As a film enthusiast with years of experience under my belt, I must say that Bruce Willis has had quite a varied career, spanning from action-packed blockbusters to indie gems. However, if we’re talking about the films that truly made an impact, not just on his career but also on cinema as a whole, then there are a few standouts that deserve special mention.
Bruce Willis began his acting career in 1980, but it wasn’t until he took on the role of David Addison in “Moonlighting” in 1985 that he started gaining recognition in Hollywood. Following the popularity of this show, Willis secured a mix of small and big-screen roles. However, it was his portrayal of John McClane in the 1988 film “Die Hard” that truly transformed his career, establishing him as an action movie star.
In no time at all, Willis expanded his acting repertoire across numerous film genres, including “Hudson Hawk” and “The Sixth Sense,” showcasing a wide variety of character types and avoiding being stereotyped. Over the course of 126 films, 16 TV series, some video games, and several stage performances, Willis had an illustrious career. However, he was forced to retire from acting in 2022 after receiving a diagnosis of aphasia, a condition that made it challenging for him to express himself clearly.
Regrettably, it seems like we won’t get to see more movies from Willis, but throughout his career he managed to create a substantial collection of impressive films. Despite the occasional flop, Willis has also graced our screens in many critically acclaimed and commercially successful productions. These 15 stand out as his best, compiled using scores aggregated from Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, and IMDb.
15. The Expendables 2
In “The Expendables” from 2010, Bruce Willis had a smaller part as Mr. Church. However, his role was expanded in the sequel, “The Expendables 2,” released two years later. In this film, Mr. Church featured prominently in more action scenes and had more responsibilities, appearing at the start of the movie and also in the climax. Interestingly, “The Expendables 2” was praised by critics and financially successful as well, earning over three times its production cost.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but acknowledge that Mr. Church plays a pivotal role in the story, often serving as the catalyst for the Expendables’ missions. Regrettably, Sylvester Stallone opted out of “The Expendables 3” due to a dispute over his compensation. Despite his absence, the series persisted, albeit subsequent installments fell short in recapturing the magic of the first two films.
Apart from Willis’ contributions to the series, “The Expendables 2” significantly amped up the action from the initial movie by assembling over a dozen action movie stars in one film. As Variety put it, this movie is a “muscle-bound, testosterone-fueled extravaganza.” The primary goal of the franchise is to recreate the bold action sequences typical of the ’80s and ’90s, which it achieves masterfully.
14. Motherless Brooklyn
Edward Norton served as both writer, producer, and director for the movie “Motherless Brooklyn,” which is adapted from Jonathan Lethem’s novel with the same title. This film tells a story centered around a private investigator who embarks on an investigation to uncover the truth behind his mentor’s murder. In this production, Bruce Willis portrays Frank Minna, the leader of the detective agency where Lionel Essrog (Norton) is employed.
Frank mentors Lionel, guiding him to cope with his OCD and Tourette syndrome, enabling him to excel as a detective. Following Frank’s demise, Lionel embarks on a mission to uncover his murderer. “Motherless Brooklyn” maintains a leisurely rhythm, but this becomes effortless to endure due to the exceptional acting displayed by each cast member in the movie. The production of the film faced challenges when a New York firefighter lost his life while battling a blaze on set.
Despite the unfortunate incident, production eventually continued, and the movie was released in cinemas. Regrettably, “Motherless Brooklyn” underperformed financially, but this wasn’t because of any lackluster performance by Bruce Willis or anyone else involved. The film suffered due to negative publicity surrounding a firefighter’s death, a subsequent lawsuit, and a congested release schedule, which hindered its box office success.
13. The Fifth Element
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at how Bruce Willis embodied Korben Dallas in “The Fifth Element,” a role that stood out notably during a prosperous phase of his career. Interestingly enough, science fiction wasn’t a genre Bruce ventured into frequently, which makes his flawless portrayal all the more impressive. His composed and relaxed screen presence seamlessly translated into the character of Dallas, a former military man turned cab driver, simply trying to navigate life in the movie’s futuristic setting.
Following a mysterious girl named Leeloo (played by Milla Jovovich) plummeting through his taxi’s roof, Dallas embarks on a cosmic journey aimed at vanquishing an unparalleled menace, employing the film’s namesake artifact. Dallas confronts extraterrestrial adversaries within a space-faring ocean liner to retrieve four essential gems capable of energizing the Fifth Element – which surprisingly proves to be Leeloo herself – and halt catastrophe from obliterating Earth.
The movie is entertaining and captivating, boasting outstanding acting, particularly by Chris Tucker as Ruby Rhod. Bruce Willis delivers an exceptional performance as Dallas, and the entire cast of “The Fifth Element” appears to be a perfect fit for their respective roles. This film was a massive success, both in terms of box office earnings and critical acclaim, and continues to be highly appreciated by sci-fi enthusiasts and fans of Bruce Willis.
12. RED
In contrast to typical spy flicks where agents stir up chaos for their country, “RED” stands out. This film is inspired by a DC Comics series and its title represents “Retired, Extremely Dangerous.” The character Francis “Frank” Moses (played by Bruce Willis) earns this label following his forced retirement from the CIA’s covert operations unit.
For Frank, retirement isn’t a breeze; instead, he spends a significant amount of time conversing with Sarah Ross (played by Mary-Louise Parker) over the phone regarding his pension matters. However, it turns out that he cherishes these conversations more than just discussing benefits. The situation takes a dramatic turn when a former black ops agent, William Cooper (Karl Urban), enters the scene and targets Frank. As a result, Sarah finds herself drawn into their struggle as they, along with Frank’s retired colleagues, work tirelessly to keep them both safe.
As a gamer, stepping into the shoes of Frank Moses in “RED” was an absolute thrill for me. I got to share the limelight with some heavy-hitters in the acting world, like Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Brian Cox, Richard Dreyfuss, and a host of others. This movie was chock-full of laugh-out-loud moments and adrenaline-pumping action sequences that made it an instant classic. It’s no surprise that its success spawned a sequel a few years down the line, but unfortunately, “RED 2” didn’t quite light up the box office as we had hoped.
11. Unbreakable
In 1999, film director M. Night Shyamalan collaborated with Bruce Willis for the first time on “The Sixth Sense.” Since the movie was a huge success, it’s not surprising that they worked together multiple times afterward. Willis portrays David Dunn in “Unbreakable,” where the idea of ordinary people secretly being superheroes is explored. Dunn has an uncanny ability to endure extreme situations and sense malicious intentions, although he remains oblivious to these abilities initially.
As a fan, I’d rephrase it like this: In a devious manner, Elijah Price, or as the kids call him, Mr. Glass (portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson), tracks me down. His observation is that my condition, osteogenesis imperfecta, which renders my bones incredibly brittle, places me at the opposite end of the spectrum compared to Dunn. While Dunn survives catastrophic events like train wrecks and car crashes unscathed, even a minor misstep could shatter my bones and inflict excruciating pain upon me.
In time, Dunn uncovers Price’s deceit and sinister plans, leading to his arrest. As Dunn assumes his role as a superhero, the film was widely praised and spawned two follow-ups. However, “Split” only loosely connects to the original plot through its closing scene. The second sequel, “Glass,” initially struggled at the box office but gained traction on Netflix. In the end, it neatly tied up the various narratives in a joint effort that audiences enjoyed.
10. Die Hard 2: Die Harder
“Die Hard” played a significant role in Bruce Willis’ acting career since it solidified his status as an action hero. The film’s success resulted in four follow-ups, each starring Willis as John McClane, the detective character. In “Die Hard 2,” McClane found himself trapped at an airport on Christmas Eve when terrorists chose that day to create chaos. To save the situation, McClane had to step up once again.
Terrorists are attempting to rescue their leader, who’s being taken into custody. Holly (played by Bonnie Bedelia), McClane’s wife, is aboard an airplane, and since the air traffic control system is under attack, everyone in the sky is at risk. McClane springs into action, employing his signature skills to eliminate villains and protect innocent passengers from potential fatalities.
“Among the movies in the Die Hard series, ‘Die Hard 2’ stands out due to its compelling storyline focused on characters and action scenes that are on par with its predecessor. It’s undeniable that Willis portrayed McClane exceptionally well; his performance feels tailored for him, and he delivers a deep understanding of the character without any hesitation.
9. Live Free or Die Hard
It’s not the case that all five films in the “Die Hard” series are Bruce Willis’ finest works. The third installment, titled “Die Hard with a Vengeance,” didn’t garner as much praise as its sequel, 2007’s “Live Free or Die Hard.” In this fourth movie, John McClane, the detective character played by Willis, faces off against a cyber-terrorist named Thomas Gabriel (portrayed by Timothy Olyphant).
Live Free or Die Hard” sets itself apart from its predecessors by shifting the focus from immediate threats posed by criminals, to a more insidious danger: a master hacker infiltrating U.S. government and commercial computer systems nationwide, preparing for a massive cyber attack. Unlike previous battles where McClane could rely on his gun and indomitable spirit, this time stopping the assault demands more than just those tools.
As a devoted fan, I must say that the narrative of Live Free or Die Hard presents me with an exhilarating conundrum for John McClane, keeping me captivated throughout the film and breathing fresh life into the series. Regrettably, this was preceded by A Good Day to Die Hard, which fell flat critically. Nevertheless, Live Free or Die Hard truly raised the bar, achieving success both financially and with critics.
8. 12 Monkeys
Renowned director Terry Gilliam, known for his work with Monty Python, helmed the production of “12 Monkeys,” which drew inspiration from the French short film “La Jetée.” In this movie, Bruce Willis portrays James Cole, a man confined in 2035, a time when humanity is forced to dwell beneath Earth’s surface due to a lethal plague that originated in 1996. Using a questionable method of time travel, Cole journeys back to unearth the secrets behind the virus.
As I navigated through multiple trials, I kept landing in the wrong eras, sometimes off by entire decades. Eventually, I found myself in the right moment, which led to a mind-bending time loop where I became the pivotal figure at both the onset of the pandemic and the understanding that could potentially end it.
The movie, “12 Monkeys,” was an enormous financial success, earning approximately $170 million against a production budget of only $29 million. Critically, it was also highly acclaimed, leading to the creation of a television series that spanned from 2015 to 2018. Bruce Willis delivers an outstanding performance in the film, and is backed by unforgettable acting from Brad Pitt, Madeleine Stowe, and Christopher Plummer.
7. Sin City
Sin City” is a movie based on Frank Miller’s renowned dark-themed comic book initially released in 1991. Director Robert Rodriguez undertook the challenge of converting Miller’s distinctive black and white illustrations, characterized by high contrast for visually stunning effects, into a colorful medium selectively. This transformation led to a groundbreaking digital creation that, in many aspects, was the pioneer in its cinematic genre.
Many imitators and a subsequent film would emerge, yet it’s widely agreed that the original stands supreme. “Sin City” features an impressive ensemble of skilled actors, with Bruce Willis portraying John Hartigan, a man ensnared in a web of conspiracy to shield a young girl who ultimately becomes an exotic dancer. Time and again, Hartigan risks his life to save Nancy Callahan (Jessica Alba), placing himself in harm’s way each instance.
As a gamer, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride when I reflect on the success of “Sin City.” With a production budget of $40 million, this gritty masterpiece managed to rake in nearly $160 million. The film was praised for its revolutionary visuals and captivating storyline, not to mention its compelling characters that brought the story to life. Many may have doubted its feasibility, but Rodriguez and his team turned skepticism into awe. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when creativity and determination collide.
6. The Sixth Sense
In 1999, Bruce Willis first teamed up with director M. Night Shyamalan in “The Sixth Sense.” This movie centers around Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist, who assists Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), a boy grappling with his ability to communicate with the deceased. The narrative begins with a distressing incident involving Crowe and one of his prior patients, and the rest of the film revolves around him overcoming this harrowing experience.
Assisting Cole is crucial for Crowe’s progress in dealing with his personal problems, and he comes across as a friendly psychologist. Under his tutelage, Crowe encourages Cole to face the specters he perceives and attempt to aid them. This method proves effective, and soon, Cole is capable of assisting numerous spirits in their journey beyond the world of the living, which were keeping them bound here.
In essence, this revelation unfolds a major surprise, which is deliberately kept under wraps if you haven’t watched the film. The movie “The Sixth Sense” played a significant role in Willis’ career, but it was even more transformative for its director. Shyamalan kick-started his penchant for including twists in his films with the box office success of “The Sixth Sense,” which he would continue to use, both positively and negatively.
5. Die Hard
1988 saw the introduction of detective John McClane in the action-packed thriller “Die Hard”, which not only brought McClane to the forefront but also catapulted Bruce Willis’ career and spawned a highly profitable franchise. Although Willis had some film credits before portraying McClane, it was this role that turned him into a household name. In “Die Hard”, McClane journeys to Los Angeles for his wife’s office Christmas party, where he becomes embroiled in a dangerous situation.
Immediately upon his arrival, the building gets taken over by terrorists who are intent on kidnapping everyone inside. Their objective is to snatch $640 million in bearer bonds stored in the vault, and they come very close to achieving their goal. However, these terrorists haven’t counted on John McClane being present; he has no intention of allowing a group of European extremists to spoil everyone’s day.
McClane navigates past his adversaries, taking them down one at a time, until he confronts the main antagonist: Hans Gruber (portrayed by Alan Rickman for the first time). “Die Hard” is a movie that’s been heavily influenced in countless other productions, and it holds a unique significance in popular culture as an enduring symbol of the 1980s cultural atmosphere.
4. Nobody’s Fool
In contrast to typical Bruce Willis films, the focus in “Nobody’s Fool” isn’t on his character. Instead, the movie revolves around Paul Newman’s Donald “Sully” Sullivan. Willis is part of an ensemble cast that includes Jessica Tandy, Melanie Griffith, Philip Seymour Hoffman, among others. In this film, Willis portrays Carl Roebuck, a contractor who frequently clashes with Sully.
The main problems arise because Carl often sues Sully whenever he can, while Sully takes advantage of the situation by flirting with Carl’s wife Toby (Griffith) when given the chance. Interestingly, the central plot revolves around Sully assuming both parental and grandparental roles as his son Dylan Walsh returns after a broken marriage, bringing along his own child, causing Sully to prioritize family obligations over personal interests.
In the movie “Nobody’s Fool,” every actor from Newman to Willis gave outstanding performances. Critics loved it, and while the audience appreciated it, not many watched it when it first came out. The film managed to earn almost $40 million on a budget of $20 million, but it fell short of making a profit by that margin.
3. Looper
In the sci-fi flick “Looper” from 2012, I step into the shoes of Old Joe, a future iteration of my character in the story. The movie takes us on a thrilling time-travel adventure, where criminals from 2074 send their victims to be eliminated in 2044. As a looper, my role is to carry out these hits and dispose of the bodies that are sent back from the future – a task that ultimately comes back to haunt me when Old Joe arrives for his own disposal.
What follows is a game of cat-and-mouse as Joe hunts down his older self. It’s hardly a simple affair, and before long, Joe must save a woman named Sara (Emily Blunt) and her son Cid (Pierce Gagnon) from Old Joe. Doing so requires a sacrifice and an understanding that life doesn’t get better for Joe, no matter what he does in the present.
Looper” skillfully explores an intriguing time travel concept, showcasing how events in the past can impact individuals in the present or future. The film is marked by compelling performances from its principal actors, although Bruce Willis plays a significant part. However, it’s essentially Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s movie, culminating in an extraordinary finale.
2. Moonrise Kingdom
Wes Anderson’s “Moonrise Kingdom” deviates from the norm of a typical Bruce Willis movie. Instead, it unfolds on an imaginary island named New Penzance. Here, an orphaned boy called Sam (Jared Gilman) flees his scout camp to reunite with his correspondent and crush, Suzy (Kara Hayward). Their bond deepens, causing them to elope to a seashore, triggering a panic among the adults as they scramble to locate the missing duo.
As an enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: I, as a fervent admirer, follow the narrative where Duffy Sharp, the island’s police captain brilliantly played by Willis, spearheads the search for the missing children. Through the course of his investigation, he gathers more information about their disappearance. In the end, amidst a dreadful hurricane, Duffy miraculously locates them. Later, a lightning strike hits a church steeple, and he manages to rescue both kids. Post this harrowing ordeal, Duffy is appointed as Sam’s legal guardian, bringing a sense of closure and happiness to the children’s stories.
In “Moonrise Kingdom”, Willis has a significant part, even though Suzy and Sam are the primary characters. Despite some debates regarding the young couple’s relationship due to their age, both critics and viewers generally enjoyed the movie. Notably, it was a financial triumph as well, with an investment of only $16 million in production costs, which it eventually earned back, almost reaching $70 million at the box office.
1. Pulp Fiction
Quentin Tarantino’s skill as a writer-director was evident before the release of “Pulp Fiction” in 1994, but it was this film that truly captured global attention. “Pulp Fiction” is a humorous crime drama that weaves together multiple tales about a gang of criminals, assassins, and small-time drug peddlers, and how their lives intersect. Bruce Willis portrays Butch Coolidge, a boxer who consents to throw his upcoming match.
Rather than placing multiple wagers against his rival, he cashes in when victorious in the fight. Unsurprisingly, this action irks local crime boss Marsellus Wallace (played by Ving Rhames), who vows retribution, enlisting his henchman Vincent Vega (John Travolta) to join him in Butch’s assassination. Throughout the movie, Butch appears in several iconic scenes, including one at a suspicious pawn shop run by questionable owners.
The film “Pulp Fiction” stands out as one of the most influential and successful independent movies ever produced. Starring in an indie production didn’t harm Willis’ career; quite the opposite, it boosted it significantly. Although Willis was just one character in this intricate web of crime and violence, his part plays a crucial role in the narrative, making “Pulp Fiction” arguably the best movie he has ever been involved with.
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2024-12-23 15:31