Classic Action Films You Forgot Were Set During Christmas

Action films set during Christmas are surprisingly common. Sure, everyone brings up the original Die Hard. The 1988 action classic starring peak Bruce Willis is often simply called a “Christmas Movie” at this point. However, here’s a group of 80s and 90s high-octane flicks that also spread some holiday cheer.

‘Lethal Weapon’

Lethal Weapon is a 1987 buddy cop film starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as clashing police officers – the hotheaded Martin Riggs and the buttoned-down Roger Murtaugh. However, many forget the sunny Los Angeles set film takes place during Christmas. Lethal Weapon is filled with Christmas imagery and themes, and opens with the cheerful tune of “Jingle Bell Rock”. Gibson’s unhinged cop Martin Riggs is even first introduced doing a drug bust at a Christmas tree lot.

‘Batman Returns’

1992’s Batman Returns features Gotham’s dark knight, played by Michael Keaton, facing off against the formidable duo of Catwoman, portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer, and the Penguin, played by Danny DeVito. The entire movie takes place during the Holiday season. Director Tim Burton is known for incorporating Christmas motifs in his films, like Edward Scissorhands and A Nightmare Before Christmas. Just take in all of the yuletide cheer Gotham has to offer during this early scene.