Buzz
Bruce Willis’ family announced on Instagram Wednesday that the 67-year-old actor is “stepping away” from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that impacts language comprehension and communication.
After careful consideration, Bruce has decided to step back from the career that has been so meaningful to him.
Fans quickly took to social media to share their support for the actor and reminisce about their favorite Bruce Willis roles. From his breakout in the TV series Moonlighting to his iconic turn in 1988's Die Hard, Willis has been a constant presence on the big screen. (In the late ‘80s, transitioning between TV and film was rare, and few actors managed it as successfully as Willis.)
In many of his most beloved roles, Willis portrays a relatable, slightly jaded “everyman” who ultimately does the right thing, even if reluctantly. While some critics and viewers typecast him, his filmography boasts a remarkable range of genre-defining classics. He may not be a chameleon like Daniel Day-Lewis, but he shares a quality with Humphrey Bogart: always recognizable yet consistently surprising, excelling in action, comedy, and drama alike. Many of his best performances stand out for how they either meet or defy expectations. If this truly marks the end of his career, he leaves behind a rich and diverse legacy—including these 15 unforgettable roles.
(Sadly, his groundbreaking performance in the genre-bending, fourth-wall-breaking ‘80s TV hit Moonlighting is nearly impossible to revisit: the show isn’t available for streaming, the DVDs are out of print, and even my mom’s VHS tapes didn’t survive the years.)
The Fifth Element (1997)
When Luc Besson’s extravagant sci-fi epic debuted in 1997, critics were baffled by its mix of styles and tones, which didn’t always mesh seamlessly, and its somewhat fragmented mythology. Yet, this very blend of contrasting elements is what makes the tale of a genetically engineered superwoman and the down-on-his-luck cab driver who rescues her so unforgettable. Over time, it has gained a cult following among fans who appreciate its imaginative sci-fi aesthetics and campy charm. Bruce Willis plays a pivotal role in the film’s success: as the world-weary, Han Solo-like hero, he serves as the audience’s guide through this chaotic, colorful universe.
Where to stream: Fubo, Sling, USA
Die Hard (1988)
Of course. While Bruce Willis might have achieved fame through other avenues, there’s no denying that the endlessly rewatchable Die Hard (filmed during the final stretch of Moonlighting) catapulted him to A-list status. Critics were divided on both the film’s merits and Willis’ portrayal, but audiences embraced it wholeheartedly. Though the original remains unmatched, nearly every installment in the series (save for the lackluster finale, A Good Day to Die Hard) is a masterclass in action filmmaking, inspiring countless underdog-versus-all-odds stories.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Fubo
In Country (1989)
Just months after Moonlighting concluded (and a year after Die Hard), Bruce Willis received a Golden Globe nod for a film that could have steered his career in a completely different direction. Though he’s credited as the lead, his role supports Emily Lloyd’s, an English actress portraying the teenage daughter of a Vietnam War casualty. Willis plays her seemingly easygoing yet deeply scarred uncle, who helps her uncover her family’s past. The film avoids melodrama, and both Long and Willis deliver moving, authentic performances.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Last Boy Scout (1991)
This playful film succeeds because everyone involved, from director Tony Scott to writer Shane Black, embraces its absurdity. Stylishly crafted with thrilling action sequences, it’s a testament to Bruce Willis’ everyman appeal and sharp wit, which have anchored much of his career. Paired with Damon Wayans, Willis brings a knowing smirk that elevates the material, making it far more engaging than it might otherwise be.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Death Becomes Her (1992)
Initially met with lukewarm reviews, this dark comedy directed by Robert Zemeckis has since gained a devoted following, especially within queer communities. Bruce Willis, as the awkward plastic surgeon Dr. Ernest Menville, breaks from his usual tough-guy persona to deliver a delightfully quirky performance. Caught between two immortal women locked in a bitter rivalry, he shines in a role that’s both unexpected and hilarious.
Where to stream: Starz
Pulp Fiction (1994)
In this iconic ensemble film, Bruce Willis delivers one of its most unforgettable lines as Butch Coolidge, the doomed boxer: “Zed’s dead, baby. Zed’s dead.” His role adds a layer of grit and dark humor to the already quotable masterpiece.
Where to stream: Fubo, Showtime Anytime
Sin City (2005)
In this anthology film, Bruce Willis delivers one of his finest performances as the nearly incorruptible detective John Hartigan in the “Yellow Bastard” segments. The first chapter follows Hartigan on his final night as a cop, hunting a serial killer, while the second picks up eight years later, after he’s been imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. While not a revolutionary role for Willis, it underscores his strengths as a leading man: his gritty, resolute anti-hero provides a grounded, relatable anchor in the otherwise surreal and stylized world of Sin City. He’s the perfect guide through its exaggerated, noir-inspired landscape.
Armageddon (1998)
Armageddon isn’t a cinematic masterpiece, nor is it the standout asteroid disaster film of 1998 (that honor goes to Deep Impact). It’s bombastic, over-the-top, and often nonsensical, but it captured the zeitgeist and dominated the box office. Amid a cast of surprisingly skilled actors, Bruce Willis, as oil driller Harry Stamper, stands out as the film’s saving grace. He fully commits to the role, elevating dialogue that lesser actors might have dismissed. The emotional farewell scene with Liv Tyler remains a tearjerker, showcasing Willis’ ability to bring depth to even the most outlandish material.
Where to stream: Fubo, The Roku Channel, Sling
12 Monkeys (1995)
In Terry Gilliam’s mind-bending sci-fi thriller, Willis takes the lead as a convict from the distant future of 2035, sent back in time to gather intel on a virus destined to decimate humanity. His mission isn’t to prevent the catastrophe (time travel rules forbid it), but to help the few survivors. As Cole, Willis portrays a man tormented, manipulated, and caught in a seemingly endless loop of despair, shedding his usual swagger for a raw, vulnerable performance. While Brad Pitt’s supporting role earned accolades, Willis is the emotional core of this acclaimed film.
Where to stream: Peacock, Max Go
Looper (2012)
Another clever time-travel tale, perfect for a double-feature with 12 Monkeys. Looper marked a breakthrough for writer-director Rian Johnson, but Willis’s world-weary take on his classic action-hero persona is a key reason the film succeeds. Balancing sci-fi complexity with deep character development, Willis plays an older version of Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s character, evading his own grim fate in a story that’s as emotionally resonant as it is intellectually stimulating.
Where to stream: Netflix
The Expendables 2 (2012)
One of three films Willis starred in during 2012, this sequel underscores his enduring star power. In a franchise packed with icons like Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jet Li, Willis stands out as the enigmatic CIA operative Mr. Church. His cameo in the first film was a major event, and here he’s treated as a special guest star, cementing his status as a pop culture legend.
Where to stream: Fubo, Epix, FX Now
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
2012 was a standout year for Willis, showcasing his versatility and box office appeal. In Wes Anderson’s critically adored Moonrise Kingdom, he delivers one of his finest performances as Police Captain Duffy Sharp. Playing the straight man amidst a quirky ensemble of Anderson’s signature oddballs, Willis more than holds his own alongside heavyweights like Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, and Bill Murray.
Where to stream: HBO Max
The Sixth Sense (1999)
When the film premiered, much of the awards buzz focused on Haley Joel Osment and Toni Collette, both of whom earned well-deserved Oscar nods. However, Willis’s understated, poignant portrayal of a troubled child psychologist trying to aid Osment’s ghost-seeing character, Cole, is the emotional anchor of the film. It’s a far cry from his action-hero persona, proving his depth as an actor.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Unbreakable (2000)
M. Night Shyamalan’s follow-up to The Sixth Sense didn’t achieve the same level of acclaim, but this understated, unconventional superhero film has aged remarkably well. Willis and Samuel L. Jackson shine as a grounded comic book hero and his eccentric mentor, with Willis delivering a restrained yet compelling performance that contrasts beautifully with Jackson’s intense energy. As modern superhero films strive for similar depth, this movie—and Willis’s role in it—feels increasingly ahead of its time.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Motherless Brooklyn (2019)
While Willis has since appeared in numerous direct-to-video projects, Edward Norton’s Motherless Brooklyn may stand as his final notable performance. In this uneven but thoughtful neo-noir, based on Jonathan Letham’s novel, Willis plays Norton’s mentor in a role that, while not expansive, is crucial to the film’s narrative. It’s a fitting, understated farewell to his more serious work.
Where to stream: Digital rental
