Where was Die Hard 2 filmed?
1990
City Locations
Alpena (USA), Mead (USA), Los Angeles (USA), Denver (USA), Kincheloe (USA), Breckenridge (USA), Sault Ste. Marie (USA), Rocky Mountains (USA), Santa Rosa (USA), Tehachapi Pass (USA), Universal City (USA), San Francisco (USA), Granada Hills (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio, Church, Unusual, Unique
Location Styles
Muscle, Midcentury Modern, Modern Building, Modern Car, Plane Style, Airstream, Federal Building, Parking Lot
About Die Hard 2
Prepare yourself for more action and excitement in Die Hard 2: Die Harder! This 1990 American thriller, directed by the talented Renny Harlin, showcases the iconic Bruce Willis as the indomitable John McClane. Joined by a stellar cast including William Sadler, Bonnie Bedelia, and Dennis Franz, McClane returns to save the day in this gripping sequel.
Produced by Joel Silver, this film is the second installment in the renowned Die Hard series. The action thriller, released on July 4, 1990, offers heart-pounding thrills. It continues the thrilling story of the original film.
Set on Christmas Eve at Washington Dulles International Airport, it follows John McClane as terrorists take control of the air traffic system. McClane must summon courage to thwart their evil plans and prevent a catastrophe. Alongside his battles with the terrorists, he faces challenges from airport police and a skeptical military commander.
Despite minor plot issues, Critics praised the film's gripping action and atmosphere. Die Hard 2 was a commercial success, grossing $240 million and ranking as the seventh highest-grossing film of the year.
Die Hard 2 achieved a 70% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 66 reviews, with an average rating of 6.3/10. The site's consensus states that while it may not capture the same freshness as its predecessor, Die Hard 2 delivers an extravagant and reasonably tense big-budget sequel, compensating for any plot shortcomings with its abundance of action sequences.
Die Hard 2 Locations
The filming of Die Hard 2 spanned many distinct regions across the United States, each providing a backdrop for the action sequences. Los Angeles, California, specifically at 20th Century Fox Studios, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Los Angeles City Hall, provided the setting for most scenes.
In addition to the bustling city streets of LA, Die Hard 2 used more off-the-beaten-path locations for its production, such as Alpena, Michigan; Breckenridge, Colorado; Granada Hills in California; Highlandlake Church in Tennessee; Kincheloe Air Force Base in Michigan; Santa Rosa in California; Sault Ste Marie in Michigan; and Tehachapi Pass in California.
The regions used to film Die Hard 2 provide unique backdrops. From the bright lights of Los Angeles City Hall to the rustic, small-town charm of Sault Ste Marie and Breckenridge.
Even Tehachapi Pass offers viewers a glimpse into vast untouched land, while Kincheloe Air Force Base provides a sneak peek into military installations rarely seen on screen. Each location offers a unique viewing experience but helps create a thrilling story for the viewer to engage with.
A trip to these sites could be incredibly worthwhile if you're a fan of Die Hard 2 or up for exploring different regions around the United States. Visiting 20th Century Fox Studios would allow you to get up close and personal with some iconic film sets from Die Hard 2.
Visiting Alpena could easily give you an idea of life in quaint small towns, while Granada Hills provides tranquil suburban scenery.
Fun Facts:
Several Die Hard scenes came to life at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. The film also popularized the iconic phrase "Yippee-ki-yay," which was first uttered by Bruce Willis in this movie. Since then, it has become a catchphrase associated with all his characters in the Die Hard franchise.
John picks Holly up from the airport scene in Die Hard 2
Stapleton International Airport, Old Stapleton Airport Tower, 3120 Uinta St, Denver, CO 80238, United States
It is Christmas Eve, two years after the previous film. John McClane (Bruce Willis), having risen through the ranks to become a lieutenant with the LAPD, finds himself at Dulles International Airport, eagerly awaiting the arrival of his wife, Holly (Bonnie Bedelia).
Stapleton International Airport was a significant airport in Denver, Colorado, from 1929 to 1995. It served as a transportation hub in the western United States. After its closure, it transformed into the vibrant Stapleton Neighborhood, preserving its legacy as a symbol of progress and community development in Denver's history.
To get to the Old Stapleton Airport Tower at 3120 Uinta St, Denver, follow these driving directions:
Start by heading northeast on I-70 E. Take exit 278 toward Quebec St/Colorado Blvd. The Old Stapleton Airport Tower will be on your left at 3120 Uinta St.
The plane crash scene in Die Hard 2
Alpena County Regional Airport (KAPN), 1617 Airport Rd, Alpena, MI 49707, United States
The crash occurred at Washington Dulles International Airport, where terrorists took over the air traffic control system. As part of their plan, they sabotage the landing system, causing chaos on the runway.
As a result, a passenger plane attempting to land, piloted by Captain Carmine Lorenzo (Dennis Franz), experiences a terrifying ordeal. The runway lights go out, and the plane struggles to find a safe landing spot. Eventually, it crashes into the ground, causing a massive explosion and engulfing the aircraft in flames.
Alpena County Regional Airport is a county-owned, public-use airport in Alpena County, Michigan, United States. It serves as a regional transportation hub, offering daily flights to Detroit and connecting passengers to various destinations through its partnership with SkyWest Airlines as a Delta connection.
Recently, the airport underwent renovation, with runway 1/19 and runway 7/25 being fully renovated and reopened. This effort highlights the commitment of Alpena County Regional Airport to providing quality infrastructure and services to its passengers.
To get to 1617 Airport Rd in Alpena, Michigan, follow these driving directions:
Start by heading towards Alpena on your preferred route. As you approach Alpena, use a navigation tool like Google Maps or MapQuest for real-time directions based on your location. Follow the suggested route until you reach 1617 Airport Rd in Alpena.
Survivors search scene in Die Hard 2
Alpena, Michigan, USA
John McClane (Bruce Willis) is involved in another terrorist plot at Washington Dulles International Airport. Following a plane crash, McClane and other characters search for survivors. The scene is intense and showcases McClane's determination to protect innocent lives.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Huron lies the charming town of Alpena, Michigan. Though it may be lesser-known than its bustling counterparts, Alpena has a rustic beauty that draws visitors from far and wide. Known as the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes, the natural beauty spans from sprawling forests to serene lakeshores. Visitors can indulge in various outdoor activities, from hiking scenic trails to fishing for freshwater fish in Lake Huron.
Those who prefer a more low-key experience can wander the quaint streets of downtown Alpena, taking in the charming architecture and warm community spirit. Alpena may be small, but it makes up for it in spades with its tranquil beauty and friendly locals.
From the south, take Interstate 75 and exit onto M-32 heading towards Alpena. The drive will take you through small towns, picturesque countryside, and passing by stunning views of Lake Huron. Coming from the north, take US-23 and follow signs towards Alpena.
The church scene in Die Hard 2
Historic Highlandlake Church, 16896 Co Rd 5, Mead, CO 80542, United States
Grant (John Amos) and McClane (Bruce Willis) launch an assault on the church. In the chaos, McClane manages to eliminate one of Stuart's (William Sadler) men but fails to apprehend the rest as they flee on snowmobiles. Perplexed by his inability to inflict harm, McClane soon discovers that his gun is loaded with blanks, revealing that Grant's team is colluding with Stuart.
Historic Highlandlake Church, founded in 1880, is near Mead, Colorado, and is a significant landmark with a rich history. It has served as a place of worship for generations and is known for its charming appearance and cultural heritage. The church, belonging to the United Church of Christ of Highlandlake, holds national recognition as a listed site on the National Register of Historic Places.
To get to 16896 County Road 5 in Mead, Colorado, follow these driving directions:
Start by heading towards Mead on your preferred route. As you approach Mead, use a navigation tool like Google Maps or MapQuest for real-time directions based on your location. Enter "16896 County Road 5, Mead, CO" as the destination in the navigation tool. Follow the suggested route until you reach 16896 County Road 5 in Mead.
Conclusion
Die Hard 2 is an action-packed movie that came to life in exciting locations across the United States. From 20th Century Fox Studios in Los Angeles to Stapleton International Airport (now Denver International Airport), the movie showcases a range of iconic locations and breathtaking scenes.
The adrenaline-fueled story takes viewers on a thrilling journey through cities including Alpena, Breckenridge, Granada Hills, Kincheloe, and Santa Rosa. Viewers explore famous landmarks such as Los Angeles City Hall and Universal Studios Hollywood.
All these diverse settings form the backdrop for John McClane's daring mission to avert disaster at Dulles International Airport. In conclusion, Die Hard 2 is an intense and entertaining film with an unforgettable range of filming locations that can inspire your tour plans.