The 10 best Hollywood action movies of all time
The world of Hollywood action cinema is a testament to the industry’s ability to showcase, innovate and tell stories! As long as there are movies, there will be action movies. Because no girl or boy grows up pretending to be a damsel in distress or a friend. They all want to punch, draw swords and run towards danger. So let’s sit down and remember the 10 best Hollywood action movies of all time.
Die Hard series (1988 onwards)
Based on ex-cop Roderick Thorpe’s 1979 novel “Nothing Lasts Forever,” “Die Hard,” directed by John McTiernan, showed how action movies should be made! Not only did the film introduce relentless action, it also introduced a new archetype for action heroes: the vulnerable, relatable everyman.
The first installment in the series, “Die Hard-1,” starred Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald Veljohnson, and Alexander Godunov, and grossed more than $100 million at the box office alone.
The film later had a series of sequels (5 films in total that grossed $1.4 billion worldwide).
All five films revolve around the main character of John McClane, a police detective who constantly finds himself in the middle of a crisis where he is the only hope against disaster.
Bruce Willis’s portrayal of the NYPD detective, who fights off villains, one by one, brought humor and humanity to the action hero template.
Terminator series
The Terminator is a 1984 American science fiction film, co-written and directed by James Cameron.
The film is based on the works of Harlan Ellison, an American author known for his New Wave fantasy writings. The film is very similar to a horror film as a sci-fi action film. Linda Hamilton stars as Sarah Connor, a kindly waitress who doesn’t realize she’s being targeted for extermination by a high-tech robot from the future, played by a terrifyingly cold Arnold Schwarzenegger.
It is Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), a fiercely loyal soldier of the future, who saves her.
Bold, violent, idea-driven filmmaking, with special effects so impressive you’d hardly know it was a low-budget production. Everything in The Terminator looked epic. Or at least it did, until Part 2 came along and redefined what an “epic” could be.
Terminator -2 Judgment is by far the most widely produced of all the Terminator films. Dialogues like “I’ll be back” and “Hasta la Vista, baby” are made memorable by Arnold as the “Terminator.” Released in 1991, this sequel elevated the narrative with its exploration of themes such as fate and the impact of technology on humanity. Schwarzenegger’s Terminator transformation from villain to protector provided a compelling dynamic, while the introduction of the T-1000, played by Robert Patrick, demonstrated revolutionary visual effects that have influenced countless films since.
The six films within the franchise have been produced and have grossed over $3 billion by 2010.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
An apocalyptic story set on the far reaches of our planet, in a stark desert landscape where humanity has been shattered, and almost everyone is fighting madly for the necessities of life. In this world there are two rebels on the run who may be able to restore order. There is Max, a man of action and a man of few words, who searches for peace of mind after losing his wife and child in the aftermath of chaos. and Furiosa, a woman of action and a woman who believes her path to survival can be achieved if she can cross the desert back to her childhood home. The film was directed by George Miller and Charlize Theron’s character “Furiosa” remains one of the most iconic action characters played by a female lead to date.
The film’s practical effects, real stunts, and minimal use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) created a tangible and immersive world. The film also stars Tom Hardy and Nicholas Hoult.
Matrix series
The Matrix was an American cyberpunk media franchise consisting of four feature films, beginning with The Matrix (1999) and continuing with three sequels, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions (both 2003), and The Matrix Resurrections (2021).
It is an essential work that questions reality and perception through its narrative and innovative visual style. The film is a dark mystery about what the Matrix is, and as it unravels, you see a dystopian future that is unlike any future we want as a race.
This movie is so well written that you can’t prove the movie wrong about our world. This movie makes you believe in a world that could be just a reflection, or fake. It’s not just about the war between artificial intelligence and humanity. It’s more about questioning reality.
Years later, the idea never gets old. It’s philosophical underpinnings, combined with groundbreaking action sequences like the bullet time effect, create a multi-faceted film that resonates with audiences on multiple levels.
Indiana Jones Franchise
Indiana Jones is an American media franchise consisting of five films and a prequel television series, along with associated games, comics, and novels. The franchise depicts the adventures of Dr. Henry Walton also known as Indiana Jones Jr., who is portrayed by Harrison Ford and is a fictional professor of archaeology.
The first film of the series is “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981), “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” (1984), “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989), “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Death” (1989), “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Death” (1989). “The Crystal Skull” (2008) and the recent film “Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny” (2023).
Spielberg’s creation of Indiana Jones, a hero who was both a scientist and an adventurer, was a huge success! The combination of historical mystery, Ford’s charismatic performance, and the perfect balance of action, humor, and suspense sets a new standard for adventure cinema.
Alien franchise
Alien, directed by Ridley Scott, is a 1979 science fiction horror film starring Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright, and John Hurt.
The film follows the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo, who, after coming across a mysterious abandoned spaceship, find themselves confronted by a deadly alien species loose aboard the ship.
The film was met with mixed reviews but was declared a success at the box office. But it was the 1986 sequel “Aliens” that blew our minds.
It’s not often that a follow-up isn’t as good as the original (and better in some ways), but Aliens has become one of the best films of all time. A cinematic masterpiece, a space horror, dramatic, action-packed and sometimes funny.
Aliens have changed the science fiction genre
“Alien” expanded on the horror elements of the original film, infusing the story with intense action and a deeper look into the character of Ellen Ripley. Cameron’s decision to add the maternal theme, combined with sustained tension and innovative creature effects, enriched the depth of the narrative.
John Wick (2014)
The film centers around the main character, John Wick, played by Keanu Reeves, a legendary hitman who reluctantly returns to the criminal underworld after his retirement. Although he no longer had the taste for wet work, he suffered a personal tragedy that left a huge void in his life. When he and his dog (the last thing that truly makes sense) fall victim to a vile group of Russian gangsters, he comes out of his shell with revenge on his mind. Deep action scenes, an impressive arsenal of weapons, combined with crafty direction and editing, give the series a look and feel like no other.
The series began with the release of John Wick in 2014, followed by three series: Chapter 2 in 2017, Chapter 3 – Parabellum in 2019 and Chapter 4 in 2023.
Gladiator (2000)
“Gladiator” revived the historical epic genre with its thrilling story of revenge and redemption. The film is the story of Maximus, played by Russell Crowe, a powerful Roman general, beloved by the people and the elderly Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Before his death, Emperor Maximus chooses his son Commodus as heir, and a power struggle results in Maximus and his family being sentenced to death. The powerful general is unable to save his family, and his loss of will allows him to be captured and put into gladiator games until he dies. The only desire that fuels him now is the chance to rise to the top so that he can look into the eyes of the man whose revenge he will feel.
The film’s authenticity in recreating ancient Rome, combined with Crowe’s commanding performance and poignant musical score, provided an emotionally and visually stunning cinematic experience.
Leon: The Professional (1994)
After her father, stepmother, sister, and little brother are murdered by her father’s employers, the 12-year-old daughter of a drug dealer takes refuge in the apartment of a hitman who tutors her at her request. His job methods so she can get revenge on the corrupt DEA agent who ruined her life by killing her beloved brother.
Jean Reno as Leon and Natalie Portman as Matilda in the lead roles do a fantastic job!
This film balances intense action with moments of tenderness and humor, creating a unique dynamic between its protagonists. Reno’s portrayal of Leon as a deadly but lonely hitman, and Portman’s debut performance, add layers of complexity to this action-packed story.
The Beginning (2010)
Nolan’s “The Beginning” is a cerebral heist thriller that unfolds within a dreamscape, challenging perceptions of reality. Its innovative plot, combined with stunning visual effects and physics-defying action sequences, make it a thought-provoking exploration of the subconscious.
The film follows Dom Cobb, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, a skilled thief and the best at the dangerous art of extraction, as he steals valuable secrets from the depths of the subconscious during a dream state, when the mind is at its most vulnerable.
Cobb’s rare ability made him a sought-after player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he ever loved. Now Cobb is offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back but only if he can achieve the impossible, the beginning. Instead of the perfect heist, Cobb and his team of specialists have to do the opposite: their mission is not to steal an idea, but to plant it. If they succeed, it could be the perfect crime. But no amount of careful planning or experience can prepare the team to face a dangerous enemy who seems to anticipate their every move. An enemy that only Cobb could see coming
