As a seasoned movie enthusiast who has spent countless hours watching action-packed flicks, I can confidently say that the top spot among these movies goes to “John Wick: Chapter 4.” This film is not just an exhilarating action spectacle, but it also delves deep into the psyche of its protagonist, making it a gripping psychological thriller. Director Chad Stahelski has once again outdone himself, coaxing exceptional performances from the entire cast, particularly Donnie Yen, Scott Adkins, and Laurence Fishburne.
The lesson we learned from “The Expendables” movie series is that more action stars make for a better film. In the early 2010s, Sylvester Stallone conceived an ingenious plan to assemble many popular action stars of the ’80s and ’90s for a joint adventure. To ensure the production didn’t feel like a nostalgic relic from the Golden Age of action movies, Stallone included Jason Statham as one of the main characters.
While enthusiasts of action films may find themselves wishing for more releases from this series, don’t worry! There’s a plentiful selection of movies similar to “The Expendables” available.
The following list primarily includes movies categorized as action films, excluding those such as Ocean’s Eleven (heist) and Avengers: Endgame (superhero). Despite this, these action-packed films may still star well-known actors from the action genre, like The Expendables, though some of them might be primarily recognized for their roles in other film genres.
10 ‘Triple Threat’ (2019)
In the action-packed movie titled “Triple Threat,” it’s a battle between Mercenaries and Assassins. The assassins, an elite squad, are tasked with eliminating Chinese billionaire heiress Xiao Xian (played by Celina Jade). But this job isn’t straightforward because a team of skilled mercenaries – Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, and Tiger Hu Chen – are determined to safeguard her. Michael Jai White and Scott Adkins take on roles as two of the film’s antagonists.
A Timely Treat from the Martial Arts Masters
Under the guidance of the lesser-known director Jesse V Johnson, Triple Threat presents a gripping, harrowing, and brutally intense experience. At first glance, it may appear as just another action movie, but it delves into profound themes such as humanitarianism and political instability. Since all the principal actors hold black belts in various disciplines, one can imagine that the stuntmen took a backseat for this production, allowing the cast to execute their own punches with abandon. Consequently, viewers are treated to some of the most awe-inspiring fight sequences ever seen on the silver screen.
Stream it on Prime Video
9 ‘Con Air’ (1997)
In the movie titled “Con Air,” former army ranger Cameron Poe (played by Nicolas Cage) finds himself on the same JPATS transport plane with dangerous criminals being moved to a higher-security prison. With each passing moment, it appears that a confrontation between him and the convicts is imminent. True to form, they concoct an escape plan while airborne.
Desperate Inmates
Approximately three decades have passed since “Con Air” was initially released, and it continues to be a must-watch action movie from the ’90s. This gripping, atmospheric film effectively conveys a sense of freedom and showcases the captivating performances of actors such as John Cusack, John Malkovich, Steve Buscemi, and Ving Rhames, which are among the reasons these talented individuals remain in demand today. In addition to its high-octane action sequences, the film also offers a satisfying auditory experience. It’s no wonder that it received Oscar nominations for Best Sound and Best Original Music.
8 ‘Escape Plan’ (2013)
In their later years, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone transitioned from fierce adversaries to good friends. Outside of the The Expendables, they teamed up in the film Escape Plan. The story centers around Ray Breslin, a character portrayed by Stallone, who is skilled at both entering and exiting prisons. However, his latest assignment goes awry, trapping him inside. Fortunately, he encounters Emil Rottmayer (Schwarzenegger), another inmate who assists him in devising a fresh escape plan.
The Movie We Didn’t Need but Glad We Got
The Escape Plan is a film that’s as macho as they come, but it does have its drawbacks. The straightforward approach to what should be a convoluted plot similar to Prison Break leaves room for speculation. Moreover, the movie carries a touch of ’80s Hollywood nostalgia that contemporary action filmmakers often find objectionable. Nevertheless, it manages to keep things balanced by allotting equal screen time to its leading stars, such as 50 Cent and Vincent D’Onforio, alongside the main canines.
Stream it on Netflix
7 Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)
Discussions have been made about a possible fifth installment of the “Lethal Weapon” series. It’s intriguing to think about how quickly Riggs (portrayed by Mel Gibson) might run now that he’s 68 years old. The last time viewers encountered Riggs and his partner Murtaugh (played by Danny Glover) was when they were battling against the Chinese mob headed by Wah Sing Ku (Jet Li). They also received crucial assistance from young officer Butters (Chris Rock) and private investigator Getz (Joe Pesci) in their fight.
Equal Doses of Comedy and Action
Lethal Weapon 4 serves up another exhilarating buddy cop escapade, this time with a humorously crafted script that subtly includes some bawdy moments. Just like the previous three films, action and witty banter are skillfully combined, creating a drink you’ll want to savor by watching it again. The disappointing aspect is that Pesci seems less energetic than before, which led to him receiving a Razzie award.
6 ‘Furious 7’ (2015)
In the movie “Furious 7”, it’s not Dominic Toretto and his crew who are the angry ones as one might expect. Instead, it’s Deckard Shaw (played by Jason Statham) who seeks vengeance for his brother’s death. Fortunately, a secret agent known only as Mr. Nobody (portrayed by Kurt Russell), steps in to help. However, there’s a catch: he requires their assistance in recovering a hacker, and in return, he promises to aid them.
A Wild 135-Minute Ride
A deep exploration of themes like revenge and unity, Furious 7 delivers an action-packed spectacle fitting for its grand budget. Despite having more stars than it can seemingly manage, this isn’t necessarily a flaw – fans have their preferred characters in this series, making the mix of muscular and ordinary individuals work to advantage. The addition of Statham enhances the movie further, as he convincingly plays a villain. His battle with Dwayne Johnson at the DSS offices has become an unforgettable cinematic moment.
Stream it on Peacock
5 ‘RED’ (2010)
In bolded RED, former CIA black-ops agent Frank Moses, now enjoying retirement (played by Bruce Willis), finds his tranquility shattered when assassins attempt to take his life. Fortunately, they fail, but he becomes apprehensive that the one responsible might improve their strategy in the future. To ensure safety, he reconvenes his former team comprising Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, and Helen Mirren, readying them for potential conflict.
Strong Performances from a Mature Ensemble
In the movie Red, a thrilling blend of humor, activity, and tension creates an intense atmosphere brimming with mystery. Each character’s part is distinctly outlined: Bruce Willis delivers the main action, Morgan Freeman offers sage advice, John Malkovich brings wit, and Helen Mirren exudes elegance and empathy wherever needed. Karl Urban also makes a significant impact as the assigned assassin of Frank.
4 ‘Killer Elite’ (2011)
In a new mission, a covert operative, Danny Bryce (played by Jason Statham), steps out of obscurity to handle a tricky predicament. It turns out that his mentor, Hunter, has been taken captive, which prompts Bryce to gather his old squad of elite commandos, including Dominic Purcell from “Prison Break.” However, the adversaries they face are equally formidable, with Spike (played by Clive Owen) being among them.
Another Great Team Effort Led by Jason Statham
Despite featuring stereotypical characters from action movies (a seasoned ex-agent seeking justice and a formidable antagonist), Killer Elite offers something unique, with creative action scenes and a plot brimming with twists that provide an invigorating viewing experience. Every scene, shot, and movement is captured in a manner unlike anything else, making it hard to compare it to anything else you’ve seen. While there may have been room for improvement in the script, fans of the genre are unlikely to voice any criticisms.
Stream it on Pluto
3 ‘Machete’ (2010)
In the past, Danny Trejo played Machete, a former Mexican Federale. His life has fallen into chaos after a harrowing encounter with a drug lord left him on the run in Texas as a vigilante. Hired for an assignment that ultimately backfired, he was betrayed and now finds himself fleeing. However, seeking retribution is crucial to Machete, so his quest begins.
A Rare Leading Man Turn from Danny Trejo
The action film “Machete” boasts a stellar cast including Steven Seagal, Michelle Rodriguez, Lindsay Lohan, Don Johnson, Jessica Alba, and Robert De Niro. Director Robert Rodriguez often pushes the boundaries with his excessively violent films, but for this movie, he adds depth to the script, which is a great choice. While Machete may seem excessive in the number of heads he chops off, his reasons are clear and logical.
Stream it on Max
2 ‘The A-Team’ (2010)
Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Quinton Jackson, Jessica Biel, Sharlto Copley, and Patrick Wilson form an impressive ensemble in the movie titled “The A-Team“. The plot revolves around a group of ex-Special Forces personnel who are wrongly imprisoned for a crime they didn’t commit. Instead of accepting their predicament, they break out and set out on a mission to prove their innocence.
Familiar… But It Still Packs a Wallop
This type of scenario is often utilized by filmmakers multiple times, but nonetheless, “The A-Team” continues to captivate audiences seeking instant enjoyment. A significant factor contributing to this is the selection of its cast. At the time of the movie’s production, Liam Neeson and Bradley Cooper were at their creative best on screen, ensuring that there was never a lull in their performances. The rest of the cast members also perform admirably, mirroring their lead.
Stream it on Max
1 ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ (2023)
The main character in “John Wick: Chapter 4” has reached his limit. Tired of seeing the bounty on his head escalate, he intensifies his battle against the High Table, traveling from New York to Japan, then Paris, and finally Berlin. He fights with all his might, but this time, fortune doesn’t seem to favor him.
The Best of the Film Series
In “John Wick: Chapter 4”, not only does it deliver an exhilarating action experience filled with nail-biting tension and fear, but it also serves as an exceptional psychological thriller that delves into the pursuit of tranquility. Director Chad Stahelski elicits outstanding performances from everyone involved; Donnie Yen particularly shines, while Scott Adkins and Laurence Fishburne continue to impress.
Stream it on Starz or Apple TV+
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2024-11-16 03:02