Top 25 Action Films Ever Ranked

At IGN, we have a deep affection for movies of all genres, but action films hold a special place in our hearts. They've been a staple of our entertainment from the '80s and '90s, whether they were the thrilling blockbusters or the more campy B-movies. However, the term "action movie" encompasses a broad spectrum of subgenres, including action/comedy, sci-fi action, martial arts, superhero action, war, and adventure. Our list of the top 25 action movies of all time reflects this diversity, compiled and voted on by IGN's most dedicated action enthusiasts. We took into account the quality of the action, the thrill factor, and the film's lasting impact.

Here, then, are IGN's 25 best 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' first venture into the Marvel Cinematic Universe was a resounding success, paving the way for their direction of Captain America: Civil War and the culminating Avengers films of the Infinity Saga. Winter Soldier stands out as a gripping espionage thriller, disrupting not only Steve Rogers' life but the entire MCU when it reveals that SHIELD has been unwittingly serving HYDRA for decades. The action sequences, including vehicle chases and fight choreography, are executed flawlessly, showcasing Steve's battles against his past on both professional and personal levels. Many consider Winter Soldier to be among the best MCU films, even surpassing the Avengers movies.

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 captivated audiences in 2022 with its extravagant Indian action epic, weaving the fictional tales of two Indian revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, and their struggle against the British. This film combines over three hours of exuberant, cartoonish violence with sweeping musical numbers, including Oscar-winning songs, creating an exhilarating, over-the-top spectacle. Its unique charm and energy are likely to elevate its status in the years to come.

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 incredible amount of action into its four films over less than a decade. It all began with one man's quest for vengeance over his slain puppy—a poignant symbol of his grief for his late wife—and evolved into a global battle for redemption, showcasing a wide array of martial arts and cinematic combat. The series has redefined gunplay as a choreographed dance, with bullets as extensions of the characters' will. Chapter 4 breaks records within the saga, culminating in a breathtaking finale that includes a literal 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 Fast and Furious series becoming increasingly fantastical, Fast Five remains a fan favorite, serving as the bridge between the original street racing stories and the later, more grandiose, world-saving adventures. This film marked Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's debut as Luke Hobbs, tasked with capturing Dom Toretto and his crew. The climactic heist in Brazil is a thrilling, destructive spectacle that sets the stage for future plotlines, including the revenge narrative in 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 stands out as one of the most cerebral entries in the James Bond franchise. Daniel Craig's portrayal of Bond adds depth, presenting him as both physically imposing and emotionally vulnerable. This film eschews the franchise's more outlandish elements for a more grounded, gritty approach. The action sequences, such as the parkour chase at the beginning, are breathtaking and return Bond to his roots of 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

The Ip Man series, inspired by the life of Bruce Lee's martial arts teacher, showcases the Wing Chun master's journey during the Sino-Japanese War. Starring Donnie Yen, with martial arts choreography by Sammo Hung, the first Ip Man film masterfully blends thrilling action with a compelling character-driven drama. While not a strict biography, it captures the essence of Ip Man's life with dramatic flair and energy.

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 action bravado, depicting humanity's fight against a formidable alien invasion. The film features an eclectic cast, including a scientist, a pilot, a president, and a drunk, all rallying against city-sized flying saucers capable of mass destruction. This blockbuster is pure popcorn entertainment, sparking Roland Emmerich's penchant for monumental destruction, cementing Will Smith's action hero status, and reimagining War of the Worlds with a computer virus twist.

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 stunning action with deep emotional narratives. The film, featuring Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun-fat, boasts beautifully choreographed fight scenes set against breathtaking landscapes, such as an ancient bamboo forest. The tavern brawl sequence, choreographed by Yuen Woo-Ping, is a highlight, blending martial arts, wire-work, dance, and comedy, with Zhang Ziyi delivering a memorable performance.

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 is a lean, mean action machine from Indonesia. Its plot is straightforward: a SWAT team trapped in a building full of killers must fight their way out. However, the film's action sequences are anything but simple, featuring brutal, realistic choreography that has made The Raid a must-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 trilogy is known for its epic battles, but the Battle of Helm's Deep in The Two Towers stands out as a pinnacle of action cinema. Despite the film's fragmented narrative, the siege of Helm's Deep and the Ents' assault on Isengard provide some of the most thrilling and satisfying action sequences in the trilogy, showcasing the resilience of humans, elves, hobbits, and even trees.

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 by blending humor with high-octane action. Schwarzenegger plays a secret agent whose wife is unaware of his double life. The film features standout comic performances and thrilling sequences, including a horseback chase and a bridge explosion, making it a memorable mix of laughs and action.

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 film in the Star Wars saga, thanks in part to its exceptional action scenes. From the assault on Hoth to the Millennium Falcon's asteroid field escape and the iconic lightsaber duel between Luke and Darth Vader, the film expanded the scope and ambition of sci-fi cinema, delivering unforgettable thrills.

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

Hard Boiled showcases John Woo's signature style, turning gunplay into balletic art. Chow Yun-fat's portrayal of Inspector "Tequila" Yuen is iconic, with sequences like the teahouse shootout and the hospital finale standing as some of the best gunfight choreography ever filmed. While the film may push the boundaries of plausibility, its style and substance make it a thrilling watch.

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 quintessential '90s action film, delivering non-stop thrills as a bus must maintain a speed above 50 mph to avoid an explosion. The film features unforgettable set-pieces, including a dangling elevator and a subway car battle, making it a standout in action cinema. Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock shine in this adrenaline-pumping ride.

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

The Rock is a near-perfect military action film from Michael Bay, featuring Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery in a testosterone-fueled adventure. The film's high-energy action, including a memorable Hummer chase through San Francisco, showcases Bay's knack for explosive entertainment.

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+

The Mission: Impossible series has continuously raised the stakes, with Fallout featuring Tom Cruise performing a HALO jump at 25,000 feet. The film includes some of the franchise's best action sequences, such as a bathroom brawl and a helicopter chase, solidifying its place as a standout in the series.

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

RoboCop is a darkly satirical action film, blending violent action with humor. Peter Weller's portrayal of the titular cyborg enforcer is both chilling and comedic, making the film a standout in its genre. It critiques police corruption and corporate greed while delivering intense action.

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 is an iconic '80s action film, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger in a testosterone-fueled battle against an alien hunter. The film's memorable moments, such as the arm-wrestling handshake and the use of mud as camouflage, have made it a timeless classic in the genre.

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

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a visceral action film, following The Bride's quest for revenge against her former allies. Quentin Tarantino's direction delivers a film-literate bloodbath, with standout action scenes like the epic battle against the Crazy 88, making it a thrilling and memorable entry 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

The Matrix revolutionized action cinema with its "bullet time" effects and philosophical themes. The film's slow-motion combat ballet, choreographed by Yuen Woo-Ping, inspired countless imitators but remains unmatched in its originality and impact. It blends action with deep questions about reality and freedom.

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 chase film, showcasing George Miller's mastery of practical effects and action choreography. The film follows Max as he becomes entangled in Furiosa's quest for freedom, delivering two hours of non-stop, visually stunning action.

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

Aliens transformed the original film's contained horror into an expansive action epic. Sigourney Weaver's portrayal of Ellen Ripley earned an Oscar nomination, anchoring the film's ensemble cast. The climactic battle against the Xenomorphs remains one of the most thrilling and intense sequences in action cinema.

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, delivering an unforgettable blend of adventure and action. From Indy's escape from a booby-trapped temple to the iconic melting face finale, the film remains a benchmark for cinematic thrills, showcasing Steven Spielberg's mastery of the genre.

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 portrayal of John McClane, an everyman cop battling barefoot through Nakatomi Plaza, combined with Alan Rickman's iconic villain, Hans Gruber, created a perfect action movie with humor, character development, and gripping action.

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 action film, featuring non-stop action and groundbreaking special effects. Arnold Schwarzenegger's return as the Terminator, alongside Linda Hamilton's fierce Sarah Connor and Robert Patrick's chilling T-1000, delivers epic action sequences and a powerful message about destiny and redemption.

See our guide to the Terminator movies in order.

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