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Quizzes > Movies

Die Hard trivia: How well do you know the film?

Quick, free Die Hard quiz to test your movie knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Jon MarksUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Die Hard trivia quiz on dark blue background

This Die Hard trivia quiz helps you test what you remember about McClane, the villains, and the best one-liners. Answer fast, get instant results, and pick up a fun fact along the way. Want more movie challenges? Try the Pulp Fiction quiz, check out Goodfellas trivia, or take on Deadpool 2 trivia.

In which building do the events of Die Hard primarily take place?
Stark Industries
Daily Planet Building
Wayne Tower
Nakatomi Plaza
Die Hard is set almost entirely inside Nakatomi Plaza, a high-rise office building in Los Angeles. The film uses the fictional Nakatomi Corporation's holiday party as the backdrop for Hans Gruber's heist. The real-life building used was Fox Plaza in Century City, Los Angeles. .
What holiday is being celebrated during the events of Die Hard?
Christmas Eve
Fourth of July
Thanksgiving Day
New Year's Eve
Die Hard takes place on Christmas Eve as the Nakatomi Corporation's party is interrupted by Hans Gruber and his team. The festive setting creates a stark contrast with the high-stakes action. The film's use of holiday music and decorations underscores the Christmas Eve setting. .
Who portrays the protagonist John McClane?
Mel Gibson
Sylvester Stallone
Bruce Willis
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Bruce Willis stars as NYPD Officer John McClane in Die Hard, the role that launched him as an action star. His performance blends toughness with humor, which became a franchise trademark. Willis was relatively new to leading roles before Die Hard's release in 1988. .
Who is the main antagonist in Die Hard?
Hans Gruber
General Zod
Dutch
Simon Phoenix
Hans Gruber, played by Alan Rickman, is the charismatic mastermind leading the terrorist takeover of Nakatomi Plaza. His calm, calculated demeanor and eventual confrontation with McClane make him a memorable villain. Rickman's performance received widespread acclaim. .
Who directed Die Hard?
John McTiernan
Michael Bay
Tony Scott
James Cameron
John McTiernan directed Die Hard, marking his breakthrough in action cinema. His dynamic camera work and pacing set a new standard for the genre. McTiernan went on to helm other hits like Predator and The Hunt for Red October. .
In what year was Die Hard released?
1985
1992
1988
1990
Die Hard premiered in 1988, quickly becoming a box office success and redefining the modern action film. Its blend of suspense, humor, and relatable heroism resonated with audiences. The film's success spawned a popular franchise. .
What is John McClane's profession?
Desk Clerk
CIA Operative
NYPD Officer
FBI Agent
John McClane is an off-duty NYPD detective visiting Los Angeles to reconcile with his estranged wife when the Nakatomi Plaza siege begins. His law enforcement training enables him to thwart the terrorists. This 'everyman cop' angle is central to McClane's character. .
What is the last name of the Nakatomi Corporation president who is held hostage?
Gruber
Gennero
Takagi
Powell
Joseph Yoshinobu Takagi is the president of Nakatomi Corporation, taken hostage by Hans Gruber's group. His character is central to the hostage negotiation subplot. Tragically, Takagi is killed early in the siege. .
Which character provides radio support to McClane from the police department?
Agent Johnson
Corporal Ramirez
Sgt. Al Powell
Officer Harry Ellis
Sgt. Al Powell, played by Reginald VelJohnson, becomes McClane's key ally via radio communication. Powell's character adds emotional depth, particularly when McClane saves him. This partnership is crucial to McClane's success. .
What is Holly McClane's maiden name?
Gruber
Gennero
Lawson
Takagi
Holly Gennero is John McClane's estranged wife, working for Nakatomi Corporation in Los Angeles. The tension in their relationship is a key sub-plot. Holly's maiden name distinguishes her professional identity. .
Which actor plays Hans Gruber?
Gary Oldman
Alan Rickman
Jeremy Irons
Anthony Hopkins
Alan Rickman portrays Hans Gruber, delivering a sophisticated and menacing performance. It was Rickman's first major film role, and his portrayal is often cited among cinema's best villains. .
How does Hans Gruber die in Die Hard?
Falls from the building
Exploded by C4
Arrested by police
Shot by McClane
Hans Gruber is accidentally shot by his own terrorist, Theo, as McClane confronts him on the rooftop. Gruber falls from a broken window into the Los Angeles street below. The dramatic stunt capped the film's climax. .
What is the name of the limousine driver waiting in the garage for McClane?
Frank
Tony
Sam
Argyle
Argyle, played by De'voreaux White, is the limo driver who helps McClane escape at the film's end. He humorously greets McClane with 'Yippee-ki-yay, mother - you know'. Argyle's role bookends the film. .
Which Christmas carol plays as the terrorists first take hostages?
Jingle Bells
Carol of the Bells
O Holy Night
Silent Night
'Carol of the Bells' is heard over the Nakatomi Plaza PA system just before Hans Gruber's team strikes, setting a chilling contrast between festive cheer and violence. The choice underscores the movie's Christmas setting. .
How many floors does the fictional Nakatomi Plaza have?
45
30
40
50
The script refers to Nakatomi Plaza as a 40-story building. In reality, the Fox Plaza building used for exterior shots has 34 stories, but the film retains the 40-floor detail. .
What real-life building was used for the exterior of Nakatomi Plaza?
Fox Plaza
US Bank Tower
Aon Center
Transamerica Pyramid
Fox Plaza in Century City, Los Angeles, served as the stand-in for the fictional Nakatomi Plaza. The distinctive facade remains an iconic backdrop for the film's action. Fox Plaza is owned by 20th Century Fox, the movie's studio. .
What type of explosive do Hans Gruber's team use to breach the vault on the 30th floor?
Dynamite
Semtex
C-4
PETN
The terrorists use C-4 plastic explosive to blow open the vault door. C-4 is known for its power and stability, making it a preferred choice in films. The sequence shows the vault door shattering under controlled charges. .
Which handgun model does John McClane carry throughout most of the film?
Colt 1911
Glock 17
Beretta 92F
SIG P226
McClane is armed with a Beretta 92F, a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, typical issue for law enforcement. The Beretta's distinctive slide and accuracy feature prominently in key shootout scenes. .
How much in bearer bonds are the terrorists attempting to steal?
$250 million
$1 billion
$640 million
$100 million
Hans Gruber's plan is to steal $640 million in bearer bonds from Nakatomi's vault, using the Christmas party as cover. Bearer bonds are unregistered, making them perfect for money laundering. This figure is explicitly mentioned during the vault breach. .
On which floor is the Nakatomi Plaza vault located?
25th floor
30th floor
35th floor
40th floor
The vault containing the bearer bonds is on the 30th floor of Nakatomi Plaza. McClane must make his way up through the building to disrupt the terrorists' plan. This floor count aligns with the script. .
Who composed the musical score for Die Hard?
John Williams
Jerry Goldsmith
Hans Zimmer
Michael Kamen
Michael Kamen composed Die Hard's score, blending synthesizers with orchestral elements to heighten suspense. His themes underscore action sequences and the holiday setting. Kamen also scored Lethal Weapon and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. .
What song plays over the closing credits of Die Hard?
Jingle Bell Rock
White Christmas
Winter Wonderland
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
'Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!' by Vaughn Monroe plays during Die Hard's end credits, continuing the Christmas motif after the film's action-packed climax. The festive tune contrasts the explosive finale. .
What is the real street address of Fox Plaza, the building used for Nakatomi Plaza?
2300 Avenue of the Stars
2121 Avenue of the Stars
2000 Avenue of the Stars
2200 Avenue of the Stars
Fox Plaza's real address is 2121 Avenue of the Stars in Century City, Los Angeles. The building's appearance in Die Hard made it instantly recognizable to fans worldwide. It remains an LA landmark. .
Which company manufactured the elevators seen in Die Hard's Nakatomi Plaza?
KONE
ThyssenKrupp
Otis Elevator Company
Schindler Group
The elevators in Fox Plaza were installed by Otis Elevator Company, a leading global manufacturer. Otis elevators were widely used in high-rises during the 1980s. The elevator shafts are key locations for McClane's stealth movements. .
What was the reported production budget for Die Hard?
$100 million
$50 million
$10 million
$28 million
Die Hard was produced on an estimated budget of $28 million. Despite modest costs, it grossed over $140 million worldwide, making it one of the most profitable action films of its era. Its success led to a long-running franchise. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Iconic Die Hard Quotes -

    After completing the quiz, you'll be able to accurately recall famous lines from Die Hard and explain their significance in the film.

  2. Identify Key Characters and Roles -

    You will confidently identify main and supporting characters in Die Hard, understanding their motivations and relationships.

  3. Analyze Memorable Plot Twists -

    You will analyze the film's major turning points and twists, explaining how they drive the story forward.

  4. Differentiate Die Hard Trivia Difficulty Levels -

    You will distinguish between beginner-friendly die hard trivia questions and more difficult movie trivia, adapting your approach to each challenge.

  5. Apply Die Hard Trivia Strategically -

    You will apply your knowledge of die hard trivia to tackle both easy and hard film trivia questions with confidence.

  6. Evaluate Your Die Hard Movie Mastery -

    You will assess your overall proficiency in die hard trivia and set goals for further improvement.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Iconic "Yippee-ki-yay" Catchphrase -

    Learn the roots of McClane's famous "Yippee-ki-yay, motherf - er!" line, which actually traces back to Old West cowboy slang used in 1940s radio shows. A handy mnemonic - "YKY" for "Yippee-ki-yay" - will help you recall its three beats whenever you face tough die hard trivia questions (American Film Institute, 2007).

  2. Hero vs. Villain Dynamics -

    Study the contrasting motivations between New York cop John McClane and Hans Gruber, drawing on FBI behavioral profiles to understand why Gruber's rogue sophistication thrills audiences. Sketching a simple Venn diagram of their traits (e.g., resourcefulness, moral code) is a quick mnemonic for recalling key die hard movie trivia.

  3. Nakatomi Plaza Filming Secrets -

    Although Nakatomi Plaza is fictional, the real-life stand-in is Fox Plaza in Century City, Los Angeles. Visualize the Fox logo on the building's facade to cement this fact in your memory - ideal for hard film trivia rounds (IMDb Pro Production Notes).

  4. Score and Sound Cues -

    Dive into Michael Kamen's hybrid score, which weaves synthesizer patterns with orchestral swells and even quotes "Let It Snow" during the opening credits. Recognize the main leitmotif's first three notes as your cue to ace difficult movie trivia on Die Hard's soundtrack nuances (Journal of Film Music, 1998).

  5. Box Office and Legacy Metrics -

    Review the film's financial triumph - produced at $28 million and grossing $140 million domestically - which yields a remarkable 400% ROI (Box Office Mojo). Remember the formula ROI = (Gross - Budget) ÷ Budget × 100 to rapidly calculate returns and shine in die hard trivia quizzes.

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