Seven Christmas-Inspired Action Movies

Have you listened to Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" yet? If so, that signals Thanksgiving has passed, and the festive season is officially underway. And with it comes the perfect excuse to indulge in holiday movies! Personally, I enjoy Christmas films year-roundlimiting yourself to a single month just seems cruel. Here are five movies that ease you into the Christmas spirit. They aren't traditional holiday films but carry a festive undertone.

Die Hard

Lets address the classic debate: is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Set during the holiday season, it masterfully integrates its setting to enhance the narrative. Beyond its festive backdrop, its a cinematic masterpiece that shines even more when watched during Christmas.

Batman Returns (1992)

Tim Burton's 1989 Batman kickstarted the franchise with Jack Nicholsons unforgettable Joker and a visually stunning Gotham. But the 1992 sequel, Batman Returns, elevated the series with bold visuals and a provocative storyline. Michelle Pfeiffers Catwoman, clad in leather and armed with a whip, made the Christmas season seem unexpectedly thrilling. This film blends festive imagery with edgy storytelling, leaving a lasting impression.

First Blood (1982)

The Rambo series is packed with iconic scenes, but none as striking as John Rambo returning to a small town during Christmas. Armed and determined, he transforms the town into a chaotic battlefield. Christmas decorations juxtaposed with the violence add an eerie and surreal tone, subtly paralleling the biblical story of rejection and refuge in the nativity narrative.

Gangster Squad (2013)

This stylized retelling of the LAPD's 1940s war on crime delivers a neon-soaked, action-packed experience. The climax unfolds on Christmas, with a dramatic slow-motion shootout in a festively decorated ballroom. While some might argue its style over substance, the films visual flair and audacious action sequences make it a holiday-worthy watch.

Prometheus (2012)

Ridley Scotts Alien prequel may not match the original, but its visual grandeur and thematic depth stand out. The crew celebrates Christmas aboard their ship with modest decorations, tying into themes of faith, resurrection, and creation. The holiday setting enhances the storys philosophical and spiritual layers, making it more than just a sci-fi adventure.

Extra Holiday Recommendations

Other films worth mentioning include John Woos Revenge on Christmas, which follows a father seeking vengeance during the festive season, and Shane Blacks Lethal Weapon, a classic buddy-cop film set in Los Angeles during Christmas. The holiday backdrop adds tension, surrealism, and memorable festive moments, such as drinking eggnog straight from the carton.

These movies show that the spirit of Christmas can exist in unexpected placesfrom action-packed thrillers to darkly comedic adventures. The holiday season isnt just for traditional fare; its an opportunity to experience familiar themes in bold, unconventional ways.

Author: Sophia Brooks