Ok first thing's first. Die Hard is arguably the greatest action movie ever made, so naturally, the original film release will take the top spot here. Anyone who argues otherwise is probably an ass clown.
1. Die Hard (1988)
Oh yeah. This is the one that started it all. Director John McTiernan was hot of making Predator and landed on a project with Moonlighting star Bruce Willis. How on earth would this comedy guy pull of being an action hero? Despite being copied by just about everything since its release, this one still holds up and is as engaging and fun as it was 30+ years ago.
2. The first hour and 52 minutes of Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)
After being replaced by Renny Harlin on Die Hard 2, director John McTiernan came back for the third entry in the series. This is a good thing, as McTiernan knows how to direct action and this movie is literally like getting a cocaine enema. You can pay for the whole seat, but you only need the edge. Built on the outstanding dynamic between John McClain and newcomer Zeus, this thing absolutely hops through the first 80% of its runtime until one of the most-disappointing endings in action movie history derails a sequel that could have been every bit the equal of the original movie.
3. Die Hard 2: Die Harder (1990)
More or less a second shot at the same basic plot of the first film, Die Hard two moves our hero to the east coast to once again deal with terrorists trying to fuck up his holiday break. Pretty much lesser than its predecessor in every way, save for some outstanding work from the side players, including Dennis Franz as the airport security chief Carmine Lorenzo. It ain't bad, but certainly nowhere near the two option above.
4. 16 Blocks (2006)
Yeah, so this one might not be an official Die Hard movie, but it deserves its spot on the list. It follows the exploits of a grizzled, alcoholic detective who wants no part of this shit - aka John McLain circa 2006. Directed by action legend Richard Donner (Goonies, Lethal Weapon), 16 Blocks offers a small-stakes story that feels much more like the original Die Hard than any of the ass sequels following Vengeance that dont actually exist. Also mad props to Mos Def and David Morse for wonderful performances alongside old Bruce. They never made any other Die Hard movies, so this list ends now!
