He’s battled terrorists, saved the world from asteroids, and even communicated with the dead – Bruce Willis is a Hollywood action icon. From his sardonic wit to his ability to deliver a punch and a punchline, Willis is a force to be reckoned with. Here’s a look at some of his biggest box-office hits.
10. The Fifth Element (1997)
Global Box Office: $263,920,180
In a departure from his typical action hero roles, Willis played Korben Dallas, a reluctant cab driver turned protector of a mysterious woman named Leeloo (Milla Jovovich), who could save Earth from destruction. With a mix of sci-fi action and quirky humor, The Fifth Element opened strong and ultimately tripled its production budget.
9. Look Who’s Talking (1989)
Global Box Office: $296,999,813
Bruce Willis may be an action star, but he’s also got comedic chops! He provided the voice of Mikey, a precocious infant, in this rom-com about a single mother (Kirstie Alley) and her new babysitter (John Travolta). This surprise hit was made with a tiny budget and led to a whole franchise.
8. A Good Day To Die Hard (2013)
Global Box Office: $304,654,182
This marked John McClane’s final outing in the Die Hard franchise. McClane heads to Russia to rescue his son (Jai Courtney) and ends up entangled in a global terrorist plot. While critics weren’t kind, worldwide audiences still flocked to see Willis kick butt one last time.
7. The Expendables 2 (2012)
Global Box Office: $314,975,955
Willis joined Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and other action legends in this sequel. He reprised his role as Mr. Church, the enigmatic figure who sends the Expendables on their deadly assignments. Despite mixed reviews, the star power and amped-up action sequences fueled its success.
6. Over The Hedge (2006)
Global Box Office: $339,795,890
In this heartwarming animated family film, Willis lent his voice to RJ, a cunning raccoon. RJ leads a group of animals in stealing junk food from humans after he destroys a bear’s food supply. It was praised for its humor and animation and had a strong box office performance.
5. Die Hard With A Vengeance (1995)
Global Box Office: $366,101,666
John McClane faced a personal battle against a mysterious bomber and was unexpectedly paired with reluctant civilian Zeus Carver (Samuel L. Jackson). With huge production costs for the time, this sequel was a gamble that paid off, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1995.
4. G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013)
Global Box Office: $375,740,705
Willis suited up alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as General Joe Colton in this action-packed sequel about the elite G.I. Joe team battling the evil Cobra organization. It received mixed reviews but still pulled in impressive box office numbers.
3. Live Free Or Die Hard (2007)
Global Box Office: $388,156,011
John McClane faced a high-tech cyber-terrorism threat on American soil. This film’s PG-13 rating was controversial, but it didn’t stop the film from becoming the most successful in the Die Hard franchise with its thrilling stunts and a big budget to match.
2. Armageddon (1998)
Global Box Office: $553,712,773
In Michael Bay’s trademark over-the-top style, Willis led a crew of roughneck drillers on a desperate mission to save Earth from an asteroid. Critics tore it apart, but audiences loved this summer blockbuster, making it a huge commercial hit.
1. The Sixth Sense (1999)
Global Box Office: $672,806,432
Willis proved his dramatic acting chops as child psychologist Malcolm Crowe, who tries to help a troubled boy who “sees dead people.” The film’s twist ending made it a sensation, and it remains a classic with impressive box office numbers for any genre.
A Career Full of Box Office Successes
Despite his retirement, Bruce Willis’s legacy as an action hero and box office powerhouse remains firmly established. His unique blend of humor, toughness, and vulnerability has entertained audiences worldwide and ensured his films continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
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