Once you’ve made it through Rudolph, Charlie Brown, Home Alone, and about 15 versions of A Christmas Carol, it’s time to crank up the adrenaline. Christmas isn’t just about sugarplum fairies and heartwarming tales—it’s also the perfect excuse to watch some explosive, high-octane action with a seasonal twist.
From old-school classics to brand-new releases, these action-packed Christmas movies deliver thrills, chills, and just enough holiday spirit to keep you merry.
Here’s our list of the 10 best action Christmas movies to spice up your holidays.
1. Die Hard (1988) Tubi, Sling TV, Disney+, Prime
No list of action Christmas movies is complete without the quintessential Die Hard. Bruce Willis stars as John McClane, a New York cop battling terrorists in a Los Angeles skyscraper during a Christmas party. The film’s sharp wit, iconic one-liners, and relentless action make it a perennial holiday favorite. Yippee-ki-yay, indeed.
2. Carry-On (2024) Netflix
New to the holiday action canon, Carry-On stars Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek, a TSA agent swept into a deadly game when a mysterious traveler coerces him into allowing a dangerous package through airport security on Christmas Eve. With twists, high-stakes chases, and a suspenseful holiday setting, this Netflix release is a must-watch for fans of gripping thrillers.
3. Red One (2024) Prime
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Chris Evans team up in this high-energy, family-friendly action-adventure. Red One reimagines Christmas mythology with Santa as an action hero, battling dark forces to save the holiday. Packed with humor, heart, and dazzling set pieces, this Netflix original is a new holiday blockbuster in the making.
4. Lethal Weapon (1987) Hulu
Set during the Christmas season, this buddy-cop classic pairs Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as mismatched detectives navigating drug dealers, explosions, and holiday cheer. The Christmas setting adds a touch of nostalgia to the hard-hitting action sequences, making it a great rewatch for fans of old-school blockbusters.
5. Terrifier 3 (2024) VOD
Horror meets holiday action in this chilling addition to the Terrifier franchise. Art the Clown returns for a Christmas massacre in a film packed with over-the-top gore and unexpected action sequences. While not for the faint of heart, Terrifier 3 delivers a dark, chaotic spin on holiday traditions that thrill-seekers won’t want to miss.
6. The Night Comes for Us (2018) Netflix
This Indonesian martial arts thriller isn’t a traditional Christmas movie, but its snowy setting and intense action sequences make it a worthy addition to your holiday watchlist. With jaw-dropping fight choreography and a relentless pace, this Netflix gem delivers a brutal yet captivating holiday experience.
7. Batman Returns (1992) Max
Tim Burton’s gothic take on Gotham City transforms Christmas into a dark and dangerous time of year. Michael Keaton’s Batman squares off against Danny DeVito’s grotesque Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer’s seductive Catwoman in a visually stunning, action-packed holiday tale.
8. Fatman (2020) Peacock
This dark comedy-action hybrid stars Mel Gibson as a grizzled, gun-toting Santa Claus targeted by a hitman (Walton Goggins). When a spoiled child puts a bounty on Santa’s head, chaos ensues. Fatman offers a fresh and gritty twist on holiday lore, with plenty of thrills and laughs.
9. Violent Night (2022) Starz, Sling TV, Hulu
David Harbour (Stranger Things) stars as a boozy, disillusioned Santa who must save a family from a group of ruthless mercenaries on Christmas Eve. Violent Night combines outrageous action with dark humor, delivering a bloody yet heartfelt holiday treat.
10. The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996) Pluto
Geena Davis stars as a suburban mom with amnesia who discovers her past as a deadly CIA operative during Christmastime. With sharp direction by Renny Harlin and a memorable performance by Samuel L. Jackson, this film blends holiday warmth with hard-hitting action and suspense.
Honorable Mentions
- Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005): A noir-inspired Christmas caper with Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer.
- Iron Man 3 (2013): Tony Stark faces holiday-themed peril in this Marvel adventure.
- Jingle All the Way (1996): A comedic take on holiday chaos with a surprisingly action-packed finale.
- Deadpool (2016): A holiday-themed re-release of the R-rated superhero hit with added Christmas cheer.
- Anna and the Apocalypse (2017): A musical zombie action-comedy set during the holidays.
Whether you prefer adrenaline-pumping shootouts, martial arts duels, or over-the-top gore, these action-packed Christmas movies will keep your holiday season anything but silent. So grab some eggnog, dim the lights, and let the mayhem commence!
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