Let’s settle the debate. Is the 1988 action classic “Die Hard” a Christmas film?

The back-and-forth has raged for decades. It’s among the most famous disputes in cinema like who shot first in “Star Wars” — Greedo or Han Solo? Could Rose and Jack have fit on the floating door so they both survive in “Titanic”?

There’s plenty floating out there, but the movie that made Bruce Willis a star has cinephiles and Christmas fans in a knot over its place — or absence — in the pantheon of holiday classics.

I believe it’s a Christmas staple. I’ll explain why after a refresher on the movie’s plot and cast.

The Plot and Cast

Synopsis: “A New York City police officer tries to save his estranged wife and several others taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles.” (IMDb)

Willis portrays New York City police detective John McClane. Rounding out the cast are Bonnie Bedelia (John’s estranged wife, Holly) and Reginald VelJohnson (Al Powell, McClane’s outside contact). And of course, there is the late great Alan Rickman (the sinister terrorist Hans Gruber).

It became a box office success, accumulating about $140 million against a $28 million budget and kickstarting a franchise. It’s regarded as one of the greatest action films of all time.

The Christmas Debate

The movie’s legacy in the action genre is undisputed but “Die Hard” also doubles as a yuletide film. Last I checked, there’s no rule against that.

Naysayers usually cite the movie’s violence as preventing it from being a Christmas movie. Maybe. But let’s check off the holiday boxes that “Die Hard” covers.

1. It takes place Christmas Eve at a company Christmas party.

2. There are Christmas trees and decorations throughout the picture.

3. Classic holiday tunes are played: “Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”, “Winter Wonderland,” and “Christmas in Hollis” by Run-DMC.

4. Holiday-related catchphrases are used: “Now I have a machine gun. Ho, ho, ho” McClane writes on the body of a dead Gruber henchman. “’Twas the night before Christmas,” says Gruber’s computer hacker, Theo (portrayed by my former acting professor Clarence Gilyard Jr.).

McClane as Santa Claus

Most importantly, the McClane character can be seen as a heroic Santa Claus. While McClane didn’t come down a chimney, he did spend most of the time in a skyscraper — on the top floor, the roof, and most famously in an air vent. And, he did gift the hostages their lives by surviving the whole ordeal.

Isn’t Christmas about love and family? The essential plot is about a man who’s willing to kill terrorists to save his wife to reconcile with her. What can be more Christmas-y than that?

I mean his wife’s name is Holly as in “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas.” The film may not come wrapped in paper with a bow on it like “A Christmas Story,” “Home Alone,” or “It’s a Wonderful Life,” but it spices up the lineup of movies shown every holiday season.

A Christmas Movie for Men

In the end, why can’t men have a holiday film to call their own? Most festive motion pictures are geared towards families but mostly women and children. The Hallmark Channel caters to women, and some movies are made to specifically appeal to kids.

What do the men have? Let them have this. When it’s on television, you have to watch it. After all these years, it still holds up — as an action blockbuster and an unconventional holiday treat.