10 Best Action Horror Movies, Ranked

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Horror isn’t limited to haunted houses, shock tactics, and exorcisms; while these elements form the core of many successful horror films, certain horror productions draw from other genres like action for a more balanced frightening experience. There are numerous movies that blend horror and action, such as battling zombies or narrowly escaping perilous situations.

In theory, it might seem like an unusual pairing, but the blend of horror and action proves to be quite effective. For instance, think about television shows such as “The Walking Dead,” which skillfully merged horror, action, and drama into a hugely popular series. If you’re a horror enthusiast craving more action, or an action aficionado seeking a good fright, here are ten fantastic movies that combine horror and action themes that you should consider adding to your viewing list.

Revised on January 17, 2024: We’ve made some new additions and provided fresh details to this catalog of horror-action films. Now you can find out where to stream every movie included in the collection.

10
Resident Evil (2002)

When considering action and horror, it’s probably Resident Evil that instantly springs to mind. This franchise originates from a Japanese video game called Biohazard, and it has produced seven movies. The initial film, released in 2002, sets the tone for the series, which typically follows Alice (portrayed by Milla Jovovich) and her band of combatants as they strive to control an outbreak of the T-virus – essentially a zombie virus – that was set loose from a secret lab belonging to a powerful corporation.

A Prolific Action Series

The Resident Evil series is essentially a typical franchise that features plenty of thrilling zombie-centric action and gunfire. Over the years, it has received mostly positive reviews, setting records for the highest-grossing film series derived from a video game and the highest-grossing series focusing on zombies. Notably, this film franchise stands as one of Paul W. S. Anderson’s most successful creations, spanning from 2002 to 2016. You can either purchase or rent Resident Evil on Amazon Prime Video.

9
Constantine (2005)

Instead of a typical superhero tale, the movie Constantine places Keanu Reeves as John Constantine, a quick-witted exorcist who has the ability to traverse between Earth and Hell. As he delves into the enigmatic demise of Isabel Dodson, the twin sister of police officer Angela Dodson (Rachel Weisz), Constantine finds himself entangled in one of his most perilous cases yet, unleashing forces from Hell as the pieces of a sinister puzzle fall into place. Shia LaBeouf, Tilda Swinton, Pruitt Taylor Vince, and Djimon Hounsou join the cast.

A Beloved DC Film

After a much-anticipated follow-up is under production, the film Constantine, which first hit screens in the mid 2000s, has left an indelible mark on its audience. With its rich demonic imagery, a dash of gritty action noir, and Keanu Reeves portraying another tough-as-nails protagonist, Constantine exudes coolness and originality. Although it draws inspiration from the DC comic series featuring the same character, its unique style sets it apart. Interestingly enough, this movie was Francis Lawrence’s debut as a feature film director; he later directed all but one of the Hunger Games films, as well as I Am Legend. You can now watch or rent Constantine on Apple TV.

8
The Hunt (2020)

In “The Hunt,” I find myself thrust into the role of a tenacious final girl, Betty Gilpin, in an edge-of-your-seat horror flick that’s set squarely in the present day. My character, Crystal, is one of 11 unwitting participants who are subjected to the brutal game titled after it. In this twisted contest, the wealthy elite hunt those they deem “deplorable” for amusement.

However, as Crystal taps into her hidden reserves of strength and determination, she begins to fight back against her hunters, leading to a grueling showdown that combines cunning strategy with raw physicality. This battle will be a test of her willpower in the quest for her hard-earned freedom. Ike Barinholtz, Emma Roberts, and Hilary Swank join me in this gripping tale.

Betty Gilpin Is a Believable Action Hero

Without a doubt, Betty Gilpin takes this horror-themed action movie to new heights, transforming an ordinary film into something truly exceptional. Sadly, the arrival of COVID-19 hindered its success at the box office. However, the gripping storyline penned by Nick Cuse and Damon Lindelof, its thrilling action sequences, and a talented cast make for an engaging and entertaining watch that should have garnered more recognition. Notably, it boasts a nerve-wracking showdown between Gilpin and Hilary Swank in its climactic scenes. For those who haven’t seen it yet, catch The Hunt on Prime Video!

7
Blade (1998)

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that playing Blade in the eponymous film is undoubtedly one of Wesley Snipes’ most memorable roles. It’s not hard to comprehend why this gritty action series resonates so strongly – it’s a tale about a vampire hunter named Blade (played masterfully by Snipes), who, due to his unique half-vampire lineage, can venture out in daylight. When an insidious army of underworld vampires begins causing chaos with the intention of igniting a full-scale war against mankind, Blade takes it upon himself to confront them, joined by Abraham Whistler (portrayed by Kris Kristofferson) and Karen Jenson (N’Bushe Wright).

Wesley Snipes Brings Plenty of Action

Incorporating vampires, intense action sequences, and witty quips, “Blade” emerged as one of the most cherished Marvel movies before the establishment of the MCU. The chemistry between Stephen Dorff’s Deacon Frost and Wesley Snipes’ Blade was particularly captivating, with Snipes reprising his role in a cameo for “Deadpool & Wolverine” and subsequent sequels in 2002 and 2004. It’s worth noting that the film’s screenplay was written by David S. Goyer, who later worked on Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” series. Check out Blade on Prime Video.

6
From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

The gritty crime-horror film titled “From Dusk Till Dawn” debuted in 1996 and was penned by Quentin Tarantino, who also starred alongside George Clooney, Salma Hayek, Juliette Lewis, Cheech Marin, Danny Trejo, and Harvey Keitel. The movie chronicles the exploits of two crooked siblings (Tarantino and Clooney), who kidnap a family to help them illegally enter Mexico. However, upon their arrival in Mexico, they stumble upon a saloon filled with bloodthirsty vampires. Notably, Robert Rodriguez directed this movie, having just finished directing “Desperado” the year before.

Two Movies in One

If bloodshed isn’t your cup of tea, the movie “From Dusk Till Dawn” might not suit you as an action/horror flick. However, if you can overlook its violent aspects and remain unfazed, you’ll appreciate this cult classic. It’s a unique film that initially presents itself as a typical thriller but swiftly transforms into something entirely unexpected, escalating the action in just minutes. Moreover, it has a darkly humorous touch, with scenes like Cheech Marin’s explicit dialogue outside the saloon adding an amusingly inappropriate charm to “From Dusk Till Dawn”. After the original film, there were two sequels (“Texas Blood Money” and “The Hangman’s Daughter”), a video game, and a TV series. Purchase or Rent From Dusk Till Dawn on Apple TV.

5
Shaun of the Dead (2004)

15 years after I first watched “Shaun of the Dead” in the cinema, it remains a favorite film for many of us movie enthusiasts. This hilarious comedy follows the story of Shaun (Simon Pegg), a London-based sales agent who’s living an unremarkable life with his best friend Ed (Nick Frost). However, when a zombie outbreak sweeps through their city, Shaun and Ed find themselves on a mission to save Shaun’s mother and ex-girlfriend from the undead hordes. Along the way, they battle against the zombified locals and, in the process, Shaun seizes the opportunity to transform himself into the person he truly aspires to be.

Strong Comedy and Action in Equal Measure

Shaun of the Dead offers a blend of genres, incorporating horror, action, humor, and even a touch of romance for an enjoyable viewing experience. This movie is remarkable because it combines intense zombie battles and survival scenes with genuine laughter, amplifying the tension throughout. Known as the first film in the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, written by Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright, it was later followed by Hot Fuzz (2007) and The World’s End (2013). Watch Shaun of the Dead on Prime Video.

4
Overlord (2018)

Debuting in 2018, the movie titled Overlord is a blend of horror and action, set during World War II, specifically the day before D-Day. The story revolves around a band of American soldiers who are parachuted behind enemy lines and stumble upon a Nazi-controlled village. They soon uncover an underground lab where sinister experiments are being conducted to turn people into zombies. A talented cast featuring Jovan Adepo, Wyatt Russell, Pilou Asbæk, Mathilde Ollivier, John Magaro, Bokeem Woodbine, and Iain De Caestecker bring this historical bloodshed to life.

War and Horror Brought Together

Overlord” is an underestimated film that combines intense war action with chilling horror in a unique way. The movie’s visuals and performances are commendable, making it a must-watch for fans of historical war films who enjoy a dash of horror. It’s raw, gritty, and packed with thrilling action sequences. Check out Overlord on Pluto TV.

3
Zombieland (2009)

In abundance, you’ll find various zombie films, ranging from romantic-tinged ones such as “Warm Bodies”, to bone-chilling horror movies like “Dawn of the Dead”. There is also the genre of zombie comedies, with productions like “Zombieland” included. This film centers around a college student with a nerdy disposition (Jesse Eisenberg), who navigates a post-zombie apocalypse world. Throughout his journey, he encounters four survivors (Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin) who are similarly trying to endure in this devastated landscape. As a team, they roam the southwestern United States, seeking a haven free from zombies.

Loaded with Gore and Laughs

This film is hilarious and boasts an outstanding ensemble cast, packed with numerous memorable lines. While it maintains the traditional aspects of a zombie survival flick, it stands out for its genuine humor and engaging entertainment value. The action sequences are surprisingly well-executed, either amplifying the comedy or offering a satisfying release in the film’s climactic explosion. Originally released in 2009, there was a sequel titled Zombieland: Double Tap in 2019, which essentially continued the storyline from the first movie. If you’re interested, you can either buy or rent Zombieland on Apple TV.

2
Ready or Not (2019)

The movie titled “Ready or Not” is a thrilling blend of horror and comedy. The main character, Grace (Samara Weaving), finds herself in a dangerous situation when her new husband’s eccentric family, who practice Satanism, hunts her as part of their wedding night tradition. Initially, it appears to be an ordinary game night with the family planning to play hide and seek. However, the situation escalates rapidly as the family arms themselves and attempts to kill Grace throughout the night. The cast includes Adam Brody, Mark O’Brien, Elyse Levesque, Nicky Guadagni, Henry Czerny, and Andie MacDowell in additional roles, making this a tense survival adventure.

A Surprisingly Funny and Original Thriller

Ready or Not is an engaging original thriller that will keep you hooked from beginning to end, and it even manages to be quite humorous! This movie, which was nominated for Best Horror Film at the Saturn Awards, combines high-octane action with a lethal twist on a familiar childhood game. With a score by Brian Tyler (of Constantine and Iron Man 3 fame), this movie is truly unique. It’s yet another example of a film that offers a little bit of everything, making it an excellent choice for your next movie night. Actress Samara Weaving is set to reprise her role in a sequel. Purchase or Rent Ready or Not on Apple TV.

1
Train to Busan (2016)

Train to Busan stands out in the zombie film genre due to its setting – a speeding train journey from Seoul to Busan during a zombie outbreak. The protagonist, Seok-woo (Gong Yoo), who is a workaholic, decides to take his estranged daughter Su-an (Kim Su-an) on this trip for her birthday, hoping to see her mother. However, as the outbreak escalates, Seok-woo must risk everything along with a few other passengers to reach Busan, which has been sealed off by the military due to the crisis. The film also stars Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok, Choi Woo-shik, Ahn So-hee, and Kim Eui-sung.

One of the Best Zombie Movies Ever Made

Watching ‘Train to Busan’ is an absolute must! The film is skillfully crafted with a fast-moving plot, intriguing characters, plenty of action and suspense, and offers a fresh perspective on the traditional zombie genre. Critics and industry professionals have praised it as one of the best zombie movies ever made, and I can see why. Stream ‘Train to Busan’ on Peacock today!

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2025-01-18 02:34