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2) The Sixth Sense (1999)

Bruce Willis plays Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a prominent child psychologist, and delivers a very straightforward performance in one of the most well received films ever. The Sixth Sense opened in first place at the box office and spent the next four weeks in the top spot. When all was said and done, it had earned $293 million in the United States and $670 million worldwide. In some cases, profit doesn't equal quality, but in this instance it does. At first viewing, one might wonder if a guy who made his mark in so many action films could pull off a role as a clean cut, shirt and tie wearing, highly educated medical professional. Willis does, and there is a quiet charm to his performance. Critics embraced the film along with audiences and the American Film Institute has it listed on its 100 Years...100 Movies list. It is worth noting that it propelled M. Night Shyamlan to prominence in the filmmaking world and also includes an incredible performance by Haley Joel Osment as the disturbed child. The Sixth Sense has one of the most memorable movie endings ever. The film was so well received it was nominated for six Academy Awards. The most notable of the nods it got was in the prized Best Picture Category.

3) Pulp Fiction (1994)

In the mid 1990s, Willis's career had reached a plateau and generic action films weren't paying off for him. He decided to take on the role of Butch Coolidge, a boxer who is put in some fairly troubling situations. The casting of Willis as Coolidge was significant, because he was not the lead star of the film. While he has significant screen time and his character's actions are prominent to how the plot unfolds, Willis joined a group of talented actors and settled for a supporting role. The strategy worked extremely well for him and he gained new respect as an actor. His character isn't exactly likable, and there is at least one scene where anyone watching is probably surprised Willis was willing to take on the such a role. There is no question, however, that his portrayal of Butch Coolidge is just one of the pieces that makes Pulp Fiction such an intense ride - not to mention that Pulp Fiction was an "indie" film and became a surprise hit. It rejuvenated the career of John Travolta and is the definitive Quentin Tarantino film.

4) Unbreakable (2000)

This one is a very pleasant indulgence for anyone who loved reading comic books as a kid. It successfully brings back memories and fantasies of actually wanting to be someone who had a secret identity, who dawned a mask at night, and who crunched unworthy villains in dark allies. Within the realm of childhood superheroes, this one has it all. The "good guy" discovers his fantastic abilities and must deal with his own fears and vulnerabilities that could destroy him. Willis was reunited with M. Night Shyamalan and they delivered a rare picture that successfully sends viewers back to their childhoods. Willis plays David Dunn, a security guard who survives a horrible train accident. After the accident he must deal with Elijah (played by Samuel L. Jackson), who believes Dunn is the type of being who has super powers much like a comic book superhero. Dunn eventually starts believing Elijah and begins testing himself. Dunn's confrontation with his Achilles' heel (water) is memorable and his decision to act against evil is moving. Willis portrays a man who discovers that he is fundamentally different than everyone else, and is believable and satisfying in the role. The final scene where Dunn discovers the history about his own journey and how he came to be is very satisfying. It successfully brings back the nostalgia of turning comic book pages and leads one to hope for a sequel. Unbreakable did extremely well at the box office and pulled in $248 million.

5) Mercury Rising (1998)

A lot of people are probably going to scream at this rating, considering there are droves of fans who love Armageddon, 12 Monkeys, and The Fifth Element, but the last of the top five goes to one of Willis's most poorly received films. Despite the fact Mercury Rising was not embraced by critics or audiences and it did not do particularly well at the box office, it is a touching story that doesn't get the credit it deserves. When Simon, an autistic boy, breaks a valuable government code, a shadow government agency orders the boy be killed. They manage to take out his parents, but Simon goes undiscovered. Willis plays Art Jeffries, the FBI agent who is called in to investigate the crime. After Jeffries finds Simon, he takes him under his wing and tries to protect him from the ruthless shadow government agency. Forced to take on the duty of protecting the young boy, Jeffries establishes a touching and protective bond with him. The audience is forced to realize that left to an emotionless society, a boy like Simon would have little chance of survival. The film presents Willis in a role that wasn't exactly macho or typical for him and he excelled. The scenes where he attempts to communicate with Simon are extremely well acted. The instances where he moves to protect the boy and keep him safe are where Willis shines. The film has some holes, but it's a very touching story. The film forces audiences to feel a measure of sympathy for any child with Simon's disabilities, and Willis's acting makes us hope and wonder if we should all attempt to be more aware of those less fortunate.

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