At IGN, we have a deep appreciation for all genres of movies, but our hearts truly belong to action films. These movies have been a staple of our upbringing, encompassing both the classics and the not-so-classics from the '80s and '90s. However, the term "action movie" extends far beyond the realm of campy B-movies. Our list celebrates the best action films across various subgenres, including action/comedy, sci-fi action, martial arts, superhero action, war, and adventure.
This list was meticulously compiled and voted on by IGN's most dedicated action movie enthusiasts. We took into account the quality of the action sequences, the level of excitement they provided, and the enduring legacy of each film.
Without further ado, here 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' debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was nothing short of spectacular. Their work on "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" not only led them to direct "Captain America: Civil War" but also the climactic Avengers films of the Infinity Saga. This film stands out as a gripping espionage thriller, shaking the foundations of Steve Rogers' world and the entire MCU when it's revealed that SHIELD has been unknowingly serving HYDRA since the Red Skull's defeat. The action scenes, vehicle chases, and fight choreography are top-notch, making this film a contender for the best in the MCU, even among 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
In 2022, "RRR" captivated audiences with its audacious storytelling and over-the-top action. This Indian epic reimagines the lives of two revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, and their fight against British rule. The film's blend of cartoonish violence and grandiose musical numbers, including Oscar-winning songs, creates an exhilarating experience that is likely to climb higher on our list as time goes on.
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 within a decade. What began as a quest for vengeance over a slain puppy evolved into a global saga of redemption, featuring a dazzling array of martial arts and gunplay. "John Wick: Chapter 4" pushes the boundaries even further, culminating in a breathtaking finale that sees John facing insurmountable odds, symbolized by 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
The "Fast and Furious" series has become increasingly audacious over the years, but "Fast Five" remains a fan favorite. It serves as a pivotal point, transitioning from the original street racing narrative to the high-stakes, world-saving adventures that follow. The introduction of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Luke Hobbs adds a new dynamic, culminating in a thrilling heist in Brazil that sets the stage for future installments.
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 intellectually engaging James Bond films. Daniel Craig's portrayal of Bond as a tough exterior with a vulnerable core adds depth to the character. The film's action sequences, such as the opening parkour chase, are not only thrilling but also ground Bond in a gritty realism that resonates with audiences.
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" brings to life the story of Bruce Lee's martial arts mentor during the Sino-Japanese War. With Donnie Yen in the lead and choreography by Sammo Hung, the film combines stunning martial arts with a compelling character-driven narrative. While not a strict biography, it captures the essence of Ip Man's life 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 cinema with its tale of humanity's fight against alien invaders. The film's blend of spectacle and character-driven drama, highlighted by iconic moments like the President's rousing speech, makes it a quintessential popcorn movie. It also marked the beginning of Roland Emmerich's penchant for destroying landmarks 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 deep emotional storytelling. The film's fight scenes, set against stunning landscapes like the bamboo forest, are choreographed with precision and grace. The narrative explores themes of love and longing, making it a standout in the action genre.
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 relentless action film from Indonesia that showcases some of the most intense fight choreography in recent years. The story of a SWAT team trapped in a building full of killers is simple yet executed with brutal realism, making it an essential 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: The Two Towers" features one of the most epic battle sequences in cinema with the siege of Helm's Deep. Despite the fragmented narrative, the film's action, particularly the battle scenes and the Ents' assault on Isengard, delivers a thrilling and satisfying spectacle that showcases the resilience of its characters.
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 career with its blend of action and comedy. The film follows a secret agent whose wife is unaware of his double life, leading to a series of thrilling and humorous escapades. Memorable sequences like the horseback chase and bridge explosion highlight the film's ability to mix laughs with high-octane 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 "Star Wars" film due to its stunning action sequences, from the battle on Hoth to the iconic lightsaber duel between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. Director Irvin Kershner elevated the franchise with its expanded scope and thrilling set pieces, setting 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 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
John Woo's "Hard Boiled" is a seminal action film that transformed gunplay into an art form. Chow Yun-fat's portrayal of Inspector "Tequila" Yuen, with his balletic approach to combat, set the stage for many action films to follow. The film's iconic sequences, such as the teahouse shootout and hospital finale, are some of the most influential in action cinema.
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 that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The film's premise of a bus that must maintain a speed above 50 mph to avoid exploding leads to a series of unforgettable action sequences. Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock deliver standout performances in this relentless thrill 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 quintessential Michael Bay action film, featuring Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery in a high-octane military thriller. The film's blend of action and testosterone-fueled bravado, highlighted by scenes like Sean Connery's rampage through San Francisco in a Hummer, makes it a standout in the genre.
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 consistently raised the bar for action cinema, and "Fallout" is no exception. Tom Cruise's commitment to performing his own stunts, including a HALO jump at 25,000 feet, adds an unparalleled level of authenticity to the film's action sequences. From the bathroom brawl to the helicopter chase, "Fallout" delivers some of the franchise's most thrilling moments.
