The holiday season is in full swing before 2021 comes to an end, particularly for Marvel Cinematic Universe fans who are taking in the final episodes of Hawkeye on Disney+. While the internet-breaking reveals such as one for a long-rumored Netflix villain entering the fray are most present, the series also fully embraces the holiday spirit with Clint Barton and Kate Bishop working to complete their mission in time to get Clint home for Christmas.
This series comes as the second sub-franchise within the greater MCU to take on the Christmas season, which first officially came in through 2013's Iron Man 3. While the decision to set a summer blockbuster in the month of December is still a mystery more than eight years after the fact, director Shane Black used his signature style of storytelling in a unique way with Marvel Studios' leading hero.
Although this movie took place in and around Christmastime with Black's influence, one big question still lingers - is Iron Man 3 officially regarded as a Christmas movie? That answer may be surprising if one version of Disney+ is to be believed.
Is Iron Man 3 Christmas Movie?
The United Kingdom's Disney+ server curated a "Merry Christmas" collection in celebration of the holiday season featuring over 40 titles across the streaming service.
In the animated section, movies like Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas and multiple Mickey Mouse specials make the cut, as do the Frozen films/spinoffs and Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas. Live-action movies in the collection include all four Home Alone titles, the first two Die Hard films, and even Edward Scissorhands.
The MCU finds its place in the list thanks to 2021's Hawkeye, whose final Christmastime episode will debut on December 22, 2021. However, 2013's Iron Man 3 didn't end up on the list as an official Disney+ Christmas movie.
Here are some of the most popular movies & shows in the collection:
Originals
Home Sweet Home Alone
LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special
Hawkeye
Once Upon a Snowman
Godmother
High School Musical The Musical The Holiday Special
Noelle
Arendale Castle Yule Log
Live-Action Christmas Movies and Specials
Home Alone
The Muppets Christmas Carol
Die Hard
Die Hard 2
The Santa Clause
A Muppets Christmas Letters To Santa
Home Alone 2
Home Alone 3
Home Alone 4
Santa Clause 2
Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
The Nutcracker And The Four Realms
Animated Christmas Movies and Specials
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Mickey's Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol
Beauty And The Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
Mickey's Once Upon A Time
Mickey's Upon Twice A Christmas
Winnie The Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year
Christmas Shorts
Olaf's Frozen Adventure
Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas
Pluto's Christmas Tree
Winter Favorites
Olaf Presents
Frozen
Ice Age
Togo
Frozen II
Narnia: The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe
Edward Scissorhands
Frozen Fever
Cool Runnings
LEGO Frozen Northern Lights
Home Alone
Home Alone
Home Alone 2
Home Alone 3
Home Alone 4
Home Alone The Holiday Heist
Home Sweet Home Alone
Iron Man 3 - To Christmas or Not to Christmas?
The MCU's first Phase 2 movie fully takes place around or at Christmas from start to finish as fans see Tony Stark deal with his post-The Avengers demons. From buying Pepper Potts arguably the biggest stuffed bunny in history as a present to playing a funky version of "Jingle Bells" while summoning his Mark XLII suit for the first time, Iron Man 3 makes no effort to tone down the holiday spirit.
This listing comes as somewhat of a surprise, especially considering how many amongst the fan base view Iron Man 3 as the MCU's first true Christmas movie. The ties back to the holidays are at least as noticeable and present as those from other entries on the list like Die Hard or Home Alone, bringing into question what actually does qualify a movie as a Christmas movie.
Although Disney+ made its own distinction, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige firmly believes Iron Man 3 is a Christmas movie, and the film is described as such on Marvel's official website as of two years ago. There are certainly arguments for both sides, but it appears that the argument for it being in this category has some big-name support.
Whether Iron Man 3 is officially a part of this catalog or not, it likely won't deter many fans from taking in the MCU's seventh movie in their holiday must-watch list. Filled with trees, wreaths, presents, and holiday songs throughout, there's no mistaking the influence that Christmas has on this outing, which should mean it will continue to be an unofficial go-to movie at this time of year.
Iron Man 3 is available to stream on Disney+.
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