The Best ’90s Foreign Action Movies, Ranked

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As a connoisseur of action films hailing from the bustling streets of Mumbai, I must say that these cinematic gems have left me spellbound! Each of these masterpieces offers a unique blend of adrenaline-pumping sequences, intriguing narratives, and captivating performances.

While the U.S. is famous for its action movies, it’s worth noting that many exceptional action films have originated from other parts of the world. For instance, Asian cinema has produced some remarkable action movies, ranging from the work of Akira Kurosawa to Jackie Chan and Johnnie To. European film, typically associated with art-house and experimental styles, hasn’t been as closely linked with action, but it doesn’t rule out the potential for blending these genres effectively.

Action films from the 1990s, whether they were funny, suspenseful, or intense, were universally appreciated. During this decade, numerous franchises were born and many talented individuals, both in front of and behind the camera, made their debut. The global action cinema landscape was enriched by foreign productions, as they often provide a unique cultural perspective that can serve as inspiration for some of the most captivating stories.

16
Mr. Nice Guy (Hong Kong, 1997)

In a shift from his usual language, the first Jackie Chan film produced entirely in English, titled “Mr. Nice Guy“, is set in Melbourne, Australia. This movie plunges viewers into the gritty world of Melbourne’s underworld and primarily revolves around Chan assisting a woman to unmask (and stay alive against) a ruthless drug cartel. In this film, Chan skillfully blends his signature mix of humor and breathtaking action with his endearing portrayal of a culinary character.

In the film “Mr. Nice Guy,” Jackie, a TV chef played by Chan’s character, gets mistakenly identified as a gang member, leading to a series of chaotic events. The fight sequences and action scenes are magnificently executed, surpassing the daring actions seen in many other Chan movies. However, these impressive stunts came at a cost; Chan sustained several injuries during filming. Interestingly, this movie marked a return to form for director Sammo Hung, whose acting roles had received criticism. Despite this, he made a brief appearance in the film.

15
Shopping (UK, 1994)

In natural and easy to read language: Paul W. S. Anderson, director of both Event Horizon and Resident Evil, made his debut with an action crime drama titled Shopping. This film showcased a variety of actors from the ‘Primrose Hill set’, including Sadie Frost, Jude Law, and Sean Pertwee, alongside notable stars such as Sean Bean, Jonathan Pryce, and Jason Isaacs. The movie primarily focuses on Jude Law’s character, Billy, following his release from prison. He subsequently embarks on a spree of crimes with his companions, offering a rather straightforward portrayal of Anderson’s perspective on the UK societal divide during the 90s. Despite not being widely recognized, Shopping boasts impressive performances by its ensemble cast.

14
Dead or Alive (Japan, 1999)

Director Takashi Miike’s high-octane yakuza drama, titled “Dead or Alive,” offers an exhilarating journey through the bustling district of Shinjuku, Tokyo. From the perspectives of ex-gang leader Ryūichi (portrayed by Riki Takeuchi) and Detective Jojima (Show Aikawa), a police officer tasked with investigating a robbery, we delve into the intricate world of late-20th-century Japanese culture. This film, notably immersed in the yakuza crime syndicates and Japanese diasporic criminal networks, showcases exceptional skill in setting creation. Yet, despite the elaborate backdrop, the action remains front and center—and there’s no shortage of it. The movie was favorably received, even inspiring two follow-up films that share similar themes.

13
Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky (Hong Kong, 1991)

Riki-Oh: The Legend of Ricky – An Exaggerated Action Flick

12
Born to Kill (South Korea, 1996)

In my perspective as a movie enthusiast, “Born to Kill” marked an early stepping stone in the illustrious acting journey of Jung Woo-Sung, a renowned Korean model and cinematic sensation who would later garner multiple Asian film awards. In this captivating production, I embodied the role of Kil, a ruthless assassin, reminiscent perhaps of John Woo’s “The Killer” or even the more recent “Hit Man” from 2023. However, “Born to Kill” stands out by delving deep into the complexities and blurred boundaries between Kil’s personal and professional existence, a narrative exploration that is executed masterfully.

11
The Mission (Hong Kong, 1999)

Approximately six years and a total of 11 films following his groundbreaking 1993 action movie “The Heroic Trio,” renowned director Johnnie To released “The Mission.” This action crime drama delves into the intricate workings of one of Hong Kong’s numerous triad crime syndicates. Unlike some of To’s other works, “The Mission” is remarkably realistic, focusing on meticulously planned assassination attempts and the corruption within the criminal underworld. The film’s swift pace makes its 81-minute runtime feel brief, leaving viewers little time to pause for breath as one shady transaction seamlessly transitions into the next. This intense, exhilarating ride is not to be missed.

10
Ashes of Time (Hong Kong, 1994)

Wong Kar-wai is widely recognized as one of the world’s top Hong Kong movie directors, and “Ashes of Time” is just one example of why that’s true. This movie draws inspiration from Jin Yong’s novel “The Legend of the Condor Heroes,” which focuses on martial artists in ancient China. The film adaptation follows Ouyang Feng, also known as ‘the Western Venom’, a man who is driven to become the most formidable martial artist in the land.

The film titled “Ashes of Time” delves into his transformation into a villain, and includes some quite unsettling sequences along the way. This movie stands out for its experimental nature, and while it may not be immediately comprehensible on initial viewing, it boasts depths that surpass the martial arts narrative presented at first glance. In essence, it’s a film that carries equal weight as an arthouse masterpiece and an action blockbuster.

9
La Femme Nikita (France-Italy, 1990)

The Film “La Femme Nikita” is an outstanding action-thriller that revolves around Nikita, a drug user portrayed by Anne Parillaud, who finds herself confronted with a difficult decision between imprisonment and joining a clandestine government agency. The film is captivating due to Anne Parillaud’s performance alone, and it boasts a well-written script and thoughtful directorial decisions. From Nikita’s initial arrest to her transformation into an assassin, training, and life as a killer, writer-director Luc Besson skillfully portrays the thoughts running through Nikita’s mind. The action scenes are interspersed with strong character development and emotional depth, making “La Femme Nikita” one of the finest French action films ever made.

8
Bullet in the Head (Hong Kong, 1990)

In the past, before director John Woo gained fame in Hollywood with films like Face/Off and Mission: Impossible 2, he was a well-known director based in Hong Kong. One of his most remarkable works is the movie Bullet in the Head, which masterfully combines action, war, and crime genres. This film takes place during the peak of the Vietnam War and doesn’t hesitate to portray the harsh realities of the conflict. The action scenes are simply breathtaking, making it one of Woo’s best films in his extensive career.

7
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (UK, 1998)

Guy Ritchie’s initial full-length film set the tone for his distinctive approach to storytelling, blending elements from crime, action, and humor (infused with a Cockney flavor reminiscent of Tarantino). This movie was not only the screen debut for both Jason Statham and Vinnie Jones but also propelled them swiftly to prominence in the action genre. Immersed in London’s criminal milieu of the 1990s, complete with illegal gambling dens and drug trafficking, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels has left an indelible mark on British crime comedy and boasts one of the most outstanding soundtracks ever produced.

6
The Heroic Trio (Hong Kong, 1993)

In 1993, Johnnie To’s film “The Heroic Trio” marked his first significant work. Although Michelle Yeoh has since reached great acclaim following her Oscar victory for “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” she was relatively unknown at the time. Starring alongside Anita Mui as Tung and Maggie Cheung as Chat, the trio embodies the title characters. Their objective is to apprehend an elusive figure responsible for abducting children, but appearances can be deceiving. This action-packed movie offers a multitude of surprises, impressive fight sequences, a generous helping of melodrama, and fantastical elements, making it an undeniably captivating watch.

5
Once Upon a Time in China (Hong Kong, 1991)

Under Jet Li’s leadership as a renowned folk hero, Once Upon a Time in China prioritizes its action sequences, earning it recognition as one of the most celebrated wuxia films. Director Tsui Hark meticulously arranges each fight scene, crafting them to appear not just plausible but astonishingly realistic, leaving viewers questioning how such action was orchestrated on-screen.

In the era of the Qing dynasty, the film “Once Upon a Time in China” is intricately woven, giving significant emphasis to Chinese tradition and skilled martial artists. This film stands out among Asian cinema’s action movies as it represents one of the best ever made.

4
Taxi (France, 1998)

The 1998 French film version of Taxi, which served as inspiration for the controversial 2004 remake featuring Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon, was truly a masterpiece in its original form. In this movie, Samy Naceri played the character Daniel, initially a pizza delivery boy who unexpectedly finds himself suited for the tougher role of a taxi driver.

In the heat of a police standoff against a German criminal group, Daniel agrees to assist the cops by driving for them. The film captivates with an expertly orchestrated prolonged car chase sequence, as well as humor-inducing scenes and some surprisingly heartwarming moments. Taxi, a cinematic tour de force in the genre of road action movies, outshines its American remake by a significant margin.

3
Run Lola Run (Germany, 1998)

Run Lola Run stands out as a unique blend of action and art cinema, setting it apart from many American productions. What makes this film exceptional is its daringly creative style, which only enhances its appeal to mainstream viewers. The narrative unfolds three times in real-time, with minor events and decisions shaping the outcome dramatically each time.

The movie “Run Lola Run” primarily revolves around Lola, a young woman in punk attire, who urgently needs to gather a substantial amount of money to save her boyfriend’s life. This film delves into several topics such as free will, determinism, and chaos theory. It was highly praised, winning the Audience Award at Sundance, and was also nominated for numerous other awards. To this day, it stands out as one of the most exceptional alternative action films produced during the 20th century.

2
La Haine (France, 1995)

Set in the Parisian suburbs, the movie La Haine is one of the most renowned French films that came after the New Wave era. It narrates the story of Vinz and his companions as they navigate through a part of France where both locals and police seem to be against them. The film’s narrative heavily draws from actual events, with its opening scene based on real news broadcasts about riots, which are accompanied by The Wailers’ “Burnin’ and Lootin'”. Furthermore, the movie features non-professional actors portraying some of the characters, making it a raw depiction of the strained racial and social tensions that were prevalent in 1990s France.

1
Hard Boiled (Hong Kong, 1992)

In a departure from his usual gangster-centric action films, John Woo opted for cops as protagonists for his last work before venturing into Hollywood productions. This film is called “Hard Boiled” and it stars Chow Yun-fat, who plays a detective known as “Tequila.” His mission involves probing the Hong Kong triad gangs, unbeknownst to him that an undercover officer is among their ranks. Known for its stunningly filmed gun battles, car chases, sharp dialogue, and grandiose action sequences, “Hard Boiled” is widely regarded as the best police action movie ever produced in Hong Kong. The climactic 30-minute scene set in a hospital is often hailed as the greatest action sequence of all time.

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2024-12-28 06:32