Die Hard Isn’t the Best Christmas Action Movie, Because This 1982 Favorite Is Actually #1

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The holidays are full of cherished traditions, from decorating trees and admiring lights to baking and swapping cookies with loved ones. As December approaches, many people also enjoy watching holiday movies, which inevitably leads to the yearly debate: is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Honestly, that argument will likely never be resolved – some people just won’t accept it as a holiday film, and that’s okay. But even if opinions on Die Hard vary, we can all agree on one thing: it’s not even the best Christmas action movie. There’s another film that truly deserves the top spot.

Released in 1982, First Blood—also known as Rambo: First Blood—kicked off the popular Rambo film series. Starring Sylvester Stallone, the movie centers on John Rambo, a Vietnam War veteran, who finds trouble in a small Washington town. After an unfair arrest, he escapes and uses his combat and survival skills to evade a relentless manhunt. Although it doesn’t seem like a typical holiday film, First Blood is set during Christmas and offers a unique perspective on the season. It explores themes of peace—though through the lens of trauma and tragedy—examining a soldier’s PTSD and the corruption within a small town, offering a thought-provoking look at the darker side of the holidays. Brian Dennehy also stars in the film.

First Blood is a Holiday Tragedy That Calls Out Hypocrisy — And Shines a Light on the Suffering of Others

Let’s be clear: Christmas isn’t a major part of the movie First Blood. You won’t find a Santa Claus story or typical Christmas traditions. And it doesn’t even snow – the film is set in a part of the Pacific Northwest where snowfall isn’t common, though there are plenty of pine trees. Still, the movie does take place in December, and that seasonal setting actually emphasizes the hypocrisy and harshness of some characters, especially Sheriff Teasle. The sheriff’s office is decorated for the holidays with a “Merry Christmas” banner, but those festive touches feel insincere when you consider how unwelcoming the town is.

In the film, Rambo arrives in the small town of Hope, Washington, only to discover he’s the sole survivor of his military unit. Instead of compassion, he’s immediately confronted by Sheriff Teasle, who runs him out of town. When Rambo returns, he’s arrested and then subjected to mistreatment by the deputies – a deceptive facade of friendliness masking underlying cruelty. The film follows Rambo as he fights his way out of town, driven to action by the abuse he endures. Eventually, the National Guard calls in his former commander in an attempt to persuade him to surrender, which he ultimately does. Before surrendering, however, Rambo reveals the deep emotional struggles he’s faced since returning from war, highlighting the feelings of displacement and isolation many veterans experience.

Unlike most Christmas movies that highlight the good in people and show characters learning to be kinder, First Blood presents a more realistic view. While films like A Christmas Carol demonstrate how people can change for the better through hardship, First Blood suggests that compassion isn’t always extended to those who need it most. Rambo simply wants understanding and peace after a difficult life, but he’s met with hostility instead. Essentially, he’s searching for tranquility and receives only suffering.

Die Hard May Be More “Fun” But First Blood Has a Better Message

While Die Hard might be more purely entertaining, First Blood is a better Christmas action movie because of its deeper message. The film uses the holiday season to explore themes of trauma, the effects of war, and the importance of empathy. It subtly reminds us that the spirit of goodwill, central to Christmas, is often overlooked. First Blood is a poignant film, and its message feels especially relevant during the holidays.

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2025-12-23 04:11