Ranked: 20 Of The Best BRUCE WILLIS Movies

Bruce Willis was a staple in Hollywood cinema for over three decades. His impressive body of work spans a variety of genres, demonstrating his versatility as an actor. Here, we present a ranking of his top 20 performances, counting down from the absolute best.

1. "Die Hard" (July 15, 1988): Willis portrays NYPD officer John McClane, who is trapped in a Los Angeles skyscraper during a terrorist siege. His cunning and determination in this role are what earned this film its top spot, defining the character that would become one of Willis's most recognizable. Notable co-stars include Alan Rickman as the memorable villain, Hans Gruber.
2. "Pulp Fiction" (October 14, 1994): Willis stars as the hard-nosed boxer Butch Coolidge in Quentin Tarantino's film, where multiple storylines interweave with grit and dark humor. Willis's raw performance contributes to the film's masterful exploration of redemption and consequence. Notable co-stars include John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson.
3. "The Sixth Sense" (August 6, 1999): Willis plays child psychologist Malcolm Crowe, tasked with helping a young boy who claims to see ghosts. Willis's sensitive and nuanced performance elevates this film to third place, underlining his capacity for emotional depth. Notable co-star Haley Joel Osment delivers a haunting performance.
4. "Unbreakable" (November 22, 2000): Willis plays David Dunn, a man who discovers he has superhuman abilities after surviving a catastrophic train crash. Willis's performance combined with M. Night Shyamalan's unique approach to the superhero genre is why this film ranks fourth. Co-starring Samuel L. Jackson.
5. "Die Hard with a Vengeance" (May 19, 1995): Willis reprises his role as John McClane, this time thwarting a terrorist plot in New York. The dynamic between Willis and co-star Samuel L. Jackson, plus the film's high-octane pacing, make it a standout in the "Die Hard" series.
6. "Twelve Monkeys" (December 27, 1995): Willis plays James Cole, a time traveler sent back to prevent a deadly plague. Willis's intensely committed performance and the film's labyrinthine plot earn it this spot. Notable co-stars include Brad Pitt and Madeleine Stowe.
7. "Sin City" (April 1, 2005): Willis portrays Hartigan, a detective trying to save a young woman from a psychopath in this stylized neo-noir film. Willis's weathered performance fits perfectly within the grim, monochromatic world of "Sin City." Jessica Alba and Mickey Rourke co-star.
8. "Looper" (September 28, 2012): Willis's character, older Joe, travels back in time to kill his younger self in this intricate sci-fi film. Willis's action-hero bravado and his somber contemplation of self-destruction mark this film as a memorable entry in his filmography. Joseph Gordon-Levitt co-stars.
9. "Moonrise Kingdom" (June 29, 2012): Willis plays Captain Sharp in this Wes Anderson film. His tender portrayal of a policeman in a quirky town marks a deviation from his usual roles, demonstrating his range as an actor. Notable co-stars include Edward Norton and Bill Murray.
10. "The Fifth Element" (May 9, 1997): As Korben Dallas, Willis brings his action-hero chops to Luc Besson's imaginative sci-fi epic, providing a grounded center in an otherwise outlandish film. Milla Jovovich and Gary Oldman co-star.
11. "Red" (October 15, 2010): Willis plays Frank Moses, a retired CIA agent in this action-comedy. His charismatic performance and strong rapport with co-stars Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, and John Malkovich make this a thoroughly entertaining film.
12. "Armageddon" (July 1, 1998): Willis leads as Harry Stamper, an oil driller tasked with preventing an asteroid from hitting Earth. The combination of Willis's earnest performance and the film's high-stakes plot make this a standout blockbuster. Co-stars include Ben Affleck and Liv Tyler.
13. "Die Hard 2" (July 4, 1990): Willis's second outing as John McClane sees him combating terrorists at an airport. Despite being a sequel, Willis's performance and the film's action sequences still feel fresh.
14. "16 Blocks" (March 3, 2006): Willis plays Jack Mosley, a cop tasked with escorting a witness to a trial. His portrayal of a worn-out cop presents a more human, vulnerable side to his usual roles.
15. "Over the Hedge" (May 19, 2006): Providing the voice for the rascally raccoon RJ, Willis demonstrates his skill at comedic timing in this animated feature.
16. "Nobody’s Fool" (December 23, 1994): Willis plays Carl Roebuck in this dramedy, showing he can hold his own against dramatic heavyweights like Paul Newman.
17. "The Last Boy Scout" (December 13, 1991): As private detective Joe Hallenbeck, Willis provides a good balance of action and noir-style dialogue in this early '90s action flick.
18. "Look Who’s Talking" (October 13, 1989): Willis lends his voice to baby Mikey in this comedy, displaying his knack for humor and comedy.
19. "Planet Terror" (October 25, 2007): Willis's cameo as Lt. Muldoon in Robert Rodriguez's zombie flick showcases his ability to leave an impression even in small roles.
20. "Hudson Hawk" (May 24, 1991): Willis's charm and comedic timing as cat burglar Eddie "Hudson Hawk" Hawkins make this an enjoyable, if oft-maligned, action-comedy.

From high-concept science fiction to gritty noir dramas, these films demonstrate Willis's undeniable range and lasting appeal. Whether he's saving the world or voicing an animated raccoon, his performances are always imbued with an engaging combination of charm, grit, and intensity. His versatile career reaffirms him as one of Hollywood's most enduring stars.

Which is your favourite Bruce Willis movie?