Die Hard is a beloved action film directed by John McTiernan based on the 1979 novel, Nothing Lasts Forever, by Roderick Thorp. It stars Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Alexander Godunov, and Bonnie Bedelia. It’s heavily referenced in pop culture and is always in a common argument on whether or not it’s a Christmas movie because though it was released during the summer, it does take place on Christmas Eve.
The movie is also known for some of the most iconic lines in action movies. Here are the top 7 Die Hard movie quotes that you might recognize, whether you’re a fan or not. You can rent or purchase Die Hard on Amazon Prime, or stream it on Hulu.
7. “I Read About Them in Time Magazine” Hans Gruber
The fictional antagonist of the film is played by none other than beloved Alan Rickman. Most popular for his role as Hans Gruber in this film and as Severus Snape in Harry Potter, Rickman has done a stellar job in a variety of roles. In Die Hard, Gruber is a thief and criminal mastermind from East Germany who holds the Nakatomi Plaza hostage to steal $640 million in negotiable bearer bonds.
When he talks about his demands to law enforcement, he requests members of terrorist organizations he wants to be released, for instance, members of Asian Dawn. When compatriot Karl questions him, he explains that he read about them in Time Magazine, a funny line that shows how odd Gruber is.
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6. “Why Didn’t you Stop ’em, John? ‘Cause Then You’d be Dead, Too” John McClane
John McClane is the leading role in Die Hard played by Bruce Willis. The over-the-top action movie couldn’t have been done without his exceptional acting and captivating stunts. He’s great at thinking on his feet and figuring out how to solve a problem right in front of him. The protagonist is so great that he played in all five films and is well-known for his sardonic one-liners, including one of the most iconic Die Hard movie quotes that we’ll get to here soon.
For this one, we see McClane at a weaker point compared to the rest of the film, where he’s usually the toughest guy in the room. After watching Gruber execute Takagi, McClane doubts himself and his failure before reassuring himself that he doesn’t want to be dead as well, giving us a powerful line and some self-awareness.
5. “Who Said We Were Terrorists?” Hans Gruber
Gruber is back with another one of the most iconic Die Hard movie quotes. His character is strange and unique. While most criminal masterminds are incredibly serious and villianess, Gruber shows himself as more of a playful character. And while his previous line, where he demands that terrorists are freed, he makes a comment that might confuse viewers.
When Takagi questions what kind of terrors they are, Gruber laughts, asking what makes them seem like their terrorist, as all they’re after is the money, which makes his plan that much more interesting and shows a lighter side to him. While he’s the villain, he does still have a fun side.
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4. “Only John Can Drive Somebody That Crazy” Holly Gennaro McClane
Holly Gennaro McClane is played by Bonnie Bedelia and is the spouse of John McClane. Over the course of the series, their relationship becomes more and more strained, and by the fourth movie, they are divorced. She was one of the hostages that Hans Gruber took, and was personally watched by Gruber himself when her full identity is revealed.
And with any spouse in these action movies, there’s a sort of humor that they bring to the table since they’re so used to their loved one causing chaos, and for Holly, she says this when she realizes the stress from the hostages is all due to her husband.
3. “Now I Have a Machine Gun. Ho Ho Ho” John McClane
When you think about the debate about whether or not this is a holiday movie, this is one of the best Die Hard movie quotes to prove your opinion. McClane isn’t shy to kill anyone, and makes it known when he kills his first bad guy, writing a threatening phrase on the guys shirt while wearing a Santa hat.
The inclusion of “ho ho ho” really spruces up the holiday cheer, and is the moment that fans can enjoy a bit of festive feel while feeling the thrill of upcoming action.
2. “Yippy-Ki-Yay” John McClane
John McClane is responsible for the rest of the best Die Hard movie quotes, with one of the most iconic lines that so many have most likely have heard of without even realizing where it’s from.
This moment comes when McClane and Gruber first talk over the radio, where Gruber dismisses McClane as a wannabe cowboy. Gruber prods at McClane to see if he really can disrupt his villianess plans, in which McClane pops off with this amazing send off, an iconic line in almost any action movie of all time.
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1. “Welcome to the Party, Pal” John McClane
At the number one spot for the most iconic Die Hard movie quotes, John McClane is back with his amazing wit and one-liners. This one in particular shows how deranged and unhinged he can be, and shows that he has no problem confronting bad guys in the worst ways.
When a cop circles the building below, McClane takes the problem into his own hands and throws a dead bad guy out the window where it lands on top of a cop car. This quote really shows how mad he is, as well as showing that he might not be the best cop out there.