At IGN, we have a deep appreciation for all genres of movies, but action films hold a special place in our hearts. These films have been a staple of our upbringing, from the thrilling, if sometimes mindless, action movies of the '80s and '90s to the diverse and innovative action films of today. Our definition of an action movie transcends the traditional B-movie fare, encompassing a wide array of subgenres such as action/comedy, sci-fi action, martial arts, superhero action, war, and adventure. This list reflects our passion, compiled and voted on by IGN's most avid action fans, taking into account the quality of action, the level of excitement, and the film's lasting impact.
Here are IGN's 25 best action movies of all time:
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 made a remarkable entry into the MCU with "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," which not only led to their involvement in "Captain America: Civil War" but also the monumental "Avengers" films of the Infinity Saga. This film is a top-tier espionage thriller that disrupts Steve Rogers' world and the entire MCU, revealing SHIELD's infiltration by HYDRA. The action scenes, from vehicle chases to intense fight choreography, are executed with precision and flair, cementing "Winter Soldier" as a standout in the MCU.
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" stormed into theaters in 2022, captivating audiences with its exuberant Indian action epic. It fictionalizes the lives of two Indian revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, and their battle against British rule. The film is a spectacular blend of over-the-top action and sweeping musical numbers, including Oscar-winning songs. Its audacious style and thrilling sequences make it a memorable addition to the action genre.
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 four films. The saga of a relentless hitman seeking vengeance for his slain puppy has evolved into a global quest for redemption, showcasing various martial arts and combat styles. "John Wick: Chapter 4" raises the bar with its intense sequences, culminating in a breathtaking staircase battle, showcasing the series' signature blend of action and drama.
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" franchise, bridging the original street racing narrative with the high-stakes, globe-trotting adventures that followed. Dwayne Johnson's debut as Luke Hobbs adds a new dynamic, leading to a thrilling heist in Brazil that remains a cornerstone of the series and sets the stage for future plots.
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's portrayal of a more rugged and emotionally complex 007. The film strips away the franchise's excesses to focus on raw, gritty action and a compelling narrative. The opening parkour chase and other action sequences are standout moments that return Bond to his thrilling roots.
Check out our guide to James Bond movies in order.
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" brings the legendary Wing Chun grandmaster to life, focusing on his journey during the Sino-Japanese War. Donnie Yen's performance, combined with Sammo Hung's masterful choreography, delivers a thrilling blend of action and drama. The film captures the essence of Ip Man's legacy with a compelling narrative and breathtaking fight scenes.
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" captures the spirit of '90s action with its thrilling depiction of an alien invasion. The film's ensemble cast, including Will Smith and Bill Pullman, delivers memorable performances amidst spectacular action sequences. It's a testament to the power of human resilience and teamwork in the face of overwhelming odds.
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
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" combines stunning visuals with intricate fight choreography and a poignant love story. Ang Lee's direction and Yuen Woo-Ping's action sequences create a film that is both visually spectacular and emotionally resonant, making it a landmark in action cinema.
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" is a lean and intense action film from Indonesia. Its simple premise of a SWAT team trapped in a building full of killers results in some of the most brutal and well-choreographed action sequences in recent memory. It's a must-watch for any action enthusiast.
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
"The Two Towers" stands out for its epic battle sequences, particularly the siege of Helm's Deep. Peter Jackson's direction brings the sprawling world of Middle-earth to life, delivering action that is both thrilling and emotionally engaging. The film's fragmented narrative adds depth to its action-packed climax.
See our guide to The Lord of the Rings movies in order.
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 action and comedy. The film features standout sequences like the horseback chase through the city and the bridge explosion, showcasing James Cameron's ability to craft thrilling and entertaining action films.
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 hailed as the best "Star Wars" film for its compelling narrative and stunning action sequences. From the battle on Hoth to the iconic lightsaber duel between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, the film expands the saga's scope and delivers unforgettable thrills.
See our guide to the Star Wars movies in order.
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" is a landmark in action cinema, with John Woo's signature style turning gunplay into ballet. Chow Yun-fat's performance as Inspector "Tequila" Yuen is iconic, delivering some of the most thrilling and stylish action sequences ever filmed, from the teahouse shootout to the hospital finale.
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 film, delivering non-stop thrills from start to finish. The premise of a bus that must maintain a speed above 50 mph or explode leads to a series of unforgettable action sequences, showcasing Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock in their prime.
See our guide to the best Keanu Reeves movies.
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 high-octane action with a compelling narrative. Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery deliver standout performances, with action sequences like Connery's Hummer chase through San Francisco cementing the film's place in action cinema history.
See our guide to the best Nicolas Cage movies.
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 to push the boundaries of action cinema with Tom Cruise performing his own stunts, including a HALO jump. The film features some of the series' best action sequences, from the bathroom brawl to the helicopter chase, making it a standout entry in the franchise.
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 comedic and violent satire on police corruption and corporate greed. Peter Weller's portrayal of the titular character, along with the film's gritty action and memorable one-liners, make it a classic in the genre.
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" is a quintessential '80s action film, with Arnold Schwarzenegger facing off against an alien hunter. The film's iconic action sequences, from the arm-wrestling handshake to the final confrontation, have made it a timeless classic in the genre.
See our guide to the Predator movies in order.
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 a visceral and stylish action film, with Uma Thurman's quest for revenge leading to some of the most memorable action sequences in cinema. The film's blend of martial arts, gore, and Tarantino's unique storytelling makes it a standout in the genre.
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 innovative use of "bullet time" and philosophical themes. The film's blend of martial arts and groundbreaking visual effects, combined with its compelling narrative, has made it a landmark in the genre.
See our guide to the Matrix movies in order.
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 film that showcases George Miller's mastery of practical effects and action filmmaking. The film's non-stop action and strong performances, particularly from Charlize Theron as Furiosa, make it a standout in the action genre.
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" transforms the original film's horror into a thrilling action epic. James Cameron's direction and Sigourney Weaver's iconic performance as Ellen Ripley make the film a standout, with its intense action sequences and memorable characters.
See our guide to the Alien movies in order.
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" is a thrilling adventure that set the standard for action films. Steven Spielberg's direction, combined with Harrison Ford's charismatic performance as Indiana Jones, delivers a film that is both exciting and enduring.
See our guide to the Indiana Jones movies in order.
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 compelling narrative and memorable characters. Bruce Willis's performance as John McClane and Alan Rickman's portrayal of Hans Gruber, combined with John McTiernan's direction, make it a perfect action film.
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 the ultimate action film, combining non-stop action with groundbreaking special effects and a powerful narrative. James Cameron's direction, along with the performances of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton, make it a timeless classic that continues to inspire action cinema.
See our guide to the Terminator movies in order.
What do you think is the best action movie of all time?
AnswerSee ResultsWhat are your favorite action movies? What explodes to the top of your list? Let us know in the comments!
In 2025, several new action movies have hit the screens, and we've reviewed the best and worst of them. You can check out our reviews of some of the biggest action movies released in 2025 so far below or dive into all IGN movie reviews.
Looking ahead, there are several exciting action movies slated for release in 2025:
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