Top 25 Action Films Ever Ranked

At IGN, we're passionate about movies of all genres, but action films hold a special place in our hearts. They've fueled our weekends and defined our cinematic experiences from the '80s and '90s to the present day. While we cherish the classic action-packed thrillers, our definition of an action movie extends beyond the typical B-movie fare to include a diverse array of subgenres, such as action/comedy, sci-fi action, martial arts, superhero action, war, and adventure.

Our list of the top 25 action movies of all time was meticulously crafted by IGN's dedicated action movie enthusiasts. We evaluated the films based on the quality of action sequences, the intensity of thrills, and their lasting impact on cinema.

Here are 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 rent from Prime Video and other platforms

The Russo Brothers' debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with Captain America: The Winter Soldier was a resounding success, setting the stage for their subsequent work on Captain America: Civil War and the Avengers films. This film is a gripping espionage thriller that not only disrupts Steve Rogers' life but also reshapes the entire MCU, revealing SHIELD's infiltration by HYDRA. The action sequences, from vehicle chases to intense fight choreography, are executed with precision and excitement. Many consider this to be one of the best MCU films, rivaling even 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 stormed into theaters in 2022, captivating audiences with its over-the-top action and epic storytelling. This Indian film follows the fictional adventures of two revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, as they unite to fight against British oppression. With its blend of cartoonish violence, sweeping musical numbers, and Oscar-winning songs, RRR is a vibrant spectacle that promises to climb higher in our rankings with time.

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 series has packed an incredible amount of action into its four films. From the story of a man seeking vengeance for his slain puppy to a global quest for redemption, the franchise has evolved to showcase a variety of martial arts and intense gunplay. John Wick: Chapter 4 brings the saga to a spectacular, record-breaking climax, featuring a literal 300-step staircase into 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

Fast Five is often hailed as the pinnacle of the Fast and Furious franchise, bridging the original storyline with the later, more extravagant adventures. It introduced Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Luke Hobbs, who pursues Dom Toretto and his crew. The film culminates in an unforgettable heist in Brazil, setting the stage for the subsequent revenge plot 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 is a cerebral addition to the James Bond series, with Daniel Craig's portrayal adding depth to the character. His Bond is both physically imposing and emotionally vulnerable, bringing a new dimension to the iconic role. The film's action sequences, particularly the opening parkour chase, are breathtaking and return Bond to his gritty roots.

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 follows the life of Bruce Lee's martial arts teacher during the Sino-Japanese War. With Donnie Yen in the lead and martial arts choreography by Sammo Hung, the film blends graceful martial arts with compelling drama. While not a strict biography, Ip Man captures the essence of its subject with thrilling action and emotional depth.

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 with its tale of humanity's fight against alien invaders. With iconic scenes and memorable characters, including Will Smith's pilot and Bill Pullman's inspiring president, the film delivers a thrilling spectacle. It set the stage for Roland Emmerich's signature style of large-scale destruction and solidified Will Smith's status as an action hero.

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 is a masterpiece that blends breathtaking action with a poignant love story. The film's fight scenes, set against stunning backdrops like a bamboo forest, are choreographed with elegance and precision. The tavern sequence, featuring Zhang Ziyi's character Jen, is a standout, showcasing a blend of martial arts, wire-work, and comedy.

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 lean, mean action film from Indonesia that delivers relentless, realistic fight choreography. The plot centers on a SWAT team trapped in a building filled with killers, forcing them to fight their way out. The film's action sequences are both intense and beautifully executed, making it 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

The Two Towers features one of the most iconic battle sequences in cinema with the Battle of Helm's Deep. Despite the fragmented narrative, the film delivers thrilling action and emotional depth, culminating in a satisfying spectacle as the forces of good, including humans, elves, hobbits, and ents, stand against overwhelming odds.

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

True Lies revitalized Arnold Schwarzenegger's action career with its blend of action and comedy. The film features Schwarzenegger as a secret agent whose wife is unaware of his double life. With memorable sequences like the horseback chase and the bridge explosion, True Lies delivers both laughs and thrills.

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 regarded as the best Star Wars film due to its compelling action sequences. From the battle on Hoth to the asteroid chase and the climactic lightsaber duel between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, the film expands the universe's scope and delivers 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 of turning gunplay into ballet. Chow Yun-fat's character, Inspector "Tequila" Yuen, takes down a criminal empire with flair and precision. The film's iconic sequences, such as the teahouse shootout and the hospital finale, are some of the most 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 that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. With Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock in lead roles, the film features unforgettable sequences like the bus chase and the subway battle. Its high-octane action and suspense make it a standout in the genre.

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 quintessential Michael Bay action film, featuring Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery in a testosterone-fueled adventure. The film's explosive action, including a memorable Hummer chase through San Francisco, showcases Bay's flair for spectacle and high-stakes drama.

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 raises the bar for action filmmaking with Tom Cruise's daring stunts, including a HALO jump. The film's action sequences, from the bathroom brawl to the helicopter chase, are some of the most thrilling in the series, showcasing Cruise's commitment to his craft.

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 humorous and violent satire of police corruption and corporate greed. Peter Weller's portrayal of the cyborg cop is both stoic and poignant, delivering iconic lines and memorable action sequences. The film's bleak vision of the future remains impactful and entertaining.

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 for its blend of intensity and humor. With iconic moments like the arm-wrestling handshake and Arnold's showdown with the alien predator, the film delivers timeless action and suspense. Its rule of using mud for camouflage has become legendary.

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 rent from other platforms

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a visceral and stylish revenge tale, with Uma Thurman's character seeking retribution against her former allies. Quentin Tarantino's direction blends intense action with cinematic flair, particularly in the epic battle against the Crazy 88. The film's violence is both thrilling and meticulously crafted.

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 rent from other platforms

The Matrix revolutionized action cinema with its "bullet time" effects and philosophical themes. The Wachowskis' film blends high-concept ideas with stunning martial arts choreography, courtesy of Yuen Woo-Ping. Neo's battle against Agent Smith remains a cultural touchstone, inspiring countless imitators.

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 that showcases George Miller's mastery of practical effects and action. Tom Hardy's Max becomes a key player in Charlize Theron's Furiosa's quest for freedom, delivering a visually stunning and emotionally charged narrative.

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, rent from other platforms

Aliens transforms the horror of the original Alien into an action-packed war film. Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley leads an ensemble cast in a battle against the alien threat, culminating in an epic showdown. The film's suspense and action are unmatched, cementing its place in the genre.

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 is a timeless adventure film that launched the Indiana Jones franchise. With its iconic opening sequence and relentless pacing, the film blends action, humor, and suspense. Steven Spielberg's direction and Harrison Ford's performance make it a benchmark for action cinema.

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 with its "everyman" hero, John McClane, played by Bruce Willis. The film's suspenseful plot, memorable villain in Hans Gruber, and iconic action sequences set the standard for action films. Its influence continues to be felt across the genre.

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, rent from Prime Video and more

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a landmark in action cinema, featuring groundbreaking special effects and non-stop action. Arnold Schwarzenegger's return as the Terminator, now a protector, and Linda Hamilton's fierce performance as Sarah Connor, elevate the film. Its message about destiny and redemption adds depth to its thrilling sequences.

See our guide to the Terminator movies in order.

What do you think is the best action movie of all time? Let us know in the comments!

New Action Movies of 2025

In 2025, a variety of new action movies have hit the screens, and we've reviewed them to help you find the best and avoid the worst. Here are some of the notable releases: