Rambo vs. Christmas (in Washington): Did This Classic Movie Draw the First Blood?

Get our free mobile app

For years, movie fans have argued about what truly counts as a Christmas film, and the next time someone asks what holiday movie they should watch, you should confidently say First Blood.

Move Over Die Hard—Washington Has Its Own Christmas Movie

In 1982, the movie First Blood, starring Sylvester Stallone, introduced us to John Rambo and his one-man war with the law enforcement of the fictional Hope, Washington.

Yes, right in the middle of the chaos, a police station is decorated with Christmas trees and lights, placing this film squarely in the Christmas holiday-movie conversation, in my opinion!

The Debate: What Really Makes a Christmas Movie?

Die Hard usually steals the spotlight in the old Christmas movie debate, but some viewers contend, via social media memes, that since there is Christmas décor scattered around the police station in First Blood, that officially makes it a Christmas movie.

A closer look confirms it—there are multiple Christmas trees, garland, and festive decorations that show up throughout the police station.

A Holiday Setting with Unexpected Emotion

The timing of the story adds another layer. Rambo arrives in Hope, Washington, during the Christmas season while searching for a fellow Vietnam veteran, only to learn his friend has passed away.

Feeling isolated, he wanders into town—where he’s quickly profiled and harassed by the sheriff and his deputies. Their treatment triggers Rambo’s PTSD, sparking an iconic violent chase into the surrounding forests.

READ MORE: What Makes a Movie a Christmas Movie? Take Our Poll!

Chaos in Hope, Washington

What follows is a tense manhunt involving local police and the Washington State National Guard. Injuries mount, tension escalates, and Rambo eventually returns to town for a final showdown with the sheriff. His former commanding officer intervenes, bringing the conflict to an end and pulling Rambo back from the edge.

Washington Setting, Canadian Filming

Though the story is set in Washington, the movie was filmed in Hope, British Columbia, which stood in for the fictional Hope, Washington.

The rugged forests and mountainous backdrop perfectly capture the Pacific Northwest environment.

Get our free mobile app

So… Is First Blood a Christmas Movie?

This Christmas holiday season, you can leave milk and cookies out for Santa—or maybe a utility knife and a bottle of water for Mr. Rambo!

Fans of Die Hard aren’t wrong, but with First Blood releasing in 1982—years before—Rambo may have been the first to draw blood in the battle over controversial Christmas action films.