Before Die Hard redefined the action genre in 1988, the genre was actively developing. From the ’60s to the early ’80s, filmmakers experimented with everything from war epics to martial arts movies. These movies might not always look like action as we know it today, but they laid the foundation for the genre. What makes this era so fascinating is how varied it is; there’s no single formula yet, just different approaches slowly converging into something recognizable.
Here, we take a look at the greatest action movies released before Die Hard. Some emphasize character and realism, others push stunt work and physicality to new extremes, and a few land surprisingly close to the “one man vs many in a contained space” structure that would soon dominate the genre. These movies are not just great action movies of their time, but they are still considered landmarks in the genre until today.
‘Commando’ (1985)
In Commando, former special forces colonel John Matrix (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is forced out of retirement and launches a one-man assault against a private army that kidnapped his daughter. The criminals wanted Matrix to kill a target, but he is not having it; instead, he tracks them down from the city to their island hideout.
One might argue that Commando is a generic and loud entertainer. But that is precisely why it is one of the greatest pre-Die Hard action movies because it’s not afraid to have fun. The action is big, loud, and unapologetically excessive, but it’s also tightly structured, building toward an explosive final assault that rarely lets up. Plus, it has a lot of banger Schwarzenegger one-liners that are just very good to quote. John Matrix might be too invincible, and Die Hard and subsequent action movies opted for heroes to have a certain degree of vulnerability. Nevertheless, you’ll never catch John Matrix dead tired.
‘First Blood’ (1982)
First Blood follows John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone), a Vietnam veteran who wanders into a quiet small town looking for an old friend, only to be harassed and arrested by an aggressive local sheriff. After being pushed too far, Rambo escapes into the surrounding nature, and he’s chased by the sheriff’s forces. The nature, however, is where Rambo thrives.
First Blood is such a standout action film for how grounded and character-driven it is compared to what the franchise would later become. The direction is clear and restrained, showing the fights as dangerous but can still be easily followed. After the success of Rocky, Stallone was able to reestablish himself as another iconic character in cinema. Rambo’s skills in guerrilla warfare might be more tactical than McClane’s improvisational skills during the attack at Nakatomi Plaza, but despite their different natures, both of them cemented themselves among the great action heroes in cinema.
‘The Warriors’ (1979)
The titular street gang, named The Warriors, finds itself targeted by every gang in New York City after being falsely accused of assassinating a powerful gang leader. With the citywide truce between gangs broken and a bounty put on their heads, they must fight their way back to their area in Coney Island.
The Warriors is a relentless action thriller film with the city of New York as its battlefield. Directed by Walter Hill, who also helmed The Driver, the film boasts a raw and physical action sequence. The idea of protagonists trapped in hostile territory, constantly adapting and surviving, feels like a citywide version of Die Hard. The film, however, was not met with enthusiasm by critics upon its release. Several critics say it’s shallow and overglorifying gangs, but it still resonated with youths and has since become a cult favorite.
‘Lethal Weapon’ (1987)
In Lethal Weapon, veteran LAPD detective Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) is paired with the young and unpredictable Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson). The two are forced to work together on what seems like a routine suicide case, but the investigation quickly unravels into a much larger drug-smuggling operation tied to a group of highly trained ex-military criminals.
Released just one year before John McClane faces off against Hans Gruber, Lethal Weapon is close to Die Hard in terms of tone, character and humor, showing that action films evolved to be more relatable and grounded. Riggs, in particular, feels like a key stepping stone toward the more vulnerable, human action hero. Director Richard Donner keeps the pacing tight while giving the relationship between Riggs and Murtaugh real weight, so that each action sequence has a driving force. Lethal Weapon was so successful that it spawned a four-film franchise, and a few people are still pushing for a legacy sequel.
‘Dirty Harry’ (1971)
San Francisco Inspector Harry Callahan, played by Clint Eastwood, is tasked with tracking down a sadistic sniper known as Scorpio in Dirty Harry. As the killer taunts the police and escalates his demands, Harry takes matters into his own hands and goes on a personal hunt to capture Scorpio.
Harry Callahan is one of many iconic Eastwood performances, and the film itself has become an action classic thanks to his performance. Harry is the prototype for the lone, no-nonsense hero, someone who bends rules and relies on instinct, similar to other action icons like Bryan Mills from Taken and, of course, John McClane. The film has grounded action and also memorable set pieces like the stadium showdown. Just like Die Hard, the film was highly successful and spawned four sequels.
‘Police Story’ (1985)
Police Story follows Hong Kong police officer Chan Ka-Kui (Jackie Chan), who helps bring down a major drug lord in a massive operation. Tasked with protecting a key witness who can testify against the crime boss, Ka-Kui finds himself entangled in a web of corruption and manipulation, eventually being framed for murder. As he goes on the run, he must clear his name while trying to reveal the real mastermind.
This film solidified Jackie Chan’s commitment to practical stunt work. Directing the movie himself, Chan prioritized clarity in all the stunts so that every fall and hit is shown on screen in its entirety. The action sequences are inventive and dangerous, from hanging on the side of a moving bus to sliding down a three-storey pole. Police Story is not all action, though; it still finds time for lighter and humorous moments for the character. For everything he went through in this movie, Ka-Kui actually is really hard to kill, and maybe he’s a true Die Hard.
‘The Great Escape’ (1963)
Set during World War II, The Great Escape follows a group of Allied prisoners held in a high-security German POW camp designed to be escape-proof. Led by the cool Hilts (Steve McQueen), the meticulous planner Bartlett (Richard Attenborough), and the resourceful Hendley (James Garner), the prisoners organize an elaborate, large-scale escape.
The Great Escape balances its ensemble and suspense exceptionally. The planning phase is executed grippingly and intensely so that when the promised escape happens, it feels earned and exhilarating. The ensemble gives the film a human touch, making every success and failure land harder. Its structure echoes strongly in later action films, including Die Hard, where ingenuity and persistence matter as much as brute force. Despite being released over 60 years ago, The Great Escape remains a foundational and influential piece of the genre.
‘Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior’ (1981)
Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior follows Max Rockatansky (Mel Gibson) as he drifts from place to place in a desolate wasteland. He comes across a small community guarding a valuable oil refinery, constantly under siege by a ruthless gang led by the sadistic Humungus (Kjell Nilsson). Initially reluctant to get involved, Max strikes a deal with the settlers, agreeing to help them escape in exchange for fuel.
Mad Max 2 became one of the most iconic action films because of George Miller‘s precision in action and visual storytelling. Miller strips the narrative down to its essentials, allowing the action to drive the film forward with almost no wasted movement. The extended chase sequence that dominates the final act is simply a masterclass. It’s incredible to watch this back-to-back with Mad Max: Fury Road because it shows the progression and also consistency of Miller’s vision and style. Compared to John McClane, Max may not talk as much, but he’s just as resourceful and determined.
‘Assault on Precinct 13’ (1976)
In Assault on Precinct 13, a nearly empty police station in Los Angeles becomes an unexpected battleground when a violent street gang lays siege to the building. Inside, a small group of officers, staff, and prisoners has to work together as the attackers cut off communication and launch relentless assaults from the outside. With limited weapons and no backup, the group must hold its ground through the night.
John Carpenter elevated a simple premise with his expertise in building suspense. All the groundwork is established really well so that audiences can know what’s happening in every corner of the police station. Although made on a modest budget, the action is raw and effective, so relentless that it was even rated X at the time. The film’s brutal nature might have made it receive mixed reviews, but it has since been reappraised and is now dubbed as one of the best action movies of its time. The setup of being trapped in one location definitely influenced numerous films, including Die Hard.
‘The Taking of Pelham One Two Three’ (1974)
In The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, a group of armed men hijacks a New York City subway train, holding passengers hostage and demanding a million-dollar ransom within an hour or they will start executing captives. As the clock ticks down, the weary Lieutenant Zachary Garber (Walter Matthau) becomes a key figure in the negotiation with the methodical leader, Mr. Blue (Robert Shaw).
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is one of the greatest action movies ever because of how effectively it uses its confined space to create tension and character-driven action. The performances by Matthau and Shaw elevate the story into a gripping and unpredictable one. It may not be as action-packed as the other movies on this list, but it builds up so much suspense that when it hits, it’s just as impactful. The confined setting and battle of wits between the cop and the villain make it a nice double feature with Die Hard.