The Top 5 Best Christmas Action Movies of All Time
Who says Christmas is all about cozy nights, carols, and holiday cheer? Sometimes, the best way to celebrate the season is with adrenaline-pumping action, thrilling storylines, and a sprinkling of yuletide chaos. From battling burglars to fending off criminal masterminds, these five Christmas action movies will have you decking the halls with a sense of excitement. Let’s dive in!
5. Home Alone (1990)
While you might remember this John Hughes classic for its hilarious antics and heartfelt moments, Home Alone doubles as a masterclass in guerrilla warfare tactics. When young Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left behind during the holidays, he quickly learns that survival sometimes calls for creative—and borderline sadistic—measures. The Wet Bandits (Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci) mistake Kevin for easy prey, only to face a Rube Goldberg-esque house of horrors. With slapstick violence that could make a seasoned action hero wince, the film’s final act is more Die Hard than It’s a Wonderful Life. Who knew Christmas could be this dangerous?
4. Batman Returns (1992)
Gotham City may be dark and brooding year-round, but in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns, it transforms into a holiday wonderland draped in festive lights and snow. Don’t be fooled by the cheerful decorations, though. The holiday spirit is no match for the sinister plans of the Penguin (Danny DeVito), whose twisted schemes threaten the city. Meanwhile, Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) brings her own brand of chaos, and Christopher Walken’s industrialist adds to the seasonal gloom. While Christmas may not be the focal point, the stark contrast between winter cheer and the movie’s brooding undertones makes it an unconventional holiday favorite.
3. The Silent Partner (1978)
This underappreciated gem casts Christmas in a decidedly sinister light. In The Silent Partner, Elliott Gould plays Miles Cullen, a mild-mannered bank teller who outsmarts a mall Santa–turned-bank-robber (Christopher Plummer). Cullen’s clever scheme to siphon off stolen cash turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse when the psychopathic thief uncovers his betrayal. Plummer’s portrayal of a menacing, unhinged Santa is chilling, elevating the tension to nail-biting heights. For those who like their Christmas movies with a side of psychological suspense, this one’s for you.
2. Lethal Weapon (1987)
Christmas serves as the backdrop for Shane Black’s action-packed buddy cop masterpiece, Lethal Weapon. Mel Gibson’s Martin Riggs is a man on the edge, struggling with the loss of his wife and his own demons, until he’s paired with the grounded family man, Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover). As the unlikely duo takes on drug cartels, their camaraderie and personal growth shine, creating a story of redemption wrapped in action. Add in a few festive touches, like a shootout amidst twinkling lights, and you’ve got a film that captures the chaos and hope of the season.
1. Die Hard (1988)
If Die Hard isn’t the ultimate Christmas action movie, then what is? John McClane (Bruce Willis) spends Christmas Eve battling terrorists and walking barefoot on broken glass in Nakatomi Plaza to save his estranged wife. Alan Rickman’s Hans Gruber is the quintessential holiday villain—calculating, charismatic, and utterly ruthless. With its themes of family, sacrifice, and holiday spirit (albeit with plenty of explosions), Die Hard has cemented its place as a yuletide classic. The debate over whether it’s a Christmas movie is a moot point; its festive setting and timeless appeal make it as essential as eggnog at your holiday party.
So there you have it—five Christmas action movies that bring as much chaos as cheer to the holiday season. Whether you’re in the mood for a mischievous kid defending his home, Gotham City intrigue, or a barefoot hero saving the day, these films are sure to make your holiday movie marathon a blast.
By Hoagie
blog sponsored by BuzzleShopping.com
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