Buzz
Action has been a staple of cinema since the era of The Great Train Robbery over a century ago. However, filmmakers eventually realized that action scenes—whether car chases, fight sequences, gunfire, or explosions—didn't always need to be incorporated into another genre. By the late 20th century, action itself could stand as the central focus of a film, leading to the rise of an entirely new genre within Hollywood.
A truly remarkable action movie blends the best stunt work and visual effects with the emotional depth found in the finest dramas and comedies. Even when the focus is on high-energy sequences and over-the-top moments, a great action film offers a well-rounded experience. While there are many masterpieces in the genre, here are 30 of our top picks (listed chronologically).
Note: To keep the list manageable, we've mainly focused on films where 'action' is the primary genre, which is why you won't find many Westerns, superhero movies, or other genres here. Additionally, with a few exceptions, we've mostly concentrated on films released after 1970, as that is when action cinema truly began to thrive as a standalone genre.
1. The Wages of Fear (1953)
The Wages of Fear might not be immediately recognized as an action film by modern audiences, but for those familiar with the pacing of action movies and the techniques directors use to craft action set pieces, Henri-Georges Clouzot's thriller about four men transporting dangerously unstable nitroglycerine through treacherous terrain stands as a crucial precursor to the action genre. From his use of close-ups and editing to heighten tension in pivotal moments to the construction of elaborate set pieces centered around two trucks and four characters, The Wages of Fear remains an intense and influential experience, shaping the action films that followed.
2. Seven Samurai (1954)
Akira Kurosawa's impact on film is immeasurable, and Seven Samurai is perhaps the clearest example of that influence. While it's primarily a historical drama rather than a traditional action movie, it laid the foundation for action cinema as we know it today. The film served as a valuable guide for future directors, from creating a diverse ensemble cast to building tension in duels and crafting the calm before the storm of battle. Kurosawa’s influence is deeply embedded in the action genre, with Seven Samurai standing as a key work that continues to shape it.
3. Goldfinger (1964)
It starts with Sean Connery peeling off a wetsuit to reveal a crisp white tuxedo underneath and ends with a thrilling mid-air fight. From the laser threatening to slice Bond in half to the ejector seat in the Aston Martin, Goldfinger is not only the best Bond film of the Connery era but also the blueprint for what a Bond film—and arguably, every spy movie since—should look like. It may not have as much action as its successors or as many stunts and set pieces as later action films, but if you've ever tried to make a man with a gun look cool on screen, chances are you were drawing inspiration from Goldfinger.
4. Shaft (1971)
Shaft emerged at a time when action films were not as fast-paced as they are today, but this does not diminish the film's lasting influence, particularly as a game-changing moment for Black action heroes. Richard Roundtree exudes charisma in the title role, and while Shaft takes his time tracking down leads, director Gordon Parks skillfully maintains a rising sense of tension, building to the iconic closing sequence. This cemented Shaft as a Black cinematic icon and marked the film as a pivotal achievement in action filmmaking.
5. Enter the Dragon (1973)
Bruce Lee was already a global sensation when Enter the Dragon hit theaters, but this film—released just one month after his untimely death at the age of 32—sealed his legendary status. Blending classic Hong Kong kung fu film style with emerging Western action influences, Lee's final completed film not only highlights his extraordinary talent but also demonstrates his prowess as a visual and physical storyteller. As Lee’s character states early on, "We need emotional content," and through his body, voice, and imagination, the iconic performer delivered that with every frame of Enter the Dragon.
6. The Driver (1978)
Walter Hill's The Driver kicks off in the familiar realm of crime drama, where a detective (Bruce Dern) attempts to trap a skilled getaway driver (Ryan O'Neal) by setting him up on a job. But Hill starts to experiment with the very notion of car chases, constantly shifting motivations, until the film reaches a climactic and unforgettable sequence. In this scene, cars chase each other through a maze-like warehouse, using the sound of their engines to navigate the pursuit. It’s a clever and gripping way to stage a showdown, solidifying The Driver as a timeless classic in the genre.
7. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
The story goes that Steven Spielberg wanted to make a Bond film, George Lucas suggested an idea inspired by adventure serials, and from that collaboration emerged cinema's iconic whip-cracking archaeologist. Regardless of how it came together, Raiders of the Lost Ark remains a masterclass in action-adventure filmmaking, blending Spielberg's natural visual flair with Lawrence Kasdan's exceptional storytelling and George Lucas's ability to create spectacle. From the unforgettable boulder chase to the thrilling desert pursuit, the action scenes in this movie are benchmarks that filmmakers today still aspire to replicate.
8. First Blood (1982)
Though the later Rambo sequels became over-the-top displays of machismo and violence, Ted Kotcheff's original film remains the standout of the series due to its deep focus on internal conflict rather than external action. In a remarkably nuanced performance, Sylvester Stallone portrays a weary man wandering through a world that seems to have abandoned him, tracing John Rambo's descent back into violence with vulnerability. Kotcheff expertly weaves the surrounding action into a compelling narrative, amplifying the emotional depth at the story's core, resulting in a timeless classic.
9. RoboCop (1987)
Paul Verhoeven's RoboCop is as much a biting satire of the Reagan-era America as it is an explosive sci-fi action thriller. The film dissects the violence-obsessed culture of 1980s cinema while simultaneously excelling at the genre’s conventions. Verhoeven critiques everything from corporate corruption to the American fixation on violent crime, yet still manages to outdo many filmmakers in crafting compelling action sequences. This fusion of social commentary and exhilarating action results in one of the most layered action films of the '80s, one that retains its impact even as we approach the 2020s.
10. Die Hard (1988)
A renegade cop, a team of terrorists with a hidden agenda, a Christmas party gone wrong, a skyscraper rigged with explosives, and Reginald VelJohnson—Die Hard has it all. Director John McTiernan masterfully blends these elements into a perfectly paced narrative that still holds up as a flawless action film. From its iconic screenplay and Jan de Bont's cinematography to Alan Rickman's unforgettable film debut, it's clear why this movie became a defining entry in the action genre. The legacy of Die Hard is felt in countless '90s and '00s action films, many of which can be described as "Die Hard in [insert random location]."
11. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
James Cameron has made countless contributions to the action genre, but T2 stands as his crowning achievement. Not only did he manage to surpass the brilliance of the original The Terminator, but he also redefined the potential of action filmmaking. With a larger budget, a stellar cast, and groundbreaking technology, Cameron and co-writer William Wisher completely reimagined the first film’s premise—transforming the antagonist into an unlikely hero—and delivered a sequel that amplified the sci-fi horror elements while introducing higher emotional stakes, and grander action set pieces.
12. Point Break (1991)
While other directors might have brought Point Break to life, none would have done it quite as brilliantly as Kathryn Bigelow. She brings stunning intensity to the film’s action sequences—from daring bank heists to adrenaline-pumping foot chases, and the unforgettable skydiving stunt—but it’s the captivating dynamic between Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves) and Bodhi (Patrick Swayze) that truly defines the movie. Is their connection fueled by a mutual attraction to danger, or is there something deeper, a dance of opposites, a shared bond in living on the edge? It’s this tension, skillfully understood by Bigelow, that elevates the film beyond its action thrills.
13. Hard Boiled (1992)
With films like A Better Tomorrow in the 1980s, John Woo revolutionized action movie gunplay, reshaping the Hong Kong genre and introducing a new maestro to the Western filmmakers. With Hard Boiled, Woo shifted his focus from criminals to cops, perfecting the 'gun fu' subgenre with a relentless onslaught of shootouts, motorcycle chases, explosions, and a climactic, high-stakes showdown in a hospital under siege. Among a career brimming with timeless classics, this film stands as perhaps the most pure representation of Woo's unapologetically intense style.
14. The Fugitive (1993)
Certain action films could thrive with just about any cast, but others are impossible to imagine without their iconic stars. Although based on the earlier TV series, it's hard to picture The Fugitive without the dynamic performances of Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones. Andrew Davis's taut, fast-paced thriller is now forever linked to that legendary dam scene, but every second of the film showcases the raw power of 90s star-driven action, whether it’s Ford blending into a St. Patrick’s Day parade or Jones demanding a 'hard target search.'
15. Léon: The Professional (1994)
In a decade full of grandiose action spectacles, Luc Besson’s intimate masterwork stands out for its focused, yet gripping, depiction of personal violence and emotional tension. Jean Reno and Natalie Portman are perfectly cast, while Gary Oldman delivers a standout performance as the unhinged antagonist. Besson's deliberate, emotionally charged action scenes both elevate and challenge the core of the narrative’s heart. While Besson is no stranger to spectacle, as seen in The Fifth Element, The Professional is equally ambitious in its quieter, more restrained execution.
16. Speed (1994)
Only six years after working as cinematographer on Die Hard, Jan de Bont stepped into the director's chair and crafted another action masterpiece with Speed. Often dubbed "Die Hard on a bus," this film leaves you wondering how the story could possibly stretch into a feature-length adventure when the premise is so simple: a bomb is placed on a bus, and if it drops below a certain speed, it will explode. The solution? A perfect combination of Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock's undeniable chemistry, Dennis Hopper's menacing villainy, and a series of jaw-dropping bus-centric action sequences.
17. Drunken Master II (1994)
In 1978, Jackie Chan revolutionized martial arts action comedy with Drunken Master, a film that remains one of his finest works. After spending the '80s and early '90s cementing his international stardom in films like Police Story and Project A, Chan returned to his iconic character for his first traditional martial arts starring role in over a decade, delivering an absolute knockout with Drunken Master II. This sequel combines all the humor and creativity of the original while showcasing Chan's evolution as a filmmaker. From fighting under a moving train to setting himself ablaze in the breathtaking finale, this is Jackie Chan at his absolute best.
18. The Matrix (1999)
Perhaps the greatest testament to the power of The Matrix is the fact that so much of it should feel dated, yet it doesn't. In the late '90s, when blockbuster filmmaking was transitioning into a new age of computer-generated magic, Lana and Lilly Wachowski created a sci-fi spectacle that blended cyberpunk and bondage aesthetics with wire fu choreography and anime-inspired visuals. And somehow, it all worked. It's remarkable how well The Matrix holds up, even with the internet tech of the turn of the millennium still in play. More than two decades later, Bullet Time, Agent Smith, and Trinity and Neo taking on the world still reign supreme.
19. Battle Royale (2000)
A class of Japanese teenagers, a deserted island full of weapons, and a government law designed to curb delinquency—all come together in Battle Royale, one of the most brutal and influential films in Japanese action cinema. What stands out upon revisiting Kinji Fukasaku's film now, two decades after its release, is how the film defies expectations. While Battle Royale is undoubtedly action-packed, it's not aiming to be sleek or polished with its fight scenes. Instead, it leans into the rough, often awkward nature of the clashes between its characters, highlighting their fear, doubt, and immaturity in a way that's deeply unsettling. This isn't an action movie that makes you feel cool, but it's one that evokes a wide range of emotions—and that’s why it's unforgettable.
20. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Just about any frame from Ang Lee's wuxia masterpiece reveals why it won the 2001 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and earned a Best Picture nomination. It may still stand as the most breathtaking visual achievement of Lee's storied career, both in terms of action choreography and sheer beauty. But the film's lasting power isn't just about its stunning visuals—it's also about the emotional depth it carries. With stellar performances from Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, and others, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is an action film where every sword strike carries immense emotional weight.
21. Bad Boys II (2003)
Though Michael Bay has taken his share of heat for his CGI-heavy films about robots in disguise, he remains one of the most influential action filmmakers of the last three decades. When it comes to identifying the purest expression of his signature "Bayhem" style, fans will certainly debate, but in our opinion, no film encapsulates it better than the adrenaline-fueled, stunt-heavy spectacle of Bad Boys II. From the first action sequence to the final explosion, it's clear Bay is thoroughly enjoying himself—and having Will Smith and Martin Lawrence at their peak as a dynamic duo only makes it better.
22. Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003)
There are many action films designed to showcase a talented martial artist leaping and kicking their way through an entire movie, but few have done it as spectacularly as Ong-Bak. Directed by Prachya Pinkaew and starring the incredible Tony Jaa, the film is a relentless showcase of physical skill, with Jaa dazzling audiences through every jaw-dropping fight scene, whether he's taking on hordes of adversaries or performing gravity-defying stunts like a parkour expert.
23. Kill Bill: Vols. 1 and 2 (2003-2004)
Quentin Tarantino's tribute to the vengeance-driven cinema of Japan, Hong Kong's martial arts epics, and more is, like much of his other work, filled with references to influential action films. Yet, despite this, Kill Bill stands as a unique and powerful film in its own right. Uma Thurman delivers a powerful portrayal as The Bride, Tarantino extracts every ounce of joy from his action sequences, and even nearly two decades later, Kill Bill remains a definitive example of modern action cinema.
24. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
When Paul Greengrass took over as director of Matt Damon’s Bourne Identity sequels in the 2000s, he unknowingly launched a new trend in action filmmaking that’s still felt today. While the first Bourne movie was undeniably thrilling, Greengrass took things to the next level with a visceral, handheld approach that made Jason Bourne's missions feel even more raw and immediate. This approach influenced everything from superhero flicks to James Bond reboots, and helped cement Damon’s status as one of the most iconic action stars of the 21st century. With The Bourne Ultimatum, the collaboration reached its peak, surpassing even the intense energy of The Bourne Supremacy to deliver a stand-alone masterpiece of action.
25. The Raid (2011)
At first glance, The Raid's plot seems deceptively straightforward: a group of officers must break into a high-rise building in Jakarta and take down the crime lord who resides there. Yet, as Gareth Evans’s film unfolds with one explosive fight scene after another, the stakes grow not only physically but emotionally. With a remarkable cast led by Iko Uwais, the story transforms into a deeper exploration of a man’s journey to reclaim a part of his soul amidst the violence and chaos of his world.
26. Fast Five (2011)
Anyone who has followed the Fast & Furious franchise through the 21st century knows that the series has evolved far beyond its original roots as a slick street-racing crime drama that began in 2001. Justin Lin's Fast Five stands as the turning point, bridging the gap between the series' origins and its later transformation into a high-octane global heist saga filled with increasingly extravagant stunts and star-studded appearances. As the perfect transition, Fast Five is perhaps the pinnacle of the franchise in terms of raw action filmmaking, balancing wild spectacle with intimate, character-driven moments.
27. John Wick (2014)
Keanu Reeves makes several appearances on this list, and it's not just due to his status as the internet's favorite. The actor has consistently been the driving force behind many action spectacles throughout his career. But even with that in mind, we could never have anticipated how well John Wick would resonate. Directed by Chad Stahelski, this film showcases Keanu at his brooding, vengeance-fueled best, blending lightning-fast gun fu with neon noir aesthetics and an outstanding cast to create an action classic. It's a film that has already inspired two sequels and countless imitators in the years following its release.
28. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
George Miller's fourth Mad Max film had such a tumultuous journey to the screen that fans were left wondering if it would ever see the light of day, let alone live up to the brilliance of 1981's The Road Warrior. But in the end, Miller delivered something not only remarkable but utterly breathtaking. From the sweeping desert landscapes to the unforgettable designs of Immortan Joe and his War Boys, to the daring polemen and motorcycle stunts, Fury Road not only amazed audiences but sent them flying out of their theater seats. With a gripping central narrative supported by performances from Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy, this film arguably remains unrivaled in action cinema since its release.
29. The Villainess (2017)
At first glance, Jung Byung-gil’s The Villainess may seem like another standard action film, especially with its blistering first-person combat sequence that immerses you right into the action from the heroine’s perspective. But the more you delve into this remarkable Korean revenge thriller, the more it defies expectations. Anchored by Kim Ok-vin's fearless performance, the film expertly balances intense action with the emotional scars caused by a life filled with death and betrayal. And when it reaches its exhilarating climax, the final fight is as emotionally charged as it is heart-pounding.
30. Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)
While it's not necessarily true that each Mission: Impossible film improves on its predecessor, it’s undeniable that the sixth entry in the Tom Cruise-led series stands as a high point in the franchise's legacy of action filmmaking. The success of Fallout can be attributed to multiple factors: writer/director Christopher McQuarrie’s evolving mastery of action sequences, the seamless collaboration between McQuarrie and Cruise, and Cruise’s unrelenting commitment to performing his own death-defying stunts. Whatever the magic formula, it works. When your sixth installment is potentially your best, there's no reason to stop now.
