Top Action Movies To Watch This Christmas (Besides Die Hard)

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Look, everyone loves Die Hard around Christmas, and I totally get why – it’s become a tradition for so many of us to watch it every year. But if you’re looking for other awesome action flicks to enjoy during the holidays, I’ve put together a list. Honestly, while people endlessly argue whether it counts as a Christmas movie, the real point is that it just feels like Christmas for a lot of viewers, and that’s what matters!

Die Hard is a fantastic action film, with a great story, perfect actors, and impressive scenes. Watching it every Christmas feels like catching up with an old friend. While some people prefer more heartwarming choices like It’s a Wonderful Life or the original Home Alone movies, Die Hard remains a classic.

As much as I love a good action movie, I don’t feel guilty about occasionally skipping the original Die Hard – there are tons of others set around Christmas! Honestly, the holiday doesn’t even need to be central to the plot. A Christmas tree in a scene or even just a festive tune playing is enough to count for me.

Lethal Weapon (1987)

Both Die Hard and Lethal Weapon have a lot in common, particularly because they were produced by the same person, Joel Silver. What stands out about the first Lethal Weapon movie is how gritty and serious it is. Unlike the more lighthearted and comedic tone of the sequels, the original film can be quite violent and even unsettling.

Mel Gibson plays a reckless, troubled cop who is partnered with Danny Glover’s experienced detective. They constantly argue while solving Christmas-time shootings and murders, but ultimately become close friends. Director Richard Donner brings a lot of warmth to this action-packed buddy cop film, and the action sequences are incredibly well-done.

Silent Night (2023)

As a huge John Woo fan, I was thrilled to see him return to American filmmaking with this really unique project. It’s incredibly experimental – get this, Silent Night has absolutely no dialogue! The whole story unfolds as Joel Kinnaman’s character, a father driven by grief and rage, hunts down the people who harmed his son. It’s a bold move, and honestly, it really works.

Okay, so Silent Night isn’t perfect – honestly, it has some problems and the whole ‘silent’ thing gets a little old after a while. But Woo is still amazing at directing action sequences, and Kinnaman really delivers with his performance – it’s seriously impressive how much he conveys without saying a word! Plus, Christmas isn’t just a backdrop; it’s actually a really important part of the story.

Reindeer Games (2000)

Okay, let me tell you about Reindeer Games. It’s one of those movies you secretly enjoy, even though it’s a little…out there. Ben Affleck plays a convict who gets pulled into a casino heist by the incredibly captivating Charlize Theron. Sadly, it was director John Frankenheimer’s last movie – the same guy who brought us classics like The Manchurian Candidate and Ronin. Honestly, for most of the film it feels like it’s building tension, but it does deliver some genuinely exciting action sequences. It’s a bit of a ride!

The movie’s Christmas heist is definitely the most memorable part, featuring a group of Santa-suited criminals whose plan quickly falls apart. While it’s not the director’s or cast’s finest achievement – Charlize Theron herself has called it her least favorite film – Reindeer Games is still a fun and undemanding Christmas watch.

Carry On (2024)

I was immediately reminded of Die Hard 2 when I started watching Carry On – the whole thing takes place at an airport, just like that movie! The story follows a TSA agent, played by Taron Egerton, who gets strong-armed by a terrorist, Jason Bateman, into helping with a really dangerous plan. Honestly, I think Christmas at an airport is the perfect place to create a feeling of intense pressure and suspense – it just naturally amps up the stress!

Director Jaume Collet-Serra, known for films like The Commuter, excels at making thrilling, low-budget movies. This skill is why his film Carry On was so popular on Netflix in 2024. Taron Egerton plays a relatable and sympathetic hero, and Collet-Serra steadily builds tension until the movie culminates in a fast-paced, action-packed ending.

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Shane Black first gained recognition as a master of action films set during Christmas with his work on Lethal Weapon. He later directed the third Iron Man movie, where Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as Tony Stark. In this film, Stark battles a new terrorist threat while also coping with post-traumatic stress following the events of The Avengers.

Shane Black’s approach to Iron Man 3 prioritizes a more personal story for Tony Stark, minimizing his time in the Iron Man suit. This turned out to be a great decision, making it one of the strongest standalone films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie is full of Black’s signature witty dialogue and exciting action, but ultimately, it showcases Robert Downey Jr.’s finest performance as Tony Stark.

Violent Night (2022)

With so many movies copying Die Hard, it was inevitable someone would put Santa Claus in that kind of action story. Violent Night stars David Harbour as Santa, who accidentally stumbles into a dangerous home invasion at a secluded mansion when a group of mercenaries takes over.

Released in 2022, this funny and violent movie feels like a more intense version of both Die Hard and Home Alone, even playfully referencing the latter in a surprisingly dark way. While it’s a bit lengthy, Violent Night perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays and delivers non-stop action, making it a great pick for watching on Christmas Eve.

The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)

This action movie, written by Shane Black, features Geena Davis as a woman with amnesia who discovers she used to be a highly skilled assassin. Teaming up with a private investigator played by Samuel L. Jackson, she tries to evade enemies from her former life. Many consider The Long Kiss Goodnight to be a hidden gem and a thoroughly enjoyable film from start to finish.

This movie has the over-the-top action and style you’d expect from a 90s blockbuster, combined with some of Black’s sharpest writing. Geena Davis is fantastic playing two roles, and it’s a shame she didn’t appear in more action films. Samuel L. Jackson has even said The Long Kiss Goodnight is one of his favorite movies.

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

Watching James Bond films is a popular holiday tradition, and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is especially fitting for the season. In this installment, George Lazenby steps into the role of 007 for the first and only time, heading to the snowy Swiss Alps to confront Blofeld (played by Telly Savalas). Along the way, he falls in love with Tracy, a character brought to life by Diana Rigg.

When it first came out, this sixth James Bond film wasn’t very well received, but it’s since become considered one of the best in the series. It’s not hard to see why – the film features a compelling and heartbreaking story, amazing action sequences, and a strong festive atmosphere. George Lazenby also delivers a surprisingly solid performance as Bond.

Batman Returns (1992)

Batman Returns is a truly unique and deeply personal blockbuster. Warner Bros. gave director Tim Burton almost complete freedom, allowing him to create a story about isolated and unusual characters – Batman, Catwoman, and The Penguin – colliding during a snowy Christmas season in Gotham City.

Released in 1992, this film is visually impressive and showcases fantastic performances from Michelle Pfeiffer and Danny DeVito. The music is great, and although the action isn’t the strongest part, Batman Returns really captures the sad and complicated feelings some people experience during the holidays.

The Last Boy Scout (1991)

Looking for a great action movie with Bruce Willis this holiday season? Don’t miss The Last Boy Scout. It’s a clever detective thriller with a script by Shane Black, featuring Willis as a down-on-his-luck private investigator who joins forces with a former football star, played by Damon Wayans, to crack a murder case.

Making The Last Boy Scout was notoriously difficult, with frequent disagreements between director Tony Scott and producer Joel Silver. However, despite all the problems during production, the film is a visually stunning action movie – set during Christmas – with a fantastic script. It also showcases some of Tony Scott’s finest action directing.

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2025-12-14 20:51