Renny Harlin

Renny Harlin

66 · Born: Mar 15, 1959

Personal Details

BornMar 15, 1959 Riihimäki, Finland
Spouse
  • Johanna Harlin

    ( Jun 14, 2021 to May 10, 2025 )
  • Geena Davis

    ( Sep 18, 1993 to Jun 21, 1998 )

Biography

Born on March 15, 1959, Renny Lauri Mauritz Harjola, a Finnish film director and producer, has left an indelible mark on the action and horror genres, with a career spanning decades and numerous successful films to his name.

As a seasoned director, Harlin has been instrumental in bringing a wide range of films to life, many of which were released during the late 1980s to late 1990s, a period marked by significant advancements in filmmaking technology and a growing appetite for action-packed and suspenseful cinematic experiences.

Throughout his illustrious career, Harlin has consistently demonstrated his ability to craft compelling stories and characters, weaving intricate plots that have captivated audiences worldwide.

As a testament to his skill and dedication, Harlin's body of work includes a diverse array of films, each showcasing his versatility as a director and his ability to adapt to different genres and styles.

From the high-octane action sequences of his early films to the more nuanced, character-driven storytelling of his later work, Harlin's cinematic legacy is a testament to his enduring influence on the film industry.

Throughout his career, Harlin has worked with a diverse range of actors, including some of the most talented and iconic figures in the industry, further solidifying his reputation as a sought-after and respected director.

With a career spanning multiple decades, Harlin's impact on the world of film is undeniable, and his continued contributions to the industry serve as a reminder of his enduring relevance and influence.

Throughout this significant era, Renny Harlin's distinguished direction resulted in the conception of numerous commercially successful films, specifically A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, and Deep Blue Sea, which collectively garnered widespread popularity and critical acclaim, ultimately cementing his status as a prominent and influential figure within the film industry.

John T. Harlin, a renowned filmmaker, has continued to make a significant impact in the cinematic industry despite a slight decline in the commercial success of his films since the mid-2000s.

Ranked an impressive 86th among the highest-grossing directors of all time, as determined by U.S. domestic box office revenue, Harlin's influence on the world of cinema remains unparalleled.

As a testament to his enduring legacy, Harlin's body of work continues to captivate audiences worldwide, cementing his status as a stalwart figure in the ever-evolving landscape of filmmaking.

Noted filmmaker James Cameron Harlin has predominantly operated within the confines of the Hollywood studio system, a trajectory that has afforded him the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most esteemed talents in the industry.

Career

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2014
The Legend of Hercules
The Legend of Hercules as Officer Linus (uncredited)
{"id":4102,"title":"Driven","year":"2001","character":"Replacement Driver","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/driven","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/28qs8ro6kg7g.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/28qs8ro6kg7g.jpg"},"released":1}
2001
Driven
Driven as Replacement Driver
{"id":1895,"title":"A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master","year":"1988","character":"Student (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/a-nightmare-on-elm-street-4-the-dream-master","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2tl77pc9c2dg.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2tl77pc9c2dg.jpg"},"released":1}
1988
{"id":7900,"title":"Born American","year":"1986","character":"Man's Voice from Ship's Loudspeakers (uncredited) (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/born-american","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_7900.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_7900.jpg"},"released":1}
1986
Born American
Born American as Man's Voice from Ship's Loudspeakers (uncredited) (voice)
{"id":145610,"title":"Decoding Die Hard","year":"2013","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/decoding-die-hard","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_145610.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_145610.jpg"},"released":1}
2013
{"id":17117,"title":"Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy","year":"2010","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/never-sleep-again-the-elm-street-legacy","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5uhh8h4n8580.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5uhh8h4n8580.jpg"},"released":1}
2010
{"id":52659,"title":"The Making of 'Alien\u00b3'","year":"2003","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-making-of-alien3-2003","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_52659.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_52659.jpg"},"released":1}
2003
{"id":60463,"title":"The Making of 'Nightmare on Elm Street IV'","year":"1989","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-making-of-nightmare-on-elm-street-iv-1989","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_60463.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_60463.jpg"},"released":1}
1989
{"id":277728,"title":"The Strangers: Chapter 2","year":"2025","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-strangers-chapter-2","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_277728.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_277728.jpg"},"released":0}
2025
{"id":232961,"title":"The Strangers: Chapter 1","year":"2024","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-strangers-chapter-1","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/gm07q4h60k40.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/gm07q4h60k40.jpg"},"released":1}
2024
{"id":241727,"title":"The Bricklayer","year":"2023","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-bricklayer","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2npq8rmpbo8g.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2npq8rmpbo8g.jpg"},"released":1}
2023
The Bricklayer
The Bricklayer as Director
{"id":242081,"title":"The Refuge","year":"2023","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-refuge-2023","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_242081.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_242081.jpg"},"released":1}
The Refuge
The Refuge as Director
{"id":242279,"title":"The Bricklayer","year":"2023","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-bricklayer-2023","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_242279.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_242279.jpg"},"released":1}
The Bricklayer
The Bricklayer as Director
{"id":193001,"title":"The Misfits","year":"2021","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-misfits-2021","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4a47rdgv4au0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4a47rdgv4au0.jpg"},"released":1}
2021
The Misfits
The Misfits as Director
{"id":223450,"title":"Bodies at Rest","year":"2019","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/bodies-at-rest","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_223450.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_223450.jpg"},"released":1}
2019
Bodies at Rest
Bodies at Rest as Director
{"id":96944,"title":"Skiptrace","year":"2016","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/skiptrace","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/3gjstpksm83g.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/3gjstpksm83g.jpg"},"released":1}
2016
Skiptrace
Skiptrace as Director
{"id":1168,"title":"The Legend of Hercules","year":"2014","job":"Director, Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-legend-of-hercules","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/34rku238lfu0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/34rku238lfu0.jpg"},"released":1}
2014
The Legend of Hercules
The Legend of Hercules as Director, Writer
{"id":3806,"title":"Devil's Pass","year":"2013","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/devils-pass","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/ducorlc5q4a0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/ducorlc5q4a0.jpg"},"released":1}
2013
Devil's Pass
Devil's Pass as Director
{"id":9591,"title":"5 Days of War","year":"2011","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/5-days-of-war","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5et8bilk69p0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5et8bilk69p0.jpg"},"released":1}
2011
5 Days of War
5 Days of War as Director
{"id":5192,"title":"12 Rounds","year":"2009","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/12-rounds","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/3vogp04ffl5g.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/3vogp04ffl5g.jpg"},"released":1}
2009
12 Rounds
12 Rounds as Director
{"id":13071,"title":"Cleaner","year":"2007","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/cleaner","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/pja75o3kk5g0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/pja75o3kk5g0.jpg"},"released":1}
2007
Cleaner
Cleaner as Director
{"id":5260,"title":"The Covenant","year":"2006","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-covenant","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5sbm6ajijjr0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5sbm6ajijjr0.jpg"},"released":1}
2006
The Covenant
The Covenant as Director
{"id":3365,"title":"Mindhunters","year":"2004","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/mindhunters","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/696lat4p3d30.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/696lat4p3d30.jpg"},"released":1}
2004
Mindhunters
Mindhunters as Director
{"id":6093,"title":"Exorcist: The Beginning","year":"2004","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/exorcist-the-beginning","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/25j90cus0np0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/25j90cus0np0.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":4102,"title":"Driven","year":"2001","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/driven","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/28qs8ro6kg7g.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/28qs8ro6kg7g.jpg"},"released":1}
2001
Driven
Driven as Director
{"id":4189,"title":"Deep Blue Sea","year":"1999","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/deep-blue-sea","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/dhu8p55t29i0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/dhu8p55t29i0.jpg"},"released":1}
1999
Deep Blue Sea
Deep Blue Sea as Director
{"id":6260,"title":"The Long Kiss Goodnight","year":"1996","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-long-kiss-goodnight","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4fhqd74n13k0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4fhqd74n13k0.jpg"},"released":1}
1996
{"id":7100,"title":"Cutthroat Island","year":"1995","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/cutthroat-island","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6g4fuoiqkfv0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6g4fuoiqkfv0.jpg"},"released":1}
1995
{"id":4688,"title":"Cliffhanger","year":"1993","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/cliffhanger","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/7m50r3o0e0s0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/7m50r3o0e0s0.jpg"},"released":1}
1993
Cliffhanger
Cliffhanger as Director
{"id":5062,"title":"The Adventures of Ford Fairlane","year":"1990","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-adventures-of-ford-fairlane","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_5062.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_5062.jpg"},"released":1}
1990
{"id":8685,"title":"Die Hard 2","year":"1990","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/die-hard-2","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/44asklhj4ur0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/44asklhj4ur0.jpg"},"released":1}
Die Hard 2
Die Hard 2 as Director
{"id":1895,"title":"A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master","year":"1988","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/a-nightmare-on-elm-street-4-the-dream-master","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2tl77pc9c2dg.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2tl77pc9c2dg.jpg"},"released":1}
1988
{"id":60892,"title":"Prison","year":"1987","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/prison","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_60892.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_60892.jpg"},"released":1}
1987
Prison
Prison as Director
{"id":7900,"title":"Born American","year":"1986","job":"Director, Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/born-american","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_7900.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_7900.jpg"},"released":1}
1986
Born American
Born American as Director, Screenplay