Everyone Knows Die Hard Is A Christmas Movie, But There’s Another ’80s Action Classic That Is Too (It’s Not Lethal Weapon, Either)

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Back in the 1980s, many action movies were set during Christmas time. I’ve always avoided the arguments about whether Die Hard counts as a Christmas movie, and Lethal Weapon often gets the same debate. I’m not joining those discussions now. Instead, I want to ask a new question: Is First Blood (also known as Rambo: First Blood) actually a Christmas movie? My answer is yes.

First Blood Takes Place In December

Although First Blood is set in the Pacific Northwest, it doesn’t feel particularly like a Christmas movie. The lack of snow and the constant presence of evergreens make the time of year unclear – it could be almost any time, though it’s certainly chilly. While the weather in that region is known for being unpredictable, the story actually takes place in December.

Just because a movie takes place during Christmas doesn’t automatically make it a Christmas movie, but ‘First Blood’ definitely incorporates the holiday. The film immediately establishes a Christmas setting with decorations like a tree and a ‘Merry Christmas’ banner at the police station – it wasn’t a coincidence. This is further emphasized when Rambo escapes and rides through town, where everything is decked out for the holidays.

We Can Argue Over Which ‘80s Action Movie Is The Best

Feel free to debate which of the classic ’80s action Christmas movies – Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, or First Blood – is the best. While I enjoy Die Hard, First Blood is probably my personal favorite. It doesn’t have as many memorable lines or as much lightheartedness as the other two, but it’s a truly well-made film. I’m not a huge fan of the later Rambo movies, and honestly, I don’t love the sequels in the other franchises much either.

If you’re trying to decide which Rambo movie to watch, or if it’s been a while since you’ve seen the original, First Blood, I suggest revisiting it with your Paramount+ subscription. Now is a great time, as they have a Black Friday sale happening! After Thanksgiving dinner, get into the holiday spirit by watching Sylvester Stallone cause trouble for a town’s police force in the Oregon woods.

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2025-11-26 04:08