19 Must-Watch Action Thriller Movies Similar to Die Hard

Die Hard 2 is reminiscent of Die Hard because it follows the same formula of John McClane being in the wrong place at the wrong time, trying to save his wife and countless innocent lives. However, Die Hard 2 lacks the same level of suspense as the first film. While it still delivers lots of action and maintains a brutal edge, it feels like a carbon copy of the original with a bigger-is-better approach to stunts. Despite this minor flaw, Die Hard 2 is still very entertaining and works in spite of itself. So if you enjoyed the first film and are looking for more of the same thrilling and explosive action, Die Hard 2 is definitely worth watching.

Die Hard with a Vengeance: John McClane is back, and this time he's facing off against German terrorist Simon in the heart of New York City. Die Hard with a Vengeance captures the same thrilling and explosive energy that made Die Hard so brilliant. The action is non-stop from the start, and the chemistry between Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson is undeniable. Plus, the practical effects still hold up, even after almost 20 years. However, the movie does stumble a bit with its ending, which feels too typical of a Hollywood-style conclusion. It's a shame because the rest of the movie is so unique and exciting. Additionally, the water riddle that John solves to save the day seems a bit too easily resolved, and the editing doesn't fully showcase how he arrives at the answer. Despite these minor flaws, Die Hard with a Vengeance is a must-watch for fans of the original.

Last Man Standing takes us back to the Prohibition era, where a drifting gunslinger-for-hire named John Smith, played by Bruce Willis, finds himself in the middle of a war between the Irish and Italian mafia in a ghost town. This movie is a blend of westerns from the sixties, particularly Akira Kurosawa's Yojimbo, and the noir movies of the 40s. The narration by Willis, delivered in a grim and monotone manner, adds to the overall charm and reminds us of the noir movies of the past. The desert setting of the ghost town is reminiscent of the western genre, and the shoot-outs are expertly done, with dark and comical violence. Last Man Standing may not be overly serious in terms of realism, but it successfully employs major style and bold visuals, making it a dark and stylish film that will appeal to fans of both genres. So saddle up and join John Smith as he plays both sides in this thrilling mafia showdown.

A Day to Die, released on May 19, 2022, bears a striking resemblance to Die Hard, the 1989 classic. Both films center around the intense theme of hostage situations, with the protagonists fighting against a criminal gang or terrorists. However, that's where the similarities seem to end. While Die Hard boasts a runtime of 7920 seconds and an impressive people vote average of 8.2, A Day to Die is comparatively shorter, with a runtime of 6300 seconds and a people vote average of 3.5. Despite these differences, I would still recommend watching A Day to Die, as it offers a fresh take on the hostage genre, incorporating elements of action, crime, drama, and thriller. So, if you enjoyed the heart-pounding suspense and explosive action of Die Hard, A Day to Die will surely keep you on the edge of your seat, even though it may not match the brilliance of its predecessor.

Fortress: Sniper's Eye takes us on a thrilling adventure, reminiscent of Die Hard. While the plot of Sniper's Eye revolves around a top-secret resort for retired U.S. intelligence officers, Die Hard captivated us with a New York City police officer's fight against terrorists during a Christmas party. Both movies belong to the action-thriller genre, promising excitement and suspense. However, the similarities end there. Die Hard, with its explosive action sequences, inventive cinematography, and intelligent scripting, established itself as a timeless classic. On the other hand, Sniper's Eye falls short, with subpar acting and amateur writing. Even though Bruce Willis makes an appearance, the movie fails to capture the same brilliance. Despite its flaws, Sniper's Eye still offers a decent performance from Chad Michael Murray and some attempts at thrilling moments. While it may not live up to Die Hard's legacy, Sniper's Eye can be an entertaining watch for fans of the genre.

Hostage: When a family is held hostage, former hostage negotiator Jeff Talley arrives at the scene. Talley's own family is kidnapped and Talley must decide which is more important: saving a family he doesn't even know or saving his own family.
While Die Hard and Hostage share the same lead actor, Bruce Willis, and both involve hostage situations, they provide different experiences. Die Hard, released in 1989, is a classic action thriller set during a Christmas party at Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles. It showcases explosive action, inventive cinematography, and an exhilarating pace. On the other hand, Hostage, released in 2005, takes a darker and more adult approach to the genre. Directed by Florent-Emilio Siri, it is visually stunning and keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The story is well-written, with no cheap tricks, and the film is superbly acted and directed.

Deadlock is reminiscent of Die Hard in its thrilling action-packed plot and intense hostage situation. Both movies feature a lone hero who must overcome overwhelming odds to save innocent lives. While Die Hard takes place during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza, Deadlock unfolds at a Georgia power plant. Despite their different settings, both films capture the tension and suspense of a high-stakes situation. However, while Die Hard is hailed as a classic and praised for its brilliant action sequences, Deadlock falls short in comparison. The useful featured review for Deadlock criticizes Bruce Willis' involvement in the film, suggesting that he is taking on any role for a paycheck. Nevertheless, fans of Die Hard and the action genre may still find Deadlock entertaining, as it offers a similar adrenaline-fueled experience.

American Siege, released in 2022, shares some similarities with Die Hard. Both movies fall under the action-thriller genre and involve a hostage situation. While Die Hard takes place during a Christmas party at Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles, American Siege is set in a small rural Georgia town. In Die Hard, Bruce Willis plays a New York City police officer trying to save his estranged wife and others from terrorists, while in American Siege, he portrays an ex-NYPD officer-turned-sheriff contending with a gang of thieves holding a wealthy doctor hostage. Despite their similarities, the two movies differ in terms of critical reception. Die Hard is widely regarded as a superb film, with a people vote average of 8.2 out of 10, while American Siege has a lower rating of 3.4 out of 10. Nevertheless, fans of Die Hard may find American Siege intriguing due to its action-packed plot and the presence of Bruce Willis in both films.

Le choc. An assassin tries to retire against his bosses' will. While Die Hard and Le choc may seem worlds apart, there are some interesting similarities between these two action-packed films. Both movies revolve around a protagonist facing off against a formidable enemy, with the odds seemingly stacked against them. In Die Hard, John McClane takes on a group of terrorists holding hostages in a Los Angeles skyscraper, while in Le choc, an assassin tries to leave his dangerous profession. Both films feature intense action sequences that will keep you on the edge of your seat. However, where Die Hard excels in its explosive action and inventive cinematography, Le choc falls short. The French film fails to capture the atmospheric and gritty tone of its source material, Jean Patrick Manchette's novel. While Die Hard is a timeless classic, Le choc lacks the same impact and falls short of its potential.

Stronghold, like Die Hard, is an action-packed thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat. While Die Hard takes place in the bustling city of Los Angeles during a Christmas party, Stronghold takes a different approach and centers around an isolated farmhouse. Both movies explore the theme of hostage situations, with the main characters being forced to confront criminals who have invaded their space. However, while Die Hard focuses on the heroic efforts of a New York City police officer, Stronghold takes a darker turn with the criminals dominating the innocent family. The tension and violence are palpable in both films, but Stronghold adds a unique touch with its Dutch charm and memorable dialogue. It's a must-watch for fans of Die Hard who are craving a different setting and a fresh take on the hostage thriller genre.

Seven Hours to Judgment is like a mix of Psycho, The Lady the Tiger and the Door, and an "on the lamb movie." It combines courtroom drama with a race against time as a judge must be judged by a deranged survivor of a murder spree. The judge must save his wife while racing through Seattle, searching for clues, and being pursued by vicious street gangs. Despite its modest budget, the film boasts a fine cast, including some very talented extras. It features good directorial and production values, with dream-like sequences that add a human touch and an artsy feel. Although it was released with little fanfare or advertisement, the film is a sleeper hit that gained more popularity on video tape. So, if you enjoyed Die Hard and want a thrilling and suspenseful movie with a touch of noir, Seven Hours to Judgment is the perfect choice.

Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection takes us on a thrilling ride just like Die Hard, but with a touch of martial arts and kung fu. While Die Hard captivated us with its action-packed hostage situation set during Christmas, Delta Force 2 brings us into the world of the DEA agents being held captive by a ruthless South American kingpin. Both movies keep us on the edge of our seats with their explosive action sequences, but Delta Force 2 adds a unique flavor with its martial arts and rescue mission plot. Chuck Norris leads the charge in this adrenaline-pumping adventure, providing a different kind of hero compared to Bruce Willis' resourceful and world-weary character in Die Hard. So, if you're looking for an action-packed film that combines the excitement of a hostage situation with the thrill of martial arts, Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection is the perfect choice for you.

Toy Soldiers takes viewers on a thrilling ride that is reminiscent of Die Hard. Both movies involve a group of individuals who are taken hostage by terrorists. In Die Hard, it's a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza, while in Toy Soldiers, it's a boarding school. Despite the difference in settings, both films share the same intense atmosphere and high-stakes tension. Additionally, they both feature young heroes who take it upon themselves to fight back against the terrorists. While Die Hard is known for its explosive action sequences and inventive cinematography, Toy Soldiers impresses with its smart and fast-paced storytelling. The acting in both movies is commendable, with Alan Rickman's portrayal of Hans Gruber in Die Hard and Andrew Divoff's smooth and suave villain in Toy Soldiers standing out. So, if you enjoyed the thrilling action and suspense of Die Hard, Toy Soldiers is definitely a movie worth watching.

Joshua Tree, also known as "Way of the Outlaw," is a movie that will remind you of Die Hard, but with a twist. Both films involve a protagonist who finds themselves in a high-stakes situation where they must outsmart their enemies to survive. In Die Hard, John McClane battles terrorists in a towering skyscraper, while in Joshua Tree, Santee, a framed prison escapee, kidnaps a female cop who turns out to be an off-duty officer. As the story unfolds, Santee seeks revenge against the corrupt cop who framed him, all while being pursued by the entire police force. While Die Hard is known for its explosive action and inventive cinematography, Joshua Tree shines with Dolph Lundgren's silent yet action-packed performance. Lundgren's Santee may not have much to say, but he makes up for it with his impressive physicality and intense presence.

Andaz is a movie that transports you back to the 90s, where everything was colorful, exaggerated, and full of drama. While Die Hard is an action-packed thriller set in Los Angeles during a Christmas party hostage situation, Andaz takes a lighter approach with a mix of comedy, drama, and romance. The plot revolves around a teacher named Ajay who becomes the center of attention for a group of savvy students, particularly Jaya, who has a crush on him. The movie takes a twist when Jaya's dad is killed, and chaos ensues as a terrorist named Captain holds the school and its inhabitants hostage. Unlike Die Hard, which keeps you on the edge of your seat, Andaz is more of a fun and time-pass movie that showcases the talents of Karishma Kapoor.

The Chase: Escaped convict Jack Hammond takes a woman hostage and sets off for the Mexican border with the police hot on his tail. Released in 1994, this action-comedy reminds me of Die Hard. Both movies feature a hostage situation, with the protagonist trying to outsmart the authorities. However, while Die Hard takes place in a high-rise building during a Christmas party, The Chase takes us on a wild road trip. With its mix of action, adventure, comedy, crime, romance, and thriller genres, The Chase offers a lighter and more humorous take on the hostage trope. Charlie Sheen delivers a funny performance, and Kristy Swanson adds charm as the beautiful lady caught up in the chaos. So if you're a fan of Die Hard and want a lighthearted twist on the genre, buckle up and enjoy the ride with The Chase.

Playing Dangerous is reminiscent of Die Hard in its thrilling and action-packed plot. Both movies involve a hostage situation where the main protagonist has to save their loved ones from dangerous terrorists. However, while Die Hard takes place in a high-rise building during Christmas, Playing Dangerous puts a unique spin on the concept by introducing a young scientific genius who outsmarts corporate mercenaries to protect his family. Despite the differences in tone, with Die Hard being more serious and Playing Dangerous leaning towards comedy, both films offer a thrilling experience with intense action sequences. If you enjoyed Die Hard's adrenaline-pumping storyline and gripping performances, Playing Dangerous offers a fresh and entertaining take on the hostage genre.

Vendetta is a thrilling action movie that takes place in Rome and Sicily. Just like Die Hard, it involves a hostage situation and a protagonist who is sent to negotiate for their release. However, the similarities end there. While Die Hard is set during Christmas in Los Angeles, Vendetta is set in Italy and follows a Swedish secret agent named Carl Hamilton. The two movies also differ in terms of their tone and style. Die Hard is known for its explosive action and witty scripting, while Vendetta focuses more on realism and tension, with no special effects or CGI. Additionally, Die Hard has received numerous nominations and awards, while Vendetta has not. If you enjoyed Die Hard and want to watch a different take on the hostage thriller genre, Vendetta is the movie for you.

Heaven's Burning is reminiscent of Die Hard in its action-packed and thrilling storyline. Both movies involve a protagonist who finds themselves caught up in a dangerous situation and must fight their way out. Die Hard takes place in Los Angeles during a Christmas party at Nakatomi Plaza, while Heaven's Burning follows a gang on the run after a botched bank job in Sydney. While Die Hard focuses on a lone hero saving hostages, Heaven's Burning takes a different approach by introducing a love story between Russell Crowe and Youki Koudoh's characters. The film becomes a road trip across the Australian Outback as the couple tries to escape their pursuers and reach their paradise on the beach. Although Heaven's Burning may not have the same level of explosive action as Die Hard, it offers a unique blend of romance, drama, and thrilling chase sequences that make it a captivating watch.