10 Times Jake Peralta from Brooklyn Nine-Nine Showed His Obsession with Die Hard

Jake Peralta, the lovable Brooklyn Nine-Nine detective, is quirky in many ways, but his biggest obsession is Die Hard. From the very first episode, it’s clear that John McClane isn’t just a movie character to Jake—he’s a role model, a hero, and the ultimate embodiment of cool. Jake doesn’t just love Die Hard; he practically lives it. Throughout the series, he forces his friends and colleagues into debates, reenactments, and over-the-top displays of fandom.

This obsession is a running gag that defines many of Jake’s most hilarious moments. His career, relationships, and detective work all take a hit as he views everything through the lens of an ‘80s action movie. Amy, Holt, and the rest of the precinct often find themselves unwilling participants in his cinematic fantasies. But even when it gets excessive, Jake’s love for Die Hard adds to his charm. Here are ten moments that prove it.

1. Embracing his inner John McClane every Halloween

Jake doesn’t just dress up for Halloween—he transforms into John McClane. Every year, he dons the signature white tank top, fake battle scars, and even attempts dramatic air vent crawls, much to Amy’s dismay. Whether it’s for the precinct’s Halloween Heist or a regular costume party, Jake seizes every chance to channel his action hero. He doesn’t just wear the costume—he embodies McClane’s spirit, making every Halloween feel like a Die Hard sequel starring himself.

2. Defending Die Hard as the ultimate holiday film

If there’s one debate Jake refuses to lose, it’s whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie. No matter how often Holt dismisses it or Amy rolls her eyes, Jake insists that the film’s setting, holiday music, and themes of family make it a Christmas classic. One of his proudest moments is hosting a Die Hard-themed Christmas party—though attendance is “voluntary.” Even Terry, who loves the movie, grows tired of Jake’s relentless arguments. For Jake, Christmas isn’t complete without Die Hard.

3. Bringing Die Hard quotes into every situation

Jake firmly believes that Die Hard quotes are applicable to everyday life. Whether he’s chasing criminals, solving a case, or ordering coffee, he manages to slip in a reference. A perfectly timed “Yippee-Ki-Yay” or an exaggerated movie line is just part of his routine. His co-workers roll their eyes, but that doesn’t stop him. His ability to weave Die Hard quotes into any conversation is both impressive and slightly concerning.

4. Treating a real-life hostage situation like a movie scene

Jake’s Die Hard obsession reaches a new level when he gets caught in a jewelry store robbery. Instead of panicking, he sees it as his moment to shine—his own real-life John McClane experience. He attempts action-hero tactics, making movie references as he navigates the situation. Unfortunately, reality doesn’t follow a script, and things don’t play out as smoothly as they do in Die Hard. Even as Amy reminds him that this isn’t just another movie marathon, Jake remains convinced that he’s having his ultimate Die Hard moment.

5. Giving his son the most Die Hard name possible

Jake’s love for Die Hard isn’t just a phase—it’s a lifelong passion. This becomes crystal clear when he names his son McClane Peralta. Amy saw it coming but likely hoped he’d compromise on something less extreme. Jake beams with pride, imagining the day he’ll introduce little McClane to Die Hard for the first time. He even starts planning their first viewing party. Amy, however, just hopes he won’t name their next child Nakatomi.

6. Losing his mind over meeting a Die Hard legend

Meeting celebrities is one thing, but meeting Reginald VelJohnson—the actor who played Sgt. Al Powell in Die Hard—is life-changing for Jake. When Holt surprises him with VelJohnson at his wedding rehearsal dinner, Jake completely loses it. His usual confidence vanishes, replaced by pure fanboy excitement. Even Amy can’t be mad; she knows this is one of the most important moments of his life. For once, Jake is utterly speechless, which only proves how much Die Hard means to him.

7. Planning the ultimate Die Hard-inspired bachelor party

Jake doesn’t want a typical bachelor party—he wants to live Die Hard. His dream night includes elaborate heists, action scenes, and countless movie references. Boyle, determined to make it happen, sets out to arrange the perfect Die Hard experience. But, as expected, things go completely off the rails. Instead of an action-packed night, Jake ends up with a series of ridiculous misadventures. Even though it doesn’t go as planned, he still has a blast—because for Jake, it’s never about perfection, just the experience.

8. Getting starstruck at the real Nakatomi Plaza

Visiting Nakatomi Plaza is a pilgrimage for Jake. When he finally gets the chance to go, he treats it like a sacred moment. Overcome with emotion, he reenacts scenes, takes dramatic pauses, and even tears up. Amy, ever the patient's wife, lets him have his moment—though she draws the line at crawling through an air vent with him. For Jake, standing at the filming location of Die Hard is the closest he’ll ever get to meeting John McClane himself.

9. Challenging everyone to Die Hard trivia battles

Jake isn’t just a Die Hard fan—he’s an expert. He constantly challenges friends, and co-workers, and even suspects to trivia battles about the movie. Boyle plays along, while Rosa refuses, knowing Jake takes it too seriously. In one episode, Terry shocks everyone by beating Jake in a trivia contest, leaving him momentarily speechless. But that doesn’t stop him—Jake remains committed to dropping random Die Hard facts whenever he gets the chance.

10. Turning his desk into a Die Hard shrine

Jake’s desk isn’t just a workspace—it’s a Die Hard shrine. Action figures, posters, and memorabilia cover every inch. A John McClane bobblehead sits proudly on his desk, along with a limited-edition replica of Nakatomi Plaza. Boyle frequently adds to his collection, gifting him Die Hard items whenever possible. Whenever Jake needs inspiration, he turns to his shrine, reminding himself why he became a cop in the first place—to be like his hero, John McClane (minus the explosions).