The ULTIMATE Action Movie List: Top 15 Blockbusters of the Century So Far!

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As a devoted cinephile, I’ve found myself captivated by the thrilling journey of action films, from the dashing exploits of Zorro and the Musketeers in the roaring ’20s to the edge-of-your-seat adventures like Avatar that grace our screens today. These movies have consistently served as a timeless escape for audiences.

Over the past 25 years in the 21st Century’s final quarter, we’ve seen some exhilarating high-action films that keep hearts racing. Here’s a rundown of the top 15 action movies from the last 25 years – grab your popcorn and hold on tight!

15
‘Skyfall’ (2012)

James Bond, a character from Ian Fleming’s novels, made his debut on the big screen with the 1962 release of “Dr. No”. Over time, numerous skilled actors have donned the role, each adding their unique flair to the sophisticated and adventurous secret agent. The decision to cast Daniel Craig as Bond was initially met with some skepticism, but he swiftly demonstrated that his critics were off base.

‘Skyfall’ Is Daniel Craig’s Third Outing as James Bond

Among all films from Craig’s James Bond era, Skyfall stands out as the one that might just take the title of best, largely because director Sam Mendes was open to examining Bond’s past and his emotional vulnerabilities. This added depth to the character in a way not previously seen. Naturally, it still includes the thrilling car chases, shootouts, and death-defying stunts that are typical of Bond, but with an extra touch of emotion.

14
‘Gladiator’ (2000)

As a film enthusiast, I’ve been thrilled by the return of the Gladiator franchise with the new release of “Gladiator 2”. It’s astonishing to think that the original film, directed by Ridley Scott, hit the screens nearly a quarter of a century ago in 2000. The historical action epic was a captivating journey where Russell Crowe, donning his sword and sandals, transformed into Maximus Decimus Meridius – a Roman general betrayed and forced into slavery. In the gladiator arena, he fought relentlessly, seeking vengeance for the tragic murders of his family.

‘Gladiator’ Is Now Regarded as an Iconic Piece of Cinema

Gladiator reinvents the historical epic genre by skillfully combining intense action scenes with compelling narratives, stunning visuals, and standout performances from actors like Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Connie Neilsen. This film was both a box office phenomenon and a critical darling, earning an impressive 12 Academy Award nominations and taking home 5 awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe.

13
‘John Wick’ (2014)

Hard to believe now, but there was once uncertainty about the success of this movie, which has become one of the most successful action franchises ever made. The first installment, John Wick, released in 2014, marked a remarkable career resurgence for Keanu Reeves as he took on the title role, seeking revenge after his cherished dog was brutally taken away.

Not Everyone Initially Embraced the Movie’s Quirky Edginess

The public found themselves captivated by the film’s exaggerated violence and intense ambiance, making it an immediate timeless masterpiece. However, during the initial testing phase, director Josh Horowitz initially had some doubts about its success after a mediocre test screening. Nevertheless, he chose to accentuate the movie’s peculiarities and commit wholeheartedly; a decision that proved to be wise.

12
‘Training Day’ (2001)

From my perspective as an enthusiast, “Training Day” offers a raw, authentic portrayal of the buddy cop genre. As a rookie cop, I find myself immersed in a gritty reality, following my character’s journey on his first day on the job, under the guidance of a seasoned but morally ambiguous partner, played masterfully by Denzel Washington.

Denzel Washington’s Flawless Performance Won Him an Oscar

In my opinion, as a movie reviewer, Ethan Hawke’s character finds himself entangled in a murky, morally gray world, largely due to the influence of Samuel L. Jackson’s captivating portrayal. Jackson’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary, skillfully depicting his character’s unpredictable and ethically challenging nature. His acting talent shines brightly, earning him a well-deserved Oscar for Best Actor thanks to the raw, magnetic energy and innate charisma he brings to the role.

11
‘The Bourne Identity’ (2002)

Originating from Robert Ludlum’s 1980 novel “The Bourne Identity”, this action franchise has become one of the world’s most successful, and it all began with its 2002 release. Already an established actor, Matt Damon catapulted into superstardom by portraying Jason Bourne, a character grappling with amnesia who uncovers his extraordinary past as he becomes embroiled in a top-secret CIA conspiracy.

‘The Bourne Identity’ Is One of the Biggest Additions to the Espionage Genre Since James Bond

Acclaimed for its thrilling action sequences, comedic moments, and overall mood and ambiance, it stands out as the most powerful film in the now legendary series, and also as one of the most impactful spy films in contemporary cinema.

10
‘Kill Bill’ (2003 and 2004)

As a cinephile, I’ve always found it more convenient to group “Kill Bill Vol. 1” and “Vol. 2” together, given that Quentin Tarantino himself seems to view them as a single directorial effort when discussing his body of work. These films were unleashed in 2003 and 2004, respectively, and they revolutionized the action genre by placing powerful, butt-kicking women at the forefront on screen.

‘Kill Bill’ Shattered Stereotypes

In a field often characterized by stories centered around men, the film “Kill Bill” broke traditional norms and offered a powerful message of female empowerment. Uma Thurman portrays an unyielding assassin driven by revenge. Meanwhile, Lucy Liu, Daryl Hannah, and Vivica A. Fox displayed their impressive martial arts abilities, demonstrating that women can match the intensity of any male counterparts in this stylish, violent, and graphic action masterpiece.

9
‘Avatar’ (2009)

The expectations facing James Cameron during the making of Avatar were immense. Not only did he need to wait 15 years for technology to align with his grand plan, but he also acquired the biggest film budget ever to embark on this venture. To add to this, his previous film, Titanic, had been unchallenged as the highest-grossing movie of all time since its debut in 1997.

‘Avatar’ Exceeded All Expectations

Thankfully, Cameron’s aspirations, risks, and tireless efforts proved fruitful. The film, a blend of futuristic, sci-fi action, immediately captured audiences and obliterated every conceivable box office record, swiftly claiming the title of the most successful movie ever made, pushing his earlier production off its pedestal.

8
‘Edge of Tomorrow’ (2014)

It’s quite delightful when a movie lives up to its intentions upon release, and it’s especially pleasant when this isn’t a follow-up, revamp, or rehash. This is precisely what transpired in 2014 as the audience encountered the Tom Cruise-starring sci-fi, action extravaganza titled Edge of Tomorrow.

‘Edge of Tomorrow’ Takes a Novel “Time Loop” Approach to the Alien Invasion Trope

Set in a future where much of Europe is controlled by a hostile alien species, Tom Cruise stars as a PR professional without any military background who is compelled to participate in a landing assault against the extraterrestrials. However, he discovers himself trapped in a time loop that he uses strategically to devise a way to vanquish the aliens. Boasting stunning visual effects, an edge-of-your-seat narrative, and a touch of wit, the film received widespread acclaim from critics and viewers alike, currently boasting a high 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

7
‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’ (2018)

7 movies old now (and another one coming this year), the franchise has consistently delivered high-quality films and consistently done well at the box office. The storyline follows Ethan Hunt, an agent from the Impossible Mission Force, portrayed by Tom Cruise, as he undertakes a series of seemingly impossible missions to preserve freedom worldwide.

Unlike Many Franchises of its Nature, The ‘Mission: Impossible’ Series Has Avoided Falling Into the Realms of Absurdity

As a devoted cinephile, I must say that each installment in the movie franchise seems to outdo its predecessor in terms of action, providing some of the most pulse-pounding experiences I’ve encountered recently. The series reached its zenith with 2018’s Fallout, featuring nail-biting helicopter pursuits, a motorcycle chase through the enchanting cityscape of Paris, and an edge-of-your-seat cliffhanger and battle. What sets the Mission: Impossible series apart from many of its peers is its audacious embrace of over-the-top stunts and action sequences, all while avoiding the pitfalls of becoming overly campy or absurd. Instead, it maintains a remarkable level of realism that keeps me on the edge of my seat!

6
‘Taken’ (2009)

Liam Neeson is a highly esteemed and admired actor within his profession, recognized for his powerful intensity. He’s made a name for himself with several critically acclaimed dramatic roles in films such as Schindler’s List and Michael Collins. However, it was the surprising success of Taken in 2008 that propelled him to an entirely new level of fame and reshaped his career path. In Taken, Neeson played Bryan Mills, a retired CIA agent determined to rescue his daughter from human traffickers, demonstrating his dominating presence and delivering high-impact action scenes.

‘Taken’ Sparked a Renewed Interest In Liam Neeson

Critics and audiences alike found Liam Neeson’s performance and the movie itself to be a massive success. The film’s stylish violence and intense action scenes had viewers eager for more. Consequently, Neeson quickly became associated with the “aging action hero” genre. Seizing this new opportunity, Neeson continued to appear in action-packed films like “Unknown” (2011), “Non-Stop” (2014), and “The Commuter” (2018), as well as two more installments of the “Taken” series.

5
‘Old Boy’ (2003)

As a cinephile, I can’t help but sing praises for the mind-blowing South Korean action-thriller, Oldboy. Known for its jaw-dropping twist and brutal violence, this masterpiece was helmed by the talented Park Chan-wook. The story revolves around me, a man consumed by revenge after being mysteriously set free from captivity that had lasted 15 years. I had no idea who my captors were or what their reason could be.

‘Oldboy’ Is a Movie That Won’t Be Forgotten Any Time Soon

Oldboy, a movie that’s clever, ominous, and uncompromisingly violent, will leave you pondering your own moral compass and the events unfolding before you. With its stylish execution, intense violence, and jaw-dropping twist, it stands not just as one of the best action movies from the past 25 years, but also as one of the most impactful films you’re ever likely to watch.

4
‘Furious 7’ (2015)

The unprecedented popularity of the “Fast and Furious” film series leaves some people puzzled, while it’s a foregone conclusion for others. Originally centered around illicit street racing, this franchise has soared to become the epitome of raw action. By gathering top actors from the action genre and immersing them in the wildest situations, featuring breathtaking car chases, massive explosions, and fierce battles, it’s never shied away from using every trick up its sleeve within the genre.

‘Furious 7’ Finds a Balance Between Outrageous Action and Genuine Heart

As a diehard fan, I’d say that unlike some films in the series, “Furious 7” stood out by perfectly blending its signature over-the-top stunts – like cars jumping out of planes and daring skyscraper jumps – with a profound emotional depth. The camaraderie within the team, particularly the strong bond between Dom and Brian (portrayed by Vin Diesel and Paul Walker), felt tangible and meaningful. This emotional resonance was amplified by the unfortunate passing of Paul Walker during production. His character’s farewell was heartfelt and moving, adding a genuine touch of sincerity and emotion to the film that made it even more impactful.

3
‘Snowpiercer’ (2014)

Previously, before “Snowpiercer” became a popular Netflix series with Daveed Diggs in the lead role and director Bong Joon-Ho gained global attention for his work on Parasite (the first foreign film to win Best Picture at the Oscars), there existed the 2013 dystopian thriller “Snowpiercer”. This story unfolds aboard a train known as Snowpiercer, which circumnavigates the globe on an extensive track. Inside this train are the last survivors of humanity, who were preserved following a failed climate engineering project that turned Earth into a frozen wasteland.

On this train, labeled as a “life-saver,” daily life is far from idyllic. The train is segregated into different zones based on class, with those at the back end—the lower class—enduring dire circumstances marked by scarcity of food (often of questionable quality) and harsh suppression under the oppressive rule of the privileged elite. The inevitable uprising was just a matter of time.

‘Snowpiercer’ Delivers a Gripping Social Commentary on Society’s Class Struggles

In the vein of symbolically depicting societal class conflicts within a dystopian train setting, Snowpiercer is an engaging film that skillfully merges stunning visuals and pulse-pounding action scenes with a captivating storyline. This compelling narrative is further enhanced by powerful acting performances from actors such as Tilda Swinton and Chris Evans.

2
‘The Raid’ (2012)

The movie chronicles an elite Indonesian police unit tasked with storming a notorious drug lord’s housing complex in the grimy slums of Jakarta. As they are engulfed by dangerous criminals, they must navigate the intricate building and neutralize their objective.

‘The Raid’ Is one of the Most Intense Combat Action Movies of All Time

In this rephrased version, the action in “The Raid” is unceasingly intense, demonstrating exceptional Indonesian martial arts sequences and a highly stylized, extremely violent visual style. This results in one of the most thrilling, pulse-pounding films ever made.

1
‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

With a production cost of roughly $300,000, the 1979 release of “Mad Max” defied all expectations and entered the Guinness World Records as the most financially successful movie ever made, earning over $100 million at the box office. This small-budget Australian film captivated audiences worldwide, propelling Mel Gibson to stardom and giving birth to two highly praised sequels: “Mad Max 2” (1981) and “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” (1985). However, the franchise eventually fell silent.

‘Fury Road’ Was a Long Awaited Return for the Beloved Franchise

After a long wait of twenty years, moviegoers were finally given another installment in the Mad Max series, and it did not disappoint. Taking over as Max from Mel Gibson was Tom Hardy, while George Miller assumed directorial responsibilities. This film became one of the most electrifying cinema journeys ever, with its heart-pounding car chases, stunning visuals, and fresh feminist storylines earning widespread praise and a fervent fanbase. In the end, it won a total of six Oscars.

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2025-01-21 04:02