On July 18, 1988, the action blockbuster "Die Hard" premiered in theaters, forever changing the landscape of the action film genre. Directed by John McTiernan and starring Bruce Willis as the iconic character John McClane, "Die Hard" told the thrilling story of an off-duty NYPD officer who finds himself in the middle of a terrorist takeover of a Los Angeles skyscraper on Christmas Eve.

Willis' portrayal of the wise-cracking, resourceful, and resilient McClane set a new standard for action heroes. The film's success spawned a franchise with four sequels and cemented Willis' status as a Hollywood superstar.

"Die Hard" was notable for its claustrophobic setting, confining most of the action to the Nakatomi Plaza building, which added to the film's tension and suspense. The movie also featured memorable performances by Alan Rickman as the cunning villain Hans Gruber and Bonnie Bedelia as McClane's estranged wife, Holly.

The film's influence on the action genre is still felt today, with many movies following the "Die Hard" formula of a lone hero battling against overwhelming odds in a confined space. The term "Die Hard scenario" has even entered the lexicon to describe similar plots in other films.

Critically acclaimed and loved by audiences, "Die Hard" grossed over $140 million worldwide and received four Academy Award nominations for Best Sound, Best Film Editing, Best Visual Effects, and Best Sound Effects Editing.

Its release on July 18, 1988, marked a significant moment in cinema history, setting a new benchmark for action films and launching a franchise that has endured for decades.