One of the biggest cinematic disputes is over whetherDie Hardis a Christmas movie or not; well, be prepared to add another film to that argument, as Netflix released a similar one in December 2024. John McTiernan’s 1988 action movie followsBruce Willis' John McClane, a detective who gets trapped inside a skyscraper on Christmas Eve when terrorists take over. Since its release,many have insisted thatDie Hardis a Christmas film based on its setting and timeline.Meanwhile, others have rebutted that sentiment.
Die Hard’s success in the late 1980s led to a franchise revolving around Bruce Willis' John McClane. In addition to the first movie, the series includesDie Hard 2(1990),Die Hard with a Vengeance(1995),Live Free or Die Hard(2007), andA Good Day to Die Hard(2013).
While many prefer traditional Christmas films (e.g.It’s a Wonderful Life) or cheesy rom-coms (e.g.Hot Frosty), a select group of people enjoyaction movies during the holidays. The most popular film that falls under that category isDie Hard. However, perhapsthe new Netflix action thrillerCarry-Oncan be added to that list since it shares many things in common withDie Hard.
Netflix’s Carry-On Is Now Streaming On Netflix - What The Taron Egerton Movie Is About
The 2024 Action Thriller Stars Egerton As A TSA Officer
Netflix releasedCarry-On, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and written by T.J. Fixman, on July 30, 2025, and it has the makings to be the nextDie Hard. The 2024 action thriller followsTaron Egerton’s Ethan Kopek, a TSA agent working at an airport on Christmas Eve.InCarry-On, Ethan receives a mysterious earpiece. He puts it in, and a mysterious man (played by Jason Bateman intheCarry-Oncast) starts giving him alarming directions. However, if Ethan doesn’t follow the man’s orders, he will kill Ethan’s girlfriend, Nora Parisi, who also works at the airport.
Curtiss Cook
Lionel Williams
Bateman’s character instructs Ethan to let a (assumingly dangerous) package go through securitywithout alerting anyone in the 2024 Netflix film. However, Ethan’s not going to let the mysterious man blackmail him so easily. Over the course ofCarry-On, Egerton’s character attempts to save his girlfriend while also preventing the dangerous package from getting on a flight.
Bruce Willis' Favorite Die Hard Scene Is Not What You Would Expect And Explains Why The Movie Is So Good
Bruce Willis has named his favorite scene from Die Hard and it’s an unconventional choice, but it also highlights why the movie is a masterpiece.
Why Carry-On Is A Great Watch For Fans Of Die Hard
Both Are Action Movies Taking Place Around The Holidays
Based on its premise,Carry-Oncan be easily compared toDie Hard. The two movies aren’t perfectly similar, but their plots and settings make them comparable asthey both revolve around an action hero trying to stop criminals on Christmas Eve.Bruce Willis' John McClane faces off against German terrorists, and Taron Egerton’s Ethan Kopek must contend with a mysterious man with a dangerous package at the airport. As a result, it just makes sense whyCarry-Onis perfect forDie Hardfans this holiday season. As for what Egerton thinks of theDie Hardparallels, he toldThe Hollywood Reporter:
“This film made me feel very Christmassy — that’s what I would love for it to do. Die Hard is a Christmas movie. This is a Christmas movie. I hope audiences love it.”
Die Hard
Cast
Die Hard follows NYPD officer John McClane as he attempts to rescue hostages, including his estranged wife, from terrorists who have overtaken a Los Angeles skyscraper. Released in 1988, this action film is noted for its central character’s resourcefulness and determination in overcoming overwhelming odds with limited assistance.
