Bruce Willis Movies: The Complete Filmography

Oct 31, 2025 by Admin 46 views

Hey guys! Ever wondered how many movies Bruce Willis has starred in? Get ready for a wild ride through the complete filmography of one of Hollywood's most iconic action heroes. FromDie HardtoThe Sixth Sense, we're diving deep into the world of Bruce Willis movies. Buckle up, because this is going to be a long, but awesome list!

The Early Years: Breaking into Hollywood

Bruce Willis's career didn't start with explosions and one-liners. Like many actors, he paid his dues with smaller roles and TV appearances. Let's take a look at where it all began:

The Verdict (1982): Willis made his uncredited debut in this legal drama starring Paul Newman. Though a small part, it was a foot in the door.
A Guru Comes (1985): An early role showcasing his potential.
Moonlighting (TV Series 1985-1989): This is where many of us first fell in love with Bruce. As David Addison, he charmed audiences with his wit and charisma, proving he was more than just a tough guy. Moonlighting was a game-changer, blending comedy and drama in a way that was fresh and exciting.

Moonlighting: The Show That Made Him a Star

Moonlighting wasn't just a TV show; it was a cultural phenomenon. The chemistry between Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd was electric, and their on-screen banter was legendary. The show's quirky writing and innovative storytelling kept viewers hooked, making Willis a household name. This role allowed him to showcase his comedic timing and proved he could handle more than just action roles, setting the stage for his future success in Hollywood. The show's success was a launchpad for Willis, propelling him into the world of blockbuster movies. Moonlighting remains a beloved series, fondly remembered for its wit, charm, and the undeniable chemistry between its two leads. For many, it's the quintessential example of a romantic comedy-drama, and it solidified Bruce Willis's status as a star to watch.

Action Hero Status: Die Hard and Beyond

Alright, now we're talking! This is where Bruce Willis cemented his place in action movie history. Get ready for some serious explosions and iconic quotes.

Die Hard (1988): Yippee-ki-yay! This movie redefined the action genre. As John McClane, Willis played a vulnerable yet badass cop who just wanted to save his wife. Die Hard was a massive success, launching a franchise and making Willis an action icon. The film's clever writing, intense action sequences, and Willis's relatable portrayal of McClane resonated with audiences worldwide. It's a Christmas classic for many, and its influence can still be seen in action movies today. The success of Die Hard proved that Willis could carry a major action film, and it set the stage for his future roles.
Sunset (1988): A Western-themed action comedy.
Look Who's Talking (1989): Proving he could do comedy, Willis voiced Mikey, a baby with a hilarious inner monologue. The film was a massive hit, spawning sequels and further showcasing Willis's versatility.
Look Who's Talking Too (1990): More baby talk and comedic adventures.
Die Hard 2 (1990): McClane is back, this time at an airport. More action, more explosions, and more of Willis being a total badass.
The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990): A dramatic turn in a film that, despite its all-star cast, didn't quite hit the mark.
Hudson Hawk (1991): An action comedy that, while not a critical success, has gained a cult following over the years.
Billy Bathgate (1991): A gangster film where Willis plays a supporting role.
The Last Boy Scout (1991): Teaming up with Damon Wayans, Willis delivered another action-packed performance with plenty of memorable one-liners.
Death Becomes Her (1992): A dark comedy with Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, where Willis plays a plastic surgeon caught in their rivalry.
Striking Distance (1993): Willis plays a river rescue cop in Pittsburgh.
North (1994): A comedy-fantasy film.
Pulp Fiction (1994): As Butch Coolidge, Willis was part of Quentin Tarantino's masterpiece. Pulp Fiction revitalized his career and showed he could excel in more complex and character-driven roles. The film's non-linear storytelling, sharp dialogue, and iconic scenes made it a cultural phenomenon. Willis's performance was praised, and the film earned him renewed respect in the industry.
Color of Night (1994): An erotic thriller.
Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995): McClane teams up with Samuel L. Jackson to stop a terrorist in New York City. Another solid entry in the Die Hard franchise.
12 Monkeys (1995): A mind-bending sci-fi thriller directed by Terry Gilliam. Willis plays a time traveler trying to prevent a deadly virus from wiping out humanity. The film's complex plot and Willis's intense performance earned critical acclaim.
Last Man Standing (1996): A remake of Yojimbo, set during Prohibition.
The Fifth Element (1997): A visually stunning sci-fi adventure directed by Luc Besson. Willis plays a taxi driver who must save the world with the help of Milla Jovovich's Leeloo.
The Jackal (1997): An action thriller where Willis plays a deadly assassin.
Armageddon (1998): Willis leads a team of oil drillers into space to stop an asteroid from destroying Earth. A big-budget blockbuster with plenty of heart and explosions.
Mercury Rising (1998): Willis protects an autistic boy who cracks a top-secret government code.
The Siege (1998): An action thriller about terrorism in New York City.
Breakfast of Champions (1999): A quirky comedy based on the novel by Kurt Vonnegut.
The Sixth Sense (1999): As Dr. Malcolm Crowe, Willis delivered a haunting and emotional performance in this supernatural thriller. The Sixth Sense was a massive critical and commercial success, earning multiple Academy Award nominations. The film's twist ending became iconic, and Willis's portrayal of a troubled psychologist solidified his status as a versatile actor.
The Story of Us (1999): A romantic comedy-drama with Michelle Pfeiffer.

The Sixth Sense: A Career-Defining Role

The Sixth Sense wasn't just a movie; it was a cultural phenomenon. The film's twist ending shocked audiences and sparked countless discussions. Bruce Willis's performance as Dr. Malcolm Crowe was a departure from his action roles, showcasing his ability to convey vulnerability and emotion. The film's success revitalized his career and earned him critical acclaim. The Sixth Sense remains a classic, and it's a testament to Willis's talent and versatility. The movie's impact on popular culture is undeniable, and it solidified Willis's status as one of Hollywood's most respected actors. The film's themes of loss, grief, and redemption resonated with audiences, making it a deeply moving and unforgettable experience. For many, The Sixth Sense is the quintessential example of a supernatural thriller, and it cemented Bruce Willis's legacy as a cinematic icon.

The 2000s: Exploring New Territory

The 2000s saw Bruce Willis taking on a variety of roles, from comedies to dramas to, of course, more action flicks.

The Whole Nine Yards (2000): A comedy with Matthew Perry.
Disney's The Kid (2000): A family-friendly comedy-drama.
Unbreakable (2000): Teaming up again with M. Night Shyamalan, Willis played a security guard who discovers he has superhuman abilities. Unbreakable was a more grounded and character-driven superhero film than most, and it has gained a cult following over the years.
Bandits (2001): A comedy-crime film with Billy Bob Thornton and Cate Blanchett.
The Last Castle (2001): A military drama.
Hart's War (2002): A World War II drama with Colin Farrell.
Grand Champion (2002): A family film.
The Whole Ten Yards (2004): The sequel to The Whole Nine Yards.
Ocean's Twelve (2004): A cameo appearance.
Hostage (2005): An action thriller.
Sin City (2005): As Detective Hartigan, Willis was part of the star-studded cast of this visually stunning adaptation of Frank Miller's graphic novels.
Alpha Dog (2006): A crime drama based on a true story.
Lucky Number Slevin (2006): A crime thriller with Josh Hartnett.
16 Blocks (2006): Willis plays a washed-up detective tasked with escorting a witness to court.
Perfect Stranger (2007): A thriller with Halle Berry.
Nancy Drew (2007): A cameo appearance.
Live Free or Die Hard (2007): McClane is back, this time battling cyber-terrorists. More over-the-top action and explosions.
Assassination of a High School President (2008): A dark comedy.
What Just Happened (2008): A satirical comedy about Hollywood.
Surrogates (2009): A sci-fi thriller where people live through robotic surrogates.

The Later Years: Action and Beyond

Even in recent years, Bruce Willis continued to deliver action-packed performances, along with some interesting dramatic roles.

Cop Out (2010): An action comedy with Tracy Morgan.
Red (2010): Willis leads a team of retired CIA operatives in this action-packed comedy. Red was a hit, spawning a sequel and proving that Willis could still deliver the goods.
Catch .44 (2011): An action thriller.
Setup (2011): A crime thriller with Ryan Reynolds and 50 Cent.
Fire with Fire (2012): An action thriller.
The Cold Light of Day (2012): An action thriller set in Spain.
Looper (2012): A mind-bending sci-fi thriller where Willis plays an older version of Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character.
Lay the Favorite (2012): A comedy-drama.
A Good Day to Die Hard (2013): McClane travels to Russia to help his son. Another entry in the Die Hard franchise.
Red 2 (2013): The retired CIA operatives are back for more action and comedy.
Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014): Reprising his role as Detective Hartigan.
The Prince (2014): An action thriller.
Vice (2015): A sci-fi action thriller.
Rock the Kasbah (2015): A comedy with Bill Murray.
Extraction (2015): An action thriller.
Precious Cargo (2016): An action thriller.
Marauders (2016): A crime thriller.
Split (2016): A cameo appearance, setting up Glass.
Once Upon a Time in Venice (2017): An action comedy.
First Kill (2017): An action thriller.
Death Wish (2018): A remake of the classic vigilante film.
Reprisal (2018): An action thriller.
Glass (2019): Reuniting with M. Night Shyamalan, Willis reprised his role as David Dunn in this sequel to Unbreakable and Split.
Motherless Brooklyn (2019): A crime drama directed by Edward Norton.
Trauma Center (2019): An action thriller.
Survive the Night (2020): An action thriller.
Hard Kill (2020): An action thriller.
Breach (2020): A sci-fi action thriller.
Cosmic Sin (2021): A sci-fi action film.
Out of Death (2021): An action thriller.
Midnight in the Switchgrass (2021): A crime thriller.
Apex (2021): An action thriller.
American Siege (2021): An action thriller.
Gasoline Alley (2022): A thriller.
A Day to Die (2022): An action thriller.
Fortress: Sniper's Eye (2022): An action thriller.
White Elephant (2022): An action thriller.
Corrective Measures (2022): A sci-fi action film.
Die Like Lovers (2022): Short.
Fortress: Destroyer (2022): An action thriller.

In Conclusion: A Legendary Career

Bruce Willis has had an incredible career, starring in a wide range of movies that have entertained audiences for decades. From his breakout role in Moonlighting to his iconic portrayal of John McClane in the Die Hard franchise, Willis has proven himself to be a versatile and talented actor. While his later films may not have always reached the same heights as his earlier work, his contribution to cinema is undeniable. So, the next time you're looking for a movie to watch, consider checking out one of Bruce Willis's many films. You're sure to find something you'll enjoy!

Thanks for joining me on this journey through Bruce Willis's filmography. Until next time, keep watching movies!