Die Hard (film series) memorable." James Berardinelli wrote that the film "represents the class of modern action pictures and the standard by which they must be judged." Critic Desson Howe wrote that "Willis has found the perfect vehicle to careen wildly onto the crowded L.A. freeway of "Lethal Weapons" and "Beverly Hills Cops"." Willis was also called "perfect as the wisecracking John McClane" and "an excellent casting choice as a sardonic action hero." Alan Rickman's portrayal of villain Hans Gruber was described as "marvelous" and "a career-making performance." Gruber also ranked 46 on the villain side of AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes and Villains. In
Die Hard All Time" list. In 2017, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". In 2006, Gruber was listed as the 17th greatest film character by "Empire". John McClane was placed at number 12 on the same list. In the June 22, 2007 issue of "Entertainment Weekly" it was named the best action film of all time. In 2010, "Die Hard" was voted as "The Greatest Christmas Film of All Time" by "Empire". In 2012, IGN listed it at the top spot on their