Bruce Willis's 10 Best Movies Ranked

Bruce Willis, without a doubt, is a legendary figure in cinema (rather than being one of those figures whose iconic status is debatable), having starred in some truly remarkable films that have graced our movie screens. However, if we were to discuss the top Bruce Willis movies, what would they be?

To be honest, it’s quite challenging to summarize succinctly, but here goes: Ever since Bruce started his career over three decades ago in the glamorous world of Hollywood, he’s collaborated with some of the industry’s most brilliant talents and renowned figures. You could say he’s a seasoned insider in Tinsel Town!

It’s not surprising at all, given his reputation, that his name is associated with some of the greatest films ever made in various genres – be it comedy, action, or even science fiction. In fact, it’s rare to find a genre where Bruce hasn’t left his distinctive footprints.

As the star celebrates his 70th birthday this year (March 19 for those wishing to send a card), our team has embarked on the task of ranking the star’s top films. Rest assured, only two Die Hard movies are included in our list.

10. Die Hard With a Vengeance

Release date: May 19, 1995
Director: John McTiernan
Cast: Bruce Willis, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson
How long is it? 2 hours 8 minutes

In essence: Unfortunate NYPD officer John McClane finds himself entangled in a lethal game of ‘Follow the Leader’ with a cunning villain. During his journey, he crosses paths with an electrician named Zeus Carver, safeguards New York from impending doom, and gradually discovers that there’s a deeper plot to this game than initially perceived.

Why we enjoy it: Although Die Hard With a Vengeance doesn’t have the same narrative cohesion as the first Die Hard film, director McTiernan delivers thrilling action sequences, sharp dialogue, and energetic camerawork that make this movie engaging and fast-paced. However, what truly sets it apart is the exceptional chemistry between Willis and Jackson, their witty banter adding depth to the film and solidifying Die Hard With a Vengeance as the best Die Hard sequel (admittedly, not a difficult title to claim).

9. The Whole Nine Yards

Release date: February 18, 2000
Director: Jonathan Lynn
Cast: Bruce Willis, Matthew Perry, Rosanna Arquette
How long is it? 1 hour 38 minutes

Main Topic: Living in a joyless marriage and barely getting by in the suburbs of Montreal, dentist Oz Oseransky finds himself stuck in a dull routine. But when he forms a bond with his new neighbor Jimmy, it appears that better days may be ahead… until Oz learns that Jimmy is a notorious hitman with a bounty on his head.

What makes it appealing: When you mention Bruce Willis, people usually think of his action movies or even his roles in thrillers such as The Sixth Sense. However, before he made the leap from Nakatomi Plaza, Willis honed his comedic skills, and The Whole Nine Yards could be the pinnacle of his hidden comedic talent. With a likable cast and an absurd plot, The Whole Nine Yards is side-splittingly funny and shockingly irreverent. While much of this humor can be attributed to Perry, who’s comically out of his depth in the criminal underworld, there’s also something to appreciate about Willis’ sarcastic, almost effortless appeal.

8. Moonrise Kingdom

Release date: May 25, 2012
Director: Wes Anderson
Cast: Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand
How long is it? 1 hours 34 minutes

In my gaming world, I embody a character named Sam Shakusky, a 12-year-old orphan with an extraordinary journey ahead. Instead of being stuck at a summer camp, I decide to break free, driven by the longing to reconnect with the one who has captured my heart.

Why we appreciate it: Just like a visit to a cotton candy factory, Moonrise Kingdom is as charmingly whimsical and even more delightful. It’s not just an unusual love story, but also a profound exploration of what it’s like to be a child in a world that’s increasingly adult-oriented. I usually find Wes Anderson’s quirks too sugary, but Moonrise Kingdom, with its compelling plot and lovable characters, has won me over. It’s worth mentioning Bruce’s role in the film, as this list is for him, and he delivers an exceptional performance. While you might not expect a man known for his energetic vest-wearing antics to shine here, that’s exactly the point; he uses his tough guy persona to great effect, adding depth to his character.

7. Looper

Release date: September 28, 2012
Director: Rian Johnson
Cast: Bruce Willis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt
How long is it? 1 hour 58 minutes

Main Concept: In a future where avoiding punishment for murder is almost impossible, criminals employ assassins called loopers to eliminate their victims by sending them back in time. One such looper named Joe is ordered to kill his older self, but instead of carrying out the task, he hesitates and unwittingly triggers a series of events that could potentially alter history.

Why we appreciate it: Rian Johnson’s innovative and creative sci-fi film, released in 2012, captivated audiences by seamlessly combining a thought-provoking yet accessible concept with heart-pounding action that keeps moviegoers hooked. The performances of Gordon-Levitt and Willis as their time-displaced counterparts are impressive, immersing us in the grim future that Johnson has crafted. However, the most compelling aspect isn’t tied to either actor; it’s the scene where a desperate Seth attempts to surrender to criminals who are brutalizing his past self. The escalating dread as New Seth understands what’s happening to him and his body parts vanish is genuinely unsettling and leaves a lasting impression long after the movie ends.

6. The Last Boy Scout

Release date: December 13, 1991
Director: Tony Scott
Cast: Bruce Willis, Damon Wayans, Chelsea Field
How long is it? 1 hour 45 minutes

The Gist: A disgraced ex-Secret Service agent named Joe Hallenbeck reluctantly partners with an ex-NFL star, Jimmy Dix, to probe a murder. Yet, as they delve deeper into the case, they unearth a larger scheme aimed at legalizing sports betting.

Why it’s appealing: The Last Boy Scout might not reach the heights of Lethal Weapon or The Nice Guys (or even Lethal Weapon 2), but it stands out as one of the most outrageously implausible, jaded, and underappreciated films from the ’90s. If you’re not convinced, just watch the opening scene. This film could be the epitome of what’s often called a ‘guy movie’: it’s filled with raw masculinity, foul language, excessive violence, and a buddy-cop dynamic, all set against the backdrop of a political conspiracy… and American football.

Words by Cameron Frew

5. The Fifth Element

Release date: May 7, 1997
Director: Luc Besson
Cast: Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, Chris Tucker, Milla Jovovich
How long is it? 2 hours 6 minutes

Main Topic: In the year 2300, a dreadful cosmic force called the Great Evil arises, posing a grave danger to all life on Earth. The sole defense for humanity lies in the Fifth Element, an immensely potent weapon that ancient tales claim has the power to vanquish evil forever.

What we appreciate about it: While The Fifth Element might initially seem like a typical space opera along the lines of Star Wars or Dune, it does share some similarities in terms of its impressive world-building and extravagant depictions of far-off futures. However, what sets The Fifth Element apart is its injection of humor with a touch of campiness, giving it a distinctive flavor that makes it stand out from other films in the genre.

4. Pulp Fiction

Release date: October 14, 1994
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Cast: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Harvey Keitel, Bruce Willis
How long is it? 2 hours 34 minutes

The narrative unfolds as a non-chronological exploration of Los Angeles’ criminal underbelly, with the film titled “Pulp Fiction” delving into the interconnected lives of various felons, often resulting in either brutal or comically unexpected encounters.

The reason we appreciate it: If you were to check the definition of ‘amazing’ in a dictionary, it would be a perfect representation of what this particular thing is. Well, I thought you wanted something different. Alright, if you were to look up ‘amazing’ in a dictionary, it would be an image of Pulp Fiction (dictionary images don’t exist; this is absurd), which, as we all know, is one of the most groundbreaking and significant movies from the 20th Century.

As a gamer putting on my film critic hat, let me share what makes Pulp Fiction so captivating for me. It’s an impeccable tale spun in a lively and engaging manner. The dialogue is as sharp as the edge of a prison shiv, and the ensemble is simply extraordinary. Speaking of the cast, Bruce Willis gives a stellar performance as the aging boxer Butch, and his story stands out memorably, thanks to Ving Rhames and that unforgettable character – the tortured sadomasochistic gimp.

3. The Sixth Sense

Release date: August 6, 1999
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams, Haley Joel Osment
How long is it? 1 hour 48 minutes

Main Topic: Child psychologist Malcolm Crowe finds himself in an unusual predicament as he’s assigned to aid nine-year-old Cole Sear, who is struggling with depression. Yet, the root cause of Cole’s mental distress turns out to be extraordinary: he can see spirits or ghosts all around him.

Reason for its appeal: The fame of The Sixth Sense has become self-evident, and its iconic twist – Bruce Willis being dead throughout the film – has somewhat overshadowed it in popular culture lore. However, this is unfortunate because regardless of its conclusion, The Sixth Sense stands as a modern masterpiece that seamlessly blends contemporary thrills with the chilling essence of traditional ghost stories such as Whistle and I’ll Come to You. Once more, Willis delivers an exceptional performance, but unlike his comedic roles, this time he presents a subdued and reserved character. This understated portrayal complements the supernatural elements beautifully and helps prepare the audience for the shocking climax.

2. Die Hard

Release date: July 15, 1988
Director: John McTiernan
Cast: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia
How long is it? 2 hours 12 minutes

The Plot: Once more, we find ourselves following John McClane, who is off to LA in an attempt to mend fences with his wife, Holly. However, when terrorists storm her workplace, their reunion will have to be postponed as John finds himself with a mission to save the day instead.

What makes it special: Ho-ho-ho! John McTiernan’s gritty masterpiece stands out for its straightforward yet impactful plotline, breathtaking action sequences, and compelling character portrayals. It’s a work of art that rivals Beethoven’s Ode to Joy in terms of greatness. While many might point to Rickman’s unforgettable portrayal of the sophisticated thief Hans Gruber as the film’s highlight, I believe it’s Bruce Willis who delivers the standout performance. It’s astonishing to consider that for most of the movie, all Bruce has to interact with is a walkie-talkie, yet he still manages to deliver one of the most charming action movie performances ever.

1. Unbreakable

Release date: November 22, 2000
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Robin Wright
How long is it? 1 hour 46 minutes

The story revolves around David Dunn, a security guard, who miraculously survives a fatal train collision unscathed. His life takes an unexpected turn when Elijah Price, a wheelchair-bound comic book store proprietor, asserts that David might possess extraordinary powers.

Why we appreciate it: Our favorite M. Night Shyamalan film, as chosen by us, might not be a shock to those who follow TopMob TV and movies closely (we see you, Joe). Unbreakable holds the top position, and this won’t be unexpected. While some of my colleagues view it as a potent critique of superhero films, I’ve always perceived it differently. In truth, Unbreakable is a heartfelt tribute to the caped crusaders. Given its subtle nods and references to the stereotypes and conventions that characterize superhero movies, one might think it’s complex. However, it’s actually a straightforward origin story that benefits immensely from Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson’s exceptional acting, M. Night Shyamalan’s stylish direction, and James Newton Howard’s chilling score.

2025-03-19 14:51

Bruce Willis’s 10 Best Movies Ranked