The main allure of an action movie is, without a doubt, the heart-pounding excitement it brings. While there are other elements that can amplify the thrill, fans are easily captivated as long as they stay engrossed throughout. That’s why some action movies go above and beyond to ensure they hold the attention of their adrenaline-addicted audience.
But here’s the kicker: just because a movie is jam-packed with action doesn’t mean it’s automatically lackluster. Sometimes fans prefer action-packed flicks over those aiming for prestigious awards. Even if critics deem an action movie as “subpar,” it can still be an absolute blast. A flawlessly executed fight scene can often make up for a weaker storyline.
Whether these movies have garnered praise or faced criticism, they all have one thing in common: they rarely allow the audience a moment to catch their breath in between pulse-pounding action sequences.
1. Mad Max: Fury Road
When Mad Max: Fury Road was released, some movie reviewers argued that the whole film was pretty much just a two-hour-long car chase. Although that might be a slight exaggeration, a significant portion of the movie is indeed centered around Max and Furiosa’s thrilling journey across the wasteland.
Even in the slower, more contemplative moments, there is always a lingering feeling of imminent danger as Immortan Joe’s War Boys persistently trail the main characters. As a result, a sense of impending doom hangs over the film’s action-packed duration.
2. John Wick: Chapter 4
Constant action is no stranger to the John Wick franchise, and it looks like John Wick: Chapter 4 is taking it up a notch. Maybe it’s because the movie has a longer runtime or a higher budget, but the action in this latest installment is being described as cartoonish. And you know what? That’s not a bad thing at all. In fact, John Wick: Chapter 4 shows us that sometimes, more can actually be better. Plus, we get to see Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, and Scott Adkins going head-to-head! What more could you ask for?
3. Hardcore Henry
Hardcore Henry had this cool idea of immersing the audience in the shoes of the main character by shooting the entire movie from Henry’s perspective. It made us feel way more involved in the story than we usually do.
Even those scenes that are usually more laid-back became way more exciting because we saw everything through Henry’s eyes. And oh boy, there are so many intense action moments that really get your heart racing, especially during the climactic scene set to Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.”
4. Crank: High Voltage
Many films incorporate a sense of urgency with a ticking clock element, but Crank: High Voltage takes it to another level. Unlike other movies where characters typically have a few days to accomplish their mission, this 2009 sequel challenges protagonist Chev Chelios with a mere hour before his artificial heart’s battery dies out. As you can imagine, this sets the stage for a fast-paced plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
To keep his heart pumping, Chev resorts to some rather extreme methods, including hooking himself up to jumper cables. While some critics may argue that the movie becomes downright ridiculous at times, it’s precisely these over-the-top moments that contribute to the overall enjoyment and excitement it offers.
In short, Crank: High Voltage takes the concept of a time constraint and cranks it up (pun intended) by compressing the action into a thrilling hour-long race against the clock. With its unconventional and audacious approach, the film delivers a unique and adrenaline-fueled experience for viewers.
5. The Raid
The Raid is an action movie that doesn’t waste a single second. It dives straight into the heart of the story, which revolves around a Brimob raid on an apartment building. I mean, come on, the name says it all. It’s called The Raid, and it’s all about, you guessed it, a raid.
And let me tell you, it’s not just a bunch of random fights thrown in for fun. The stakes are sky-high for the main characters throughout the film. Every fight scene is a thrilling rollercoaster ride, filled with incredible action and imaginative choreography that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
6. Bullet Train
The Bullet Train, whether you like it or not, moves at a pretty fast pace, just like the train itself. Not every scene is action-packed, but there’s always the looming danger of the train reaching its destination before Ladybug, the main character, can complete their mission and escape. This keeps the tension high and the story moving.
On top of that, there are multiple storylines happening on the train. So, even when one character takes a break, others might be fighting for their lives. It’s a rollercoaster of events!
Oh, and by the way, Brad Pitt seems to be having a great time in this movie. That’s just an extra bonus to enjoy.
7. Kill Bill: Volume 1
Kill Bill: Volume 1 wastes no time in kicking off with a bang, as the Bride gets shot in the head right from the start. And let me tell you, things only get more intense from there. Almost every scene in this movie is packed with thrilling fights and jaw-dropping choreography. I’m not even exaggerating.
One thing I really appreciate about Quentin Tarantino’s approach is his decision to incorporate various styles throughout the film. He even throws in an anime segment, which adds a whole new level of freshness and excitement. It’s this mix of different styles that keeps the movie feeling fast-paced and adrenaline-fueled, even during the moments when swords aren’t being brandished.
8. Shoot ‘Em Up
Shoot ‘Em Up takes direct inspiration from well-loved non-stop action films such as Run Lola Run and Hard Boiled. The movie’s main focus is on intense gun fights, with an exaggerated tone that cleverly pays homage to the Looney Tunes cartoons.
What sets this film apart is its constant action-packed sequences, coupled with a healthy dose of off-the-wall humor. One memorable instance is when the protagonist, Smith, ingeniously wields a carrot as a weapon. Furthermore, Paul Giamatti’s portrayal of the film’s villain is absolutely delightful, as he fully embraces his role and adds a touch of hammy charm.
9. Dredd
Dredd, the second and more highly regarded attempt to bring the Judge Dredd comics to life on the big screen, takes place in the futuristic Mega-City One. The story revolves around the eponymous judge and his newly recruited partner, as they embark on a mission to apprehend a powerful drug lord in a sprawling apartment complex.
However, things take an unexpected turn when the judges find themselves trapped inside the building. In their desperate bid to bring down the drug kingpin and her cohorts, they resort to using lethal force, resulting in a series of intense and adrenaline-fueled action sequences. This film successfully combines the core storyline of The Raid with the wild and unpredictable nature of the 2000 AD comics, making it a true gem of 2012.
10. Speed
Speed is a movie that has a solid reason behind its constant action-packed scenes. The plot revolves around a city bus that is rigged with a bomb set to explode if the speedometer dips below 50 mph.
As a result, the movie takes us on a wild ride that lasts for two thrilling hours. The tension never eases up, as the main characters are in constant danger of being blown to bits. There’s no time for the movie to catch its breath, as it races forward at full throttle.
Such an intense experience impressed even Quentin Tarantino, who hailed Speed as one of his favorite films from the years 1992 to 2009.