Die Hard

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2:33

Die Hard

R

1988

2h 12m

Action

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

94%

Tomatometer

87 Reviews

94%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

New York City policeman John McClane (Bruce Willis) is visiting his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) on Christmas Eve. He joins her at a holiday party in the headquarters of the Japanese-owned business she works for. But the festivities are interrupted by a group of terrorists who take over the exclusive high-rise, and everyone in it. Very soon McClane realizes that there's no one to save the hostages -- but him.

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Critics Consensus

Its many imitators (and sequels) have never come close to matching the taut thrills of the definitive holiday action classic.

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Nick Schager

The Daily Beast

Dec 5, 2022

That’s right, I’m saying it, loudly and proudly, since John McTiernan’s 1988 action classic isn’t just set at Christmastime—it embodies the very spirit of the holiday.

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

Nov 29, 2018

5/5

It's a glorious scene-stealer for Alan Rickman, though it's a credit to Willis's cheeky charisma that his scene is not in fact stolen.

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Jay Carr

Boston Globe

Apr 27, 2018

Die Hard is film's equivalent of a terrorist attack on your senses, but Willis' intensity and presence push it into guilty pleasure territory.

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

Jul 17, 2026

5/5

'...a perfect summer blockbuster...John McTiernan's classic thriller Die Hard is still one of the great films about American spirit and exceptionalism...it's not just for for Christmas...'

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David Elliott

Copley News Service

Dec 13, 2025

It's stupid yet engrossingly directed for jolts by John McTiernan.

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Rachel Wagner

Hallmarkies Podcast

Dec 7, 2024

One of the best Christmas movies ever made. Yes Christmas movies...

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Rex Recker

Dec 4, 2025

What a joy ride of a movie. Willis and Rickman are priceless.

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Zach D.

Dec 26, 2024

Amazing theater, amazing Christmas watch.

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Matt Y

Dec 14, 2024

It’s a Christmas movie. And Clay, Bill Clay.

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Matthew P

Nov 19, 2024

Yippie kai aye m efers.

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MatthewKaneMusic.com

Nov 10, 2024

Best Christmas movie ever! so glad I got to see it in the theaters

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Mike B

Dec 20, 2023

The greatest Christmas Movie/Not Christmas Movie of all time.

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John McTiernan

Director

Bruce Willis

John McClane

Alan Rickman

Hans Gruber

Bonnie Bedelia

Holly Gennero McClane

Reginald VelJohnson

Sgt. Al Powell

Alexander Godunov

Karl

Die Hard 2

68%

70%

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Die Hard: Trailer 1

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Die Hard 30th Anniversary (1988) Presented by TCM: Fathom Events Trailer

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Synopsis

New York City policeman John McClane (Bruce Willis) is visiting his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) on Christmas Eve. He joins her at a holiday party in the headquarters of the Japanese-owned business she works for. But the festivities are interrupted by a group of terrorists who take over the exclusive high-rise, and everyone in it. Very soon McClane realizes that there's no one to save the hostages -- but him.

Director: John McTiernan
Producer: Lawrence Gordon, Joel Silver
Screenwriter: Roderick Thorp, Jeb Stuart, Steven E. de Souza
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Gordon Company, Silver Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 15, 1988, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Dec 8, 2023
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 2, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $82.3M
Runtime: 2h 12m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Magnetic Stereo 6 Track, Surround, Dolby A, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: 70mm, Scope (2.35:1)

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