Die Hard – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Die Hard

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie1988

42%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The action movie that launched a thousand copycats—Bruce Willis vs. terrorists in a skyscraper, with plenty of explosions and one-liners.

8.2/10

94%

7.8

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Die Hard

movie

R, 1988

42%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The action movie that launched a thousand copycats—Bruce Willis vs. terrorists in a skyscraper, with plenty of explosions and one-liners.

8.2

94%

7.8

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8.2/10

94%

7.8

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, Die Hard is a legitimately great action movie—possibly THE great action movie. It's clever, tense, and Bruce Willis is charismatic as hell. But let's be crystal clear: this is R-rated for good reason.

There's violence (people die on screen), profanity (lots), and intense terrorism themes that would be genuinely frightening for younger viewers. This isn't Marvel-style sanitized action—when people get shot, there are consequences.

For older teens (think 16+), this can be a fantastic watch-together experience. McClane is resourceful and brave, the plot is tight, and there are real themes about courage and doing the right thing. It's also film history—your teen should probably know what 'Yippee-ki-yay' references.

But if you're thinking about this for anyone under 15, hard pass. And even for older teens, this is a 'parent watching alongside' situation, not a 'put it on while I make dinner' choice.

Age Fit

This is for older teens (16+) who can handle R-rated action violence and aren't going to be traumatized by intense peril. Younger kids will be scared or shouldn't see it; older kids might find it dated but iconic.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Die Hard is a violent action thriller with significant gunfire, explosions, deaths, and profanity throughout. The protagonist is separated from his family and the tone is gritty and intense. While McClane shows determination and cleverness, the overall emotional landscape is dark, stressful, and features minimal cooperation or kindness—it's about survival against ruthless terrorists. Not emotionally healthy for younger viewers.

Imaginative

Die Hard essentially invented the 'lone hero in a confined space' action template that spawned countless imitators. McClane's resourcefulness—using building infrastructure, improvising weapons, outsmarting opponents—shows creative problem-solving. However, it's a reactive thriller rather than one that invites viewer creativity or exploration. Original for its time, but doesn't spark imagination beyond 'what would I do in that scenario?'

Safe

Significant violence including shootings, explosions, blood, and on-screen deaths. Strong profanity throughout (including the iconic f-bomb). Brief partial nudity in a magazine poster. Intense peril and terrorism themes. The violence isn't gratuitous for an R-rated film, but it's absolutely present and would be shocking for younger viewers. This is definitively adult content with multiple trigger warnings.

Enriching

Die Hard offers lessons about persistence, quick thinking under pressure, and standing up against injustice even when outnumbered. McClane's wit and refusal to give up are admirable. The film also explores themes of marriage, pride, and reconciliation. However, the primary takeaway is entertainment through action spectacle rather than deep personal growth. It's a masterclass in thriller filmmaking but not particularly enriching beyond 'never give up.'

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely clever protagonist who uses his brain as much as brawn—McClane improvises and problem-solves rather than just shooting
Themes of persistence, courage, and doing the right thing even when you're outgunned and alone
Cultural touchstone that older teens might appreciate as film history—it literally created the 'Die Hard on a...' genre
For mature teens, a conversation starter about heroism, masculinity, and what it means to stand up for others

⚠

What to Watch For

R-rated violence: people get shot, there's blood, bodies fall from buildings—it's not gratuitous but it's definitely present
Profanity throughout, including multiple f-bombs (though honestly tame by today's standards)
Intense terrorism scenario with hostages in peril—could be genuinely scary
Brief partial nudity (magazine poster) and some sexual references
This is firmly in the 'watch with your older teen' category, not something to put on for family movie night

Conversation Starters

"McClane keeps going even when he's hurt and scared—what would you do in an impossible situation like that?"
"The terrorists pretend to have political motives but really just want money—why do you think they bothered with the disguise?"
"McClane and his wife are separated because of career conflicts—how do you think couples should handle those situations?"
"Al the cop becomes McClane's lifeline even though they never meet face-to-face—what does that say about connection and support?"

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