Bruce Willis, after a remarkable four-decade acting career, retired in 2022 due to a diagnosis of aphasia. His recent film appearances have been minimal, primarily in smaller projects. Iconic films like ‘Die Hard,’ ‘Pulp Fiction,’ and ‘The Sixth Sense’ showcase his significant contributions to cinema. Though hopes for another ‘Die Hard’ film are slim, Willis’s legacy endures through his memorable performances, while eight upcoming low-budget films are planned for release.
For many years, fans of the iconic Bruce Willis had to settle for his presence in smaller, often subpar films that went straight to DVD, missing out on the thrill of seeing him on the big screen. His last significant performances were in 2019’s ‘Glass’ and ‘Motherless Brooklyn’; since then, his screen time has frequently been relegated to brief appearances.
In 2022, Bruce Willis made the difficult decision to retire from acting after receiving a diagnosis of aphasia. This communication disorder, which can occur following a stroke, greatly impairs his ability to memorize and articulate his lines. Given these challenges, his recent appearances represent the maximum effort he could provide. Nonetheless, his star power has helped smaller film projects gain visibility.
The likelihood of a new ‘Die Hard’ installment seems minimal, and while many fans had hoped for a spectacular project to cap off his illustrious career, we are left with the cherished memories of his outstanding performances spanning four decades. We wish him a peaceful and fulfilling retirement as he embarks on this new chapter of his life.
Netzwelt has compiled a list of Bruce Willis’s most captivating films that continue to resonate with audiences today.
Die Hard
Every holiday season, fans joyously declare, “Yippee-Ki-Yay, motherf***er!” The 1988 classic ‘Die Hard’ catapulted Bruce Willis into global stardom. His portrayal of John McClane marked a significant transition from television actor (‘The Model and the Detective’) to a Hollywood leading man. This film led to two successful sequels, a decent fourth installment, and a fifth film that ultimately concluded the ‘Die Hard’ franchise on a disappointing note.
Pulp Fiction
While Quentin Tarantino rejuvenated John Travolta’s career with ‘Pulp Fiction’, Bruce Willis also enjoyed tremendous success in 1994, landing one major role after another. Undoubtedly, ‘Pulp Fiction’ stands as a pinnacle in Willis’s career, remaining a timeless classic that features his character Butch as one of the most relatable figures in the film.
The Fifth Element
In 1997, Bruce Willis showcased his versatility in the science fiction realm with ‘The Fifth Element’, directed by Luc Besson. Unlike many of his action star peers, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger or Sylvester Stallone, Willis opted for intellect, bravery, and memorable one-liners over sheer physicality, steering clear of major franchises like ‘Star Wars’ or ‘Star Trek’.
The Sixth Sense
Director M. Night Shyamalan achieved remarkable success with ‘The Sixth Sense’, renowned for its unforgettable twist ending. This film marked a significant collaboration between Shyamalan and Bruce Willis, who was the director’s hero during his youth. They later teamed up again for ‘Unbreakable’ and ‘Glass’, giving Willis some of his final prominent roles.
Armageddon
In 1998, ‘Armageddon’ humorously claimed that training an oil rig crew to become astronauts in a matter of weeks was easier than teaching astronauts to drill into a comet. Despite its ridiculous premise, the film remains entertaining, allowing Bruce Willis to shine once again as the lead in this Michael Bay blockbuster.
Sin City
When ‘Sin City 2: A Dame to Kill For’ premiered in 2014, it garnered little interest, contrasting sharply with the original ‘Sin City’, which debuted nine years earlier. The first film captivated audiences with its stunning visuals that faithfully adapted Frank Miller’s graphic novel. In both films, Bruce Willis portrayed one of the few virtuous characters within the morally ambiguous Basin City, alongside Mickey Rourke’s tough character, Marv.
Looper
Another standout in Bruce Willis’s extensive filmography is ‘Looper’, a thrilling science fiction piece. The time travel narrative features Willis meeting his younger self, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, in the role of a hitman. Directed by Rian Johnson, who later stirred up controversy among fans with ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’, this film revitalized the crime genre with ‘Knives Out’.
Moonrise Kingdom
Wes Anderson’s films, including ‘The French Dispatch’, are celebrated for their visual appeal and whimsical characters, though they often lack the emotional depth that makes a story memorable. ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ stands apart as one of Anderson’s finest works, showcasing Bruce Willis as a compassionate police officer in a heartfelt narrative.
Currently, there are eight films featuring Bruce Willis slated for release, although they are expected to be low-budget projects with modest expectations. For more exciting upcoming film highlights (without Bruce Willis), check out our cinema preview or browse the latest releases on Netflix.