10 Movies & Shows Like Die Hard (1988)

Description: Similar to Die Hard, Lethal Weapon is a high-octane action film that combines intense action sequences with a buddy-cop dynamic. Both films feature a lone hero (or duo) taking on overwhelming odds, with a mix of humor and violence. The themes of redemption and personal struggle are also prevalent in both movies.

Fact: Lethal Weapon was directed by Richard Donner, who also directed Superman: The Movie. The film was a major success and spawned three sequels. Mel Gibson's performance as Martin Riggs is considered one of his most iconic roles.

Description: Under Siege is often referred to as 'Die Hard on a battleship.' The film follows a lone hero (Steven Seagal) who must stop terrorists who have taken over a U.S. Navy battleship. The confined setting and high-stakes action are reminiscent of Die Hard.

Fact: Under Siege was Steven Seagal's most successful film. The film features early performances by Tommy Lee Jones and Gary Busey. It was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing.

Description: Speed shares Die Hard's premise of a lone hero (Keanu Reeves) trying to outsmart a cunning villain (Dennis Hopper) in a high-stakes scenario. The confined setting (a bus that can't stop) creates tension similar to Die Hard's Nakatomi Plaza. Both films excel in pacing and suspense.

Fact: Speed was originally written as a sequel to Die Hard, but the idea was scrapped. Sandra Bullock's performance in Speed launched her into stardom. The film won two Academy Awards for Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing.

Description: True Lies, like Die Hard, blends action with humor and features a charismatic lead (Arnold Schwarzenegger) who must save the day. The film's high-stakes action sequences and witty dialogue are similar to Die Hard's tone.

Fact: True Lies was directed by James Cameron, who also directed Titanic and Avatar. The film was a remake of the French comedy La Totale!. True Lies was the first film to cost over $100 million to produce.

Description: Bad Boys shares Die Hard's buddy-cop dynamic and high-energy action sequences. The film's mix of humor and violence, along with its charismatic leads (Will Smith and Martin Lawrence), mirrors Die Hard's appeal.

Fact: Bad Boys was directed by Michael Bay, marking his feature film debut. The film was originally written for Dana Carvey and Jon Lovitz. Bad Boys spawned two sequels and a spin-off TV series.

Description: The Rock, like Die Hard, features a group of terrorists taking over a high-profile location (Alcatraz Island) and a reluctant hero (Nicolas Cage) who must stop them. The film's blend of action, humor, and a charismatic villain (Ed Harris) mirrors Die Hard's formula.

Fact: The Rock was directed by Michael Bay, known for his explosive action sequences. Sean Connery's character, John Mason, was originally written as a younger man. The film's score was composed by Hans Zimmer, who also worked on Die Hard: With a Vengeance.

Description: Air Force One is essentially 'Die Hard on a plane.' The film stars Harrison Ford as the President of the United States, who must fight off terrorists who have hijacked Air Force One. The confined setting and the hero's resourcefulness are key similarities to Die Hard.

Fact: Harrison Ford performed many of his own stunts in the film. The film's famous line, 'Get off my plane!' was ad-libbed by Ford. Air Force One was a box office success, grossing over $315 million worldwide.

Description: Con Air shares Die Hard's theme of a lone hero (Nicolas Cage) trapped in a confined space (a prison transport plane) with dangerous criminals. The film's over-the-top action and larger-than-life characters are reminiscent of Die Hard's style.

Fact: Con Air was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, known for high-octane action films. Nicolas Cage's character, Cameron Poe, was inspired by Elvis Presley. The film's soundtrack features the song 'How Do I Live' by Trisha Yearwood, which became a hit.

Description: Taken, like Die Hard, features a relentless hero (Liam Neeson) who will stop at nothing to save his family. The film's intense action and the protagonist's resourcefulness are key similarities to Die Hard.

Fact: Taken was a surprise hit and launched Liam Neeson's career as an action star. The film's famous line, 'I will find you, and I will kill you,' has become iconic. Taken spawned two sequels and a TV series.

Description: John Wick shares Die Hard's focus on a lone, highly skilled protagonist (Keanu Reeves) taking on overwhelming odds. The film's stylized action and emotional core (revenge for a loved one) are reminiscent of Die Hard.

Fact: John Wick was directed by Chad Stahelski, a former stuntman. The film's action sequences were inspired by Hong Kong action cinema. John Wick has spawned three sequels and a spin-off TV series.