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60 Best action movies you need to watch in 2023
If you’re looking to get your heart pumping, but don’t want to leave the couch, check out our list of the 60 best action films of all time.
There is no better time of year than the summer to watch an exciting action movie. You're practically certain to see three or four action pictures being touted for premieres during the three-month release window for Hollywood's loudest and craziest gun-blazing action flicks, and that's just in cinemas!
You can watch some of the most well-liked action films of all time at home thanks to services like Netflix as well as notable genre classics. With this list of the top action movies in Hollywood right now, we have you covered whether you're in the mood for something fresh or want to board a familiar rollercoaster of punches, kicks, and knife battles.
Best action movies in Hollywood to watch:
1. Avengers Endgame
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo
- Directed by: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
- Genre: Action/Sci-fi
- Writer: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
- Run time: 3h 2m
- Year of release: 2019
- OTT Platform: Disney
Movies about superheroes are the pinnacle of heroic action adventure. The apex film of the Marvel Cinematic Uni tale of retribution, received numerous honors. The naverse (MCU) series, Avengers Endgame, picks up after Thanos' destruction of half the Earth. An all-star ensemble, time travel, alternate realities, and a high-stakes conclusion make for a riveting three hours of viewing.
2. The Matrix
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
- Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss
- Directed by: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
- Genre: Action/Sci-fi
- Writer: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
- Run time: 2h 16m
- Year of release: 1999
- OTT Platform: Jio Cinema
Not only is The Matrix a fantastic action movie, but it also revolutionized special effects. It's a sci-fi masterpiece packed with memorable characters, catchy one-liners, and memorable sequences. It was directed by The Wachowskis, gained widespread praise, and won four Academy Awards.
3. Gladiator
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Starring: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen
- Directed by: Ridley Scott
- Genre: Adventure/Action
- Writer: Ridley Scott
- Run time: 2h 35m
- Year of release: 2000
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
Gladiator, an epic tale of retribution, received numerous honors. The narrative centers on enslaved Gladiator Maximus Meridius, a general in the Roman Empire. The movie is filled with bloody bouts in the Colosseum and tragic deaths, but it also has engaging storyline.
4. The John Wick Trilogy
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Starring: Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen
- Directed by: Chad Stahelski
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Chad Stahelski
- Run time: 1h 41m
- Year of release: 2014-23
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
Never antagonize a man's canine. This revenge story attracted a cult following and two sequels. This neo-noir action-thriller, which stars the ever-popular Keanu Reeves, contains epic portions of amazing fight choreography and spectacular gun battles, making it a must-watch.
5. Iron Man
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard
- Directed by: Jon Favreau
- Genre: Action/Sci-fi
- Writer: Jon Favreau
- Run time: 2h 6m
- Year of release: 2008-13
- OTT Platform: Disney
The MCU's first film to be released was Iron Man. It shows Tony Stark's transformation into a mechanically augmented superhero from a haughty weaponry and technology mogul. The lighthearted dialogue, eye-popping special effects, and endearing characters were a breath of fresh air and established the standard for upcoming MCU action films in Hollywood.
6.Top Gun
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Jennifer Connelly, Miles Teller
- Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Joseph Kosinski
- Run time: 1h 50m
- Year of release: 1986
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
In Top Gun, becoming a jet pilot appears to be the most impressive thing in the world. To hone his flying abilities, Tom Cruise's character Maverick is sent to the Naval Fighter Weapons School. As he struggles with his irresponsibility and copes with loss and love, the competition is tough.
7. The Fifth Element
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Starring: Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman
- Directed by: Luc Besson
- Genre: Sci-fi/Action
- Writer: Luc Besson
- Run time: 2h 6m
- Year of release: 1997
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
The Fifth Element, one of Hollywood's best action films starring Bruce Willis, the king of action, is on the zanier side of science fiction. A desperate attempt is made to stop evil from taking over the planet, but there are also flying cars, an extraterrestrial opera singer, a hysterical talk show presenter, and amazing costumes.
8. The Dark Knight Trilogy
- IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
- Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart
- Directed by: Christopher Nolan
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Christopher Nolan
- Run time: 2h 45m
- Year of release: 2005-12
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
The Batman tale has been told countless times. The Dark Night trilogy by Christopher Nolan, however, is unquestionably one of the grimiest and darkest. It's definitely in the classic action movie category and is supported by strong performances from Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, and Tom Hardy as well as physical effects rather than visual ones.
9. Aliens
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Carrie Henn
- Directed by: James Cameron
- Genre: Sci-fi/Action
- Writer: James Cameron
- Run time: 2h 17m
- Year of release: 1986
- OTT Platform: Hotstar
Aliens by James Cameron is the sequel to the original Alien film. There are additional aliens, betrayal, space marines, and another horrifying chest-bursting sequence, all of which are equally nightmare-inducing as in the original.
10. Die Hard Series
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Starring: Bruce Willis, Justin Long, Timothy Olyphant
- Directed by: Len Wiseman
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
The Die Hard movie series is an unquestionably legendary one. It easily checks off all the action-movie prerequisites: hostages, explosions, machine guns, terrorists, assassinations, plane crashes, cyber-warfare, and Bruce Willis.
11. Star Wars
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
- Directed by: George Lucas
- Genre: Sci-fi/Sci-fi
- Writer: George Lucas
- Run time: 2h 1m
- Year of release: 1977-1983
- OTT Platform: Hotstar
Undoubtedly, the best of the Star Wars: The Original Trilogy films is The Empire Strikes Back. The Empire Strikes Back is a masterful storyteller and shows important character arcs for many of the main characters. Naturally, there is a lot of action to support it, including the chilly Battle of Hoth.
12. Mad Max
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
- Starring: Mel Gibson, Joanne Samuel, Hugh Keays-Byrne
- Directed by: George Miller
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: George Miller
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1979-2024
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv, Amazon Prime
Fury Road A superb action movie can be made by combining post-apocalyptic scenery with steam-punk fashion and an epic road fight. Max Max: Fury Road, starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, is an exciting and aesthetically stunning account of the end of civilisation.
13. The Bourne Identity
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Starring: Franka Potente, Matt Damon, Chris Cooper
- Directed by: Doug Liman
- Genre: Action/Thriller
- Writer: Tony Gilroy
- Run time: 1h 59m
- Year of release: 2002
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
The Bourne Identity makes up for its lack of explosions in hand-to-hand combat and gunfights by being one of the best action movies in Hollywood. Additionally, it combines a mystery brought on by amnesia with character advancement to build a strong plot that underpins the action.
14. Taken
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen
- Directed by: Pierre Morel
- Genre: Action/Thriller
- Writer: Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen
- Run time: 1h 33m
- Year of release: 2008
- OTT Platform: Hotstar
In addition to the car chases, gunfights, and throat punches, Liam Neeson's "A Very Particular Set of Skills" monologue is the film's standout moment and will give you chills.
15. Thor
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman
- Directed by: Kenneth Branagh
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Kenneth Branagh
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Ragnarok The director of Thor: Ragnarok, Taika Waititi, approached this MCU film in a distinctive and novel way. Despite being a film about Asgard's downfall, it's surprisingly lighthearted and funny while still being jam-packed with trademark MCU action. Additionally, the soundtrack is fantastic.
16. Terminator 2
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong
- Directed by: James Cameron
- Genre: Action/Sci-fi
- Writer: James Cameron
- Run time: 2h 17m
- Year of release: 1991
- OTT Platform: Paramount+
James Cameron, the director of Judgement Day, has long been a pioneer in the creation of epic films with ambitious special effects. The movie Terminator 2: Judgement Day is no different. The graphics and plot are absolutely riveting, from truck chases through downtown Los Angeles to the "liquid metal" Terminator T-1000.
17. Guardians of the Galaxy
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
- Starring: Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel(voice), Bradley Cooper(voice)
- Directed by: James Gunn
- Genre: Sci-fi/Action
- Writer: James Gunn
- Run time: 2h 2m
- Year of release: 2014
- OTT Platform: Hotstar
The MCU's Guardians of the Galaxy are a motley crew of unlikely allies that must save the galaxy from evil. A tremendously engaging viewing is produced by the clever, hilarious storyline, great soundtrack, and distinctive characters in addition to the legendary MCU action.
18. Skyfall
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Starring: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris
- Directed by: Sam Mendes
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
One of the best and most deep action films in the Bond series, Skyfall wraps up key stories. The trademark James Bond flavor is still present, though, much like its predecessors. As a result, there are still thrilling chases, enormous explosions, amusing one-liners, sexual innuendo, and a variety of cutting-edge technology.
19. 300
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Starring: Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham
- Directed by: Zack Snyder
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Other historical action dramas can't compare to 300's stylized action, excellent acting, and visual effects. It's a truly excellent movie. A visual masterpiece is created by Leonidas' empoweringly forceful words, seas of washboard abs, and the epic conflicts between the Spartans and the Persians.
20. Con Air
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
- Starring: Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, John Malkovich
- Directed by: Simon West
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
To see Nicholas Cage's magnificent hair alone, see Con Air. The takeover of a transport flight by a group of high-security prisoners adds to the excitement, though. So that he can return home to his wife and daughter, Nicholas' character has to save the day.
21. Jurassic Park
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/20
- Starring: Sam Neill Laura Dern Jeff Goldblum
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Does it get much more action-packed than being chased by dinosaurs? Jurassic Park, with Steven Spielberg at the helm, revolutionized visual effects at the time, mixing animatronics with CGI and brilliant acting. It’s a heart-pounding 126 minutes that proves you should not mess with Mother Nature.
22. The Lord of the Rings
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
- Starring: Christopher Guard(voice), William Squire(voice), Michael Scholes(voice)
- Directed by: Ralph Bakshi
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Return of the King Directed by Peter Jackson, was the final installation of J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings saga. The action is intense. There’s the Witch-King of Angmar, armies of the dead, the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, and The Black Gate, plus Frodo’s ongoing journey to destroy The One Ring.
23. Edge of Tomorrow
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton
- Directed by: Doug Liman
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt star in this action-packed sci-fi thriller about alien invasions and looping time. The concept of ‘live, die, repeat’ ensures there’s a multitude of horrible deaths, battles with aliens, and massive explosions as humans battle to regain control of Earth.
24. Bad Boys
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
- Starring: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Lisa Boyle
- Directed by: Michael Bay
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Director Michael Bay is synonymous with over-the-top action movies. As such, his 1995 film Bad Boys, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence is a classic 90s action flick. There are plenty of guns, attitude, and explosions, plus an excellent soundtrack to back it all up.
25. First Blood (Rambo)
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
- Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Charles Napier
- Directed by: George P. Cosmatos
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
The first in the Rambo series, First Blood, is where we meet Sylvester Stallone’s iconic character. Chaos follows when John Rambo, a former Green Beret in the Vietnam War, is wrongfully arrested by a dirty cop. There’s guerrilla warfare, massive explosions, and huge guns.
26. Predator
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Kevin Peter Hall
- Directed by: John McTiernan
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Sci-fi horror meets action in this film about an invisible alien that hunts for sport. Set deep in the Central American jungle, the Predator stalks an elite special forces team on a rescue mission. The film’s success spawned several sequels, as well as crossovers with other alien movies in Hollywood.
27. Speed
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Starring: Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock
- Directed by: Jan de Bont
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Hijacking, hostages, bombs, terrorists, high-speed public transport, Keanu Reeves — this is the perfect formula for a thrilling action movie. Also starring Sandra Bullock and Dennis Hopper, the film won multiple awards, including two Academy Awards and two BAFTAS.
28. RoboCop
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Starring: Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O'Herlihy
- Directed by: Paul Verhoeven
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
This somewhat satirical action film is set in the dystopian future and packed full of cyborg butt-kicking. While it’s perhaps not aged as well as other cheesy 80s action flicks, it’s worth adding to your watch list for the eerily accurate prediction of the future, and Peter Weller’s acting as Robocop.
29. Kill Bill Volume 1
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Starring: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Daryl Hannah
- Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Kill Bill Volume 1 is the action film for you if you're in the mood for a bloodbath. In classic Quentin Tarantino fashion, this story of an assassin's brutal retaliation features wide shots, highly choreographed combat choreography, large-format sets, and gore.
30. Lethal Weapon
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Starring: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey
- Directed by: Richard Donner
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Lethal Weapon, one of the best buddy-cop action films ever made, is full of memorable one-liners, jaw-dropping action sequences, and regal mullets. As mismatched LAPD detectives who must manage their new working relationship while solving a murder, Mel Gibson and Danny Glover feature in the film.
31. Mission Impossible
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Jon Voight, Emmanuelle Béart
- Directed by: Brian De Palma
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Mission Impossible, which launched a hugely popular franchise, elevated the covert operations subgenre. Mission Impossible contains everything you could possibly want in an action film, from the recognizable theme music to the unbelievable action sequences and masked characters.
32. Saving Private Ryan
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Starring: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
This historically accurate military movie, which takes place during the Normandy Invasion, features Steven Spielberg's unique style of filmmaking. As a group of American soldiers works to bring the last surviving son of a military family home, the situation is dramatic, scary, and heartbreaking all at once.
33. Casino Royale
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
- Starring: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Judi Dench
- Directed by: Martin Campbell
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
The Daniel Craig era of James Bond's best action pictures began with Casino Royale. Undoubtedly more physically fit and ripped than his predecessor, this Bond film features a challenging parkour chase scene and a lot more physicality.
34. Underworld
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Shane Brolly
- Directed by: Len Wiseman
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
In Underworld, a long-running bloody conflict exists between vampires and Lycans. This gritty action film is edgy, chic, and seductive. It's a visually stimulating thriller with merciless violence, CGI werewolf transformations, and skin-tight latex.
35. Django Unchained
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Starring: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio
- Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
This bounty hunting film, a stylized homage to the spaghetti western genre, has Quentin Tarantino's trademark mayhem and gore. In a movie that tackles the touchy subject of slavery in America, Jamie Foxx and Christoph Waltz have outstanding performances.
36. Apocalypse Now
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Starring: Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall
- Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Francis Ford Coppola, a great director, directed Apocalypse Now, a movie that takes place during the Vietnam War. Even though it's difficult to watch because it shows the horrors of war, the star-studded production did provide famous scenes like the helicopter sequence from "Ride of the Valkyries."
37. Point Break (The Original)
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Starring: Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, Gary Busey
- Directed by: Kathryn Bigelow
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
There is a reason Keanu Reeves appears frequently on this list. Everyone should put the legendary action movie Point Break on their must-watch list. Keanu is an undercover FBI agent who infiltrates a surf gang that seeks thrills through deadly bank robberies in addition to thrills on the waves.
38. Inglourious Basterds
- IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
- Starring: Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Eli Roth
- Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Inglourious Basterds by Quentin Tarantino is both an action film and a dark comedy. A paramilitary American-Jewish group during World War II sought aimed to terrorize the Germans by hunting down Nazis. A former Jewish victim, meantime, triggers the ironic demise of the Nazi leadership.
39. Braveheart
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Starring: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan
- Directed by: Mel Gibson
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Mel Gibson
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Braveheart, which was directed by Mel Gibson and starred Mel Gibson, took home numerous honors, including five Academy Awards. The First War of Scottish Independence was the subject of this historical action movie, which included some of the best swordplay and breathtaking battle scenes that had been seen in movies up to that point.
40. True Lies
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Arnold
- Directed by: James Cameron
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Another James Cameron film, True Lies, is a surprisingly funny action movie. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character discovers living a double life as a spy, and a suburban husband is tricky. He has to save the world and fix his marriage all at the same time.
41. Face/Off
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Starring: John Travolta, Nicolas Cage, Joan Allen
- Directed by: John Woo
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
When there’s questionable face transplant surgery, you know it’s going to be a wild ride. Nicholas Cage and John Travolta play a terrorist and an FBI agent, respectively, out to kill each other. Enjoy high-speed boat chases, double gun shoot-outs, and plenty of action dives.
42. Rogue One
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Starring: Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Alan Tudyk
- Directed by: Gareth Edwards
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
A Star Wars story a New Hope Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is jam-packed with action, much like many of the top action films in the Hollywood canon. There are numerous aerial battles, brawls, and, of course, Darth Vader's vengeful presence. Be warned, though; the conclusion is quite violent.
43. The Matrix
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
- Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fish, Burne, Carrie-Anne Moss
- Directed by: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Reloaded The Matrix Reloaded, with a budget that was double that of the original and significantly more action, continues the revolt against the Machine Army. There are incredible weapons, improved skills, an epic highway fight sequence, and a multiplied Agent Smith in this sequel to The Wachowskis' original film.
44. Black Hawk Down
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Starring: Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore
- Directed by: Ridley Scott
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
The Battle of Mogadishu during the US attempt to put an end to the Somalian civil war served as the inspiration for the movie Black Hawk Down. As terrorists devoted to dictator Mohamed Farrah Aidid shoot down Black Hawk helicopters, the horrific film captures the brutality of battle.
45. Goldeneye
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Sean Bean, Izabella Scorupco
- Directed by: Martin Campbell
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Goldeneye is a classic Bond film from Pierce Brosnan’s heyday. Like many Bond best action movies, the plot is centered around the potential destruction of the world by a dastardly villain, accompanied by plenty of attractive women, one-liners, and lethal tech toys.
46. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Starring: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Alison Doody
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Indiana Jones, the most daring archaeologist in the world, embarks on yet another epic journey to find his missing father. Jones Sr. is portrayed by Harrison Ford and Sean Connery. loaded with Nazi gunfights, long-time adversaries, explosives, live rats, and a plane.
47. Inception
- IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
- Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page
- Directed by: Christopher Nolan
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
On numerous levels, Inception has mind-bending action. In this science fiction action thriller from Christopher Nolan, Leonardo DiCaprio plays an "extractor" tasked with modifying people's subconscious minds. Easter eggs and physics-defying exploits abound, and most of the plot is left up for interpretation.
48. Independence Day
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Starring: Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum
- Directed by: Roland Emmerich
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Positive reviews were given to Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. It is an amazing story that is primarily female-driven, filled with unexpected warriors and romantic adventure. Yuen Woo-ping, who also choreographed The Matrix, created the visually spectacular and physically impossible battle choreography for this well-known Wuxia movie.
49. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Ziyi Zhang
- Directed by: Ang Lee
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by Ang Lee received favorable reviews. It is a spectacular tale of surprise warriors and romantic adventure that is fundamentally female-driven. The battle choreography in this famous Wuxia film is visually stunning and defies the laws of physics; it was choreographed by Yuen Woo-ping, who also choreographed The Matrix.
50. Jarhead
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jamie Foxx, Lucas Black
- Directed by: Sam Mendes
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
This biographical war film is based on Anthony Swofford's memoirs as a United States Marine. It is distinctive for its glaring lack of combat action because it explores the psychology of teaching men to murder so they won't have to use their weapons.
51. Dirty Harry
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Starring: Clint Eastwood, Andrew Robinson, Harry Guardino
- Directed by: Don Siegel, Clint Eastwood(segment suicide jumper sequence at night)
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Inspector Harry Callahan, played by Clint Eastwood, is on the hunt for a psychopathic killer, who killed, kidnapped, and held innocent people for ransom. Dirty Harry is also the film that coined the famous phrase, “‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do you, punk?”.
52. Jumanji
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
- Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan, Kevin Hart
- Directed by: Jake Kasdan
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Even Robin Williams' sense of humor couldn't save this movie from being disturbing. Alan Parrish, who plays the role of Jumanji, must navigate ravaging monkeys, animal stampedes, and a psychotic hunter in order to complete the game and escape. The drum beat from Jumanji will give you shivers.
53. Sicario
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Starring: Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro
- Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Sicario is a suspenseful action film that vividly contrasts tense non-action sequences with gunfights, explosions, and close-quarters battles. It is a thrilling, heart-pounding viewing as it explores the hazy lines in the conflict against the Mexican drug cartels.
54. KickAss
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Nicolas Cage, Chloë Grace Moretz
- Directed by: Matthew Vaughn
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Kick-Ass might not be for you if you find profanity and excessively stylized violence offensive. Kick-Ass, an essentially mediocre superhero, Hit-Girl, a real butt-kicking superhero, and Red Mist, one of recent cinema's silliest villains, are the film's main protagonists.
55. Lucy
- IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
- Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman, Choi Min-Sik
- Directed by: Luc Besson
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
An intriguing investigation of the idea of enhanced consciousness and human existence is Lucy. The events that cause Scarlett Johansson's titular character to develop into a butt-kicking attacker with enhanced skills begin when she unknowingly becomes a drug mule.
56. Hellboy
- IMDb Rating: 5.2/10
- Starring: David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, Ian McShane
- Directed by: Neil Marshall
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
The comic novel serves as an inspiration for the 2004 film Hellboy by Guillermo del Toro. The storyline is straightforward: a demon child from another dimension grows up to battle bad villains and monsters. All the action movie prerequisites are present, including loads of blood, gore, pyrotechnics, and covert government organizations.
57. The Fugitive
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Starring: Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward
- Directed by: Andrew Davis
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
An innocent man who is falsely accused of killing his wife and is being sought by the police makes for the ideal plot for an exhilarating action film. Harrison Ford's portrayal of the title character is a race against time and the police to clear his identity and identify the real murderer.
58. Looper
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt
- Directed by: Rian Johnson
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Looper is a slow-burn action movie, set in a time where assassins can time-travel, looping backward and forwards, to kill their targets. Worlds and timelines collide when the character Joe has to close the loop, a.k.a eliminate his future self, but Old Joe escapes with a different plan.
59. Dredd
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Starring: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey
- Directed by: Pete Travis
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
In the dystopian wastelands of the future, judges will serve as judges, jury, an executionerser. In order to destroy a drug cartel operating in a tower block slum, Judge Dredd recruits a new soldier. As they become entrapped, bodies start to pile up, gunfire rages, and people are flung from balconies.
60. Starship Troopers
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Starring: Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, Dina Meyer
- Directed by: Paul Verhoeven
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Writer: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 1988-2013
- OTT Platform: Apple Tv
Starship Troopers is another satirical sci-fi action film directed by Paul Verhoeven, who also directed RoboCop. To stop aliens from launching an all-out invasion, soldiers from Earth travel across the universe. Similar to RoboCop, the visual effects haven't held up over time, but the corny action clichés haven't lost their appeal.
And that's how a lot of the action movie list is described: Some are blatantly oddball character pieces, such as Jason Statham's need to maintain a high pulse rate in "Crank: High Voltage," Clive Owen and Monica Bellucci's passionate embrace in "Shoot 'Em Up," and the constant cliches about "family" in the "Fast" series. Some of the best instances of pure cinematic expression to date are the Hollywood action movies listed above.
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