Top 25 Action Movies Ever Ranked

At IGN, our passion for action movies runs deep, fueled by the thrilling experiences of the '80s and '90s. While we fondly remember those classic, high-octane thrillers, the term "action movie" encompasses a broad spectrum of subgenres. From action/comedy and sci-fi action to martial arts, superhero action, war, and adventure, our list celebrates the diversity and excitement of the genre.

Our selection of the 25 best action movies of all time was carefully curated and voted on by IGN's dedicated action aficionados. We considered the quality of action, the level of excitement, and the enduring legacy of each film.

Here is the list of 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' inaugural venture into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with Captain America: The Winter Soldier was nothing short of spectacular. This espionage thriller not only disrupted Steve Rogers' life but shook the entire MCU by unveiling SHIELD's long-standing infiltration by HYDRA. With top-notch action scenes, dynamic vehicle chases, and exceptional fight choreography, this film stands out as one of the best in the MCU, often hailed as surpassing even the Avengers films in quality.

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

RRR captivated audiences worldwide in 2022 with its grandiose portrayal of two Indian revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, and their epic battle against the British. The film is a three-hour spectacle of exaggerated action and mesmerizing musical numbers, including Oscar-winning songs. Its blend of cartoonish violence and sweeping drama makes it a standout, likely to rise further in our rankings over time.

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 saga has packed an extraordinary amount of action into its four films in just under a decade. From the quest to avenge a beloved puppy to a global battle for redemption, the series showcases a variety of martial arts and combat styles, with John Wick: Chapter 4 culminating in a breathtaking conclusion that leaves fans exhilarated.

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

Fast Five is often hailed as the pinnacle of the Fast and Furious franchise, bridging the original storyline with the later, globe-trotting adventures. The introduction of Luke Hobbs, played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and the iconic heist in Brazil have left a lasting impact, setting the stage for the series' continued success.

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 redefined James Bond with Daniel Craig's portrayal of a rugged yet emotionally complex 007. The film's cerebral approach and stunning action sequences, including the iconic parkour chase, returned Bond to his gritty roots, earning it a well-deserved spot on our list.

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 showcases the life of Bruce Lee's legendary martial arts teacher during the Sino-Japanese War. With Donnie Yen in the lead and martial arts choreography by Sammo Hung, the film blends graceful action with compelling drama, making it a standout in the genre.

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 with its thrilling depiction of humanity's battle against an alien invasion. The film's iconic moments, from the President's rousing speech to the destruction of world landmarks, have cemented its status as a classic.

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 a poignant love story. The film's stunning fight choreography and beautiful settings, particularly the bamboo forest battle, have made it an enduring favorite.

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 delivers some of the most intense and realistic fight scenes in recent memory. The story of a SWAT team trapped in a building full of killers has become an action classic.

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 battles in action cinema with the siege of Helm's Deep. The film's thrilling action and the emotional depth of its characters make it a standout in the trilogy.

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 mix of action and comedy. The film's memorable sequences, like the horseback chase and bridge explosion, showcase James Cameron's skill in crafting unforgettable action scenes.

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 remains a fan favorite in the Star Wars saga for its stunning action sequences and emotional depth. From the battle on Hoth to the iconic lightsaber duel, the film elevated the franchise to new heights.

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

Hard Boiled is a quintessential John Woo film, featuring stylish gunplay and intense action sequences. Chow Yun-fat's portrayal of Tequila, along with the film's iconic shootouts, make it a landmark 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 thrilling ride that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The film's relentless pace and iconic bus chase have made it a beloved '90s action film, showcasing Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock at their best.

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 film, brimming with testosterone and explosive action. With Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery leading the charge, the film delivers a thrilling and action-packed experience.

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+

Mission: Impossible - Fallout raises the stakes with Tom Cruise's daring stunts, including a HALO jump at 25,000 feet. The film's intense action scenes, from the bathroom brawl to the helicopter chase, make it a standout in the franchise.

9. RoboCop (1987)

Image credit: Orion PicturesDirector: 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 blends dark satire with intense action, portraying a future where corporate greed and crime run rampant. Peter Weller's portrayal of the titular cyborg enforcer adds depth to this gritty classic.

8. Predator (1987)

Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: 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 an iconic '80s action film that pits Arnold Schwarzenegger against an alien hunter. The film's memorable moments, from the arm-wrestling scene to the final confrontation, have cemented its place in action movie history.

See our guide to the Predator movies in order.

7. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

Image credit: Miramax FilmsDirector: Quentin Tarantino | Writer: | 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 revenge tale brought to life by Quentin Tarantino's unique style. The film's epic battle sequences, particularly The Bride's fight against the Crazy 88, are unforgettable.

6. The Matrix (1999)

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 "bullet time" effects and philosophical themes. The film's iconic action scenes and Keanu Reeves' portrayal of Neo have made it a timeless classic.

See our guide to the Matrix movies in order.

5. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Image credit: Warner Bros. PicturesDirector: 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 blends practical effects with stunning visuals. Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron deliver powerful performances in this action-packed dystopian epic.

4. Aliens (1986)

Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: 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 transformed the original film into a high-octane action thriller. Sigourney Weaver's iconic performance and James Cameron's direction make this film a landmark in the genre.

See our guide to the Alien movies in order.

3. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: 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 launched the iconic Indiana Jones franchise with its thrilling adventure and memorable action sequences. Steven Spielberg's direction and Harrison Ford's charismatic performance make it a timeless classic.

See our guide to the Indiana Jones movies in order.

2. Die Hard (1988)

Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: 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 gritty realism and memorable characters. Bruce Willis's portrayal of John McClane and Alan Rickman's iconic villain Hans Gruber have made it a beloved classic.

1. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Image credit: Tri-Star PicturesDirector: 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 a groundbreaking action film that combines thrilling action with emotional depth. Arnold Schwarzenegger's iconic performance and the film's innovative special effects have made it an enduring classic.

See our guide to the Terminator movies in order.

What do you think is the best action movie of all time?

What are your favorite action movies? What explodes to the top of your list? Let us know in the comments!