Because it’s a holiday movie, Macaulay was asked about his favorite holiday films — but his list drew some ire for omitting a certain beloved movie.
According to People, Macaulay told the audience, “A big one in our household growing up was A Christmas Story, certainly was always on. A lost classic or one that people kind of forget: Scrooged…. Scrooged is awesome, though. Yeah, we watch it all the time. Those were ones that really stick out.”
Macaulay also shared other holiday movies he liked, but didn’t consider absolute favorites.
He said, “There’s some ones that come later. Elf is a really good one, but I wasn’t raised on Elf, so it doesn’t have that nostalgia factor. And also, okay guys for real: Die Hard isn’t a Christmas movie.”
The audience reportedly started booing, prompting Macaulay to defend his stance. “I know,” he said. “Some of you guys want to fight me. I’ll meet you at the loading dock, but it’s just a movie that’s set at Christmas. If you set it at St. Patrick’s Day, the exact same movie.”
He added that Home Alone would still work even if it were set on St. Patrick’s Day.
Macaulay’s comments come amid a years-long debate over whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas movie. Some have argued that it does, due to its holiday setting and use of festive music. Others, however, have insisted that it doesn’t, since the story has little to do with Christmas. Even Bruce Willis has said it’s not a Christmas movie.
But what do YOU think? Is Die Hard a Christmas film or not? Share your thoughts in the comments.