Every week, Ultimate Movie Year looks back into the past to highlight the best film that came out that weekend.

"Die Hard"
Wide released July 22, 1988
Directed by John McTiernan

Let's get this out of the way first.

This movie is about a lost man who goes to another place to win back his love and passion. Along the way, he faces nearly overwhelming obstacles, but through his journey, he meets an outside guardian who inspires and saves him. In the end, his wife embraces him, white flakes are falling from the sky, and "Let It Snow" comes on as credits roll.

If you think "It's A Wonderful Life" is a Christmas movie, then "Die Hard" is absolutely is as well. Sorry, that's just basic cinematic math, so can we please never have to hear about this debate again?

The true greatness of "Die Hard" lies not in its relationship to Christmas, but it's status as one of the best studio action films of all time. It features a great premise, brilliant set-pieces, memorable quotes, a screwed-tight script, and career-making performances from stars Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman (in his first film). Its influence is still felt today, with plots narrowed down to "Die Hard in a (insert location here)."