Dwayne Johnson’s Christmas Movie Must-Sees—And Why His Family Always Overrules Him!

Dwayne Johnson’s Christmas Movie Must-Sees—And Why His Family Always Overrules Him!

When you think of Christmas, you might picture cozy evenings spent by the fire, a table overflowing with food, and family traditions that make the season magical. But for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Christmas is synonymous with movies—specifically, three holiday films that he swears are essential viewing every year. However, despite being one of the most powerful figures in Hollywood, when it comes to Christmas movie night at home, The Rock finds himself constantly outvoted by his family.

So, what exactly are the three Christmas films Dwayne Johnson is adamant about watching every year, and why does his family keep overruled him? Let’s dive into this festive battle of holiday movie preferences and explore what’s really going on behind closed doors in the Johnson household.

The Rock’s Ultimate Christmas Movie Picks

As you might imagine, Dwayne Johnson has an eclectic taste in films. While his action-packed, blockbuster resume is legendary—Fast & Furious, Jumanji, Hobbs & Shaw, and countless others—his choice of Christmas movies reveals another, softer side. The Rock doesn’t just want to watch any holiday movie; he has specific favorites that he believes embody the true spirit of Christmas.

1. Home Alone (1990)

The ultimate holiday classic, Home Alone, has remained a staple in Dwayne Johnson’s Christmas movie marathon for years. Directed by Chris Columbus and starring Macaulay Culkin as the mischievous Kevin McCallister, this heartwarming yet hilariously chaotic film follows a young boy who is accidentally left behind while his family goes on vacation, only to fend off a pair of bumbling burglars with a series of creative traps.

For Johnson, Home Alone isn’t just about the slapstick humor; it’s about the resilience and cleverness of a kid who, despite being alone, finds ways to protect his home and ultimately reconnect with family. The movie resonates with his own values about family, independence, and never backing down when facing adversity—traits that Dwayne Johnson himself embodies in both his career and personal life.

2. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (2000)

Another holiday film that has made it onto Dwayne Johnson’s Christmas wishlist is Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), starring Jim Carrey as the infamous Grinch. While the character of the Grinch is all about stealing Christmas, the movie focuses on the transformation of the Grinch from a cold-hearted misanthrope to a warm and loving creature who learns the true meaning of Christmas.

The Rock has always expressed admiration for movies that feature powerful transformations and character growth. In many ways, he sees a parallel between the Grinch’s journey and his own. The movie reminds him that Christmas is about more than material things; it’s about love, forgiveness, and the people who make the season special. Plus, he can’t get enough of Jim Carrey’s over-the-top performance.

3. Die Hard (1988)

Now, this one might surprise some. While Die Hard is often debated as a Christmas movie due to its action-packed plot set during a holiday office party, Dwayne Johnson is a firm believer that the 1988 classic starring Bruce Willis belongs firmly in the Christmas movie category. For Johnson, Die Hard isn’t just an action film—it’s an underdog story, filled with suspense, heroism, and a touch of holiday spirit.

Johnson, having carved out a career playing larger-than-life heroes, can relate to Bruce Willis’s portrayal of New York cop John McClane, who takes on a group of terrorists to save the hostages trapped in a skyscraper. The setting during Christmas and the iconic use of holiday music, like Let It Snow, make it the perfect unconventional Christmas movie. Plus, Johnson’s sense of humor aligns with the quirky nature of Die Hard—it’s not your traditional holiday film, but that’s precisely why he loves it.

The Battle of the Holiday Movie Preferences

While Dwayne Johnson’s Christmas movie selections are full of heart, humor, and action, there’s one problem: his family doesn’t always share his enthusiasm for these particular films. For someone as influential as Johnson, you might think he’d be the undisputed king of family movie night. But, as is often the case, when it comes to holiday traditions, even The Rock is just another dad fighting for control of the TV remote.

The Family’s Resistance

Despite his best efforts, Johnson’s family has repeatedly overruled his movie picks—sometimes in favor of more traditional holiday fare, and other times for their own personal favorites. The Rock’s wife, Lauren Hashian, and his two daughters, Simone and Tiana, have their own ideas about what makes a perfect Christmas movie.

For Lauren, it’s about keeping the mood light and warm, focusing on the family-oriented films that bring everyone together. Elf (2003), starring Will Ferrell as the eternally optimistic Buddy, has been a favorite for years. The combination of Buddy’s infectious joy and the movie’s wholesome humor makes it a top choice in the Johnson household. Lauren also enjoys the classic charm of The Polar Express (2004), a visually stunning animation that captures the magic and wonder of Christmas through a child’s eyes.

Simone, Dwayne’s 22-year-old daughter, tends to prefer more modern holiday movies like Love Actually (2003), which weaves together multiple love stories set during the Christmas season. She finds the movie’s ensemble cast and emotional depth appealing. Tiana, who is much younger, has a soft spot for animated Christmas movies like Frozen (2013) and The Grinch (2018), which are filled with catchy songs and colorful characters.

The Compromise

While Dwayne Johnson might not always get his way, he is quick to acknowledge that family time is more important than which movie is playing. “There’s always a bit of back-and-forth when it comes to Christmas movies in our house,” Johnson said in a recent interview. “But in the end, we compromise. We’ll watch Home Alone first, then maybe we’ll sneak in Elf or The Polar Express. And we’ll definitely end with Die Hard when the kids are asleep!”

Despite the playful resistance from his family, Dwayne Johnson knows that the real magic of Christmas isn’t in the films, but in the time spent together. “The holidays are about making memories, creating traditions, and being with the people you love. If we have to watch Elf for the tenth time, that’s fine—because it’s the joy of being together that matters most.”

Why Dwayne Johnson’s Christmas Movie Picks Matter

There’s something deeply relatable about Dwayne Johnson’s Christmas movie preferences. Despite his fame and success, he’s just like millions of other parents who are trying to navigate the delicate balance between personal preferences and family dynamics. His choices in holiday films reflect the values he holds dear: family, laughter, and personal growth. Whether it’s the mischief and heartwarming message of Home Alone, the transformative arc of the Grinch, or the unconventional thrill of Die Hard, The Rock’s holiday movie picks offer a window into his personality beyond the action hero persona.

Ultimately, it’s these kinds of small, humorous moments that help ground Johnson and remind him of what truly matters. And while his family might not always share his enthusiasm for these specific films, they are still very much part of his Christmas experience, making the season all the more special.