel potential viewers are not a good idea. For those that feel like wading in, they will be rewarded with a film that goes along with John McClane’s initial Christmas Eve adventure like gingerbread and eggnog.

Lethal WeaponYou can watch it for free on Roku with advertisements

Maniac Cop 2

Image: Medusa Pictures

At a glance it would appear out of place to include a sequel of a horror film in which an undead cop terrorizes the streets of New York. This isn’t because the movie lacks references to the holidays. These are certainly there but they are not overused. Horror films are not usually about action.

Maniac Cop 2For some of the most impressive stunt work, however, they trade tension for jumping scares. Full-body burn stunts seem to last forever, and people are set ablaze. Other people are sent flying through second-story windows, with nothing but concrete and cars. Others fall from vehicles that have been strapped onto their outsides. It is amazing to see the sheer number of outrageous acts displayed here. This scene is very similar to one in The Hunger Games.The TerminatorIn a nod to the Hong Kong action films that gained cult popularity in America, he sees his victims being propelled on wires back at him. The question of whether this is true can be debated. Maniac Cop 2This is a Christmas film. It is, however, a Christmas film.

Maniac Cop 2It is free to view on Shudder and with ads on Tubi Roku Pluto TV or Vudu.

The Story of the Police

Image: The Criterion Collection

A classic Jackie Chan Hong Kong film from 1985 is the perfect place to discover some Christmas cheer. In 1985’s The Story of the PoliceChan directed the finale sequence. It is a chaotic kung-fu brawl which takes place in a bustling shopping center. Throughout the intensely choreographed fight, as bodies are crashing through multiple panes of glass from fiercely delivered blows, we can clearly see holiday shoppers carrying brightly wrapped packages, signs surrounded by images of Christmas trees declaring “Merry Christmas,” and countless numbers of holiday lights.

Those same lights also play a factor in one of the grandest stunts of Chan’s legendary career. At one point during the melee, he jumps several feet from a guardrail on one of the building’s upper floors to a pole adorned with strings of Christmas lights. Chan continues to slide six stories down the pole and destroys the lights as he goes. He then crashes through the glass enclosure at ground-level, breaking the fall by destroying a wooden desk. To show the authenticity of the act, Chan did not use airbags or crash mats. The film shows the entire stunt in one take. Chan was able to walk away with minor injuries from his insane stunt. He had only burned his hands and suffered a fractured pelvis after hitting the table. It was truly a Christmas miracle.

The Story of the Police You can watch it on HBO Max.

Riot

Image by PM Entertainment Group

Gary Daniels’ 1996 video store classic is one of his strongest works. The story involves a retired SAS officer who is tasked with saving the British ambassador’s daughter after she is kidnapped during a massive Christmas Eve riot in Los Angeles.

This whole project is an homage to cult classics such as Escape New York The Warriors with less than 10% of those films’ budgets but with 100% more spin kicks, fights with motocross gangs, and professional boxing legends (“Sugar” Ray Leonard appears briefly as Daniels’ old war buddy and gets to engage in a few fisticuffs during a memorable bar brawl). RiotAlthough it lacks originality and smarts, the book is full of clever action from the geniuses behind. Maniac Cop 2 Also, the stunt work required for major Hollywood productions. Fast & Furious 6, VenomPlease see the following: 21 BridgesTo name a few, it includes: You can even see future John Wick chief honcho Chad Stahelski performing stunts.

It’s top-notch and many of the scenes are set in streets lit with Christmas lights. This is all accompanied by a holiday soundtrack. Riot One of the funniest entries (and most exciting) on this list.

Riot It is also available for rent through Amazon

Last Boy Scout

Warner Bros.

John McClane is not the only character in Bruce Willis’ lengthy acting career that engaged in Christmastime heroics against seemingly unbeatable odds. From the 1991 neonoir, private eye Joe Hallenbeck Last Boy ScoutThis distinction is shared by.

A script that was written by Antoine de Saint-Exupery reveals the story of the gumshoe, a misanthropic and burned out chapshoe. Lethal Weapon Shane Black is the scribe. The story of Shane Black is a film like the one in. Last Boy ScoutThis film has a complex storyline that is deceptively complicated. Hallenbeck’s role as bodyguard leads to Hallenbeck eventually being pulled into the investigation of a murder. It may sound like the film is all about sleuthing, but Black’s script and bombastic direction by the late Tony Scott (Top GunWillis has plenty to do. He can rip off bad guys and deliver hilarious, snarky dialogue.

A part of the reason Last Boy Scout is not spoken of as a Christmas action classic is because it’s easy to overlook the fact the story takes place during the holidays. Outside of one line of dialogue (and a tiny running gag about a sinister Santa Claus variant), the film doesn’t lean into its holiday setting nearly as much as other Shane Black-scripted films like Goodnight, Long Kiss Iron Man 3These are great additions to the list. Christmas doesn’t always feel very festive or like a priority as daily life whizzes by. It’s refreshingly real to ignore the holiday trappings in that way.

Last Boy ScoutTubi allows you to view it for free, with no ads.