Die Hard (1988)
John McTiernan's landmark action thriller that turned Bruce Willis into a superstar and redefined the genre for decades to come.
Die Hard - Movie Information
- Original Title: Die Hard
- Release Year: 1988
- Directed by: John McTiernan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 12m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, German, Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 15, 1988 (Canada - 18A), July 22, 1988 (United States - R), November 10, 1988 (Germany - 16), September 21, 1988 (France - 16), October 6, 1988 (Australia - M), December 15, 1988 (Brazil - 14), December 16, 1988 (Mexico - C), September 29, 1988 (Italy - VM14), September 30, 1988 (Spain - 16), September 24, 1988 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Assalto ao Arranha-Céus (PT), 虎膽龍威 (HK), Duro de Matar (MX), 虎膽龍威 (TW), Die Hard 1 - Drágán add az életed! (1988) (HU), Aksjon skyskraper (NO), ダイ・ハード (JP), Die Hard - vain kuolleen ruumiini yli (FI)
- Production Companies: Gordon Company, Silver Pictures, 20th Century Fox
- Production Countries: United States of America
Die Hard - Plot
NYPD cop John McClane's plan to reconcile with his estranged wife is thrown for a serious loop when, minutes after he arrives at her office's Christmas Party, the entire building is overtaken by a group of terrorists. With little help from the LAPD, wisecracking McClane sets out to single-handedly rescue the hostages and bring the bad guys down.
Die Hard - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the action unfold across 40 floors of Nakatomi Plaza:
40 stories of sheer adventure!
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Die Hard - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John McTiernan
Main Cast
- Bruce Willis
- Alan Rickman
- Alexander Godunov
- Bonnie Bedelia
- Reginald VelJohnson
- Paul Gleason
- De'voreaux White
- William Atherton
- Hart Bochner
- James Shigeta
Writers
- Jeb Stuart
- Steven E. de Souza
Producers
- Lawrence Gordon
- Beau Marks
- Joel Silver
Die Hard - FAQs
Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?
Die Hard is set on Christmas Eve and features holiday music, decorations, and seasonal themes throughout. While director John McTiernan and screenwriters never intended it as a Christmas film, the debate over its classification has become one of pop culture's most beloved annual traditions, with fans firmly divided.
Where can you stream Die Hard?
Die Hard is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and AMC+ Amazon Channel, as well as Philo and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for current regional availability.
Is Die Hard based on a true story or book?
Die Hard is based on the 1979 novel Nothing Lasts Forever by Roderick Thorp, itself a sequel to his 1966 novel The Detective. While the story is fictional, the film's tense, grounded action was designed to feel realistic. It is not inspired by any real-life hostage or terrorism event.
Who are the main actors in Die Hard?
Die Hard stars Bruce Willis as NYPD officer John McClane and Alan Rickman as the sophisticated villain Hans Gruber. The supporting cast includes Bonnie Bedelia as Holly McClane, Reginald VelJohnson as Sergeant Al Powell, Alexander Godunov as Karl, and Paul Gleason as Deputy Police Chief Dwayne Robinson.
What is the age rating for Die Hard?
Die Hard is rated R in the United States by the MPA. The rating reflects the film's intense action sequences, strong language, and violence throughout. It is not recommended for younger audiences. International ratings vary by country, ranging from 14 to 18 depending on the region.
Who directed Die Hard and when was it released?
Die Hard was directed by John McTiernan, who also helmed Predator (1987) and The Hunt for Red October (1990). The film was theatrically released in the United States on July 22, 1988, and went on to become one of the defining action films of its era, launching a long-running franchise.
How long is Die Hard?
Die Hard has a runtime of 2 hours and 12 minutes (132 minutes). Despite its length, the film is widely praised for its tight pacing and relentless tension, keeping audiences engaged from the moment John McClane steps off the plane to the explosive rooftop finale.
Did Die Hard win any awards or achieve critical acclaim?
Die Hard was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Film Editing and Best Sound. It holds a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is widely regarded as one of the greatest action films ever made. It was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry in 2017.
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