Renny Harlin
Biography
Renny Harlin is a Finnish film director and producer. He was born on March 15, 1959, in Riihimäki, Finland. Harlin is known for his work in the action and horror genres, particularly during the late 1980s to the late 1990s. He has directed numerous films, including A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, and Deep Blue Sea. Harlin has primarily worked in the Hollywood studio system, in addition to time spent in his native Finland. He is listed as the 86th highest-grossing director of all time based on U.S. domestic gross revenue.
Career overview
Renny Harlin is a Finnish film director and producer known for his work in the action and horror genres. He has directed numerous films, including hits such as A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, and Deep Blue Sea. Harlin's commercial success peaked from the late 1980s to the late 1990s.
During this period, Harlin primarily worked in the Hollywood studio system, in addition to time spent in his native Finland and a brief stint elsewhere. He has directed a total of 60 films and television shows. Harlin's ability to create successful action and horror films has been a key factor in his career.
Harlin remains a prominent figure in the film industry, ranking 86th on the list of highest-grossing directors of all time based on U.S. domestic gross revenue. His work has been widely recognized, and he continues to be a respected figure in the industry.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
82 titles- Deep Water (2026) as Ship Radio Dispatcher (voice)
- Deep Water (2026) Director
- The Strangers: Chapter 3 (2026) Director
- The Strangers (2026) Director
- The Strangers: Chapter 2 (2025) Director
- The Strangers: Chapter 1 (2024) Director
- The Bricklayer (2023) Director
- Refuge (2023) Director
- Refuge (2023) Producer
- The Misfits (2021) Director
- The Dinosaur (2021) as Self (archive footage)
- Reunion 3: Singles Cruise (2021) Director
- Reunion 3: Singles Cruise (2021) Screenplay
- Bodies at Rest (2019) Director
- Legend of the Ancient Sword (2018) Director
- Skiptrace (2016) Director
- The Legend of Hercules (2014) as Officer Linus (uncredited)
- The Legend of Hercules (2014) Director
- The Legend of Hercules (2014) Writer
- The Legend of Hercules (2014) Producer
- Graceland (2013) Director
- The Dyatlov Pass Incident (2013) Director
- The Dyatlov Pass Incident (2013) Producer
- Hard Time: The Making of Prison (2013) as Himself
- Fear Himself: The Life and Crimes of Freddy Krueger (2012) as Self
- The Resident (2011) Executive Producer
- 5 Days of War (2011) Director
- 5 Days of War (2011) Producer
- Covert Affairs (2010) Director
- Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy (2010) as Self
- White Collar (2009) Director
- 12 Rounds (2009) Director
- Burn Notice (2007) Director
- Cleaner (2007) Director
- The Covenant (2006) Director
- Mindhunters (2004) Executive Producer
- Mindhunters (2004) Director
- Exorcist: The Beginning (2004) Director
- Wreckage and Rage: Making 'Alien³' (2003) as Self
- Driven (2001) as Replacement Driver
- Driven (2001) Producer
- Driven (2001) Director
- Deep Blue Sea (1999) Director
- Blast from the Past (1999) Producer
- Johtaja Uuno Turhapuro pisnismies (1998) as Renny Harlin
- The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996) Director
- The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996) Producer
- Mistrial (1996) Executive Producer
- Cutthroat Island (1995) Director
- Cutthroat Island (1995) Producer
- A Night to Die For (1995) as Self
- Speechless (1994) Producer
- The Foot Shooting Party (1994) Executive Producer
- Cliffhanger (1993) Director
- Cliffhanger (1993) Producer
- Gladiaattorit (1993) Director
- Rambling Rose (1991) Producer
- Slash & Burn: The Freddy Krueger Story (1991) as Self
- Die Hard 2 (1990) Director
- The Adventures of Ford Fairlane (1990) Director
- Raptori Moe! (1990)
- The Making of 'Nightmare on Elm Street IV' (1989) as Self
- A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988) as Student (uncredited)
- A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988) Director
- Prison (1987) Director
- Born American (1986) as Man's Voice from Ship's Loudspeakers (uncredited) (voice)
- Born American (1986) Screenplay
- Born American (1986) Director
- Born American (1986) Stunt Double
- The Breakthrough (1981) as Police officer (uncredited)
- Kohtauspaikka 33 (1981) as Self (voice)
- Kohtauspaikka 33 (1981) Director
- Kohtauspaikka 33 (1981) Producer
- Custody (1980) Writer
- Custody (1980) Director
- Black Tides Director
- Trial by Combat Director
- Stallone on the Edge: The Making of Cliffhanger as Self
- The Beast Director
- Carrier Producer
- Inspector Palmu Director
- Inspector Palmu Writer
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Renny Harlin best known for?
Renny Harlin is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Deep Water (2026), Deep Water (2026), The Strangers: Chapter 3 (2026), The Strangers: Chapter 2 (2025).
When and where was Renny Harlin born?
Renny Harlin was born on March 15, 1959 in Riihimäki, Finland.
How many credits does Renny Harlin have?
Renny Harlin has accumulated over 82 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1980 to 2026.
What is Renny Harlin's background in cinema and television?
Renny Harlin is a Finnish film director and producer. He was born on March 15, 1959, in Riihimäki, Finland. Harlin is known for his work in the action and horror genres, particularly during the late 1980s to the late 1990s. He has directed numerous films, including A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, Die Har...