The best of John McTiernan: five films every film fan should see –

John McTiernan is widely regarded as one of the greatest directors of action films, best known for his ability to balance exciting sequences with compelling characters and taut storytelling. McTiernan’s films often combine high-stakes action with a strong sense of suspense and drama, making them stand out in a genre often criticized for its lack of depth. His impact on Hollywood action cinema is undeniable, and he has left a legacy of films that are iconic in their genre.

Today we want to explore McTiernan’s five best works, ranked from fifth to first, focusing on the themes and messages that make these films enduring and unforgettable. So let’s waste no more time. Here is what we consider the best of John McTiernan.

5. Last Action Hero (1993)

Last Action Hero is a meta-action film about a young movie-obsessed boy named Danny Madigan (Austin O’Brien) who is transported to the world of his favorite action hero, Jack Slater (Arnold Schwarzenegger). As Danny tries to convince Slater that the world around them is a movie, they take on real villains who threaten to destroy everything.

Last Action Hero is a unique and self-aware take on the action genre, combining humor, satire and high-octane action in a way that had never been seen before. McTiernan takes a conventional action film and turns it on its head by introducing a fictional character who is fully aware of the rules of action movie tropes. The film cleverly explores themes of escapism, the power of cinema and the intersection between fiction and reality. Although Last Action Hero underperformed at the box office, it has since become a cult classic, admired for its audacity and its deconstruction of the action genre. McTiernan’s direction ensured that the film retained a sense of action-packed excitement while embracing its playful, meta-commentary on the genre.

4. The Hunt for Red October (1990)

The Hunt for Red October is a suspenseful political thriller based on the novel by Tom Clancy, about a Soviet submarine captain, Marko Ramius (Sean Connery), who defects to the United States with a nuclear submarine. CIA analyst Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin) must figure out Ramius’ intentions and prevent an international crisis as tensions rise between the superpowers.

The Hunt for Red October is a master class in suspense, with McTiernan delivering a taut, cerebral thriller that moves at a steady pace. The film is driven by McTiernan’s ability to create tension in small spaces, particularly the submarine setting, and the ever-present fear of possible nuclear war. It explores themes of loyalty, trust and the complex political dynamics of the Cold War, as well as the personal conflicts within the characters. Sean Connery’s impressive performance as Ramius, combined with Alec Baldwin’s portrayal of Jack Ryan, takes the material to the next level, making The Hunt for Red October one of the best political thrillers of its time. McTiernan’s direction ensures that the film never loses its sense of urgency, while also providing thoughtful commentary on the political landscape of the time.

3. Die Hard with a vengeance (1995)

Die Hard with a Vengeance is the third installment in the Die Hard series, in which New York police officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) teams up with a reluctant citizen, Zeus Carver (Samuel L. Jackson), to prevent a terrorist mastermind (Jeremy Irons) from destroying the city. The film follows a series of puzzles and threats from the villain, forcing McClane and Carver to work together to save the city.

Die Hard with a Vengeance stands out in the Die Hard franchise for its high energy and unique dynamic between Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson. The film combines the intensity of action scenes with sharp humor and clever dialogue. McTiernan’s direction skillfully balances the exciting moments with the emotional development of the characters, especially the evolving relationship between McClane and Carver, who go from reluctant partners to trusted allies. The film explores themes of redemption, friendship and trust, while also maintaining the action-packed spectacle for which the series is known. Although the film departs somewhat from the premise of the original, it still manages to capture the essence of what made Die Hard a cultural phenomenon, proving McTiernan’s mastery in creating both action and character.

2. Predator (1987)

Predator is a science fiction action thriller in which a team of elite commandos, led by Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger), is sent to a Central American jungle to rescue hostages. However, they soon discover they are being hunted by an alien creature with advanced technology known as the Predator, who kills them one by one.

Predator is one of the definitive action films of the 1980s, a mix of intense action with horror and sci-fi elements. McTiernan uses the jungle setting to create a sense of isolation and fear as the characters become increasingly aware that they are being hunted by a superior force. The film explores themes of survival, masculinity and the primal instincts that surface when faced with an unstoppable enemy. The Predator itself has become one of the most iconic movie monsters, and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s role as leader of the group remains a career highlight. McTiernan’s ability to build tension and suspense, alongside high-octane action scenes, makes Predator a timeless classic that continues to influence action films to this day.

1. Die Hard (1988)

Die Hard is the ultimate action movie, following off-duty cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) as he fights to save a Los Angeles skyscraper from a group of terrorists led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). What begins as a hostage situation soon escalates into a cat-and-mouse game, with McClane using his wit and ingenuity to thwart the terrorists’ plans.

Die Hard is a genre-defining film that redefined what an action movie could be. McTiernan’s direction balances relentless action with sharp humor and engaging character development, making John McClane not only a hero but also a recognizable, vulnerable figure. The film explores themes of personal redemption, heroism and overcoming adversity, with McClane’s struggle to save his wife and the hostages reflecting his own journey to reconcile with his past. The iconic performances by Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman, along with the film’s thrilling pace and exciting set pieces, make Die Hard not only a great action movie, but also a cultural touchstone. In many ways, it remains the standard by which all action films are judged, and its legacy has only grown over the years.

And that’s all for today! John McTiernan’s filmography is full of unforgettable action films that have shaped the genre for generations. While Die Hard remains his crowning achievement, these five films demonstrate his ability to combine action with elements of suspense, sci-fi and political intrigue. Ultimately, McTiernan’s legacy as a director is cemented by his ability to create high-stakes thrillers that combine clever storytelling, memorable characters and blood-curdling action sequences – qualities that continue to inspire filmmakers today.

Now we’d love to hear your experiences with John McTiernan’s work! Which of his films do you think are the best? Would you rearrange the list or add others? We can’t wait to read your opinions in the comments!