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Die Hard

Die Hard

1988
Suspense/Thriller, Action
2h 12m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 66.85% from 16297 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(16297)
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Rated 28 Jan 2018
81
78th
Thirty years later, it's easy to forget that Bruce Willis wasn't an action star in 1988, he had only a couple credits to his name, this was the one that put him on the top, and for good reason too. In the ensuing years, compounded with several sequels "Die Hard" has risen to the great pantheon of action movies. It's aged well too, it's just as good today as it was in '88, which is a hard thing to do.
Rated 10 Jan 2010
97
99th
Willis and Rickman are the perfect hero-villain matchup in the perfect action movie. Every single plot execution - apart from how the Feds are so brazenly stupid, but that's part of the charm - and every character, even the one-offs ("Hans... Bubi!") works seamlessly. The fact that the dead terrorist's shoes don't fit him speaks volumes to McClane's enduring appeal as the hero that bleeds. Also one of the very few 80's movies that is simultaneously of its time and timeless.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
10
99th
The greatest action (and Christmas) movie of all time. The suspense crackles from one end to another, the fights are brutal, the screenplay hilarious, the blood flies, John McClane cuts his feet and crawls and bleeds all over, Hans Gruber is the 2nd greatest villain in cinema (after Darth Vader), and the whole thing fucking rocks. I watch it every Christmas, and will continue to do so until John McClane drops me out of a skyscraper window.
Rated 24 Aug 2008
94
94th
Arguably the greatest action movie of all time. Inarguably the Greatest villain of all time: Alan Rickman as Hans Gruber. Why? Due to lack of space & in honor of Gruber's "I am going to count to 3, there will not be a 4." here's just 3 reasons: 1. He never does anything stupid 2. He's smart (this is different & far more significant & rare in movie villains than just not doing anything stupid) 3. he follows through on his threats. (Seriously, he wasn't kidding about there not being a 4.)
Rated 29 Dec 2015
97
98th
"Hostage Terrorist, Terrorist Hostage: A Study in Duality." Die Hard cemented John McTiernan as one of the great action directors of the late 80'/early 90's. It's never outright corny, the villain doesn't twirl his mustache, and the hero always seems vulnerable and on the ropes. The holiday theme isn't entirely a joke either, in the end McClane is just trying to reconnect with his family while Gruber is ultimately focused on opening his presents.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
54th
Very entertaining, well crafted, and defined clichés for a generation of action flicks. But much about it is annoying. All the "working class hero" stuff for one thing. The everyman cops have godlike intuitive abilities, but the clueless higher-ups are incompetent to an absurd degree. And the climax-after-the-climax is ridiculous, only to provide a rather weak character moment for someone we didn't care much about in the first place. It's a fantastically fun ride, but with some problems
Rated 04 Nov 2007
80
61st
Within its own fictional reality and universe, Die Hard rarely goes overboard with the ridiculous action sequences. The only really bad set piece in terms of ridiculousness is the "firehose incident", and even that was more just funny than anything. Most of the best action movies are so good because of how they manage to keep their feet on the ground, and not just because of the over-the-top action. Die Hard is a prime example of that.
Rated 28 Mar 2008
84
81st
A great, but not flawless, action movie. The terrible ineptness of the "higher-ups" and amazing intelligence of the "working-joes" can be flat out frustrating in it's obvious attempt to force additional conflict into the movie. Thankfully the rest of the film is so good that it more than makes up for me. Bruce Willis is incredible as John McClane and the character actually has some depth. He's cool and bad ass, humorous but still fallible enough to be believable. Must see for action flick fans.
Rated 29 Dec 2019
75
69th
Normally not a fan of action films But Bruce Willis' performance really made this movie
Rated 27 Feb 2007
5
91st
At one point in my life, movies were just another form of entertainment. I enjoyed them greatly, to be sure, but I never offered them much thought beyond the casual viewings I gave them; they just existed in the moment. Die Hard changed all that, odd as it may seem. It's not the most prestigious movie in the world, but it's the best action movie ever made, really entertaining, and upon that first viewing at age 13, left me in awe: Die Hard made me realize the power of movies.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
10
98th
20 years later it remains one of the most entertaining and flat out best experiences you can have within the action genre. This movie sparked a thousand imitators and you can see why after viewing it.
Rated 24 Feb 2008
85
89th
I love this film, I really do. Forget the blabla, we want action. Film came out in 1988 and is still one of the best action films imo. Great performances and Bruce Willis started a great die hard series here!
Rated 07 May 2008
86
92nd
Die Hard effectively established the modern action film single-handedly and quickly became the measure for all subsequent action movies. Although some elements may seem a little rough and ready this has in fact added considerably to the charm, coupled with the establishment of some iconic catchphrases and the introduction of the explosive and improbable action sequences that came to define the subsequent film series. It does have flaws, but it's so damn enjoyable that it doesn't even matter.
Rated 21 Sep 2010
98
99th
The ultimate action movie, it was groundbreaking in the fact that it did not feature a musclebound superstar. It was the everyman stuck in the most terrible of situations, wisecracking his way into movie history.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
96
99th
One of the greatest action movies ever. Alan Rickman is a kickass villain (the Bill Clay part kills me every time), and John McClane is a great everyman answer to the larger than life Rambo and Terminator types.
Rated 08 Feb 2008
98
99th
Hands down, Hans Gruber is the best movie villian ever--who's actually as smart or smarter than the hero. You can keep your Hanibal Lecters and Darth Vaders...its' Gruber (or possibly Ledger's Joker). I'm tempted to knock a few points off because it did its job a little TOO well, and thus, spawned a lot of dopey imitators down the road. But I can't fault the filmmakers here for getting everything so spot on from the pacing to the casting, etc. Side note: this is my favorite Christmas movie ever.
Rated 15 Feb 2008
84
81st
Definitely one of the best straight action titles in cinema. Bruce Willis is great in one of his first starring roles, but Alan Rickman is absolutely menacing as Hans Gruber. A classic action film.
Rated 10 Jul 2008
95
98th
To me, this one is the ultimate action movie of all time. Bruce Willis is a great (un-willing) hero and Alan Rickman's voice alone could play the bad guy. I watch it every Christmas to get myself in that cozy Christmas-mood. With explosions!
Rated 23 Jun 2009
98
99th
Die Hard is the greatest pure action movie ever made. Bruce Willis is such a likable hero and Rickman plays a really memorable villain. Oh, it is also one of the greatest Christmas movies.
Rated 07 Sep 2009
75
65th
Argyle to play the lead in the inevitable Barack Obama biopic, please.
Rated 15 Nov 2018
90
95th
A film like a well-worked pro wrestling match or thrilling boxing fight. The protagonist is forever on the ropes, the villain strong, focussed and capable. The real sense of precariousness gives the contrasted euphoria of the accumulating Face comebacks all the more potency.
Rated 05 Dec 2022
80
84th
A lot of fun. The goodies are good, the baddies are bad, and everyone else is on a broad spectrum of likeability and competence. There might be a few things to dislike about this (see other reviews for valid criticisms), but it fulfils its primary purposes most effectively. Willis and Rickman are worth the entry fee alone. Entertaining.
Rated 11 Feb 2008
86
91st
Alan Rickman is such a quintessential villain. He makes the role. Any fool can play a bad guy, but Rickman brings it to a whole new level. Here, he's your intellectual jack-of-all-trades badass. In Robin Hood, he was a sadistic mofo. His role in Harry Potter makes the movies palatable for those who aren't fans. I'll see a movie if I know Rickman's the antagonist.
Rated 23 Feb 2010
9
90th
(after repeat viewings) The 1st hour is flawlessly executed, yet the film loses some of its momentum once the laughable police forces enter the frame (FBI, deputy chief Robinson). Willis is great though and Rickman is deliciously vicious in his 1st film role. Great, if sadly flawed. Also: "Come out to the coast, we'll get together, have a few laughs..." lol
Rated 26 Jun 2010
78
90th
I can't believe I haven't seen this until just now. Where the hell have I been?!
Rated 07 Mar 2011
60
29th
Gosh, Evil Europeans threaten Mamma America! Thank God there is this funny, brave and righteous New York cop played by a shirtless Bruce Willis to blow up everyone and save the day! If you simply ignore the above plot description, you may wanna half-heartedly admit that "Die Hard" is sort of effective -overblown, suspenseful, preposterous and, yes, wickedly effective. Too bad that I was rooting for the bad guys the whole time, comparing Rickman's smoothness to Bruce's cringeworthy one-liners.
Rated 31 Dec 2011
100
99th
My X-Mas will never be complete if I don't re-watch Die Hard for God knows what time! Rickman as Hans Gruber is one of my all time favorite bad guys...
Rated 20 Feb 2013
100
98th
Now I got 100 on Criticker. Ho - Ho - Ho
Rated 21 May 2014
4
55th
the definitive republican fantasy: a salt-of-the-earth everyman takes on educated european criminals, bearded corporate douchebags, callous authority figures and slimeball media men while enabling the redemption of his local killer cop buddy and reclaiming his masculinity by saving his hot wife. all very lame when we're in contact with the ground, but glorious when we're watching willis use all his physicality in negotiating this architecture and those wounds, or watching rickman do... anything.
Rated 24 Dec 2016
100
98th
The perfect action film. Literally, everything about this is perfect in every way. Also, a sexy, svelte Bruce.
Rated 10 Feb 2007
93
95th
The definitive action film.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
88
95th
I can't help but watch Die Hard whenever its on TV. The essential Christmas movie? You decide.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
86th
Do you remember that part where he has to walk on all that broken glass with his bare feet, and there's nothing he can do about it, so he just has to do it? Do you remember that? That was awesome.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
89
85th
The beginning of one of the most awesometastic action trilogies ever, Die Hard is a super entertaining film. Bruce Willis is extremely cool as John McClane, and his performance is top notch throughout his one-man fight to save not only a bunch of hostages, but his wife, and Christmas too! Really good!
Rated 15 Aug 2008
85
91st
Best action movie - "Yipee Kiya Mother$#@*&%"
Rated 26 Oct 2008
89
85th
All action movies must be judged by this
Rated 17 Apr 2009
10
97th
Strong argument can be made that this is the best action film of all time.
Rated 30 May 2009
98
98th
Die Hard!!THE Action Highlight in the late 80's. Bruce Willis plays exactly what he stands for, the dirty anti-hero in a white dirty rip-shirt with cool verdicts.Rickman; on the other side is priceless,too. Still unrivaled today. CGI go home, that's the way action has to feel like.
Rated 26 Jun 2009
98
99th
How can you not enjoy this Christmas classic? Action, suspense, romance, random gunfire and one of the worst attempts at an American accent from the great Alan Rickman. For the few that haven't seen this, watch and see how many of today's action cliches have been ripped off from this.
Rated 01 Aug 2009
8
94th
By now it's a cliche to call this the greatest action movie ever, but it's absolutely true. What it lacks in depth it makes up for with spectacular action scenes and a dry, memorable sense of humor. Its influence is incalculable but none of its many imitators have ever surpassed it. Some of the supporting police officers are a little too annoying but all is forgiven once Bruce Willis or Alan Rickman comes back on screen. "You should've heard your brother squeal when I broke his fucking neck."
Rated 12 Oct 2009
100
99th
The golden standard for action movies. I can't think of a single aspect of this film, being pacing, writing, acting or set pieces, that isn't executed to perfection.
Rated 18 Feb 2012
86
95th
Probably the most frequently cited "favorite movie" that I know of. And well-deserved. It's the action genre at its finest. Fun action, good quips, and most importantly, great characters that you root for and against.
Rated 01 Jul 2012
78
47th
Everyone in a tie is a dickhead: the movie
Rated 12 May 2013
53
12th
Typical and predictable one-man-army action film. There are a lot of clichés in this film that made it quite tiresome. The one-liners this film is famous for don't really appeal to me either. All in all there isn't really anything interesting or particularly memorable about this film.
Rated 04 Oct 2015
90
83rd
In so many ways, the paradigmatic action movie. What really stands out watching it now is Alan Rickman's acting as Hans Gruber. Just a perfect level of camp charm to his often-imitated performance, head and shoulders above everyone else in this one. I also really enjoyed Kamen's soundtrack and the use of Beethoven's 9th as a motif throughout the film. The one thing that hasn't aged so well is the moronic police chief and the lackwit FBI agents. The writing for their characters feels forced.
Rated 07 Feb 2017
70
73rd
The protagonist carries the movie as well as any challenge that is thrown at him. I like the concept of infiltrating a skyscraper.
Rated 15 Apr 2017
93
91st
Die Hard is the perfect representation of what a great action movie should be.
Rated 14 Dec 2020
62
48th
Ok. Come on guys. It's not that good. It's ok. I guess for your typical action movie, pretty decent?
Rated 26 Dec 2020
87
79th
Way better than I gave it credit for in my original rating. I'm up 30%. A lot of fun.
Rated 26 Dec 2006
100
91st
Will totally engross you -- I was convinced Willis would foil the terrorists at least five times before the movie ended, once even during the first hour -- with the help of great central performances, a dash of humor, and strong direction by McTiernan.
Rated 24 Jan 2007
96
94th
Action-packed and hilarious. Alan Rickman and Bruce Willis are stellar. "I promise I will never even think about going up in a tall building again."
Rated 26 Feb 2007
90
96th
One of the best action movies there is.
Rated 18 Mar 2007
95
94th
Die Hard is the paramount example of how a suspense-action movie should be. Bruce Willis is, and always will be, one of the coolest guys to ever become a movie star and this is the movie that made him that way.
Rated 31 Mar 2007
90
86th
Fun, clever action movie. If you're a big film nerd who always talks about art films, you're not supposed to enjoy this series, but I do
Rated 02 Jul 2007
90
90th
greatest action adventure of all time
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
91st
YIPPEE KAY YAY MOTHERFUCKER. Classic action flick with big fights, big explosions, a slimy villain and a wisecracking hero.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
96
98th
The pinnacle of modern action, it will never be topped as a pure adrenaline rush.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
98th
It helped create a new action cliché-formula, and goddamn did it work.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
91
93rd
What is more American than Die Hard? A loose cannon cop takes on a group of International terorists all by his lonesome. The terrorists scheme unravels as the hero overcomes insurmountable odds and a hail of gunfire to save the day and the girl. Yippie-ki-yay.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
93rd
One of the quintessential action films of the 90s. Great action, acting, editing and dialogue. A must-have for anyone who enjoys ass-kicking Everymen.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
84
70th
Carl Winslow?
Rated 14 Aug 2007
83
71st
Goofy and Fun. Yippie-I-O-Ki-A. I enjoyed this film, but it doesn't hold up well post 9/11. But still great gobs of goofy fun.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
82nd
A timeless actioner. Everything in this movie works.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
90th
The definition of a modern action thriller. This is, quite frankly, a masterpiece in it's genre. Alan Rickman is outstanding and Bruce Willis delivers his best performance. Not to be missed.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
5
93rd
There are, essentially, two great venues in 1980s cinema. One is the Overlook, the other is the Nakatomi Plaza. That may or may not be true, but I thought it sounded good. Anyway, this is, y'know, the quintessential Hollywood action film. Its reputation is earned.
Rated 11 Sep 2007
5
25th
Total bulls*it
Rated 29 Jan 2008
95
97th
One of the best action movies ever made. The worst thing I can say about it is that it makes you shake your head in disappointment when you consider much of the shit Bruce Willis has been doing since.
Rated 02 Feb 2008
50
3rd
Very macho and a quite boring action piece
Rated 04 Mar 2008
100
98th
The perfect action film.
Rated 16 Mar 2008
96
85th
The perfect action movie.
Rated 18 Apr 2008
98
98th
The next time someone tells you that books are always better than the movies people adapt from them, tell them to read the book this was based on.
Rated 06 May 2008
75
62nd
alan rickman, you are a dear.
Rated 18 May 2008
87
90th
One of the best examples of a pure action film, done with plenty of suspense, great set pieces, and some nice humor. Rickman is captivating as Gruber, and Willis does a pretty good job himself as McClane. Often imitated, but rarely matched.
Rated 01 Jun 2008
80
57th
Pretty damn good, love Alan Rickman in this movie. He plays evil well.
Rated 14 Jun 2008
98
99th
Very Great
Rated 22 Jun 2008
75
53rd
The mother of all action movies. Often imitated and not quite duplicated (even by it's sequels) this is the ultimate turn off your brain and enjoy the smart ass quotes as John McClain runs rampant. Best action villain ever in Alan Rickman.
Rated 11 Nov 2008
90
92nd
Action films generally don't get any better than this.
Rated 15 Dec 2008
73
67th
Very entertaining movie with great action without getting too ridiculous. My only complaint would be that it got a bit too cheezy at times with the "Tell her I'm sorry" phone call and the black cop in the end...
Rated 17 Mar 2009
67
61st
Dynamite action yarn. Great action scenes and stunts, with Richard Edlund's special effects, and a perfect part for Willis. Marred only by overlength and too many needlessly stupid supporting characters.
Rated 16 Apr 2009
90
97th
Die Hard's brilliance lies not in the movie itself, but in its appeal. It's a film with something for everyone, and it manages to be that without sacrificing any integrity or technical prowess. There's a reason so many films try (often unsuccessfully) to emulate it, and it's because it follows exactly what Hollywood desires -- universal appeal. It's funny, charming, action-packed and smart all at the same time. One of the only movies of its kind, and of those, assuredly the best.
Rated 17 Apr 2009
50
97th
Hell yeah! Everything a great action movie should have: a direct and simple plot, a badass hero and lots of explosions. The best part is John McClane's slow breakdown as the film progresses. It breaks the Bond stereotype of always having a suave, well-dressed hero.
Rated 16 Jul 2009
95
89th
Probably one of the better action films ever made. Very smart and very sly. Yippie-kye-yay.
Rated 10 Nov 2009
20
4th
Boring. Too much suspense leads to boredom.
Rated 23 Dec 2009
98
98th
One of the greatest action movies ever made. The plot, characters, and action are nearly flawless. Bruce Willis plays one of the greatest action movie heroes ever, and Alan Rickman plays one of the screen's best bad guys. The banter between Willis and VelJohnson could have used a bit of work, but that flaw is easily forgotten given everything that the movie does right.
Rated 25 Jan 2010
90
76th
Action at its best. By far the best in the series, is a great star vehicle for Willis. Solid suspense and a great villain.
Rated 06 Feb 2010
100
95th
favorite action movie i can see it again and again and again
Rated 27 Feb 2010
99
97th
The best action movie ever made. Done.
Rated 20 Mar 2010
80
68th
One of the best movies of the genre. It is better than others because of showing the possibility that the lead actor can also die along with the whole ex-wife angle. The funny dialogues were indeed entertaining.
Rated 06 Jun 2010
80
95th
Action-packed and well-executed, this film has excellent performances from both Willis and Rickman, enacting a script that is written almost to perfection. It is held back only by the weakness of some secondary characters, especially the incompetent police chief cliches.
Rated 27 Jul 2010
90
94th
Walk hard, punch hard, fall hard, hobble hard, quip hard, glare hard. He's hard. I'm hard, throbbing hard. It'll make you hard too.
Rated 31 Aug 2010
80
89th
The crème de la crème of action movies. Outrageous, but not tawdry; funny, but not cheesy.
Rated 19 Sep 2010
6
62nd
Pretty good standard for an action flick, but a fair bit behind Hard Boiled which I consider to be the bench mark for this style. The second half was the highlight in the way that it seethed with power like a symphony of destruction. It did fall flat in some parts, though, the sequencing was an issue. It's mostly overlookable though.
Rated 25 Sep 2010
87
89th
One of the best action movies ever, Willis is great as the hero and Rickman makes a good villain.
Rated 15 Dec 2010
86
72nd
classic action movie!
Rated 11 Jan 2011
74
51st
Well the explosions were fun and there was a lot of action. That helped try to balance out the lacking of a story line here. Willis had a solid performance, that will stick with me for awhile. I never knew that Family Matters was a spin off of Die Hard. It is too bad Bruce Willis never made a cameo on the show with Urkel. I wonder if I watched this movie when it came out if I would have given it a higer score. For me it showed its age in some spots. Still though happy to finally see it.
Rated 23 Mar 2011
90
96th
Arguably the greatest action movie ever made, Die Hard runs taut from start to finish with an unwavering tension and ferocity and launched Bruce Willis into an international action superstar.
Rated 10 Apr 2011
90
93rd
Proof that action movies can be great and original and not just cliche garbage. Its more than just gun fights and CGI, its about love, friendship, and taunting terrorists who want to kill you.
Rated 26 Dec 2011
89
95th
One of the better action films out there. Alan Rickman is great as the villain. Bruce Wills is also very good in one of his best roles. The action scenes are great and the movie is extremely exciting.
Rated 25 Mar 2012
95
99th
Have you read the book?
Rated 05 May 2012
91
99th
I love this film so much. I love the jokes in it, I love the little hints of Christmas songs in the dramatic score, I love the way over the top moment when Al shoots someone. Everything about it is wonderful. This is a terrible review but I don't care. My favourite action film of all time

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