Top 10 Best Action Movies of All Time

Anything with action, baby. That's really good, of course.
The Top Ten
1 Terminator 2: Judgement Day

Best action film ever made. No argument on it. This movie is a masterpiece in nearly every single aspect: action, characters, set pieces, production, script, and dialogue. There's hardly any other film I know that compares. Also, it's the best film sequel, in my opinion. I mean, this film was made in 1991, yet it still looks so good, showing that it's aged really well. Those visual effects were top-notch. The action was amazing, and the characters are so fleshed out and interesting in their own way. It's also very emotional, which is something very few action films have these days.

The '80s and '90s were the golden era for action movies and action stars - Schwarzenegger, Stallone, Seagal, Chan, Li, Van Damme, Willis, Snipes, and others. Terminator 2 is where it probably peaked. Predator is right up there as well, and Stallone created the two most iconic action characters of all time (Rocky and Rambo), but Rocky is more of a drama than an action movie. Terminator 2 was a brilliant movie, and Arnold was so perfect for it. It really couldn't have been done without him. Maybe Sly could have done it, but Arnold was just so perfect for the character. It'll probably never be topped.

2 Die Hard

Die Hard is the quintessential action film. You have a character who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. A band of terrorists hell-bent on chaos. Great supporting roles and a wonderful villain in Hans. And let's not forget the humor in John McClane as he tries to make light of the dark situation around him.

Die Hard is the movie that all other action films are judged upon. Enough said.

An excellent movie with an excellent plot, setting, cast, main and supporting actors - it is difficult to say which of these is the best feature of the movie. Let us not lose sight of the good humor. A film I could watch over and over again, dozens of times. Each time I watch it, I feel the same pleasure and suspense as during the first viewing.

As far as action protagonists go, John McClane, brilliantly played by Bruce Willis, is about as good as they come. Add in some of the most intense gunfights ever filmed and many classic one-liners, and you have a nearly perfect thriller.

3 The Matrix

I saw this movie when I was 12 and fell in love. Who doesn't love a sci-fi mind warp with amazing kung fu? I have watched this movie at least twice a year since. Just remembering the first time I saw Morpheus in his worn-out chair giving his epic speech gives me chills. I hope to God they invent a virtual reality game that's just like this movie. So get on that, Microsoft and Sony.

The Matrix made me gasp when the flush commenced. I was floored, and it gave me a lot to think about. It gives me the chills to think about my initial reaction to the movie. They revolutionized the fight sequences in action movies for years to come. Love it!

Yeah, now that's my stuff! I reckon it's the greatest movie of the last few decades. It's got a super-revolutionary idea. It just blew me away. Plus, it has the ever-amazing Keanu Reeves. The whole series rocks - all for Zion!

4 The Dark Knight

Because he's the hero Gotham deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So, we'll hunt him, because he can take it. Because he's not our hero. He's a silent guardian, a watchful protector, a Dark Knight.

Because the Joker is a very unique character, a criminal genius capable of giving Batman hassles. The plot is also difficult to guess, and of course, the advanced equipment in Batman.

The best action movie I've ever seen. The use of IMAX cameras has made it look awesome. It also has the best action sequence in it. Heath Ledger in the role of Joker is very unpredictable.

5 The Lord of The Rings - The Return of The King

Seriously? 15th? The Lord of the Rings trilogy, especially The Return of the King, is literally flawless. Everything about it is amazing: its plot, storytelling, acting, music, sets, etc. Though it is a fantasy, the story feels very realistic, and the emotional struggles that the characters go through are things that we have to deal with in our own lives. But most importantly, The Lord of the Rings has a depth that most action movies don't have at all.

Does Die Hard have a giant clash of the forces of good and evil in an epic war scene? No. How about The Matrix? No, again. Jurassic Park? No. I think you get my point.

I am a big, huge Lord of the Rings fan, and this movie is amazing, filled with battles, showing courage and lessons in friendship, and even showing who you really are. Aragorn showed himself to be a king [which was my favorite scene. I could tell he was very proud].

6 Gladiator

This is one of my favorite movies of all time.

A general who became a slave.

A slave who became a gladiator.

A gladiator who defied an emperor.

This is a great movie and you should watch it. Also, the villain, I can't think of his name right now, but the prince, is one of the most evil villains in a movie as well.

Although I wouldn't necessarily call this an action movie because it's so much more than that, but the action scenes are exhilarating. Top it off with mind-blowing acting, set pieces, and soundtrack, this is not the best action movie. This is the BEST MOVIE, PERIOD.

Good story, good actors, won the Oscar, and is packed with action, definitely one of the ten movies you must see before you die.

7 300

You better believe it! This movie kept me in utter fascination on the edge of my seat. I loved every moment of it! The action, the blood, the acting! I'm getting pumped up just thinking about it!

I am amazed to see this film. It was rocking, and I love to see it again and again. One more thing which I would like to share is, please watch it to experience it.

Definitely destined to be a cult classic!

The film has everything! Excellent combat, brutal violence, memorable quotes, and an epic soundtrack!

8 Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

Raiders of the Lost Ark should be, without question, number one. The fact that I even have to say that is a disgrace. I am not trying to put down brilliant movies like Die Hard, Terminator 2, or The Dark Knight, but they still don't hold a candle to the true greatest action movie of all time. Also, putting Transformers, Troy, The One, 300, and Equilibrium ahead of this movie proves that this list is a complete joke.

I honestly don't know what this is doing this low. The Dark Knight is a better overall film, in my opinion, but as an action movie, it's nowhere near as good. This has got to be top 5 at least.

This film defined the modern action film. It features easily Harrison Ford's best role, with all due respect to Han Solo, and the humor is pitch-perfect.

9 Aliens

I think this should be number one! Action? Horror? Drama (kind of)? Social message (kind of)? This movie has literally everything!

Just as good as the first one! But with a little more action, with a very good story behind it all, one of my favorites.

The aliens have little mouths inside their big ones.

10 Saving Private Ryan

An all-time classic. This movie will be remembered forever for its dark themes, realistic take on the war, and powerful performances from Tom Hanks and Matt Damon.

The greatest war movie of all time, besides LOTR. The beginning and the ending are a very emotional ride! There is action all the time in this movie, and it is gory. Respect for those soldiers who lost their lives during the most brutal conflict in history, World War II.

The best action war movie of all time. The first 10 minutes are one of the greatest scenes in cinema history.

The Contenders
11 Jurassic Park

These movies have always fascinated me. I mean, they're the kind of movie that can make you jump without fully scaring the living daylights out of you. It's a movie you can take the whole family to see, just as enjoyable for the kids as it is for the adults. And no matter what anyone thinks, that kind of movie is just hard to find these days. And I, for one, am glad we have them.

This movie is excellent - if you like dinosaurs, of course. Some dinosaurs are meat-eaters, some are plant-eaters, and even egg-eaters. I remember watching this movie in school, and I loved it very much. And I still love it. This movie is a must for an afternoon watch.

After all these years, this movie still holds up as a top-notch film. It's got all the makings of an exciting action film, including groundbreaking special effects, but also manages to have a lot of heart and emotion, which many action movies forget.

12 Star Wars

Star Wars practically buries all other action movies because: 1. It is a classic trilogy of films that really strike your action-loving self. 2. The action in the trilogy is amazing, no doubt. Go Star Wars!

Really is a classic. The action and dialogue are so good in this movie. Harrison Ford is a crack-up, and so is Chewie!

Aliens, Indiana Jones... those are movies you can watch any time, and it doesn't matter how many times you've seen them. I've seen Star Wars IV, V, VI probably hundreds of times, and if I see them tomorrow, it will be great again.

13 The Avengers

Somebody tell me why this is number 22. This is one of my favorite movies. It has humor and action - what else can a girl ask for? Yes, I'm a girl. I'm probably the girl who loves all the superheroes. I have seen every superhero movie ever made, Marvel and DC Comics. So why is The Avengers number 22?

Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, Captain America, Hawkeye, Black Widow, and Nick Fury, Agent Coulson, Maria Hill, Loki as a villain, and a team called the Avengers going against Loki. That's a movie that's action-packed and a movie you want to watch. Am I right?

This movie was amazing in that it managed to capture the essence of most of the actual Avengers, with the exception of a few.

14 The Dark Knight Rises

This was a genius movie with an amazing plot, great suspense, and it made me really empathize with the protagonist. Christopher Nolan is a very special director, and I think this is his best film.

The best explosives movie ever and the most shocking ending ever. I thought Batman was dead, but Bruce Wayne - that movie was tricky.

Easily the best in the franchise in terms of action.

15 The Bourne Ultimatum

To me, this is the best action movie ever. "Salt" will also be on my top 10 list. "Taken" will take second place.

This movie redefines the action genre, along with its predecessor "The Bourne Supremacy".

This makes its predecessors look like a really bad dream!

16 Predator

While Arnold's classic hunt-or-be-hunted showdown with the extraterrestrial gladiator is relatively short on story, it's filled with some great one-liners, an excellent setting, and some truly mystical scenes. A favorite moment is when the Predator, standing on a high-up tree branch, swings the extracted spine of one of its victims while uttering a glorious hunter's roar.

The effects of the movie are amazing. It's the manliest movie ever made. Arnold rules.

Awesome! An invisible alien killing machine fighting Arnold Schwarzenegger! And I swear one of the commando guys is Rambo!

17 The Lord Of The Rings - The Two Towers

For a movie in the action category, how can you beat this one? The final battle in Helm's Deep is unquestionably the greatest action scene of all time (and a long one too, but it doesn't get boring).

The greatest movie ever made! The acting is done excellently, and the effects are even better. You can't beat the Lord of the Rings trilogy at anything!

This movie is the second part in the Lord of the Rings series, and I instantly fell in love with it so very much. My favorite character is Gollum. I really love the Lord of the Rings.

18 Avengers: Infinity War
19 Star Wars, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Hands down the best of the Star Wars movies.

20 The Terminator

How is The Terminator so low on this list? To this day, The Terminator still scares me. A robot sent back in time to the 80s to kill the mother of the leader of the resistance, with Arnold as the robot - how is that not a kick-ass movie? In my opinion, that's how the end of the world is coming: we build robots to protect us, and they end up killing us.

I've seen less terrifying horror movies.

21 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

This is the very first Lord of the Rings movie, and I absolutely completely fell in love with it. I am a huge, number one Lord of the Rings fan. This movie is so awesome, so much fun, a must-watch, and it's filled with excitement, showing loyalty in friendship, and also drama, even battles.

22 Rambo

Rambo is the best action movie I have ever watched. Lots of blood and guts, excellent acting on the part of Stallone, and altogether a brilliant movie. This list is called "best action movies ever". Rambo is pure action. Need I say more?

Full of R-Rated action. Unbelievable gore and Rambo's most violent movie ever (not to mention Sylvester Stallone). It is stunning what they do in this movie because

I'll never forget the rice paddy scene. The tension is so high. Rambo appears, and you feel like electricity in the righteous kills.

23 Star Wars: The Force Awakens

This movie had the most action, with booms, explosions, and other cool stuff. Followed by Revenge of the Sith, which only had a lot of lightsaber battles and wars.

I like how this movie has a woman as the main character, something you rarely see in action films.

24 Mad Max: Fury Road

An amazing thrill ride from start to finish, this testosterone-filled blockbuster was awarded by both critics and audiences for its spectacular visuals and action. This Best Picture nominee is an epic movie that deserves a watch.

Push this up, push this up! Easily the best action movie of the decade, it totally deserves the place up there in the top 20.

This movie is violent art. George Miller, with an actual good budget, can do amazing things.

25 Fight Club

Brad Pitt and Edward Norton are amazing action stars! This movie is a fine example of how amazing they are at performing!

Fight Club will always be a people's favorite, and it had a lot of good underrated action in it, like fighting and blowing up!

I am yet to see a better-made movie! It's a joke that Fight Club doesn't feature in the Top 10!

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