According to a recent survey by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), 44% of respondents said the 1988 action film Die Hard does not qualify as a Christmas movie. Results show that only 38% said it was and 17% said they were unsure. Meanwhile, 5% named it their favourite Christmas film.

The debate over Die Hard’s seasonal status has flared for decades. Its plot unfolds during a Christmas-Eve office party, but its mix of high-octane action and irreverent tones sets it apart from traditional festive films. Some continue to argue the setting alone makes it “Christmas enough,” while others insist that the essential warmth, family-friendly spirit and holiday themes are missing.

Notably, the poll also ranked beloved holiday favourites: Home Alone topped the list as the UK’s number one Christmas film, followed by Love Actually, It’s a Wonderful Life and Elf.

The outcome may not settle the debate worldwide – many fans still watch Die Hard yearly as part of their holiday tradition – but for now, in Britain at least, a slight majority have drawn the line: when it comes to Christmas movies, Die Hard doesn’t make the cut.