Variety's Definitive List of the Top 25 Action Films Ever Made

Action films, whether showcasing sword battles, high-speed pursuits, or extraterrestrial confrontations, all share one unifying trait: they evoke a sense of thrill and suspense unmatched by other genres. Audiences flock to theaters to witness their beloved protagonists cheat death, thanks to a blend of daring stunts and cutting-edge visual effects. While few would dare to engage in a gunfight or climb towering buildings, watching a star perform these feats on screen is an exhilarating experience.

For years, action movies have dominated box office charts, solidifying their place as a crowd favorite. Variety has meticulously curated a selection of the most remarkable films in this genre, highlighting the greatest achievements in cinematic history.

The compilation of top action films features some of the most celebrated works from the past century, such as Ben-Hur (1959), Seven Samurai (1954), and Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). Science fiction classics like Aliens (1986) and The Matrix (1999) are also included, alongside Western masterpieces like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) and The Wild Bunch (1969). Leading the pack is 1981’s The Road Warrior, the film that launched George Miller’s legendary Mad Max franchise.

Discover Variety's curated list of the 25 greatest action films of all time below. For those eager to dive into the genre, explore the best action movies currently available on Netflix.

Variety's Top 25 Action Films

1. The Road Warrior (1981)
2. Die Hard (1988)
3. North by Northwest (1959)
4. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
5. Enter the Dragon (1973)
6. The French Connection (1971)
7. The Matrix (1999)
8. Aliens (1986)
9. Seven Samurai (1954)
10. Bullitt (1968)
11. Speed (1994)
12. Goldfinger (1964)
13. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
14. The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
15. Hard Boiled (1992)
16. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
17. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
18. Ben-Hur (1959)
19. The Wild Bunch (1969)
20. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
21. Heat (1995)
22. The Wages of Fear (1953)
23. Gladiator (2000)
24. Assault on Precinct 13 (1976)
25. United 93 (2006)