MCritc85's Top 5 Action Films
by mcritic85 | created - 22 May 2013 | updated - 22 May 2013 | PublicTop Action Films to date defined by the true meaning of action which includes: meaningful action screenplay and story-line, effects, creation of suspense, and a clear appearance of good vs. bad.
- Instant Watch Options
- Genres
- Movies or TV
- IMDb Rating
- In Theaters
- Release Year
- Keywords
1. Heat (1995)
R | 170 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A group of high-end professional thieves start to feel the heat from the LAPD when they unknowingly leave a verbal clue at their latest heist.
Director: Michael Mann | Stars: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight
Votes: 719,221 | Gross: $67.44M
A classic that features a war between two Hollywood titans. This movie for its time captures all things action. There was an amazing screenplay by DeNiro and Pacino that you rarely see with this generation of films, and there was actually a very good story-line embedded in this movie that showed the main characters trying to walk away from what they're both good at. Lastly, if they only showed the bank robbery shootout scene in this movie, some would say it would still beat out what most would consider to be an action film.
2. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
PG-13 | 115 min | Action, Mystery, Thriller
Jason Bourne dodges a ruthless C.I.A. official and his Agents from a new assassination program while searching for the origins of his life as a trained killer.
Director: Paul Greengrass | Stars: Matt Damon, Edgar Ramírez, Joan Allen, Julia Stiles
Votes: 658,191 | Gross: $227.47M
I would've like to say the whole series as # 2, but since I couldn't, I looked at how this series ended, and Matt Damon gets as I would like to call "raw" in the last installment. There isn't a dull moment in this movie. The action is consistent, suspenseful, and captivating. Some may argue that Identity or Supremacy is better, but they had moments, but Ultimatum had consistent flow, it's got you waiting for the next scene.
3. The Avengers (2012)
PG-13 | 143 min | Action, Sci-Fi
Earth's mightiest heroes must come together and learn to fight as a team if they are going to stop the mischievous Loki and his alien army from enslaving humanity.
Director: Joss Whedon | Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner
Votes: 1,459,170 | Gross: $623.28M
One of comic book's greatest superhero teams in a motion picture. It met a demand of an older and present generation. The numbers don't lie, but to be #1 on this list, you have to be more than cookie cutter comic story-line (which that what comics are, and that's great) of good guys beat the villain and save the world.
4. Casino Royale (2006)
PG-13 | 144 min | Action, Adventure, Thriller
After earning 00 status and a licence to kill, secret agent James Bond sets out on his first mission as 007. Bond must defeat a private banker funding terrorists in a high-stakes game of poker at Casino Royale, Montenegro.
Director: Martin Campbell | Stars: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Judi Dench, Jeffrey Wright
Votes: 694,475 | Gross: $167.45M
A new Bond being introduced to a new generation that don't have time for suave looking gentlemen, 90's action, and movies that make you think, and Martin Campbell goes above that bar with Casino Royale. The expectations and standards were high for this film, and Daniel Craig made sure that everyone knew that not only was he the new face for Bond, but for this new generation of action. This film has a buffet of action from the athletic foot chases to the constant hand to hand combat.
5. The Dark Knight (2008)
PG-13 | 152 min | Action, Crime, Drama
When the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, Batman must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice.
Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine
Votes: 2,870,150 | Gross: $534.86M
The movie that made Christopher Nolan an A list director. This movie not only gives you the comic book story-line, but also gives a little bit of action from each of the films above. It's only downfall is that the main character of the film isn't the main character, and it overwhelms the film. This film could have easily been called "The Joker", but as far as the action goes, top 5 in my book.
Tell Your Friends