Die Hard (1988)

Kernel Score: 87% · 12,081 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Action, Thriller

Released: 1988-07-15

Runtime: 132 minutes

Is Die Hard worth watching?

Must-watch. The template for the modern action film, with one tired cop trapped in a skyscraper against a gang of thieves. Funny, tense and cleverly built. It is a Christmas movie if you want it to be.

Watch it if you

  • love 1980s action
  • enjoy a quick-witted, reluctant hero
  • want a tense, contained thriller

Skip it if you

  • dislike violence and swearing
  • want a quiet story

Best for: Action night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Die Hard

  • Stream: Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube TV
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-22.

Overview

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 parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Die Hard is an R-rated action classic featuring a terrorist hostage siege with intense gun violence and explosions.

  • Violence & scariness: Strong — Includes shootouts, explosions, and a violent terrorist takeover of a building with hostages.
  • Language: Moderate — Contains frequent strong profanity typical of an R-rated action film.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Die Hard

If you liked Die Hard, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Die Hard: With a Vengeance (1995) — 83%: The third film, with a new city and a new partner.
  • Die Hard 2 (1990) — 79%: The sequel, with another siege to survive.
  • Predator (1987) — 85%: Same director, similar tension and 1980s action.
  • Lethal Weapon (1987) — 81%: Buddy-cop action with humour and a tough streak.
  • The Hunt for Red October (1990) — 83%: Same director's smart Cold War thriller.
  • Nobody (2021) — 89%: Modern action with an unlikely, dry-witted hero.

Director

John McTiernan

Cast

Die Hard FAQ

Is Die Hard worth watching?

Must-watch. The template for the modern action film, with one tired cop trapped in a skyscraper against a gang of thieves. Funny, tense and cleverly built. It is a Christmas movie if you want it to be.

Where can I watch Die Hard?

In the US you can stream Die Hard on Prime Video, Hulu and YouTube TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Die Hard OK for kids?

Die Hard is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Die Hard is an R-rated action classic featuring a terrorist hostage siege with intense gun violence and explosions.

What movies are like Die Hard?

If you liked Die Hard, try Die Hard: With a Vengeance, Die Hard 2, Predator and Lethal Weapon.