Top 10 Action Movies of All Times
Since ages, audiences have been thrilled with action movies where high octane chases, things knock down the roof, movies and heroes that would stay in our memory forever. Tastes necessarily differ, but there are films time has proven and that have helped to define the genre. In no particular order, this is the best action movies of all time.
1. Die Hard (1988)
Top 10 Action Movies: Die Hard made Bruce Willis an action star and John McClane, the ordinary cop caught amid a takeover of a skyscraper by terrorists, a cypher of the action genre. The gold standard for modern action had already been set by this film – with sharp writing, tight pacing and a very charismatic villain (Alan Rickman’s Hans Gruber).
2. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
This is a non stop chase across a desolate wasteland from George Miller’s post apocalyptic adrenaline rush. Fury Road has redefined what modern action cinema can be with scorching stunts, melee effects and Charlize Theron as much of a superhuman in the role of Furiosa.
3. The Dark Knight (2008)
Top 10 Action Movies: Though one could technically call Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight a superhero film, the action, crime and mental drama are weaved seamlessly into one. It is a masterpiece, with Heath Ledger’s iconic Joker and more than just a Batman movie, with intense set pieces (like the truck flip).
4. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
It (had) skyrocketed to the movies with groundbreaking effects and one of the most memorable action heroes of all time – Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800 – from W.J. James Cameron’s sequel. T2 continues to be a thrilling and emotional sci-fi action staple that is all equal parts.
5. The Matrix (1999)
Top 10 Action Movies: The Matrix was a revolution of the genre and visual effects as well as revolutionary approach and philosophical depth in action films. Neo, played by Keanu Reeves, became a pop culture icon and the film gains influence for its mix of martial arts, gunplay and cyberpunk style.
6. Lethal Weapon (1987)
The buddy-cop movie perfected. Despite being many movies too far removed from the original seminal films to be taken all that seriously, the Mel Gibson and Danny Glover chemistry as Riggs and Murtaugh made this action packed thriller as much fun and explosive as it was.
7. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
The globe-trotting, action-comedy Steven Spielberg favorite Indiana Jones burst onto the screen in this one, telling of Indiana Jones adventures across the globe that were fuelled by action, humor and old school serial charm. Indy will always be one of the most iconic action heroes ever, and Harrison Ford is the face of the character.
8. John Wick (2014)
Top 10 Action Movies: This is stylish, choreographed modern action, and Keanu Reeves redefined modern action with it. John Wick stood out because of its blend of brutal hand-to-hand combat and sicarios, and eventually gun fu.
9. Aliens (1986)
What James Cameron made in his sequel to Alien was a notorious blend of horror and action that placed Ripley on the action heroine ladder. It is on one of the best sci fi action movies ever because of the intensity of the fire fights and the claustrophobic tension.
10. Gladiator (2000)
Top 10 Action Movies: Historical drama on an epic scale, Ridley Scott’s film was equally a sword and sandal spectacle and an emotional one. Maximus is a tragic hero brought down as much by powerful vengeance as he is by powerful action and timeless quotes.