Top 25 Action Films Ever Ranked

At IGN, we have a deep affinity for movies of all genres, but action films hold a special place in our hearts. These films, both the iconic classics and the less celebrated, have shaped our weekends with their explosive action and gripping narratives since the '80s and '90s. However, when we say "action movie," we're not just talking about the classic B-movie fare. We've curated a diverse list that showcases the best action from various subgenres, including action/comedy, sci-fi action, martial arts, superhero action, war, and adventure.

Our list of the 25 best action movies of all time was meticulously compiled and voted on by IGN's most dedicated action enthusiasts. We took into account the quality of the action sequences, the level of excitement they provided, and the lasting impact of each film on the genre.

25. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

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Image credit: Walt Disney Studios
Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo | Writer: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely | Stars: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan | Release Date: March 13, 2014 | Review: IGN's Captain America: Winter Soldier review | Where to Watch: Stream on Disney+, or rentable from Prime Video and other platforms

The Russo Brothers' debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with *Captain America: The Winter Soldier* was a resounding success. This film not only paved the way for their subsequent work on *Captain America: Civil War* and the climactic *Avengers* films of the Infinity Saga but also stands as a top-tier espionage thriller. It throws Steve Rogers' life and the entire MCU into turmoil with the revelation that SHIELD has been unwittingly serving HYDRA since the defeat of the Red Skull. The action scenes, vehicle destruction, and fight choreography are exceptional, showcasing Steve's battle against his past. Many consider *Winter Soldier* to be the best MCU film, even surpassing the *Avengers* movies.

24. RRR (2022)

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Image credit: Variance Films
Director: S. S. Rajamouli | Writer: S. S. Rajamouli | Stars: N. T. Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn | Release Date: March 25, 2022 | Where to Watch: Netflix

In 2022, *RRR* captivated audiences with its grandiose Indian action epic, blending historical fiction with exuberant action. The film follows the fictionalized adventures of two Indian revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) and Komaram Bheem (N. T. Rama Rao Jr.), as they forge a friendship and battle against British oppressors. With over three hours of flamboyant violence and captivating musical numbers, including Oscar-winning songs, *RRR* offers an exhilarating experience that is likely to climb even higher on our list in the years to come.

23. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

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Image credit: Lionsgate
Director: Chad Stahelski | Writer: Shay Hatten, Michael Finch | Stars: Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård | Release Date: March 6, 2023 | Review: IGN's John Wick: Chapter 4 review | Where to Watch: Rent from platforms, including Prime Video

The *John Wick* franchise has packed an incredible amount of action into its four films in just under a decade. It began with one man's quest for vengeance after the murder of his beloved puppy—a poignant symbol of his grief for his late wife—and evolved into a global saga of redemption. The series is renowned for its blend of kung fu, gun fu, krav maga, judo, and other forms of cinematic combat. Since the Hong Kong films of John Woo, gunplay hasn't been choreographed with such artistry. *John Wick: Chapter 4* breaks franchise records, culminating in an intense finale that sees John facing a literal 300-step staircase to oblivion.

22. Fast Five (2011)

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Image credit: Universal Pictures
Director: Justin Lin | Writer: Chris Morgan | Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster | Release Date: April 15, 2011 | Review: IGN's Fast Five review | Where to Watch: Rent from Prime Video and other platforms

The *Fast and Furious* series has escalated in its daring and fantastical stunts over the years, yet *Fast Five* is often hailed as the pinnacle of the franchise. It seamlessly transitions from the original street racing saga to the high-stakes, globe-trotting adventures that follow. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson makes his debut as Luke Hobbs, tasked with capturing Dom Toretto and his crew. The film's climax in Brazil, featuring a chaotic money heist, remains pivotal to the ongoing narrative, especially in the context of *Fast X*'s revenge plot.

21. Casino Royale (2006)

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Image credit: Sony Pictures
Director: Martin Campbell | Writer: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Paul Haggis | Stars: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen | Release Date: November 14, 2006 | Review: IGN's Casino Royale review | Where to Watch: Rent from Apple TV and other platforms

*Casino Royale* is often considered the most cerebral entry in the James Bond series. Daniel Craig's portrayal of Bond adds a new layer of depth, presenting a character who is outwardly tough yet inwardly vulnerable. This film strips away the franchise's more fantastical elements, focusing on gritty, realistic action sequences. The opening parkour chase is a testament to the film's commitment to raw, visceral action. Craig's Bond is a finely tuned machine, capable of clearing a room with cold efficiency, and *Casino Royale* returns the series to its gritty roots.

For more on the James Bond series, check out our [guide to James Bond movies in order](https://www.ign.com/articles/james-bond-movies-in-order).

20. Ip Man (2008)

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Image credit: Mandarin Films
Director: Wilson Yip | Writer: Edmond Wong, Chan Tai-lee | Stars: Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, Lynn Hung | Release Date: December 18, 2008 | Where to Watch: Stream on Peacock or rent from Prime Video and other platforms

*Ip Man* focuses on the life of Bruce Lee's martial arts teacher during the Sino-Japanese War. Starring Donnie Yen and choreographed by the legendary Sammo Hung, this film combines thrilling martial arts with a compelling character-driven drama. While not a strict biography, *Ip Man* captures the essence of the Wing Chun grandmaster's life with energetic flair and emotional depth.

19. Independence Day (1996)

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Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Director: Roland Emmerich | Writer: Roland Emmerich, Dean Devlin | Stars: Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum | Release Date: June 25, 1996 | Review: IGN's Independence Day review | Where to Watch: Stream with MGM+, or rent from Apple TV and other platforms

*Independence Day* epitomizes '90s action with its portrayal of a world facing annihilation by alien invaders. The film's ensemble cast, including a scientist, a pilot, a drunk, and the President, rallies to save humanity from city-sized flying saucers. It's a quintessential popcorn movie, known for its spectacle and memorable moments, such as the President's rousing speech. This film not only solidified Will Smith as an action hero but also kicked off Roland Emmerich's trend of destroying famous landmarks.

18. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

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Image credit: Sony Pictures Classics
Director: Ang Lee | Writer: Wang Hui-ling, James Schamus, Tsai Kuo-jung | Stars: Michelle Yeoh, Chow Yun-fat, Zhang Ziyi | Release Date: May 18, 2000 | Review: IGN's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon review | Where to Watch: Stream with Max, or rent from Prime Video and other platforms

Ang Lee's *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* is a cinematic masterpiece that blends stunning action with deep emotional storytelling. The film's characters are burdened with repressed desires and secrets, yet they move gracefully through the air in breathtaking fight scenes. The Oscar-winning film showcases incredible choreography against beautiful backdrops, such as an ancient bamboo forest. The tavern fight sequence, in particular, combines kung fu, wire-work, dance, and comedy, with Zhang Ziyi delivering a standout performance.

17. The Raid: Redemption (2011)

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Image credit: Sony Pictures Classics
Director: Gareth Evans | Writer: Gareth Evans | Stars: Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim, Donny Alamsyah | Release Date: September 8, 2011 | Review: IGN's The Raid: Redemption review | Where to Watch: Rent from Prime Video and other platforms

*The Raid: Redemption* is one of the most intense action films of the last decade, originating from Indonesia. The film's premise is simple: a SWAT team is trapped in a building filled with killers, and they must fight to survive. The action sequences are brutally realistic and expertly choreographed, making *The Raid* an essential experience for action movie fans.

16. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

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Image credit: New Line Cinema
Director: Peter Jackson | Writer: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Stephen Sinclair, Peter Jackson | Stars: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen | Release Date: December 5, 2002 | Review: IGN's LOTR: The Two Towers review | Where to Watch: Max

Peter Jackson's *The Lord of the Rings* trilogy features epic battles, but the siege of Helm's Deep in *The Two Towers* stands out as a pinnacle of action cinema. Despite the film's fragmented narrative, the battle scenes at Helm's Deep and the Ents' assault on Saruman's forces provide thrilling and satisfying spectacles. The resilience of humans, elves, hobbits, and trees against the dark forces is a testament to the film's enduring appeal.

For a comprehensive look at the series, see our [guide to The Lord of the Rings movies in order](https://www.ign.com/articles/lord-of-the-rings-movies-in-order).

15. True Lies (1994)

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Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Director: James Cameron | Writer: James Cameron | Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis, Bill Paxton | Release Date: July 15, 1994 | Review: IGN's True Lies review | Where to Watch: Stream (with ads) on The Roku Channel, or rent from Apple TV and other platforms

*True Lies* revitalized Arnold Schwarzenegger's career with its blend of action and comedy. The film follows a secret agent whose wife is unaware of his double life. With humorous performances by Tom Arnold, Bill Paxton, and Jamie Lee Curtis, *True Lies* delivers both laughs and thrills. The horseback chase through the city and the bridge explosion are among the film's most memorable action sequences.

14. Star Wars: Episode 5 - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

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Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Director: Irvin Kershner | Writer: George Lucas, Leigh Brackett, Lawrence Kasdan | Stars: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford | Release Date: May 6, 1980 | Review: IGN's The Empire Strikes Back review | Where to Watch: Disney+

Many consider *The Empire Strikes Back* to be the best *Star Wars* film, thanks to its stunning action sequences. From the assault on Hoth by Imperial AT-ATs to the Millennium Falcon's escape through an asteroid field, and the iconic lightsaber duel between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, the film's scope and set pieces are unmatched. Under Irvin Kershner's direction, *Empire* elevated the franchise's storytelling and action.

For a complete overview of the series, see our [guide to the Star Wars movies in order](https://www.ign.com/articles/star-wars-movies-in-order).

13. Hard Boiled (1992)

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Image credit: Golden Princess Film Production
Director: John Woo | Writer: John Woo, Gordon Chan, Barry Wong | Stars: Chow Yun-fat, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Teresa Mo | Release Date: April 16, 1992 | Review: IGN's Hard Boiled review | Where to Watch: Not available to stream

*Hard Boiled* showcases John Woo's signature style, turning gunplay into a balletic spectacle. Chow Yun-fat's character, Inspector "Tequila" Yuen, takes down a criminal empire with flair, using everyday objects as props in explosive sequences. The film's iconic scenes, including the teahouse shootout, the warehouse showdown, and the hospital finale, are some of the most celebrated gunfight choreography in cinema history. Despite its over-the-top nature, *Hard Boiled* balances style with substance.

12. Speed (1994)

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Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Director: Jan de Bont | Writer: Graham Yost | Stars: Sandra Bullock, Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper | Release Date: June 7, 1994 | Review: IGN's Speed review | Where to Watch: Stream on Max, or rent from Prime Video and other platforms

*Speed* is a quintessential '90s action film that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The film's premise—a bus must maintain a speed over 50 mph to avoid exploding—leads to a series of thrilling set pieces. From a dangling elevator to a runaway bus and a subway car battle, *Speed* delivers non-stop excitement. Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock's performances elevate the film, making it a standout in the action genre.

For more on Keanu Reeves' films, see our [guide to the best Keanu Reeves movies](https://www.ign.com/articles/best-keanu-reeves-movies).