die-hard-main.jpg

"Come out to the coast, we'll get together, have a few laughs."

(20th Century Fox)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - During the holiday season, you'll find several classic movies - from "It's a Wonderful Life" to "Miracle on 34th Street" - that are go-to Christmas films.

Then there are movies whose plots involve the holidays, but may or may not be actual Christmas movies. Here are seven that walk the a fine line:

"Die Hard"

Let's get the most obvious one out of the way. There are some who will argue "Die Hard" isn't a Christmas movie. In fairness to them, the holiday spirit does get a bit lost in all the bloody action. But there are several Christmas references throughout (including "Now I have a machine gun. Ho-Ho-Ho").

Verdict:

Any film that begins and ends with a popular Christmas song is a Christmas movie.

"Die Hard 2"

"Die Hard 2" is clearly inferior to the first film. But it's the more blatantly obvious Christmas movie with a number of quotes related to the holidays.

Verdict:

"Just once, I'd like a regular, normal Christmas. Eggnog, a f****n' Christmas tree, a little turkey. But, no! I gotta crawl around in this mother**** tin can!"

"Lethal Weapon"

More so than "Die Hard," the fact "Lethal Weapon" takes place during the holidays gets lost as the movie moves along. But several of the key scenes to take place under the shine of Christmas lights.

Verdict:

Considering we're introduced to Mel Gibson's Martin Riggs (who is the lethal weapon) at a Christmas Tree farm, it's a holiday classic.

"Batman Returns"

It's Christmas in Gotham City when the Penguin wreaks havoc. But does that alone make it a holiday film? Well, there's snow everywhere.

Verdict:

Close, but not a Christmas movie. It simply lacks that holiday cheer.

"Trading Places"

The iconic images from one of the greatest comedies of all time features Dan Aykroyd in a Santa costume.

Verdict:

The fact that it's Christmas isn't really key to the film's plot. Not a Christmas movie.

"Gremlins"

Part horror film, part comedy, "Gremlins" makes its case as a Christmas movie with a ton of snow, scarves and some nice holiday decorations.

Verdict:

Surprisingly a good Christmas movie. There are singalongs after all.

"Iron Man 3"

We're not sure if "Iron Man 3" was set during the holidays to give it a bit more charm, but the film does involve Tony Stark suiting up to "Jingle Bells." But is that enough to justify it as a Christmas film?

Verdict:

No. By the time Gwyneth Paltrow is done kicking butt, do you really remember it's the holiday season?