At IGN, we have a deep appreciation for action films, which have been a cornerstone of our cinematic upbringing. From the iconic B-movies of the '80s and '90s that fueled our weekends, to the diverse range of action subgenres, we celebrate them all. Our list encompasses action/comedy, sci-fi action, martial arts, superhero action, war, and adventure, ensuring a comprehensive look at the genre's best offerings. Compiled and voted on by IGN's dedicated action enthusiasts, our selection criteria included the quality of action, thrill factor, and the film's lasting impact.
Below, you'll find IGN's top 25 action movies of all time, each entry featuring detailed insights, key information, and viewing options.
25. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
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Image credit: Walt Disney Studios
Director: 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 with *Captain America: The Winter Soldier* was a resounding success, leading them to direct subsequent pivotal entries. This film stands as a top-tier espionage thriller that not only disrupts Steve Rogers' world but also shakes the entire MCU, revealing SHIELD's secret alliance with HYDRA. The action is relentless, with standout vehicle chases and combat scenes as Steve confronts his past. Many consider this to be the best standalone MCU film, including those featuring the Avengers.
24. RRR (2022)
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Image credit: Variance Films
Director: 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* took the world by storm in 2022, showcasing a grandiose Indian action epic. It follows the fictionalized journey of Indian revolutionaries Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, united in their fight against British oppression. The film's three-hour runtime is filled with over-the-top violence, captivating musical sequences, and Oscar-winning songs, creating a unique and exhilarating cinematic experience that is likely to rise further in our rankings over time.
23. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
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Image credit: Lionsgate
Director: 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* series has packed an impressive amount of action into its four films in less than a decade. What began as a quest for vengeance over a killed puppy evolved into a global saga of redemption, featuring a blend of various martial arts and gunplay choreographed like a dance. *John Wick: Chapter 4* brings this saga to a thrilling close, with John facing monumental challenges, including the iconic 300-step staircase battle.
22. Fast Five (2011)
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Image credit: Universal Pictures
Director: 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
While the *Fast and Furious* series has pushed the boundaries of reality with each installment, *Fast Five* is often hailed as its peak. It bridges the early street-racing films with the later globe-trotting adventures, introducing Luke Hobbs, played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The film's climax in Brazil, featuring a high-stakes money heist, remains a standout moment, pivotal to the franchise's ongoing narrative.
21. Casino Royale (2006)
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Image credit: Sony Pictures
Director: 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* is perhaps the most cerebral entry in the James Bond series, with Daniel Craig portraying a tougher, more emotionally complex Bond. This film strips away the franchise's usual extravagances, focusing on gritty action and a compelling narrative. The breathtaking sequences, including the parkour chase, showcase Bond's raw and visceral capabilities, revitalizing the series.
For a comprehensive viewing experience, check out our [guide to James Bond movies in order](https://www.ign.com/articles/james-bond-movies-in-order).
20. Ip Man (2008)
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Image credit: Mandarin Films
Director: 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* focuses on the legendary Wing Chun master during the Sino-Japanese War, portrayed by Donnie Yen. This film combines stunning martial arts choreography by Sammo Hung with a compelling character-driven narrative. While not a strict biography, *Ip Man* captures the essence of the master's life with thrilling and graceful action sequences.
19. Independence Day (1996)
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Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Director: 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 blockbuster action with its tale of humanity facing off against a superior alien force. This film combines spectacle with a rousing narrative, featuring unforgettable characters and iconic moments, such as the President's inspiring speech. It solidified Will Smith's status as an action hero and set the stage for Roland Emmerich's future disaster epics.
18. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
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Image credit: Sony Pictures Classics
Director: 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
*Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* is a masterpiece from Ang Lee, blending breathtaking martial arts with a poignant love story. The film's action scenes, set against stunning landscapes, are choreographed with precision and beauty. The tavern fight, in particular, showcases a blend of kung fu, wire-work, and comedic timing, highlighted by Zhang Ziyi's performance.
17. The Raid: Redemption (2011)
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Image credit: Sony Pictures Classics
Director: 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 lean and intense action film from Indonesia, known for its brutal and realistic fight choreography. The story follows a SWAT team trapped in a building full of criminals, leading to relentless combat. The film's action scenes are some of the most thrilling and visceral in recent cinema, making it a must-watch for action enthusiasts.
16. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
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Image credit: New Line Cinema
Director: 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
*The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers* features one of cinema's most iconic battle scenes at Helm's Deep. While the film splits the fellowship into multiple storylines, it culminates in a thrilling and satisfying spectacle. The determination of humans, elves, hobbits, and ents against overwhelming odds creates an unforgettable action sequence.
For a complete viewing experience, see our [guide to The Lord of the Rings movies in order](https://www.ign.com/articles/the-lord-of-the-rings-movies-in-order).
15. True Lies (1994)
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Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Director: 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 action career, blending high-octane action with comedy. The film features Schwarzenegger as a secret agent whose wife is unaware of his double life. Memorable sequences include a horseback chase and a spectacular bridge explosion, making it a thrilling and humorous ride.
14. Star Wars: Episode 5 - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
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Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Director: 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 widely regarded as the best *Star Wars* film, thanks in part to its stunning action scenes. From the AT-AT assault on Hoth to the asteroid field chase and the iconic lightsaber duel between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, the film elevated the franchise's action and storytelling. Director Irvin Kershner expanded the scope and intensity of the series, setting new standards for sci-fi action.
For a complete viewing guide, see our [guide to the Star Wars movies in order](https://www.ign.com/articles/star-wars-movies-in-order).
13. Hard Boiled (1992)
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Image credit: Golden Princess Film Production
Director: 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* showcases John Woo's signature style of turning gunplay into ballet, with Chow Yun-fat's character, Inspector "Tequila" Yuen, taking down a criminal empire. The film's action sequences, including the teahouse shootout and the hospital finale, are some of the most iconic in cinema history. While pushing the boundaries of realism, *Hard Boiled* remains exhilarating and influential.
12. Speed (1994)
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Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Director: 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, delivering unrelenting thrills as a bus must maintain a speed above 50 mph to avoid explosion. Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock star in this rollercoaster of a movie, featuring memorable sequences like the dangling elevator and the runaway bus. The film's continuous tension and explosive finale make it a standout in action cinema.
For more on Keanu Reeves, see our [guide to the best Keanu Reeves movies](https://www.ign.com/articles/best-keanu-reeves-movies).
11. The Rock (1996)
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Image credit: Buena Vista Pictures
Director: 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 testosterone-fueled adventure. The film's action sequences, including Sean Connery's rampage through San Francisco in a Hummer, are gloriously over-the-top. It remains one of Bay's best works, blending action with a compelling narrative.
For more on Nicolas Cage, see our [guide to the best Nicolas Cage movies](https://www.ign.com/articles/best-nicolas-cage-movies).
10. Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)
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Image credit: Paramount Pictures
Director: 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* continues the franchise's tradition of escalating danger and spectacle. Tom Cruise performs his own stunts, including a HALO jump at 25,000 feet. The film features some of the series' best action, from a bathroom brawl to a helicopter chase, setting a new benchmark for action filmmaking.
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