There's nothing like sitting on the edge of your sofa with a bowl of popcorn, eagerly waiting to see if the main character of the epic action movie you're watching will make it out alive. Whether it's Mission Impossible, Fast and Furious, John Wick or another blockbuster, there is an action film for every adrenaline junkie out there.
We've already got you covered on the best teen movies or horror films, but for the next time you're flicking through the TV to find something more exciting, look no further as we've collated our list of the 15 best action movies of all time. Keanu Reeves, thank us later, bestie!
John Wick (2014)
Run time: 1 hour 41 minutes
If you were looking for yet another reason to adore Keanu Reeves, then his role as loveable assassin John Wick is one. The film franchise follows John, who is forced out of retirement to fight villainous crime bosses, starting with person who killed the puppy his late wife gifted him. Yeah, think that's a pretty good reason to seek revenge!
There's a total of four films in the franchise, with the first being released in 2014 and the most recent in 2023. Worth a binge-watch over the weekend!
Mission Impossible (1996)
Run time: 1 hour 50 minutes
It wouldn't be a list of the best action movies without Mission Impossible. The film franchise starring the one and only Tom Cruise sees our leading man, Ethan Hunt, embark on dangerous missions as a secret agent. Think epic stunts, stunning locations and, of course, tonnes of nail-biting action.
Plus, there's a total of seven films in the Cruise-led franchise, so we recommend watching in order and be sure to put the most recent one, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, high on your list.
James Bond: Casino Royale (2006)
Run time: 2 hours 24 minutes
There's no leading man quite like agent 007, AKA, James Bond. The MI6 spy isn't one to shy away from danger and you can expect fight scenes, stunts and steamy scenes in the James Bond franchise.
There's many men who have taken on the role of the titular spy, but we would recommend starting off with Daniel Craig's version with Casino Royale, and while you watch, we will still be wondering who will play Bond next... who do you have your bet on?
Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Run time: 1 hour 51 minutes
Kill Bill is one of the best, female-led action movie franchies out there, in our opinion. The cult classic stars Uma Thurman as an assassin who wakes up from a four-year coma and seeks revenge on her former boss, Bill, and his associates... hence the name.
There's sword fights, action, tension, emotional performance and seriously enviable outfits (searching where to find a yellow jumpsuit as we speak). So, yes, this is a must watch for any action film fan!
Attack The Block (2011)
Run time: 1 hour 28 minutes
When aliens invade a block of flats in south London, Moses and his friends have to fight to save their community. This is Attack The Block and seriously, it is so good.
The film stars John Boyega before his days as Finn in Star Wars, plus Nick Frost and Jodie Whittaker (AKA the 13th Doctor, for any Doctor Who fans), this action film is a must-watch that brings sci-fi movie madness to the gritty streets of London and is perfect for your next movie night.
The Equalizer (2014)
Run time: 2 hours 12 minutes
Denzel Washington stars as retired assassin turned vigilante, Robert McCall, in this action movie who uses his skills to serve vengeance and fight for justice. Basically, if you're ever in a crisis, he is the person you want to have on speed-dial!
The franchise contain three films and is addictively good, with fights, shoot outs, tension and more. Plus, we seriously can't say no to anything starring Denzel. Can you blame us?
Salt (2010)
Run time: 1 hour 44 minutes
An action movie starring Angelina Jolie? Sign us up right now! Salt follows a CIA officer, Evelyn Salt, who is accused of being Russian spy so has to go on the run.
Throughout the thriller, she has to use her spy skills and years of experience to elude capture, protect her husband, escape her former colleagues and clear her name. This one is one to put on the top of your watch list, plus, Angelina's character seriously makes us want to go out and buy a black box dye.
V for Vendetta (2005)
Run time: 2 hours 12 minutes
In this dystopian thriller, set in a future where an oppressive regime has taken over the UK, a masked freedom-fighter named V attempts to ignite a revolution amongst the public.
But, Evey Hammond, played by a young Natalie Portman (who shaved her head for this role BTW, talk about commitment!), gets caught up in his mission along the way. Fun fact, they also filmed parts of this movie on the London Underground! Talk about an entertaining tube journey.
The Fast and the Furious (2001)
Run time: 1 hour 46 minutes
Street racing, sports cars, spies, chases, Vin Diesel... do you need another reason to watch Fast and Furious? The much-loved film franchise follows Dominic Toretto, an elite street racer, and his friends and family of daredevil drivers as they battle against their enemies.
The franchise has literally a million films (we're being dramatic, there's being 12) but we recommend starting with the OG films from the 00s. Disclaimer, we don't recommend trying any of their car tricks at home!
Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
Run time: 2 hours 19 minutes
This award-winning action movie stars Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh as a Chinese-American immigrant who discovers that she has to connect with parallel universe versions of herself to prevent a powerful being from destroying the multiverse. So, yes you need to put this on your to-watch list.
With kung fu, slow motion and fight scenes plus some hard-hitting, emotional storylines, you'll see exactly why this is an Oscar winning film after just one watch.
Uncharted (2022)
Run time: 1 hour 56 minutes
Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg star in this adventure film, which sees street-smart Nathan Drake and seasoned treasure hunter Victor 'Sully' Sullivan try to find a lost fortune.
But, what starts as a heist job for the duo becomes a rapid race around the globe to reach the prize before someone else gets their hands on it. This one is based on a hit video game and it will most definitely have you on the edge of your seats. Plus, Tom Holland? It's a yes from us.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Run time: 1 hour 58 minutes
It seriously wouldn't be a list of the best action movies without a mention of the iconic Indiana Jones film franchise, with Temple of Doom being our favourite.
In this classic 80s blockbuster starring Harrison Ford and directed by Steven Spielberg, we see the legendary archaeologist find himself in India, where villagers reaches out to him to track down an ancient stone that has been stolen by an evil priest.
Central Intelligence (2016)
Run time: 1 hour 56 minutes
Prepare to laugh until you cry with much-loved comedic duo, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Kevin Hart.
Here, we see a geek-turned-CIA agent enlist the help of the former popular kid on a secret mission after reuniting at a school reunion, with their wild journey including espionage, shoot outs, fights and more. If you're in need of a good old laugh, then we can't recommend this one enough!
Birds Of Prey (2020)
Run time: 1 hour 49 minutes
Before she was Barbie, we knew and loved Margot Robbie as the villainous Harley Quinn. In this female-led action film, Harley is struggling to pick herself up after getting thrown out by the Joker and teams up with Huntress, Black Canary and Renee Montoya to defeat a gangster and protect a girl.
By the way, the full name of this film is Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). If that's not iconic, we don't know what is!
Jurassic World (2015)
Run time: 2 hours and 4 minutes
20 years on from the original Jurassic Park everyone knows and loves, Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas-Howard star in this nail-biting sequel to the classic film.
Here, we see a theme park which showcases genetically-engineered dinosaurs turn into a horrifying nightmare for its tourists when one of the dinosaurs escapes its enclosure. We were on the edge of our seats the entire time while watching this, and we bet you will be too.
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