At IGN, our passion for movies is boundless, but action films hold a special place in our hearts. They've fueled countless Saturday evenings and lazy Sunday afternoons since the '80s and '90s, and while we appreciate the classic B-movie thrills, the term "action movie" encompasses a broad spectrum of genres. We've curated this list to include the best from action/comedy, sci-fi action, martial arts, superhero action, war, and adventure, ensuring a diverse showcase of the genre's finest moments.
Our selection process involved IGN's most dedicated action fans, who considered factors such as the quality of action, the level of thrills, and the film's lasting legacy. Here, we present IGN's 25 best action movies of all time.
25. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
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 MCU, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, was a game-changer, setting them up for Captain America: Civil War and the epic conclusion of the Infinity Saga. This film stands out as a gripping espionage thriller that not only disrupts Steve Rogers' life but also shakes the foundations of the entire MCU, revealing SHIELD's infiltration by HYDRA. The action sequences, vehicle chases, and fight choreography are top-notch, making it a standout entry often hailed as the best MCU film, including the Avengers movies.
24. RRR (2022)
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
RRR captivated audiences in 2022 with its over-the-top, three-hour spectacle of action and music. This Indian epic, featuring fictionalized versions of revolutionaries Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, blends cartoonish violence with sweeping musical numbers, including Oscar-winning songs. Its infectious energy and larger-than-life storytelling promise to keep it climbing in our rankings.
23. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
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 films, culminating in Chapter 4. From the initial quest to avenge a puppy, the series has evolved into a global saga of redemption, featuring a blend of martial arts and gunplay choreographed like a dance. Chapter 4 pushes the boundaries even further, ending with a breathtaking 300-step staircase showdown.
22. Fast Five (2011)
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
Fast Five is often considered the pinnacle of the Fast and Furious series, bridging the gap between street racing and global, high-stakes missions. It introduced Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's Luke Hobbs and features a memorable heist in Brazil that sets the stage for future films, including Fast X.
21. Casino Royale (2006)
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 reinvents James Bond with Daniel Craig portraying a more rugged and emotionally complex 007. The film's action, including the iconic parkour chase, grounds the series in realism while delivering thrilling sequences that showcase Bond's lethal prowess.
Check out our guide to James Bond movies in order.
20. Ip Man (2008)
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 showcases the life of Bruce Lee's martial arts teacher during the Sino-Japanese War. With Donnie Yen in the lead and choreography by Sammo Hung, the film blends martial arts mastery with compelling drama, capturing the essence of Wing Chun with flair and emotion.
19. Independence Day (1996)
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 is a quintessential '90s action film, depicting humanity's fight against an alien invasion. With its iconic scenes of destruction and memorable characters, including Will Smith's charismatic pilot, the film blends spectacle with a compelling narrative of survival and resilience.
18. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
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 combines breathtaking action with a poignant love story. Its Oscar-winning visuals and choreography, set against stunning landscapes, elevate the film to a masterpiece of martial arts cinema, highlighted by Zhang Ziyi's unforgettable tavern fight.
17. The Raid: Redemption (2011)
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 delivers relentless, brutal action from Indonesia. The story of a SWAT team trapped in a building full of killers is simple yet executed with such intensity and realism that it stands as a landmark in action cinema.
16. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
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: The Two Towers features one of the most epic battles in cinematic history at Helm's Deep. The film's fragmented narrative culminates in thrilling action sequences that showcase the determination and heroism of its diverse cast.
See our guide to The Lord of the Rings movies in order.
15. True Lies (1994)
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 action career with its blend of comedy and thrilling action sequences. The film's standout moments, including a horseback chase and bridge explosion, showcase Cameron's knack for combining humor with high-stakes action.
14. Star Wars: Episode 5 - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
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+
The Empire Strikes Back is often regarded as the best Star Wars film, thanks to its stunning action sequences, from the Hoth battle to the iconic asteroid chase and lightsaber duel. Its expanded scope and thrilling set pieces set a new standard for sci-fi action.
See our guide to the Star Wars movies in order.
13. Hard Boiled (1992)
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 an art form. With Chow Yun-fat as the cool and collected Inspector "Tequila" Yuen, the film features some of the most iconic action sequences, including the teahouse shootout and hospital finale.
12. Speed (1994)
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 thriller, delivering unrelenting excitement as Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock navigate a bus that can't slow down. Its relentless pace and unforgettable set pieces, including the elevator and subway scenes, make it a classic.
See our guide to the best Keanu Reeves movies.
11. The Rock (1996)
Image credit: Buena Vista Pictures
Director: 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
The Rock is a quintessential Michael Bay action film, combining explosive action with a gripping plot. Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery star in this testosterone-fueled thriller that includes iconic scenes like Connery's rampage through San Francisco in a Hummer.
See our guide to the best Nicolas Cage movies.
10. Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)
Image credit: Paramount Pictures
Director: 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 the franchise's tradition of escalating action and daring stunts, with Tom Cruise performing his own HALO jump. The film's standout sequences, including the bathroom brawl and helicopter chase, make it a standout in the series.
9. RoboCop (1987)
Image credit: Orion Pictures
Director: 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
RoboCop is a darkly satirical take on police corruption and corporate greed, featuring Peter Weller as the titular cyborg enforcer. Its blend of violence, humor, and social commentary makes it a unique and enduring action film.
8. Predator (1987)
Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Director: 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 jungle warfare and sci-fi horror. Arnold Schwarzenegger's battle against the alien hunter is iconic, filled with memorable scenes and a lesson in survival tactics that has become legendary.
See our guide to the Predator movies in order.
7. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
Image credit: Miramax Films
Director: 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
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is Quentin Tarantino's homage to martial arts and exploitation films, featuring Uma Thurman's quest for revenge. The film's visceral action, particularly the epic battle with the Crazy 88, is a testament to Tarantino's unique style.
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
The Matrix revolutionized action cinema with its "bullet time" effects and philosophical depth. Keanu Reeves' journey as Neo, combined with groundbreaking choreography and visual effects, has left an indelible mark on the genre.
See our guide to the Matrix movies in order.
5. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: 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 chase through a post-apocalyptic wasteland, showcasing George Miller's mastery of practical effects and action choreography. Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron deliver compelling performances in this visually stunning film.
4. Aliens (1986)
Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Director: 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
Aliens transformed the original film into an action-packed epic, with Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley leading a battle against the Xenomorphs. James Cameron's direction blends suspense with explosive action, culminating in one of the most iconic finales in cinema.
See our guide to the Alien movies in order.
3. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Image credit: Paramount Pictures
Director: 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 thrilling adventure and unforgettable action sequences. Steven Spielberg's direction and Harrison Ford's charismatic performance have cemented its status as a timeless classic.
See our guide to the Indiana Jones movies in order.
2. Die Hard (1988)
Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Director: 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 with its "lone hero against terrorists" plot and Bruce Willis' iconic performance as John McClane. Its blend of action, humor, and character development, along with Alan Rickman's memorable villain, make it a perfect action movie.
1. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Image credit: Tri-Star Pictures
Director: 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, groundbreaking special effects, and a compelling narrative about destiny and redemption. Arnold Schwarzenegger's performance as the reprogrammed T-800, combined with Linda Hamilton's fierce portrayal of Sarah Connor, elevates the film to legendary status.
See our guide to the Terminator movies in order.
What do you think is the best action movie of all time?
New Action Movies of 2025
2025 has seen a range of new action movies, with IGN providing comprehensive reviews. Here are some highlights:
- Love Hurts - 4/10
- Back in Action - 4/10
- Old Guy - 5/10
- Cleaner - 5/10
- Captain America: Brave New World - 5/10
- The Gorge - 7/10
For a complete list, check out all IGN movie reviews.
Upcoming Action Movies
Anticipation is high for several action movies set to release in 2025:
- Thunderbolts - May 2, 2025
- Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning - May 23, 2025
- Karate Kid: Legends - May 30, 2025
- Ballerina - June 6, 2025
- Superman - June 11, 2025
- F1 - June 27, 2025
- The Fantastic Four: First Steps - July 25, 2025
- The Naked Gun - August 1, 2025
