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Top 25 Action Movies Ever Ranked

Author：Kristen Update：May 17,2025

At IGN, our passion for movies is boundless, but our affection for action films holds a special place in our hearts. These films fueled our weekends in the '80s and '90s, both the gems and the guilty pleasures. However, the term "action movie" encompasses far more than just the campy B-movies of yesteryear. Our curated list spans a variety of subgenres, including action/comedy, sci-fi action, martial arts, superhero action, war, and adventure, ensuring a comprehensive selection of the genre's finest offerings.

Our selection process involved IGN's most avid action movie enthusiasts, who considered criteria such as the quality of action, the level of excitement, and the film's overall impact and legacy.

Here, we present IGN's top 25 action movies of all time.

25. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Image credit: Walt Disney StudiosDirector: 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 MCU set a high bar, not only leading them to direct Captain America: Civil War but also the climactic Avengers films of the Infinity Saga. "Winter Soldier" is a gripping espionage thriller that not only upends Steve Rogers' life but also the entire MCU, revealing that SHIELD had been infiltrated by HYDRA since the Red Skull's defeat. With top-notch action scenes, vehicle destruction, and fight choreography, this film showcases Steve battling his past and present. Many consider it the pinnacle of MCU movies, including the Avengers outings.

24. RRR (2022)

Image credit: Variance FilmsDirector: 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

RRR burst onto the scene in 2022 as an audacious Indian action epic, blending fictionalized accounts of two Indian revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) and Komaram Bheem (N. T. Rama Rao Jr.), and their battle against British rule. This film's three-hour runtime is filled with exaggerated violence and grandiose musical sequences, culminating in a festival of over-the-top action that is likely to climb our rankings in the coming years.

23. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

Image credit: LionsgateDirector: 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 astonishing amount of action into its four films within less than a decade. What started as one man's quest for vengeance over his slain puppy evolved into a global saga of redemption, featuring a blend of martial arts, gunplay, and cinematic flair. The choreography of gunfights in the series, reminiscent of John Woo's Hong Kong classics, treats bullets as extensions of the characters' essence. "Chapter 4" pushes the envelope even further, culminating in an epic finale that challenges John with a daunting 300-step staircase to oblivion.

22. Fast Five (2011)

Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: 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

Despite the increasingly fantastical stunts in the Fast and Furious franchise, "Fast Five" remains a favorite, bridging the original storyline with the later globe-trotting, high-stakes adventures. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson debuted as Luke Hobbs, tasked with capturing Dom Toretto and his crew. The film's climax in Brazil, featuring a chaotic heist, remains pivotal, setting the stage for the revenge-driven plot of "Fast X."

21. Casino Royale (2006)

Image credit: Sony PicturesDirector: 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" offers a cerebral twist on James Bond's adventures. Daniel Craig's portrayal of a rugged yet vulnerable Bond adds new depth to the character, eschewing the franchise's usual gadgets for gritty realism. The action sequences, including the iconic parkour chase, are both thrilling and ground-breaking, reconnecting Bond with his roots in raw, intense action.

Check out our guide to James Bond movies in order.

20. Ip Man (2008)

Image credit: Mandarin FilmsDirector: 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" delves into the life of Bruce Lee's martial arts mentor during the Sino-Japanese War. With Donnie Yen in the lead role and martial arts choreographed by Sammo Hung, the film combines graceful, thrilling fight scenes with a compelling character-driven narrative. While not a strict biography, it captures the essence of Ip Man's story with enthusiasm and style.

19. Independence Day (1996)

Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: 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 blockbuster bravado, with its portrayal of humanity's resistance against alien invaders. The film's spectacle, featuring city-sized flying saucers and a virus that defeats the extraterrestrials, is pure popcorn entertainment. It launched director Roland Emmerich's career in cinematic destruction and cemented Will Smith's status as an action icon.

18. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Image credit: Sony Pictures ClassicsDirector: 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" intertwines breathtaking martial arts choreography with a poignant love story. The film's visually stunning fight scenes, set against majestic landscapes like a bamboo forest, elevate it to a cinematic masterpiece. The tavern fight, choreographed by Yuen Woo-Ping, showcases a blend of kung fu, wire work, and comedic timing, executed flawlessly by Zhang Ziyi.

17. The Raid: Redemption (2011)

Image credit: Sony Pictures ClassicsDirector: 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 a testament to lean and mean action filmmaking. Trapping a SWAT team in a building filled with killers, the film's simple premise leads to some of the most intense and realistically choreographed fight scenes in recent memory. An essential watch for action enthusiasts.

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

Image credit: New Line CinemaDirector: 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: The Two Towers" features the epic battle of Helm's Deep, a standout in action cinema. Despite the fragmented narrative, the film's thrilling spectacles, including the Ents' assault on Saruman's forces, showcase the saga's most satisfying action sequences.

See our guide to The Lord of the Rings movies in order.

15. True Lies (1994)

Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: 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

James Cameron's "True Lies" revitalized Arnold Schwarzenegger's action career, blending comedy and action seamlessly. The film's standout sequences, like the horseback chase and bridge explosion, are among its many thrilling moments, supported by strong comic performances from Tom Arnold, Bill Paxton, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

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

Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: 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+

"The Empire Strikes Back" is often hailed as the best Star Wars film, thanks in part to its breathtaking action sequences. From the AT-AT assault on Hoth to the asteroid field escape and the iconic lightsaber duel between Luke and Vader, the film expanded the franchise's scope and set pieces, elevating sci-fi action to new heights.

See our guide to the Star Wars movies in order.

13. Hard Boiled (1992)

Image credit: Golden Princess Film ProductionDirector: 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

John Woo's "Hard Boiled" showcases gunplay as ballet, with Chow Yun-fat's Inspector "Tequila" Yuen turning everyday objects into explosive elements. The film's iconic sequences, such as the teahouse shootout and the hospital finale, are some of the most stylish and influential in action cinema history.

12. Speed (1994)

Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: 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 relentless thrill ride, distilling action filmmaking to its purest form. From the bus that must keep moving above 50 mph to the dangling elevator and subway car battle, the film offers a series of unforgettable set-pieces that have kept audiences on the edge of their seats for over three decades.

See our guide to the best Keanu Reeves movies.

11. The Rock (1996)

Image credit: Buena Vista PicturesDirector: Michael Bay | Writer: David Weisberg, Douglas S. Cook, Mark Rosner | Stars: Nicolas Cage, Sean Connery, Ed Harris | Release Date: June 7, 1996 | Review: IGN's The Rock review | Where to Watch: Hulu, or rent from Prime Video and other platforms

Michael Bay's "The Rock" is a quintessential military action film, featuring Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery in a testosterone-fueled narrative. Sean Connery's rampage through San Francisco in a Hummer encapsulates the film's high-octane energy, making it one of Bay's most memorable outings.

See our guide to the best Nicolas Cage movies.

10. Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)

Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: Christopher McQuarrie | Writer: Christopher McQuarrie | Stars: Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Henry Cavill | Release Date: July 12, 2018 | Review: IGN's Mission: Impossible - Fallout review | Where to Watch: Paramount+

"Mission: Impossible - Fallout" continues to push the boundaries of action filmmaking, with Tom Cruise performing daring stunts like a HALO jump. The film's action peaks with a bathroom brawl and a thrilling helicopter chase, solidifying its place as one of the series' most exhilarating entries.

9. RoboCop (1987)

Image credit: Orion PicturesDirector: Paul Verhoeven | Writer: Edward Neumeier, Michael Miner | Stars: Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Daniel O'Herlihy | Release Date: July 17, 1987 | Review: IGN's RoboCop review | Where to Watch: Max, or rent from Prime Video and other platforms

"I'd buy that for a dollar!"

Paul Verhoeven's "RoboCop" is a darkly satirical take on police corruption and corporate greed, featuring Peter Weller as the titular cyborg enforcer. The film's blend of violence, humor, and social commentary makes it a standout in the action genre.

8. Predator (1987)

Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: John McTiernan | Writer: Jim Thomas, John Thomas | Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Kevin Peter Hall | Release Date: June 12, 1987 | Review: IGN's Predator review | Where to Watch: Hulu, or rent from Prime Video and other platforms

"Predator" stands out among '80s action films with its blend of testosterone-fueled action and iconic scenes, such as the arm-wrestling handshake and the mud-camouflaged battle. The film's smart, tight narrative and timeless appeal make it a classic.

See our guide to the Predator movies in order.

7. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

Image credit: Miramax FilmsDirector: Quentin Tarantino | Writer: Quentin Tarantino | Stars: Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Michael Madsen | Release Date: October 10, 2003 | Review: IGN's Kill Bill: Vol. 1 review | Where to Watch: Hulu, or rentable from other platforms

Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill: Vol. 1" follows The Bride's quest for revenge, delivering visceral action and unforgettable sequences like the battle with the Crazy 88. The film's meticulous choreography and film-literate style make it a standout in the action genre.

6. The Matrix (1999)

Image credit: Warner Bros.Director: The Wachowskis | Writer: The Wachowskis | Stars: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss | Release Date: March 24, 1999 | Review: IGN's The Matrix review | Where to Watch: NBC, or rentable on other platforms

"What's he doing?"

"He's beginning to believe!"

"The Matrix" revolutionized action cinema with its "bullet time" effects and philosophical undertones. The film's blend of innovative camera work and martial arts choreography, led by Yuen Woo-Ping, has inspired countless imitators, though none have matched its impact.

See our guide to the Matrix movies in order.

5. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Image credit: Warner Bros. PicturesDirector: George Miller | Writer: George Miller, Brendan McCarthy, Nico Lathouris | Stars: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult | Release Date: May 7, 2015 | Review: IGN's Mad Max: Fury Road review | Where to Watch: TNT, TBS, tru TV

"Mad Max: Fury Road" is a relentless two-hour chase, utilizing practical effects and breathtaking stunts to create a new standard for action films. Tom Hardy's portrayal of Max complements Charlize Theron's iconic Furiosa, driving the narrative of escape from dystopian tyranny.

4. Aliens (1986)

Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: James Cameron | Writer: James Cameron, David Giler, Walter Hill | Stars: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Bill Paxton | Release Date: July 18, 1986 | Review: IGN's Aliens review | Where to Watch: Hulu, rentable on other platforms

James Cameron's "Aliens" transforms the original film's tension into an all-out war, with Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley leading an ensemble cast. The film's climactic battle remains unmatched in its intensity, solidifying its place as a horror-action classic.

See our guide to the Alien movies in order.

3. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: Steven Spielberg | Writer: George Lucas, Philip Kaufman, Lawrence Kasdan | Stars: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman | Release Date: June 12, 1981 | Where to Watch: Paramount+

"Raiders of the Lost Ark" launched the Indiana Jones franchise with its unforgettable opening sequence and relentless action. Steven Spielberg's direction and Harrison Ford's charismatic performance set a new standard for adventure films, making it a timeless classic.

See our guide to the Indiana Jones movies in order.

2. Die Hard (1988)

Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: John McTiernan | Writer: Jeb Stuart, Steven E. de Souza | Stars: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Alexander Godunov | Release Date: July 12, 1988 | Review: IGN's Die Hard review | Where to Watch: Stream on Prime Video and Hulu

"Die Hard" redefined the action genre, introducing the "lone hero vs. terrorists" formula. Bruce Willis's John McClane, battling barefoot through Nakatomi Plaza, and Alan Rickman's iconic villain Hans Gruber create a perfect balance of action, humor, and character development.

1. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Image credit: Tri-Star PicturesDirector: James Cameron | Writer: James Cameron, William Wisher | Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Robert Patrick | Release Date: July 1, 1991 | Review: IGN's Terminator 2 review | Where to Watch: Hoopla, rentable from Prime Video and more

"Terminator 2: Judgment Day" is a landmark in action cinema, featuring non-stop action and groundbreaking special effects. Arnold Schwarzenegger's iconic performance, Linda Hamilton's transformation into a warrior, and Robert Patrick's menacing T-1000 elevate the film's thrilling sequences. The film's message of hope and redemption adds depth to its action-packed narrative.

See our guide to the Terminator movies in order.

What do you think is the best action movie of all time?

Captain America: The Winter Soldier RRR John Wick: Chapter 4 Fast Five Casino Royale Ip Man Independence Day Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon The Raid: Redemption The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers True Lies Star Wars: Episode 5 - The Empire Strikes Back Hard Boiled Speed The Rock Mission: Impossible - Fallout RoboCop Predator Kill Bill: Vol. 1 The Matrix Mad Max: Fury Road Aliens Raiders of the Lost Ark Die Hard Terminator 2: Judgment Day Other (Tell us in the comments!)

What are your favorite action movies? What explodes to the top of your list? Let us know in the comments!