10 Long-Gestating Movie Sequels That Were Worth The Wait

Years Waited: 12

The Die Hard franchise followed the same downward trajectory as a lot of other trilogies: the first film was a classic, the second film was alright, and the third film was *fine*. And after a potential fourth installment spent over a decade in development hell, things weren't looking great for the future of the franchise.

But then came Live Free or Die Hard, in all its ridiculous glory. Yes, it's stupid. Yes, it ditches the grounded nature that made the first film such a classic. But its also insanely entertaining and features some of the most inventive action sequences of the entire franchise.

In finally cutting the cord from the first film, and just diving headfirst into a more cartoon-y, over-the-top action style, the film is freed up to be so much more. Bruce Willis and Justin Long make for an unexpectedly great odd couple and have chemistry to spare, while Timothy Olyphant positively chews the scenery as a tech-fueled baddie with lofty aspirations.

It's a well-crafted, consistently entertaining slice of action that is a lot more fun than the retread of the second film or the dull mystery of the third.