As the holiday season commences, the typical “favorite Christmas movie” question becomes asked more frequently. Movies such as Polar Express, Elf, and A Christmas Story are all popular answers, but on the rare occasion when an individual answers “Die Hard” there always is someone quick to reply with “That’s not a Christmas movie”. Generally that five word reply launches a debate amongst the individuals on the premise of whether or not “Die Hard” truly is a Christmas movie. Curious to further help end the dispute I conducted a poll among Central Kitsap High School.

“The decorations, surroundings, soundtrack, and the time of year all point to Christmas, of course it’s a Christmas movie,” stated teacher at Central Kitsap High School Jessie French.

Throughout the duration of the movie the the theme of Christmas plays a major role in the plot.

“Christmas is even present in the beginning of the movie.” stated French.

In the initial scenes the movie follows the protagonist John McClane to LA on christmas eve. McClane then steps off the plane bearing a Christmas gift in hand and later catches a limo (where McClane requests to listen to Christmas music) to head to an office Christmas party.

When presented with the question 57.9% of the individuals polled at Central Kitsap High School agreed with French believing that the movie “Die Hard” indeed meets the qualifications of a Christmas movie.

“It’s the only Christmas movie we watch yearly,” stated Central Kitsap High School Senior Clark Farley.

Farley considered “Die Hard” a Christmas movie because it acts as the catalyst which brought two families together.

Farley stated that “The movie has sparked a tradition by bringing our families together to watch the movies.

“I think it’s a christmas movie because spending time with family and friends is what the holiday season is all about.” stated Farley.

On the opposition 26.9% agreed with Central Kitsap High School Senior Julian Dorsey agreeing that “Die Hard” is not a Christmas movie.

“For me when I think of the movie “Die Hard” I think of action and less about Christmas,” stated Dorsey.

The theme of action is existent heavily throughout the entire movie. The plot follows McClane as he attempts to escape and save the hostages from international terrorists who are stealing millions of dollars in bonds from the firm.

“Honestly “Die Hard” could still be a solid movie no matter what time of year it took place. I  think Christmas helps set the theme but is not the main focus of the movie,” stated Dorsey.

The remaining 20.6% of the individuals polled answered that they have not seen the movie or can’t remember enough of the plot to pick an opinion.

Out of the 133 students polled a slight majority agreed that “Die Hard” is classified as Christmas movie. “In the grand scheme of things it doesn’t matter if you agree, disagree, or have a generic view on the topic as long a you are enjoying your holiday season,” stated French