Fiction has outpaced reality when it comes to the first female commander in chief
Bullet time and a reality-bending story made this a sci-fi action game-changer. Keanu Reeves' Neo brought cyberpunk and martial arts together in a visually stunning experience.
The long-awaited sequel to the original 'Top Gun' delivered on adrenaline-pumping aerial combat with Tom Cruise returning as Maverick. A new generation took flight in a sky-high spectacle.
John Travolta and Nicolas Cage's swap turns this into a rollercoaster of action and suspense. Director John Woo's signature gunplay and stylized action shine.
Bruce Willis as John McClane in Nakatomi Plaza is action and one-liners at their best. This genre-defining film brought gritty realism and charisma to the forefront, making McClane an iconic action hero. Yippee-ki-yay!
James Cameron elevated the 'Alien' franchise, mixing horror and action brilliantly. Sigourney Weaver's Ripley became an action icon, and the suspenseful, intense encounters with the Xenomorphs are unforgettable.
Jackie Chan's 'Police Story' (1985) is a masterclass in action-comedy. His jaw-dropping stunts and physical comedy set a high standard for martial arts cinema.
This Bruce Lee-starring masterpiece set the standard for martial arts films. It combined breathtaking fight choreography with Lee's philosophy, making it a timeless classic.
George Miller's relentless vehicular onslaught brought life back into the 'Mad Max' franchise. The film's practical effects and non-stop action make it an instant classic in the action genre.
This film marked the epic culmination of the Marvel storyline for so many characters. It's a rollercoaster of emotions and jaw-dropping superhero battles, making it a cinematic landmark.
Steven Spielberg's Indiana Jones burst onto the scene with globe-trotting adventures. Harrison Ford's charismatic archaeologist started a craze the world over.
The 'Fast and Furious' franchise shifted gears, becoming a heist action spectacle. Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson's showdown and the daring heist are highlights.
Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock's chemistry drives this high-octane thriller. The premise of a bomb-rigged bus keeps tensions at a constant boil.
Jean-Claude Van Damme bursts onto the action scene with martial arts mastery in 'Bloodsport.' Based on a true story, it showcases epic underground fighting tournaments and iconic splits. A Van Damme classic that's a must for any action aficionado.
'Ben-Hur' is an epic historical action film directed by William Wyler. It follows the life of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who is wrongfully accused of treason by his childhood friend Messala. The film's highlight is the legendary chariot race, a thrilling and meticulously staged action sequence. With its grand scale, 'Ben-Hur' remains one of the most iconic films in cinematic history.
Walter Hill's 'The Warriors' is a unique New York gang-war thriller. Framed for a murder they didn't commit, a Brooklyn street gang, the Warriors, must journey through enemy territory to get back to their home turf. The film's stylized gang battles, memorable characters, and the infamous "Warriors, come out to play-ay!" taunt have solidified its status as a cult classic.
Christopher Nolan's 'Inception' combines innovative visuals with a complex narrative. Leonardo DiCaprio plays a thief who enters dreams to extract information. The film's action scenes, including a gravity-defying hallway fight, are mind-bending and thrilling.
Steven Spielberg's directorial debut, 'Duel' is a masterclass in suspense. A salesman is pursued by a menacing tanker truck on a remote highway, with minimal dialogue but maximum tension. Spielberg's genius is on full display in this thrilling showdown.
Henri-Georges Clouzot's 'Wages of Fear' is a suspenseful thriller set in a South American village. When an American oil company offers a high-paying job to drive trucks filled with highly volatile nitroglycerin through treacherous terrain, a group of desperate men take on the deadly task.
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See also: Did you know these movies are based on true stories?
Quentin Tarantino's homage to martial arts delivered unforgettable action, and Uma Thurman's vengeance. The climax's epic showdown in the Tokyo restaurant is one of the bloodiest in film history.
Ridley Scott's epic combines thrilling combat in the Colosseum with Russell Crowe's powerful performance. It resurrected the historical epic genre.
Michael Mann's crime saga gives us the iconic face-off between Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. Its intense action scenes and character-driven drama are timeless.
Akira Kurosawa's epic masterpiece redefined action with its samurai defending a village. Its structure influenced countless films, and its unbelievable combat scenes set a high standard for action sequences.
John Carpenter's 'Assault on Precinct 13' is a gritty and suspenseful action thriller. When a nearly abandoned police precinct is attacked by a violent street gang, a desperate group of people, including a police officer, a secretary, and two criminals, must band together to defend themselves.
'Commando' marked a turning point in action movies, embracing over-the-top body-count madness. Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a retired Special Ops officer on a vengeful rampage to rescue his kidnapped daughter, creating a deliriously insane, yet oddly comedic action spectacle.
Ang Lee's breathtaking wuxia film combined artistry with thrilling martial arts sequences. Its graceful fights in stunning landscapes set a new standard for action choreography.
Arnold Schwarzenegger versus an alien hunting him in the jungle is pure action gold. Its tension-filled build-up and explosive showdown make it a cult favorite.
Keanu Reeves returns as the unstoppable assassin. The 'John Wick' series redefined modern action with its stylish gun-fu, inventive world-building, and Wick's sheer determination.
Christopher Nolan's 'Batman' sequel gave us Heath Ledger's iconic Joker and intense, realistic action. 'The Dark Knight' raised the bar for superhero films and offered a dark, complex take on the genre.
Steve McQueen's iconic car chase is legendary. This film redefined the action genre, and McQueen's charismatic portrayal still captivates.
Quentin Tarantino's 'Kill Bill: Vol. 2' is the second installment of the Bride's epic quest for revenge. This film delves deeper into her backstory and features memorable showdowns, including her face-off with Bill himself. Tarantino's signature style and Uma Thurman's iconic performance make this a standout action film.
Action heroes have taken over the world in recent cinematic history, and for good reason. With their epic stunts and the visuals to go with them, they capture the attention of a disbelieving audience. But when it comes to action movies, which make the cut for the best of the best?
Let's take a look at the 30 greatest action movies of all time. Swipe through the following gallery to (re)discover action cinematic masterpieces!
The 30 best action movies of all time
Keeping us on the edge of our seats
MOVIES Cinema
Action heroes have taken over the world in recent cinematic history, and for good reason. With their epic stunts and the visuals to go with them, they capture the attention of a disbelieving audience. But when it comes to action movies, which make the cut for the best of the best?
Let's take a look at the 30 greatest action movies of all time. Swipe through the following gallery to (re)discover action cinematic masterpieces!