As a seasoned film enthusiast who’s seen more action movies than I care to count, let me tell you, these movies are some of the best the genre has to offer!
Many outstanding action films, such as the adrenaline-pumping thrills of Die Hard and the visually stunning chaos of John Wick, have either begun franchises or are sequels to original classics. However, the absence of a follow-up story doesn’t automatically make a film poor. In fact, cinema history is rich with standalone action blockbusters that hold their own without being part of a series.
To support our argument, we’ve assembled a spotlight on 32 exceptional films – each one outstanding and none of them, thus far, having spawned a follow-up.
Attack The Block
In 2021, there were rumors circulating about writer/director Joe Cornish teaming up with John Boyega once again for the potential sequel to Attack The Block. However, it’s been over three years since then without any new updates, so we are recommending this 2011 suspenseful film in which a group of teenagers from the streets engage in a fierce battle against strange extraterrestrial intruders.
Commando
How is it possible that the world was never graced with another performance from Arnold Schwarzenegger as John Matrix – the elite special forces colonel who can lift logs five times his weight and easily turn the tables on elite mercenaries who are both out for revenge and executing a coup in South America? The lack of a Commando 2 is proof that the movie gods don’t always play fair.
Con Air
It’s challenging to gather a group of supporting actors as exceptional as those in the 1997 movie “Con Air,” many of whom met their end in this high-altitude prison break film, making it unsurprising that no sequel has been produced yet. However, it’s unfortunate that we haven’t had the chance to see Nicolas Cage grace our screens once more as Cameron Poe, with his hair flowing freely in the wind.
Danger: Diabolik
There exists both an animated TV series from Europe titled Diabolik and a 2021 film version, both stemming from the same origins as Mario Bava’s “Danger: Diabolik.” However, the 1968 movie is unique and separate within its own narrative continuity. It’s unfortunate that it doesn’t share a common universe with the newer adaptations because this film, featuring a daring thief (John Phillip Law) and his cat-and-mouse game with a detective (Michel Piccoli) while being controlled by a menacing gangster (Adolfo Celi), is an incredibly stylish and iconic example of the action genre. If you’re not acquainted with this tale, it represents a must-see classic in the adventure genre.
District 9
For quite some time, there has been much discussion about director Neill Blomkamp revisiting the universe of his first directorial project… However, until he actually does so, we can still savor the greatness that is District 9, a movie that skillfully combines thought-provoking political commentary with pulse-pounding action and unsettling body horror.
Face/Off
In the annals of cinema, only one film showcases the extraordinary scenario of Nicholas Cage and John Travolta undergoing drastic facial surgeries and exchanging identities, a spectacle that Paramount Pictures has previously hinted at reviving in a sequel to Face/Off. The latest updates on this project emerged in 2021 with Adam Wingard set as the director, but for now, there’s only one movie depicting this unique exchange.
The Fifth Element
Throughout his illustrious career, Bruce Willis portrayed John McClane five times on the silver screen, yet we were treated to just one thrilling escapade featuring him as the surprisingly valiant flying taxi pilot Korben Dallas in “The Fifth Element”. It’s truly unfortunate that more tales weren’t spun around this film, given its vibrant, avant-garde setting teeming with unlimited possibilities for innovative narratives.
In The Line Of Fire
Frank Horrigan is a character that stands out in Clint Eastwood’s filmography, but he only appeared once on the big screen. The movie “In The Line Of Fire” is well-remembered for its exceptional portrayal of the secret service, with John Malkovich’s character, Mitch Leary/James Carney/Booth, planning a chilling and dangerous assassination attempt using a homemade zip gun.
The Last Dragon
Although The Last Dragon didn’t spawn any follow-ups, it has instead fostered a dedicated cult following since its debut in the 1980s. Characters like Taimak’s Leroy Green (also known as Bruce Leeroy) and Julius Carry’s portrayal of Sho’nuff, The Shogun of Harlem, remain iconic within action movie enthusiasts circles.
Last Action Hero
John McTiernan’s film “Last Action Hero” cleverly satirizes action movie tropes. Regrettably, it only provided one adventure starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as Jack Slater. The movie could be seen as ahead of its time, but Schwarzenegger himself considers it the most overlooked of his works. It’s unfortunate that we didn’t get a “Last Action Hero 2”.
The Long Kiss Good Night
In an era filled with numerous films featuring actors experiencing their “John Wick-like moments,” such as Bob Odenkirk in “Nobody” or Mary Elizabeth Winstead in “Kate,” it’s high time to give more recognition to Renny Harlin’s remarkable film, “The Long Kiss Goodnight.” This movie showcases Geena Davis, known for her roles in “Beetlejuice” and “A League of Their Own,” as she masterfully portrays a top-tier assassin.
The Last Boy Scout
As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but reminisce about “The Last Boy Scout,” where Joe Hannenbeck (Bruce Willis) and Jimmy Dix (Damon Wayans) seemed destined to become unstoppable duo in the world of private investigation. Alas, their next thrilling escapade together never unfolded on the big screen. It’s truly a loss, as I eagerly anticipated seeing these two witty and action-packed characters join forces for a dozen more movies.
Pineapple Express
It’s clear that we’re not considering the joke from “This Is The End” in this context. Nevertheless, the personalities and setting in “Pineapple Express” are top-notch, and it would be delightful to witness another exciting journey for Seth Rogen’s Dale Denton and Danny McBride’s indestructible Red character.
The Rocketeer
Growing up, I couldn’t fathom why there wasn’t a sequel to the movie “The Rocketeer” on the big screen. Directed by Joe Johnston, this film boasts an amazing flair and vigor that successfully translates the aesthetic of 1940s comics onto the screen with a stellar cast featuring Billy Campbell, Alan Arkin, Jennifer Connelly, Paul Sorvino, Terry O’Quinn, Ed Lauter, Jon Polito, Margo Martindale, and Timothy Dalton.
Rumble In The Bronx
In the realm of Jackie Chan’s movie franchises, there’s only one standout Rumble In The Bronx. Directed by Stanley Tong, this film showcases some of Chan’s most breathtaking stunts and fights, and it continues to impress no matter how many times you watch it.
Heat
Indeed, there is a sequel to the movie “Heat” in written form, and rumors persist about a cinematic adaptation of “Heat 2”. However, as no film has been produced yet, we’re maintaining “Heat” on our list since it fits perfectly within our feature’s criteria. The grandeur of cinematic heists reaches its zenith in Michael Mann’s stellar production, where the confrontation between Robert De Niro and Al Pacino is nothing short of legendary.
The Other Guys
It’s unfortunate that Adam McKay and Will Ferrell have stopped working together, mainly because we might never get another installment of their hilarious duo, Allen Gamble and Terry Hoitz, from The Other Guys. This 2010 comedy was marketed as a parody of big-budget cop movies, but it also boasted some grandiose set pieces and unraveled an intriguing financial plotline.
Inception
As a devotee, I must say that outside Christopher Nolan’s masterful The Dark Knight Trilogy, he hasn’t been particularly keen on sequels. Yet, if he were ever tempted to revisit one of his brainchildren, Inception would undeniably be an enticing prospect. The thrilling 2010 action movie offers a mind-bending journey through dreams, and it’s intriguing to imagine the captivating tales that could be spun using the unique technology showcased.
Team America: World Police
It might seem somewhat ironic or contradictory for Trey Parker and Matt Stone to produce another “Team America: World Police” film, considering that the original pokes fun at big-budget movie production. However, due to its unique nature – a studio-backed project featuring crude puppets causing destruction in iconic locations worldwide – it could be argued that it doesn’t necessitate a sequel; instead, it stands as an exceptional, standalone piece.
The Running Man
In a hypothetical scenario where there’s an award for Movies With Outstanding Arnold Schwarzenegger One-Liners, “The Running Man” would be a serious contender, if not the clear winner. This film pushes its source material by Stephen King to the very edge (reimagining almost everything from the book it’s adapted from), but it crafts an exhilarating, fashionable, and surprisingly relevant adventure. In this story, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character, Ben Richards, overthrows a tyrannical television empire.
Dredd
2012’s “Dredd,” starring Karl Urban, is a thrilling action movie that resembles a video game, as a duo of officers ascend through a towering structure to apprehend a potent drug lord peddling a substance known as Slo-mo. This film is an outstanding representation of John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra’s comic series and has attracted fans since its debut… however, it fell short at the box office during its cinematic run.
Edge Of Tomorrow
Emily Blunt has expressed skepticism about an Edge Of Tomorrow 2 in recent times, yet fans remain hopeful. The initial movie is a brilliantly executed time-loop storyline, and the on-screen duo of Tom Cruise and Blunt is exceptional (with Cruise delivering a commendable performance at the film’s start, portraying an authentic jerk).
True Lies
James Cameron is primarily recognized for creating some of the greatest science fiction films ever made and his profound affinity for the ocean, yet one of his lesser-known works deviates from these categories. Before the release of Titanic and the commencement of the Avatar series, Cameron’s last film was True Lies, a blend of exhilarating action and amusing heist elements. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis deliver an exceptional performance in this absurd yet grandiose narrative.
Hard Boiled
Chow Yun-fat teamed up with John Woo to create some fantastic films, but it’s generally agreed that their most remarkable work can be found in a film where a rogue cop seeks justice for the murder of his partner by taking down illegal gun dealers. That movie, Hard Boiled, is notorious, incredibly intense, and a groundbreaking example of action cinema.
Big Trouble In Little China
John Carpenter is renowned as a Master of Horror, yet his significant impacts on action cinema should not be overlooked. While the film “Escape From New York” may not fit this category due to the emergence of “Escape From L.A.”, Kurt Russell’s thrilling journey as truck driver Jack Burton through an extraordinary world within San Francisco’s Chinatown certainly does. Initially, it was a flop at the box office upon release, but “Big Trouble in Little China” has been entertaining movie enthusiasts since 1986 and has found its rightful audience ever since.
Coffy
As a devoted film enthusiast, I can confidently say that “Coffy” stands tall among the genre-defining films of blaxploitation. Although “Foxy Brown,” while technically a revised version of an intended sequel’s script, doesn’t share a canonical link with its predecessor, it’s still worth acknowledging. The movie is a timeless tale of revenge, masterfully led by the legendary Pam Grier, whose character has since been rightfully hailed as an iconic female protagonist in cinema history.
The Warriors
Watching Walter Hill’s movie “The Warriors” without prior knowledge could lead you to believe it’s a middle installment of a series. This suggests how convincingly it portrays a world filled with rival gangs in New York City. The possibility exists that a sequel or similar project might be created by Hill or another director at some point, but for the moment, “The Warriors” stands alone as a singular film experience.
Point Break
It’s quite possible that a few of you are skimming through this list only to see if Kathryn Bigelow’s Point Break is mentioned. While there was indeed a remake from 2015 that may not have left a lasting impression, the original crime/action-adventure film with Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze stands alone in many respects.
Bullitt
Under the direction of Peter Yates, Bullitt stands out as a timeless classic among car-themed films, with Steve McQueen delivering an unforgettable performance in one of his most memorable roles. However, it’s worth noting that this was the only occasion where McQueen portrayed Lieutenant Frank Bullitt, despite the film’s potential for a franchise.
Enter The Dragon
Enter the Dragon stands out as one of the most remarkable martial arts films ever crafted, and is widely regarded as Bruce Lee’s finest work during his tragically brief acting career. It offers not only breathtaking action scenes that showcase Lee’s unparalleled abilities, but also delves into an engrossing crime thriller narrative. Here, Lee assumes the role of a covert agent infiltrating a martial arts school operated by a powerful drug lord.
Six-String Samurai
Lance Mungia’s movie, “Six-String Samurai,” is so unique and offbeat, it’s hardly shocking that no sequel was ever produced. Despite this, the film presents a captivating post-apocalyptic landscape brimming with thought-provoking concepts. The protagonist, a character reminiscent of Buddy Holly, journeys through the desolation left by the Soviet Union’s nuclear strike on America.
The Way Of The Dragon
As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but express my awe for “The Way of the Dragon.” This film stands out as a timeless testament to the cinematic genre where an outsider transforms into a beacon of hope for those in distress. However, what truly sets it apart is the breathtaking martial arts prowess of none other than the legendary Bruce Lee. Furthermore, this unique production offers a captivating spectacle: a clash of martial arts titans, as Lee squares off against Chuck Norris within the hallowed grounds of the Colosseum in historic Rome.
Discover details about upcoming action movies hitting both theaters and streaming platforms in the next few months by checking out our 2024 Movie Release Schedule.
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2024-09-08 16:38