What year was the first die hard movie released?

The original Die Hard film premiered in 1988, establishing the franchise that would later include Die Hard 2, released in 1990. The 1990 sequel continued the story of the protagonist John McClane, who also appears in the first film. Die Hard 2 was directed by Renny Harlin and released on July 4, 1990 by 20th Century Fox. The first film set the tone for the action series, introducing a high‑stakes urban setting and a reluctant hero, while the sequel expanded the franchise’s reach with a new plot and additional cast members. The 1988 release date marks the beginning of a series that has become a defining action‑movie franchise.