Action movies are one of the major genres in cinemas. These days, sometimes we take the genre for granted as long as they entertain us with rapid action and thrilling story, but they are more than that. The greatest action films understand that their set pieces should serve a larger purpose to advance the story and develop their characters. It’s never about how epic the action is or how big the explosions are. When you think about the best action films, the best are the ones that are revolutionary and groundbreaking.
Here, we take a look at movies that represent action filmmaking at the highest level, spanning decades and styles. These films display intense action sequences with innovative filmmaking. From gravity-defying sword fights to massive car chases, each of these masterpieces demonstrates a complete command and understanding of what action is, proving that action can be unforgettable and influence subsequent movies in the same genre.
10
‘Rurouni Kenshin’ (2012)
Based on the popular manga and anime, Rurouni Kenshin follows Himura Kenshin (Takeru Satoh), a former assassin sworn to never kill again, who takes on the responsibility of helping a dojo headed by Kamiya Kaoru (Emi Takei) from the ruthless Takeda Kanryu (Teruyuki Kagawa).
The film achieves the impossible by depicting anime action seamlessly into live action, with sequences that are quick, brutal and precise. The sword fights are impeccably choreographed and incredibly fast; through invisible wirework and accurate choreography, the action in this film and its sequels is simply unmatched by others in the same genre. Each duel also shows Kenshin’s character and struggle, making it inseparable from the movie. This masterful action vehicle perfectly introduced Rurouni Kenshin to the new generation of fans and satisfied long-time fans.
9
‘Aliens’ (1986)
Aliens finds Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) as she returns to LV-P26, the planet where she first encountered the alien that slaughtered her crew. This time, she is accompanied by a squad of heavily armed colonial marines and one android tasked to find and investigate the alien, so the colony on the planet can continue living there.
James Cameron followed up Ridley Scott‘s intense original with more action rooted in escalation and tension. The first film thrives on atmospheric dread, and this sequel expands the universe by opening up the setting on the colony planet. The action scenes are tightly staged and character-driven. Apart from Sigourney Weaver’s strong, Oscar-nominated performance, the other characters are well-rounded so that the action becomes more emotionally charged, further elevated by practical, visceral effects and stunts. It remains a high point in the Alien franchise.
8
‘Hard Boiled’ (1992)
Hard Boiled centers on Inspector Tequila Yuen (Chow Yun-Fat), a hard-drinking cop with questionable ways of doing things. His investigation of a Triad leader plunges him into the complex world of undercover cops, including Alan (Tony Leung), an undercover officer embedded deep in the syndicate.
Before his Hollywood debut in 1993, John Woo was on a godlike run making classic, iconic movies like A Better Tomorrow, The Killer, and this one. In Hard Boiled, the mastery lies in elevating the action into something epic and operatic, which Woo had perfected over the years. Gunfights are staged like ballets, with slow motion, dual pistols, and meticulous choreography that has become John Woo’s trademark. The film also does not forget its emotional anchor, as the action also communicates sacrifice and brotherhood. The exemplary action sequences are highlighted by the long take during the climax, making Hard Boiled one of the action master’s best films.
7
‘Police Story’ (1985)
In Police Story, Jackie Chan plays Inspector Chan Ka-Kui, an honest, hardworking cop who successfully apprehends a drug lord. While protecting a key witness, he is also framed for murder. Chan must convince his team and the public to clear his name and find the person responsible.
Directed by Jackie Chan himself, the film features some of the most daring stunts ever attempted on screen. Right from the very first action sequence, it is clear that this film is operating on a different level than others. Chan’s stunt work is jaw-dropping and entertaining because the audience can see how he does it himself and how dangerous it is; every fall and crash feels real because it is. From hanging off a speeding bus to the groundbreaking pole slide, Police Story has no shortage of stunts. It is clear that without this film paving the way, there would not be films like John Wick or Mission: Impossible.
6
‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ (2023)
The fourth chapter in the John Wick saga is the best in the series. In this apparent final adventure, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) continues to be hunted across the globe, this time by the powers of the unstable Marquis De Grammont (Bill Skarsgård), who unleashes everything to kill John, including his former ally Caine (Donnie Yen).
John Wick: Chapter 4 is a masterpiece for the variety of actions it depicts. Director Chad Stahelski did not repeat what he had done in the previous three movies. At three hours, all the action sequences in this film feel fresh and new. As usual, all the gun-fu, martial arts, and stunt driving are executed with astonishing precision. The astonishing overhead sequence, where the camera follows John Wick destroying the bad guys in an apartment, is a genuine work of art, and the intense, now-famous Paris stairs sequence keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. While the original John Wick is also revolutionary, Chapter 4 brings the saga to a close with a huge, memorable bang.
5
‘Seven Samurai’ (1954)
Seven Samurai follows a group of masterless warriors led by Shimada Kambei (Takashi Shimura), who are hired to defend a poor farming village from bandits who will return to steal their crops at harvest time. With its massive runtime, the film flows patiently, taking time to introduce each samurai and the villagers they protect.
Akira Kurosawa expertly staged this riveting story, capturing the action from every possible angle and creating a truly immersive experience. Kurosawa also edited the film himself, and he made sure the geography of the action was easy to follow despite the epic scale of the film. By not immediately rushing into action, the audience became invested in the characters, and the rain-soaked final battle remains one of cinema’s greatest action sequences. Seven Samurai became a blueprint for ensemble action films, sparking an American remake, The Magnificent Seven and influencing countless movies like Rogue One and Rebel Moon.
4
‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)
After being captured by the War Boys of Immortan Joe, Max (Tom Hardy) joins forces with Furiosa (Charlize Theron), Immortan Joe’s (Hugh Keays-Byrne) trusted lieutenant, who ran away with his enslaved wives to reach the fabled Green Place. Thus, a relentless pursuit across the wasteland ensues, as Immortan and his allies will not let them go easily.
Mad Max: Fury Road is a modern action masterpiece thanks to its incredible commitment to practical stunts and impeccable craftsmanship. Returning to the franchise that made his name, George Miller constructs action through motion and rhythm, keeping them clear despite the chaos that unfolds on screen. The film, which plays as a long, extended chase sequence, never lets up the gas and keeps the momentum until the end. The seamless blend of practical stunts and CGI makes Fury Road even better, resulting in one of the most revered films of the 21st century.
3
‘The Raid’ (2011)
The Raid follows an elite police tactical team who ambush a high-rise controlled by a crime lord. Little do they know, the building is filled with armed and skilled henchmen ready to fight back. Rama (Iko Uwais), a rookie officer, must rely on his martial arts skills and survival instincts to fight his way floor by floor to accomplish his mission.
For action fans, The Raid is pure bliss. This film, directed by Gareth Evans, thrived with its premise’s simplicity and intricate fight choreography. Featuring mostly Indonesian martial arts, pencak silat, the now-iconic and exhilarating choreography is filmed with clarity and impact; Evans particularly cares about speed and efficiency, every punch feeling purposeful. There are almost no quick edits to hide how the actors and stunt performers are hit. The Raid has influenced how action films are shot and constructed ever since.
2
‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ (2000)
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon follows master warrior Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-Fat), who leaves his treasured Green Destiny sword to fellow warrior Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh) to mark the end of his journey. However, the sword is stolen by Jen Yu (Zhang Zi-Yi), and both Mu Bai and Shu Lien must find the thief and retrieve the sword.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is one of the most decorated foreign films ever, marked by its 10 Oscar nominations. Ang Lee made the action sequences feel like poetry: the gravity-defying fights are not about dominance, but emotional expression, with the choreography and setting transforming combat into dance. Each action sequence reflects inner conflict, particularly the famous bamboo forest duel, where movement conveys longing and restraint. Anchored by stunning performances, all the elements in the movie work together to create an emotionally rich and technically skillful wuxia film.
1
‘The Matrix’ (1999)
The Matrix follows Neo (Keanu Reeves), a programmer who discovers that the world he knows is a digital simulation controlled by machines. Enlightened by the Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), Neo is pulled into a rebellion that seeks to free mankind, unlocking his true potential and embracing his destiny.
The Matrix is a true action masterclass for how it blended action subgenres and redefined the language of action cinema. From action sequences with guns to martial arts fights, all the action comes together to create one cohesive vision to serve both the theme and spectacle. Its wire-fu choreography, designed by the renowned Yuen Woo-Ping, is jaw-dropping, and the iconic bullet time is simply groundbreaking. All of these action choices are not just stylistic decorations, but they are embedded into the refreshingly original story and become revolutionary in the process.
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