Guns, fists and festive chaos: 7 must-watch holiday action movies
Guns, fists and festive chaos: 7 must-watch holiday action movies
Whether you’re into superheroes, spies, or Santa throwing punches, this list has it all.
Everyone loves a little holiday action… and I’m not talking about the under-the-mistletoe kind. I’m talking about guns-blazing, fist-throwing, save-the-day heroics – Christmas day, in fact. Case in point: “Red One” in theaters now. This action-packed adventure follows Santa Claus’s kidnapping and the North Pole’s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) teaming up with a notorious bounty hunter (Chris Evans) on a globe-trotting mission to save Christmas. So, to celebrate big guns and big muscles, here’s a list of the top seven Christmas (or holiday-adjacent) action movies you can watch on streaming right now.
Top 7 holiday action movies to stream right now
No. 7: ‘Violent Night’ (2022) | Starz
Coming in hot as one of the most outrageous holiday action flicks in recent memory is “Violent Night.” David Harbour trades his Hellboy horns for a Santa hat as a grizzled, no-nonsense Saint Nick who ends up in the middle of a violent Christmas Eve hostage situation. When mercenaries storm a wealthy family’s estate, they don’t count on Santa himself coming down the chimney with fists flying and a bag full of improvised weapons. Packed with over-the-top action and just the right sprinkle of holiday cheer, “Violent Night” is a perfect mix of naughty and nice. If you’re into adrenaline-fueled Yuletide chaos, this one’s a must-watch!
Violent Night
When a team of mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone inside hostage, the team isn’t prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus is on the grounds, and he’s about to show why this Nick is no saint.
No. 6: ‘The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996) | Rent on Prime Video
Sliding into the No. 6 spot is the ultimate amnesiac-assassin holiday action thriller, “The Long Kiss Goodnight.” Geena Davis plays Samantha Caine, a mild-mannered schoolteacher with no memory of her mysterious past. But when an accident triggers flashes of her old life, she teams up with a wisecracking private eye (Samuel L. Jackson, in peak form) to uncover the truth. Spoiler: She’s not just a teacher - she’s a deadly government-trained operative. Packed with explosive action, razor-sharp dialogue, and a snowy Christmas setting, this Shane Black-scripted gem is a wild ride.
The Long Kiss Goodnight
Samantha Caine is a small-town schoolteacher and mom with no memory of her life before washing up on a beach eight years ago. After a car accident and a violent home invasion trigger flashes of her past, she discovers she used to be a deadly CIA assassin. Teaming up with a wisecracking private investigator, Samantha must return to her old ways to take down the people who tried to erase her.
No. 5: ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ (1969) | Fubo
Coming in quiet and deadly at No. 5 is “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” a Bond film that dares to mix espionage with holiday spirit. George Lazenby steps into the iconic role as 007, tackling one of the most emotionally charged missions of the series. Bond faces off against the sinister Blofeld (Telly Savalas) in a snowy mountaintop lair while uncovering a plot involving brainwashing and biological warfare. But what really sets this film apart? Bond falls in love with the stunning and spirited Tracy (Diana Rigg), leading to one of the most bittersweet endings in franchise history. With thrilling ski chases, festive settings, and a touch of romance, this underrated Bond adventure is perfect for a winter watch.
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
With the help of Marc-Ange Draco, head of the Unione Corse crime syndicate, and Draco’s troubled daughter Tracy, James Bond tracks his archnemesis, Ernst Stravro Blofeld, to a mountaintop retreat in the Swiss Alps, where he is training an army of beautiful, lethal women.
No. 4: ‘Batman Returns’ (1992) | Max
Gliding into the No. 4 spot is “Batman Returns,” a Christmas movie that trades holiday cheer for gothic noir vibes and plenty of action. Michael Keaton returns as the brooding Dark Knight, facing off against not one but two iconic foes: Danny DeVito’s grotesque Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer’s unforgettable Catwoman. Set against the snowy, twinkling backdrop of Gotham City during the holidays, the film weaves a twisted tale of revenge, power, and unlikely alliances. Tim Burton’s signature dark, whimsical style shines through, making this sequel both visually stunning and packed with edge. If you’re in the mood for a holiday flick with capes, claws, and chaos, this one delivers.
Batman Returns
The monstrous Penguin, who dwells in the sewers beneath Gotham, joins up with corrupt mayoral candidate Max Shreck to topple the Batman once and for all. But when Shreck’s timid assistant Selina Kyle finds out, and Shreck tries to kill her, she’s transformed into the sexy Catwoman. She teams up with the Penguin and Shreck to destroy Batman, but sparks fly unexpectedly when she confronts the caped crusader.
No. 3: ‘Iron Man 3’ (2013) | Disney+
Suiting up (I’m not going to stop - too much fun) at No. 3 is “Iron Man 3,” the Marvel movie that gives Tony Stark a holiday twist. Set during Christmas, this action-packed adventure sees Robert Downey Jr.’s iconic hero stripped of his tech and forced to rely on his wits to face off against the mysterious Mandarin (Ben Kingsley). Packed with thrilling battles, sharp humor, and a surprising amount of heart, the film explores Tony’s vulnerabilities and growth post-Avengers. Directed by Shane Black, who loves blending action with holiday cheer, “Iron Man 3” is the perfect mix of festive and explosive fun. If you’re a superhero fan looking to get a sprinkle of seasonal spirit, you can’t go wrong with “Iron Man 3.”
Iron Man 3
When Tony Stark’s world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.
No. 2: ‘Lethal Weapon’ (1987) | Rent with Prime Video
Blasting onto the list at No. 2 is “Lethal Weapon,” the buddy-cop classic that proves Christmas and chaos go hand in hand. Mel Gibson stars as Martin Riggs, a reckless, unpredictable detective paired with the by-the-book Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover). Set against a backdrop of Christmas lights and carols in Los Angeles, the film’s explosive action and razor-sharp banter help define an entire genre: buddy-action comedies. Directed by Richard Donner and written by Shane Black (as you can see, the guy is the king of holiday action movies), this one is as full of holiday spirit as it is shootouts and standoffs. If you’re looking for festive fun with a high-octane twist that has stood the test of time, “Lethal Weapon” is a gift that keeps on giving!
Lethal Weapon
A veteran cop and an unstable detective become partners who must put their differences aside in order to bring down a heroin-smuggling ring run by ex-Special Forces.
No. 1: ‘Die Hard’ (1988) | Hulu
Taking the top spot at No. 1 is “Die Hard,” the ultimate action-packed Christmas classic. Bruce Willis stars as John McClane, an off-duty cop who finds himself trapped in a Los Angeles skyscraper during a holiday party-turned-hostage situation. With terrorists led by the iconic Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman), McClane fights his way through floors of danger armed with grit, wit, and a lot of broken glass. Set against a backdrop of Christmas trees and festive chaos, “Die Hard“ redefined the action genre and sparked endless debates about what makes a Christmas movie. Spoiler: it’s totally a Christmas movie. Yippee-ki-yay to that!
Die Hard
High above the city of L.A. a team of terrorists has seized a building, taken hostages, and declared war. One man has manages to escape… An off-duty cop hiding somewhere inside. He’s alone, tired… and the only chance anyone has got.