Christmas isn't just about carols and cozy nights by the fire; it's also a time for heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled action movies that give a whole new meaning to "holiday spirit." From the iconic showdowns in Die Hard to the thrilling escapades in Violent Night, this list of the best Christmas action movies promises to keep your holidays thrilling.
How does John Woo's latest movie stack up against these classics? Watch Silent Night on Vudu!
Die Hard is back in theaters for a limited time. Buy tickets at Fandango!
20. Rocky IV (1985)
Tomatometer: 39%
Audience Score: 79%
In Rocky IV, Christmas plays a backdrop to one of the most iconic boxing matches in film history. Seeking to avenge Apollo Creed's death, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) challenges Ivan Drago to a fight on Soviet Soil. The festive season contrasts with the intense training and epic showdown , adding a unique layer to this beloved sports drama. It's a Christmas movie that packs a powerful punch, both literally and figuratively.
19. Death Race (2008)
Tomatometer: 41%
Audience Score: 60%
Death Race offers a stark contrast to traditional Christmas movies, what with its high-octane action and dystopian setting. Set in a future where prisoners compete in deadly car races to earn their freedom, the film stars Jason Statham as a prisoner competing in a Christmas Day race. Death Race combines intense racing action with a sweet message about the importance of family. It's an adrenaline-pumping experience for viewers looking for an unconventional holiday movie.
18. The Jacket (2005)
Tomatometer: 44%
Audience score: 73%
The Jacket combines elements of drama, fantasy, science fiction and mystery against a Christmas backdrop. Adrien Brody stars as an amnesiac a Gulf War veteran who's framed for murder and sent to a psychiatric hospital. He becomes entangled becomes entangled in a mysterious psychiatric experiment that involves sensory deprivation -- a stark contract to the sights and sounds of the season. The time-hopping narrative examines questions of fate, destiny and the impact that one person can have.
17. Fatman (2020)
Tomatometer: 44%
Audience Score: 84%
Fatman takes a more unconventional approach to the Christmas genre. Mel Gibson stars as a gritty Santa Claus in this action-packed dark comedy. It's not enough that his business is struggling: This Christmas, a kid disgruntled about receiving coal has sent an assassin after the big man! Blending the festive spirit with a thrilling tale of revenge and survival, Fatman is a uniquely wild ride.
16. The Last Boy Scout (1991)
Tomatometer: 46%
Audience Score: 68%
The Last Boy Scout, a Shane Black-penned action comedy, might be subtle in its Christmas setting, but it packs a punch with its humor and thrilling action sequences. It follows an unlikely duo—a disgraced football player and a Secret Service agent-turned-private detective (Damon Wayans and Bruce Willis, respectively)—as they unravel a conspiracy. The nods to the holiday add a seasonable twist to the big action and witty one-liners.
15. The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)
Tomatometer: 68%
Audience Score: 70%
In The Long Kiss Goodnight, Geena Davis stars as Samantha Cane, an amnesiac schoolteacher who starts to remember her past life as a skilled assassin. As she uncovers the truth about her identity, she must race to stop a terrorist attack planned for a Christmas parade. Samantha is aided in her quest by Mitch (Samuel L. Jackson), a down-on-his-luck private investigator. The movie cleverly uses the holiday season as a backdrop to astounding effect.
14. Die Hard 2 (1990)
Tomatometer: 70%
Audience Score: 70%
A sequel that lives up to the original, Die Hard 2 sees John McClane (Bruce Willis) in another wrong-place-wrong-time scenario on Christmas Eve. This time, the action unfolds at Washington Dulles International Airport, complete with terrorists and holiday decorations aplenty. It's a thrilling ride that maintains the Christmas spirit amidst high-stakes action.
13. Enemy of the State (1998)
Tomatometer: 71%
Audience score: 78%
Will Smith and Gene Hackman lead the cast of the high-stakes espionage thriller Enemy of the State. In the middle of a season of festive shopping and bright decorations, a lawyer (Smith) is framed for murder and money laundering. Hackman plays a mysterious man who helps in the lawyer’s quest expose the truth. Enemy of the State combines intense action with a gripping plot, making it a standout choice for mystery lovers.
12. RED (2010)
Tomatometer: 72%
Audience Score: 72%
In the action-comedy RED, retired CIA agent Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) becomes an assassin’s target –just in time for the holidays! Capturing the murderous assassin will take the help of former colleagues and contacts, played by a who’s who of Actors of a Certain Age, including John Malkovich, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren and Ernest Borgnine – all “Retired, Extremely Dangerous”. The cast clearly relishes the chance to combine exhilarating action sequences and sharp humor, and the festive elements add a touch of warmth. RED is an absolute blast of a holiday watch.
11. Violent Night (2022)
Tomatometer: 74%
Audience score: 78%
When a team of mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family’s home and takes everyone hostage, they encounter a sesasonal obstacle: Santa Claus. See, Santa Claus isn’t just some jolly sled driver: he’s an ancient Viking who won’t hesitate to fight dirty if that’s what it takes to save a family’s Christmas. Violent Night is bloody good fun that will have you looking at Santa in a whole new way.
10. Lethal Weapon (1987)
Tomatometer: 80%
Audience score: 86%
Lethal Weapon has everything we love in a Christmas action comedy. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover’s chemistry as officers Riggs and Murtaugh is on constant display as we romp through nearly two hours of sparkling humor, high-octane action and a whole lot of heart. There’s even a shootout in a Christmas tree lot!
9. Batman Returns (1992)
Tomatometer: 81%
Audience Score: 73%
Tim Burton's Batman Returns is a gothic masterpiece of a sequel. As the snow comes down on a darkly festive Gotham City, Michael Keaton's Batman faces off against Danny DeVito's Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman. Burton's love for the macabre and Batman's willingness to swing into action at a moment's notice get a sprinkling of holiday charm, and the result is darkly delightful.
8. The Bourne Identity (2002)
Tomatometer: 84%
Audience score: 93%
Some people wake up to gifts or visits from loved ones during the holidays. Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) wakes up with amnesia and assassins on his tail, forcing him to dive into a desperate search to uncover just who he really is. The Bourne Identity combines intense action sequences with a complex plot. It's a thrilling addition to any holiday movie marathon.
7. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Tomatometer: 86%
Audience Score: 87%
Shane Black’s Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a Christmas action movie with a twist. The dark comedy stars Robert Downey Jr. as a petty thief-turned-actor who gets caught up in a private detective's murder investigation. It’s a tongue-in-cheek ode to classic film noirs that’s packed with sharp wit and entertaining action – a perfect pick for anyone who likes their holiday action with a bit of bite.
6. First Blood (1982)
Tomatometer: 86%
Audience Score: 85%
When we first meet troubled Vietnam War veteran John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone), he’s just trying to get through the holiday season. When he’s arrested and abused by a small-town sheriff and his deputies, all of Rambo’s past comes rushing back. He’s soon the target of a manhunt, and it takes all of his combat and survival skills to stay alive. While this movie is heavier on the action and violence than it is on the holiday spirit, the subtly seasonal setting makes for an intriguing contrast to the usual holiday fare.
5. Gremlins (1984)
Tomatometer: 86%
Audience Score: 78%
A young man receives an adorable, if unusual, pet as a Christmas gift. It comes with three instructions: Don’t expose it to bright light; don’t let it get wet; and never, ever feed it after midnight. The recipient soon finds out why, as the adorable critters turn into mischievous little monsters with a taste for chaos. Gremlins is a classic blend of horror, comedy and holiday action. Great for kids, too!
4. 12 Monkeys (1995)
Tomatometer: 88%
Audience Score: 88%
12 Monkeys stands out as a cerebral entry in the Christmas action genre. This sci-fi thriller stars Bruce Willis as a troubled prisoner from a future dystopian society who's sent back in time to gather information about a virus that wiped out most of humanity. The narrative weaves through a Christmassy past and a bleak future. It's a thought-provoking watch for the holiday season
3. Shazam! (2019)
Tomatometer: 90%
Audience score: 82%
Shazam! is a delightful blend of superhero action and Christmas charm. Holiday magic is front and center as we follow a teenage boy in foster care who gains the power to transform into a superhero. With exhilarating action and heartwarming moments, and themes of family and identity, Shazam! is a fresh and festive take on the superhero genre.
2. Die Hard (1988)
Tomatometer: 94%
Audience Score: 94%
Die Hard isn’t just an action-packed extravaganza; it’s a holiday staple. When police officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) battles Hans Gruber and his band of terrorists in Nakatomi Plaza on Christmas Eve, what transpires is a blend of explosive action, festive elements and one-liners you’ll be quoting for days. It’s a great watch at home, but we’re excited that it’s back in theaters for this year’s holiday season, too. Yippee ki yay!
1. The Princess Bride (1987)
Tomatometer: 98%
Audience Score: 94%
We can hear some of you right now: “The movie that came in ahead of Die Hard isn’t a Christmas action movie!” Hear us out. The Princess Bride takes place during the holidays – peep the Santa on the wall and those Christmas lights outside the window as a grandfather reads a story to his grandson. Action? We have fiercely contested swordfights, thrilling chases and daring escapes. But even without that, we feel The Princess Bride perfectly encapsulates the holiday season. It’s a heartwarming ode to the power of love in all its forms, whether it’s the love of family, friends or romantic partners. Plus, it’s a movie that family members of all ages can truly enjoy together.
The Final Word
From the high-stakes action of Die Hard to the comedic charm of The Princess Bride, this list of the best Christmas action movies offers something for every movie buff. Whether you're in the mood for a classic action-packed tale or a genre-blending adventure, these films bring the spirit of the holiday season to life in the most exhilarating way. So grab some popcorn, cozy up, and get ready for a thrilling ride through the most exciting Christmas action movies ever made.
