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Best Action Films

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Great Action Movies

If you love action films as much as I do, you should enjoy this lens. The best action movies come in a lot of shapes and sizes including adventure films, spy thrillers, sci fi action thrillers, suspense thrillers, heist films, etc. I particularly like the nonstop action thrillers where you can hardly catch your breath in between action sequences, including such films as Speed, Die Hard and Eagle Eye.

The great action movies included on this ranking span 29 years from Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981 to Inception in 2010. Only two leading men appear on the list twice, Harrison Ford and Keanu Reeves, but many other big name action stars make the list including Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christian Bale, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon.

This list of best action films is based on the blended average of all member rankings at Rankography top ten movies and it is a mix of many of these different action genres. While it is likely you have heard of all the action movies in the top 10, there are many more action films on the composite ranking including many lesser known action movies to discover.

If you want to browse through the full list of top action films, then click through to the best action movies category on Rankography.

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Photo from Raiders of the Lost Ark courtesy of Paramount Pictures

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10. Speed (1994)

The Ultimate Non-Stop Action Movie Thriller

speed best action movies keanu reeves sandra bullockThis high speed, adrenaline packed action movie is truly one of a kind. After, I watched this action film with my kids, they begged me to find other movies like Speed and we have tried many others but none compare to the non-stop action of Speed. Even Die Hard and T2 have quiet periods. Eagle Eye is probably the closest we have found.

Whatever your opinion of Keanu Reeves as an actor, there is no denying that this is an outstanding fast-paced action movie and there is great chemistry between Reeves and Sandra Bullock. As usual, Dennis Hopper gives a stunning performance as the deranged retired cop villain. This is definitely one of the best action movies of all time.

Get a signed Keenu Reeves photo from Speed

or get a Speed movie poster

9. Fight Club (1999)

An Action Film with Layers and Layers of Depth

fight club action films brad pitt ed nortonThe first rule of Fight Club is don't talk about Fight Club. But, we are going to talk about it because this is one of the best action films ever in the suspense genre. It is a complicated plot initiated by The Narrator's (Edward Norton) growing disillusionment with the automobile industry and their careless disregard for the public and the victims.

David Fincher delivers a film that is incredibly complex with many layers of subtext that grows in depth with each viewing. The cast is superb with Brad Pitt, Norton and Helena Bonham Carter. While I am sure many were turned away from this action movie because of the title, but this is not a film filled with needless violence. Yes there is violence, but it fulfills the plot line and woven into the fabric of the movie. It is an excellent movie that requires at least one viewing.

Get an autographed Brad Pitt photo from Fight Club

Buy this limited edition original movie poster or you could get a replica poster from one of the great action movies

Check out the movie soundtrack for this best action movie

Psychology and mental instability played such a key role in this film that it is only fitting that they created a unique film score. It is an Original score that is decidedly both urban and techno in nature. You will immediately get the feel for the film through its music.

8. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

The Grand Finale in the Bourne Trilogy Really Delivers

bourne ultimatum action movies matt damonThe Bourne series is one of the most read spy novel series of all time so it is no wonder that the Bourne films were such blockbuster hits. The Bourne Ultimatum is the finale in the trilogy in which Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) finally has the opportunity to unravel the mystery behind his CIA past.

Each of the Bourne movies are filled with high energy while Bourne is chased across the world by his old employer. However, The Bourne Ultimatum is the best of the three films both because it has a more complex and interesting plot and also because it provides us with many answers to the mysteries of the series. If you enjoy fast-paced action and intrigue in a spy setting, then the Bourne series is about as good as they come.

Get an autographed Matt Damon as Bourne photo in Paris

or buy this original limited edition movie poster or you can get a replica poster of this top action film.

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7. The Fugitive (1993)

On the Run to Prove his Innocence

the fugitive best action films harrison fordAccused of murdering his wife, Dr. Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford) is on the run and trying to find evidence to prove that he is innocent. This is a fascinating thriller movie in that we are "aligned" with the supposed murderer and the US Marshall (Tommy Lee Jones) chasing him actually feels like the villain.

This is one of the great action movies, but it is also a murder mystery that we unravel with Dr. Kimble throughout the film. The cast is excellent and also includes Julianne Moore and Sela Ward. If you like sophisticated action films, The Fugitive is one of the best you will find.

Get an autographed Harrison Ford photo

or buy a limited edition original movie poster or this framed replica poster of this great action film.

6. The Dark Knight (2008)

A Nemesis as Formidable as Batman

the Dark knight great action movies heath ledgerMost of the outstanding cast from Batman Begins has returned in this great action movie including Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Maggy Gyllenhaal. However, the key added ingredient that really puts this film over the top is Heath Ledger as the Joker. In his final performance prior to his untimely death, Ledger provides a stunning performance that won him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar as the tortured and demented Joker. It was the penultimate performance to a brilliant career cut short by an accidental overdose.

The Dark Knight is definitely one of the greatest action movies of all time and solidified Christopher Nolan's place as the best young Director in Hollywood.

Buy this limited edition original movie poster or you can get a framed replica of this poster of one of the best action movies.

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Also check out this framed and Christian Bale autographed film cell

5. Inception (2010)

A Fast Paced Action Movie that Entertains on Many Levels

inception movie image leonardo dicaprioChristopher Nolan's second action film on the list is his 2010 blockbuster Inception. This suspense thriller is both an action movie and a multilevel mystery film. Once again, Nolan assembled an outstanding cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael Caine, Tom Berenger, Ken Watanabe and Ellen Page. Nolan also wrote the screenplay for this highly complex action thriller.

In an undefined time period, technology has been developed to invade another person's dreams. Naturally, a black market has developed for thieves that can steal corporate secrets through others dreams and Dom Cobb (DiCaprio) is the master of this dream deception. In Inception, Cobb and his band of thieves are attempting a very dangerous "mind heist" that involves multiple dream levels. They are in a race against time as well as some dangerous "dream protectors". It is a highly entertaining action movie with many layers of complex that will keep you guessing throughout the film. Definitely, one of the best action films ever.

Autographed Leonardo DiCaprio photo

Buy this framed Inception movie poster

4. T2 Terminator 2 (1991)

Cutting Edge CGI and a Loveable Cyborg Hero Make this Film

T2 Terminator 2 great action movies schwarzeneggerT2, the blockbuster sequel to The Terminator, was revolutionary because of its groundbreaking use of computer generated imagery ("CGI") to create an absolutely chilling villain cyborg, the T-1000 (Robert Patrick). His ability to repair himself against all conventional weapons created a terrifying helplessness while the heroes tried to evade this cold-blooded killer. His free flowing liquid metal remains incredibly cool and futuristic to this day.

In T2, Arnold Schwarzenegger's cyborg character returns from the future , but this time he has been sent by future John as an ally and protector for young John Connor (Edward Furlong) and his mother Sarah (Linda Hamilton). The three are in a race to find the creator of Skynet, the future network that will become self aware to allow machines to take the world from humans. However, they also must evade the the T-1000 which has been sent by Skynet to kill young John Connor so that he cannot save the human race.

There are few sci fi action thrillers that can even compare to T2. If you like your action mixed with sci fi technology, then this is one of the greatest action films that you will ever find.

Get an autographed Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cameron photo from Terminator 2

or buy a limited edition original movie poster or you could get a framed replica poster from one of the great action movies.

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3. The Matrix (1999)

Revolutionary Technology Movie that Blew our Minds

the matrix action movies keanu reeves fishburneIn 1999, The Wachowski Brothers blew our mind with this high energy hacker thriller. I distinctly remember walking out of the theater a bit dazed thinking "wow, what just happened". Their concept for a struggle between man and machines is so groundbreaking that it really took our minds a while to fully comprehend the movie. I will not discuss the plot here for anyone that has not seen the movie before, but what I can say is that the matrix is a concept that involves the digits, 1 and 0 that lie at the heart of all computing.

It was a shame that neither of the two sequels could live up to The Matrix. However, this first film was so good that it really was an impossible task. Keanu Reeves is the star of this film as Neo and he is one of only two leading men (with Harrison Ford) that appear twice on this top action movies list. While the entire cast is good, Laurence Fishburne is fantastic as the cult leader, Morpheus.

Get a signed Keenu Reeve, NEO photo

or buy a limited edition original movie poster or you could get a less expensive framed replica poster of the best action films.

Sample songs from The Matrix Movie Soundtrack

The intense action movie needed a hard-edged movie soundtrack and so you will notice a strong metal and alternative theme to this soundtrack. If you like your rock hard driving and intense, you will enjoy this soundtrack.

2. Die Hard (1988)

John McLane's Debut as an Action Movie Hero

die hard movie image bruce willisJohn McLane (Bruce Willis) is one of the most endearing action movie heroes of all time. He is an "everyman" hero with incredible resilience and a cutting wit even in the toughest situations. It is no wonder that there have been 3 sequels and a 4th on the way in 2012. We are first introduced to McLane in this great action movie. John is a vacationing New York City cop, who is visiting his wife and kids in Los Angeles, when he gets caught up in a kidnapping at the Nakatomi Plaza building.

Long before Alan Rickman played Professor Snape in the Harry Potter series, he was Hans Gruber, the heartless mastermind of the kidnapping plot in Die Hard. Rickman is excellent as the cold-blooded Gruber which paved the way for an outstanding career of villain roles for Rickman. This is one of the great action movies and a must see for any action junkie.

Get a signed Bruce Willis, Die Hard photo

or Buy a limited edition original movie poster or you could get a framed replica poster from one of the greatest action movies of all time.

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1. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

The Grandaddy of all Adventure Movies

raiders of the lost ark movie poster imageIn 1981, Harrison Ford made Archeology sexy in Raiders of the Lost Ark, which most feel is the greatest action movie of all time. This is an archeological quest film for the ultimate archeological find, the biblical Ark of the Covenant. We travel the globe with Indiana Jones (Ford) looking for clues to the whereabouts of the Ark. It is a wonderful adventure and time will fly by while you are enthralled in this film.

This is one of Steven Spielberg's most beloved films. What truly sets this film apart is its timeless quality. Because it is set in archeological settings with with lots of hand to hand combat with little technology, it works as well today as it did back in 1981. Indy is a man's man hero whose likability is as strong among men as it is among women. This film is the granddaddy of Adventure Movies and a really great action film.

Buy an original Raiders movie poster here, original, reissued in 1982; mint condition, folded.

Get a framed autographed Harrison Ford, Indiana Jones photo

Or get this Lamina Raiders movie poster

Check out the Music

From this Memorable Action Movie Soundtrack

The Raiders of the Lost Ark theme song is one of the most memorable film theme of all time. However, the entire movie soundtrack is beautifully composed by John Williams and will conjure warm memories of this enjoyable action film.

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Foreign Box Office: 'Men In Black 3' Handily Unseats 'The Avengers' as the No ...
China action was the market's second biggest opening of 2012, and the seventh biggest opening weekend ever for a Hollywood film, beating the recent China bows of The Avengers and Battleship. Japan ($7.98 million at 980 venues) and South Korea ($8.53 ...
Snow White unleashes her inner action hero
Once upon a time, it seemed not every Hollywood movie was based on a story for kids - a comic, a book series, something out of Grimm. But if, as some believe, there really are only seven or so stories in the world, even that belief was a fairy tale.
Khiladi Kumar deliberately moved out of action
Mumbai, May 25 -- After many years, actor Akshay Kumar is set to make his comeback in action with his soon-to-be released Rowdy Rathore. He says that he deliberately left doing such movies and chose to return to the genre only because of the popular ...
Jackie Chan Retiring from Big Action Movies, But Has One Last Trailer
Chan recently appeared at the Cannes Film Festival to do some promotion for his new film, and apparently revealed he's retiring from action movies - or maybe just "big action movies", but we're not entirely sure. The first set of quotes comes from The ...
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Any Feedback for this Top Action Films Lens?

I would love to know what you think about this lens on the Best Action Movies of all time. If you liked it, you might want to check out our other lens about the Best Movies in a number of genres.

  • surfer1969 May 27, 2012 @ 7:34 pm | delete
    A very nice lens,fight club Is 1 of my fave movies.
  • cinefile May 24, 2012 @ 5:26 pm | delete
    Raiders all the way!
  • karmicchristian May 24, 2012 @ 8:37 am | delete
    Love this action packed list!
  • Camden May 21, 2012 @ 11:04 pm | delete
    I'll have to see some of these movies with the kids this summer - they've hardly seen anything on the list.
  • Bill_Lawrence May 7, 2012 @ 10:43 am | delete
    I'm a Die Hard fan. Bruce Willis was the man.
  • poddys May 1, 2012 @ 2:13 pm | delete
    The Fugitive was good, as was Dark Knight, the Die Hard series, Speed, well most of the list.
  • MaryStuart Apr 27, 2012 @ 9:07 pm | delete
    Great list! "The Fugitive" and "Terminator 2" tie as my favorite action films.
  • greasergirlalex Apr 10, 2012 @ 2:58 pm | delete
    This lens is awesome and I love the Dark Knight
  • rantheman1 Apr 10, 2012 @ 10:10 am | delete
    Another great lens! Action movies are awesome!
  • goo2eyes Apr 9, 2012 @ 10:41 am | delete
    i don't want any boxing film but i saw 80% of the films you featured here.
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