When is Die Hard on TV this Christmas?

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As a cinema enthusiast with over four decades of film-watching under my belt, I can confidently say that Die Hard is not just a movie; it’s a timeless holiday tradition. I remember watching it for the first time during its initial release in 1988, back when VHS tapes were still a thing. It was summer then, and the Christmas setting didn’t strike me as particularly festive. But, oh, how times have changed!

With December upon us, cinephiles nationwide are busy curating their holiday movie lineups. Classics like The Muppet Christmas Carol, Elf, and Love Actually are sure picks, but one movie tends to spark debate among viewers.

Debate continues over three and a half decades later about whether Die Hard qualifies as a genuine Christmas film, despite its initial release in the summer. However, with its holiday backdrop, it experiences a significant surge in popularity during the winter season.

In this movie, directed by John McTiernan, Bruce Willis plays the role of NYPD detective John McClane. On Christmas Eve, he arrives in Los Angeles with hopes of reconciling with his spouse Holly (Bonnie Bedelia), who works for a company hosting their annual Christmas party.

Moments before stepping into her office, unfortunately, the structure is overtaken by the malicious Hans Gruber (portrayed by Alan Rickman) and his accomplices. They hold all the occupants captive within.

Reflecting back on its summer release in 1988, I doubt anyone expected this movie to be a holiday classic. Despite the seasonal backdrop, it certainly wasn’t designed to evoke feelings of warmth and coziness.

Initially, viewers may not have seen it as such, but with passing years, this film’s Christmas ambiance has been lovingly accepted and reimagined as a cherished holiday masterpiece. What makes exceptional movies so special is that they aren’t confined to being just one type of film.

However, will the movie be released during the 2024 holiday season, and what platforms can viewers stream it on? Here’s everything you should consider to settle the Christmas movie discussion definitively.

Is Die Hard on TV this Christmas?

Absolutely! There’s no Christmas like the one where Die Hard is shown on TV at least once, and it looks like the iconic action movie will indeed have a screening on Film4 this coming December.

The film will air on Film4 on Saturday 7th December at 9pm.

Where else can I watch Die Hard?

All five movies can be streamed on Disney Plus, with the initial movie added to the platform at a later date compared to its sequels.

  • You can sign up to Disney Plus for £4.99 a month or £79.90 a year.

Should you not be subscribed to Disney Plus, you can either buy or rent Die Hard and its sequels through Amazon Prime Video, or purchase the entire collection from Apple TV.

Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?

Debates among philosophers worldwide revolve around whether the film “Die Hard” qualifies as a Christmas movie. However, for most, it’s settled – it is indeed a Christmas movie, a point of view that stands firm.

Like the pronunciation of scone, it is a query that has plagued people for decades (or, at least, since 1988), with even Die Hard star Bruce Willis saying – controversially – that he doesn’t believe the action-thriller is a Christmas movie.

In 2021, a survey conducted by YouGov weighed in on the holiday argument, concluding that the public generally does not view the movie as a classic Christmas film, despite the fact that its director, John McTiernan, stated a year earlier that he believed it to be one.

Regardless if it’s a Christmas movie or not, Die Hard continues to stand out as one of the greatest and impactful action films ever produced. The holiday season simply lacks its usual charm without finding time to enjoy Bruce Willis’ remarkable performance.

How to watch the Die Hard films in order

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’ve got to share some exciting news about the Die Hard series! Over a span of about 25 years, five action-packed movies from this franchise graced our screens. The most recent addition, “A Good Day to Die Hard,” made its grand debut on Valentine’s Day in 2013 in US cinemas. Here’s the sequence in which they were released:

  1. Die Hard (1988)
  2. Die Hard 2 (1990)
  3. Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)
  4. Live Free or Die Hard (2007)
  5. A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)

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2024-12-04 16:34