Greatest Christmas Movie Characters of All Time - Clark Griswold (Christmas Vacation) or John McClane (Die Hard)
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Why This Battle Matters
What happens when a skyscraper-hero meets a suburban zero? The face-off between John McClane and Clark Griswold isn't just about explosions versus Christmas lights; it's a battle between two starkly different visions of holiday heroism. McClane dives through glass, Griswold falls off ladders — but both ultimately deliver unforgettable Christmas miracles. Who defines the spirit of Christmas cinema? Is it the gritty resilience of McClane or the bumbling but heartfelt attempts of Griswold to create the perfect family holiday? You decide whose story resonates more deeply with the true magic of the season.
🔥 Fan Takes
How Fans Are Voting
In this battle:
Fans currently prefer Clark Griswold (Christmas Vacation) over John McClane (Die Hard) when it comes to the greatest Christmas Movie Characters of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Clark Griswold (Christmas Vacation) 77.8% of the time over John McClane (Die Hard).
Across all battles:
Clark Griswold (Christmas Vacation) win rate: 45.9%
John McClane (Die Hard) win rate: 36.3%
Fan FAQs
Why is this matchup between John McClane and Clark Griswold such a big debate?
It's the classic clash of holiday spirits! On one side, you have Clark's traditional, festive antics versus John's action-packed, unconventional Christmas. Fans are split because both bring nostalgia and a radical change of pace to what defines a Christmas movie hero.
What makes John McClane a favorite among fans, even if he's trailing?
Fans dig John McClane because he brings a unique twist to Christmas movie characters — he's a tough, no-nonsense hero stuck in an unlikely holiday scenario in 'Die Hard'. His cool demeanor and action-hero antics give him a distinct edge and a dedicated fan base that loves seeing a different kind of Christmas cheer.
Why is Clark Griswold winning by so much in the Greatest Christmas Movie Characters league?
Clark Griswold is crushing it because he's got that everyman charm that resonates with so many during the holidays. Fans relate to his goofy, over-the-top dedication to family and holiday cheer. Plus, those hilarious mishaps in 'Christmas Vacation' make him a lovable character that's hard to compete against.