At IGN, we enjoy films across every genre, but action pictures hold a special spot in our hearts. They shaped our tastes, from masterpieces to misfires.

We look back warmly on those explosive showdowns that dominated weekend viewing in the 1980s and 1990s, yet action cinema goes beyond mere low-budget camp. Our lineup mixes timeless favorites with top picks from diverse styles like comedic thrills, futuristic battles, hand-to-hand combat, heroic exploits, military clashes, and daring quests—all represented here.

IGN's dedicated enthusiasts assembled and ranked this selection, weighing elements such as intense sequences, edge-of-seat excitement, and lasting cultural impact.

Discover IGN's picks for the finest action films ever made.

25. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

The Russo brothers kicked off their Marvel journey with a standout hit that led to directing Civil War and the epic Avengers finales. This gripping spy tale disrupts Steve Rogers' world and shakes the Marvel universe, exposing SHIELD's long-hidden ties to HYDRA after the Red Skull's fall. Chase scenes, explosive crashes, and brutal fights shine as Rogers confronts old foes in his career and personal life. Often hailed as Marvel's top entry, even surpassing team-up spectacles.

24. RRR (2022)

This bold Indian spectacle captivated viewers in 2022, imagining two freedom fighters—Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem—their bond, and their clash with colonial forces alongside a foe portrayed by Ray Stevenson. Spanning three hours of wild mayhem and soaring tunes, including award-winning tracks, it builds to an electrifying, extravagant climax likely to climb higher in future rankings.

23. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

Remarkably, the John Wick series delivered four films of relentless intensity in less than ten years. Starting with a lone assassin's revenge for his slain dog amid mourning his wife, it evolved into a global saga blending martial arts, firearms mastery, and fierce combat styles. Echoing John Woo's balletic gunfights, bullets flow like choreography. The fourth chapter shattered records, wrapping the tale in chaos as obstacles peak in a grueling ascent toward fate.

22. Fast Five (2011)

Though the Fast saga has grown wilder over twenty years, many view this entry as its peak, linking early street races to later globe-trotting heists. Before family rivalries emerged, Dwayne Johnson arrived as agent Hobbs hunting Dom Toretto's crew. The Brazilian caper, with its chaotic vault drag, echoes in recent plots like the vengeance arc in the tenth film.

21. Casino Royale (2006)

This Bond tale stands out for its sharp intellect among spy adventures. Daniel Craig brings a rugged edge to 007, masking inner turmoil and adding fresh emotional layers. Ditching gadgets for grit, he emerges as a lethal operative and a guarded soul shielding vulnerabilities. Stunts like the initial freerunning pursuit demand viewing, grounding the series in raw intensity.

Explore our rundown of James Bond films by release.

20. Ip Man (2008)

This saga, soon expanding to five entries, chronicles Bruce Lee's mentor and Wing Chun expert amid wartime struggles. Led by Donnie Yen with choreography from Sammo Hung, the debut blends elegant fights and compelling drama. While not strictly factual, it captures key moments with vibrant energy.

19. Independence Day (1996)

This spirited 1990s blockbuster pits humanity against invading extraterrestrials in massive ships unleashing devastation. Outgunned but resilient, a ragtag group—including a researcher, aviator, veteran, and leader—mounts a comeback. Pure entertainment spectacle, it launched Roland Emmerich's disaster epics, boosted Will Smith's stardom, and refreshed invasion narratives with digital twists on classic threats.

18. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Ang Lee's touch infuses characters with deep yearnings; their graceful leaps contrast burdens of unspoken desires and hidden truths. This acclaimed triumph, featuring Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun-fat, weaves romance with astonishing clashes amid stunning vistas like lush groves. Elevating a routine brawl, Lee and Yuen Woo-Ping craft a blend of strikes, aerial feats, rhythm, and wit, delivered flawlessly by Ziyi Zhang as she dismantles arrogant rivals.

17. The Raid: Redemption (2011)

From Indonesia comes a raw, intense thriller that redefines combat on screen with jaw-dropping force. A tactical unit storms a fortress teeming with threats, forcing survival through sheer grit. Intricate battles unfold with precision and unflinching realism, making this a must-see for adrenaline seekers.

16. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

Peter Jackson's epic trilogy brims with grand conflicts, yet the desperate defense at Helm's Deep defines its visceral power. Branching into multiple threads, this middle chapter contrasts with the opener's unity, but Aragorn's alliance with Theoden against overwhelming odds—bolstered by ancient guardians—delivers unmatched drama. Unity among races and nature turns the tide against encroaching shadows.

See our breakdown of The Lord of the Rings films chronologically.

15. True Lies (1994)

James Cameron revived Arnold Schwarzenegger's fading momentum with this blend of laughs and high-stakes exploits. Schwarzenegger stars as an operative whose spouse remains unaware of his double life. Strong supporting turns from Tom Arnold, Bill Paxton, and Jamie Lee Curtis add charm, while pursuits on horseback and massive detonations pack endless excitement.

14. Star Wars: Episode 5 - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Regarded by enthusiasts as the pinnacle of the Star Wars legacy across trilogies and extensions, this chapter dazzles with sequences like armored assaults on frozen worlds, daring asteroid navigations, and pivotal duels between kin. Under Irvin Kershner's guidance, it expanded visions of interstellar adventure far beyond initial boundaries.

Check our sequence for Star Wars films.

13. Hard Boiled (1992)

Chow Yun-fat embodies a determined officer transforming chaos into artistry, shattering surroundings as he dismantles a syndicate alone. John Woo pioneered dual-wield tactics and dramatic slides in 1992, crafting iconic moments like eatery ambushes, storage clashes, and a frantic medical siege—landmarks in firefight design. While pushing boundaries of belief, the flair delivers gripping depth.

12. Speed (1994)

Jan de Bont delivered a wildly entertaining 1990s romp that distills high-tension pursuits to pure frenzy, leaving viewers breathless decades later. Heroes race to maintain velocity on a rigged vehicle, chaining nail-biting moments until the finale. Keanu Reeves teams with Sandra Bullock in breakout form for edge-of-seat trials—from precarious lifts to hurtling transports and rooftop showdowns—that endure as pulse-pounding benchmarks.

Explore top Keanu Reeves features.

11. The Rock (1996)

Michael Bay's sophomore effort, reteaming with Jerry Bruckheimer, captures tactical drama at its finest. Nicolas Cage ventures into high-octane territory alongside Sean Connery, channeling unyielding drive. Witness Connery's rampage through urban streets in heavy machinery—a highlight in Bay's strong catalog.

Discover standout Nicolas Cage performances.

10. Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)

Approaching three decades, Tom Cruise's espionage series escalates risks in narrative and physical feats, with Cruise tackling daring maneuvers himself. Following aerial clings, this installment showcases a sky-high plummet. Add brutal restroom tussles with Henry Cavill and aerial pursuits, marking the franchise's peak intensity amid fierce rivals.

9. RoboCop (1987)

"That appeals to me!"

Paul Verhoeven's sharp critique unleashes raw enforcement tales amid decay and greed, marking a bold studio release. A slain officer rises as a mechanical guardian, stoically quipping while dismantling foes. Satirical yet witty, it envisions corporate dominance in a crumbling society.

8. Predator (1987)

The 1980s overflowed with bold spectacles, yet this hunt endures uniquely. Muscular greetings, lethal blasts, and primal clashes abound. Survival tactics: blend into terrain, craft traps swiftly, and unleash a battle cry to begin the showdown. Clever, concise, and enduring.

Follow our order for Predator installments.

7. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

A betrayed survivor awakens years later to pursue vengeance across distant lands, unleashing fury for closure. Quentin Tarantino crafts a raw onslaught where impacts resonate, strikes sting, and severances thrill. Climactic melees, particularly against a masked horde, redefine spectacle.

6. The Matrix (1999)

"What's his move?"

"He's awakening to truth!"

Awakened to deception, Neo confronts digital tyrants in slowed-motion duels that sparked trends. The Wachowskis revived classic techniques with innovative tools alongside Yuen Woo-Ping, inspiring followers yet unmatched—even in follow-ups. Probing existence and prowess, it balances introspection with dynamic clashes.

Trace the Matrix series progression.

5. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Drawing from tangible vehicular mayhem in earlier works, George Miller modernized the wasteland saga with vivid pursuits augmented digitally for authenticity. Across entries, the wanderer aids others' escapes; here, Tom Hardy's feral edge supports Charlize Theron's defiant warrior freeing captives from oppression.

4. Aliens (1986)

James Cameron expanded Ridley Scott's confined dread into a sprawling assault, earning Sigourney Weaver recognition for her resilient survivor amid a stellar group including Michael Biehn and Bill Paxton. Heightening dread and clashes, it peaks in legendary confrontations unmatched in the lineage. No entry rivals this blend of fear and fervor—though future attempts may challenge.

Navigate the Alien timeline.

3. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Steven Spielberg and George Lucas birthed an iconic explorer series with this pulse-racing debut, echoing vintage serials and espionage tales. Opening with a clever relic hunt, it races to villains' downfall and romantic triumph. While sequels offer chills or family bonds, the origin shines through masterful craft, affirming Spielberg's prowess in captivating tales.

Review Indiana Jones adventures sequentially.

2. Die Hard (1988)

This landmark reshaped heroics and sieges, spawning isolated defender tropes. Bruce Willis rose as a relatable fighter scaling heights barefoot against odds. Alan Rickman's cunning antagonist rivals the lead's charisma. John McTiernan's direction weaves spectacle, wit, growth, and stakes into an ideal blueprint. Triumphant exclamation!

1. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

James Cameron's follow-up to his breakthrough elevates Arnold Schwarzenegger with relentless pursuits, groundbreaking visuals that hold strong, and a formidable pursuer in Robert Patrick's shape-shifter. From dramatic arrivals to escapes and industrial showdowns, intensity surges as Schwarzenegger radiates presence. Monumental chases outshine contemporaries, yet its core message of changeable fates and emerging humanity secures timeless appeal.

Outline the Terminator chronology.

Share your top action picks and what rises above the rest in discussions below!

Fresh Action Releases from 2025

2025 brought a wave of dynamic features, and we've critiqued the highlights and low points. Browse our takes on major launches this year or explore full film assessments.

Action Films on the Horizon

Anticipating upcoming thrills? 2025 promises diverse excitement with these arrivals: