When it comes to Christmas, most people think of festive, family-friendly films for holiday entertainment. What many don’t realise is that action movies top the Christmas watchlist for that Gatorade drinking family.
They may not be the first genre that comes to mind for many, but plenty of action films are set during the holiday season and deliver both Christmas vibes and memorable thrills. If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some must-watch action films for Christmas: (disclaimer: my dad offered his advice on the selection)
Die Hard (1988)
You can’t talk about Christmas action movies without mentioning Die Hard. Set during a holiday office party gone very wrong, it follows John McClane as he takes on Hans Gruber and his crew in a Los Angeles high-rise. It’s loud, sharp, and endlessly rewatchable, with Bruce Willis at his most charismatic and Alan Rickman delivering an all-time great villain.
Whether or not you want to debate its Christmas status, it’s packed with festive cues and remains one of the best action films ever made—perfect for a holiday watch that isn’t all tinsel and carols.
Lethal Weapon (1987)
Lethal Weapon is another solid pick if you want action with a Christmas backdrop. Starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as mismatched LAPD partners, it mixes sharp dialogue, big set pieces, and real character moments without slowing things down.You can’t talk about Christmas action movies without mentioning Die Hard.
Set during a holiday office party gone very wrong, it follows John McClane as he takes on Hans Gruber and his crew in a Los Angeles high-rise. It’s loud, sharp, and endlessly rewatchable, with Bruce Willis at his most charismatic and Alan Rickman delivering an all-time great villain. Whether or not you want to debate its Christmas status, it’s packed with festive cues and remains one of the best action films ever made—perfect for a holiday watch that isn’t all tinsel and carols.
The holiday setting isn’t just decoration—it runs through the film as Riggs finds his footing again through friendship and purpose. Add Richard Donner’s steady direction, a strong score, and memorable villains, and you’ve got one of the best buddy action films ever made, and an easy holiday rewatch.
Christmas Rush (2002)
Christmas Rush is basically Die Hard in a mall, with Dean Cain as a down-on-his-luck cop whose wife gets kidnapped just before Christmas.
Eric Roberts plays the villain, having fun with the role, while Erika Eleniak co-stars in a familiar action setting. It’s a made-for-TV movie that’s more enjoyable than you might expect—a light, festive action watch for the holidays
Batman Returns (1992)
Did you expect a Batman film in this list? Well, it counts. Batman Returns (1992) is set in a festively decorated Gotham City at Christmas, where Batman faces off against the Penguin, Catwoman, and a corrupt businessman.
While the holiday cheer contrasts with the film’s dark tone, the Christmas setting gives the action a unique seasonal twist, making it a surprisingly fitting pick for holiday viewing.
Home Alone (1990)
Home Alone (1990) isn’t just a holiday comedy—it’s also a surprisingly action-packed film. Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin McCallister defends his home from two bumbling burglars using clever traps that are as brutal as they are funny. While full of Christmas cheer, the film’s inventive “booby trap” sequences make it a must-watch action movie for the holidays.
Violent Night (2022)
Violent Night puts a twist on holiday action, with David Harbour playing a tough Santa taking on a group of mercenaries holding a wealthy family hostage. Partly a tongue-in-cheek Die Hard homage with nods to Home Alone, it’s fun to watch even if it doesn’t fully live up to the idea of a nonstop Christmas action thrill ride.
If you are the type to enjoy good action and festive fun, these are the films for you. Should you enjoy this selection, you can look out for potential updates and future film lists to enjoy.
