On August 20, 1988, the critically acclaimed film "Die Hard" was released in theaters across the United States. Directed by John McTiernan and starring Bruce Willis, the movie became an instant classic and revolutionized the action genre.

In "Die Hard," Willis portrays John McClane, an NYPD officer who finds himself in the middle of a terrorist takeover of a Los Angeles skyscraper on Christmas Eve. McClane, armed with only his wits and a handgun, must single-handedly take on the group of heavily armed terrorists led by the charismatic villain Hans Gruber, played brilliantly by Alan Rickman in his feature film debut.

The movie's clever blend of action, suspense, and humor, along with Willis' portrayal of a relatable, vulnerable hero, set it apart from other action films of the era. The film's success spawned a franchise, with four sequels released over the next 25 years.

"Die Hard" also had a significant impact on the action movie landscape, inspiring countless imitators and establishing a new formula for the genre. The film's influence can still be seen in modern action movies, with many featuring a lone hero facing overwhelming odds in a confined setting.

Interestingly, "Die Hard" was based on the 1979 novel "Nothing Lasts Forever" by Roderick Thorp, which was a sequel to his 1966 novel "The Detective." The film's script underwent several changes during development, with the setting changed from a residential building to an office skyscraper and the lead character's name changed from Joe Leland to John McClane.

Today, "Die Hard" is widely regarded as one of the greatest action movies ever made, and its release on August 20, 1988, remains a significant date in cinema history.