Renny Harlin, born Renny Lauri Mauritz Harjola on March 15, 1959, is a Finnish film director and producer who has made a significant impact in the action and horror genres. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been responsible for directing a plethora of successful films, many of which were released during the late 1980s to late 1990s.
During this period, Harlin's direction led to the creation of several box office hits, including A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, and Deep Blue Sea. His films garnered widespread popularity and critical acclaim, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the film industry.
Although the commercial performance of his films has slowed down since the mid-2000s, Harlin remains a notable figure in the world of cinema. He is currently ranked 86th on the list of highest-grossing directors of all time, based on U.S. domestic gross revenue.
Throughout his career, Harlin has primarily worked within the Hollywood studio system, but he has also spent time in his native Finland and had a brief stint in China.