At IGN, our passion for movies extends across all genres, but action films hold a special place in our hearts. They're not just about the high-octane thrills; they're a nostalgic reminder of the exhilarating Saturday nights and lazy Sunday afternoons of the '80s and '90s. However, the term "action movie" encompasses more than just the campy B-movies of yesteryear. Our curated list includes the finest action from various subgenres, including action/comedy, sci-fi action, martial arts, superhero action, war, and adventure.

To compile our list of the top 25 action movies of all time, IGN's dedicated action fans took several factors into account: the quality of the action, the level of thrills, and the enduring legacy of each film. Here are the films that made the cut:

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' debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was a resounding success, leading them to helm subsequent major MCU entries like Captain America: Civil War and the Avengers films of the Infinity Saga. Winter Soldier is a gripping espionage thriller that not only disrupts Steve Rogers' life but also sends shockwaves through the entire MCU with the revelation of SHIELD's infiltration by HYDRA. The action sequences, vehicle chases, and fight choreography are executed with exceptional skill, making it a standout in the superhero genre and often cited as one of the best MCU films, even including the Avengers outings.

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 stormed onto the scene in 2022, captivating select audiences with its audacious storytelling and over-the-top action. This Indian epic reimagines the lives of two revolutionary figures, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, weaving a tale of friendship and resistance against British rule. With more than three hours of exaggerated violence and breathtaking musical sequences, including Oscar-winning songs, RRR is an exhilarating experience that promises to climb even higher in our rankings as time goes on.

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 series has packed an impressive amount of action into its four films in under a decade. What began as a quest for vengeance over a slain puppy has evolved into a global saga of redemption, showcasing an array of martial arts and gunplay choreographed with balletic precision. John Wick: Chapter 4 pushes the envelope even further, culminating in a jaw-dropping finale that challenges the protagonist with a literal 300-step staircase to oblivion.

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

The Fast and Furious franchise has ventured into increasingly audacious territory since its inception over two decades ago, yet Fast Five remains a fan favorite. It's considered the pinnacle that transitions the series from its roots to the globe-trotting, high-stakes adventures that follow. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's debut as DSS agent Luke Hobbs adds a new dynamic to the saga, which culminates in a memorable heist in Brazil that sets the stage for future plot developments.

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 stands out as one of the most cerebral entries in the James Bond series. Daniel Craig's portrayal of Bond as outwardly tough yet inwardly vulnerable adds a new dimension to the character. The film's action sequences, such as the opening parkour chase, are both thrilling and grounded, marking a return to the gritty realism of Bond's early adventures.

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 chronicles the life of Bruce Lee's mentor during the Sino-Japanese War. Starring Donnie Yen and featuring choreography by the legendary Sammo Hung, the film blends graceful martial arts with compelling drama. While not a strict biography, it captures the essence of Ip Man's life with thrilling action and emotional depth.

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 blockbuster action with its portrayal of humanity's battle against alien invaders. With its ensemble cast and iconic moments, such as President Whitmore's inspiring speech, the film is a spectacle that kickstarted director Roland Emmerich's penchant for large-scale destruction and solidified Will Smith's status as an action hero.

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 combines breathtaking action with poignant storytelling. The film's Oscar-winning visuals and choreography, set against stunning backdrops, elevate it to a work of art. The action scenes, such as Jen's tavern brawl, are executed with such elegance and precision that they have left a lasting impact on the martial arts genre.

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 is simple yet gripping, with choreography that showcases the brutal beauty of martial arts.

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 is renowned for its epic battle sequences, particularly the siege of Helm's Deep. Despite the story being more fragmented than its predecessor, the film's action scenes, including the Ents' assault on Isengard, are among the most thrilling and satisfying 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 by blending action with comedy. The film's mix of humor and thrilling sequences, such as the horseback chase and bridge explosion, showcases James Cameron's ability to create unforgettable action scenes while delivering a compelling narrative.

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 is widely regarded as the best film in the Star Wars saga, thanks to its stunning action sequences. From the battle on Hoth to Luke Skywalker's confrontation with Darth Vader, the film expanded the scope and intensity of sci-fi action, setting a new standard for the genre.

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 showcases John Woo's signature style of turning gunfights into balletic sequences. Chow Yun-fat's portrayal of Inspector "Tequila" Yuen is iconic, with action scenes like the teahouse shootout and hospital finale cementing the film's place in action cinema history.

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 quintessential '90s action thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The film's relentless pacing and memorable set-pieces, such as the bus chase and subway battle, make it a timeless classic in the genre.

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 action film, featuring Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery in a high-octane tale of military intrigue. The film's blend of action and humor, combined with its explosive set-pieces, makes it a standout in Bay's oeuvre.

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 continues the franchise's tradition of escalating action and stunts, with Tom Cruise performing his own daring feats, such as a HALO jump. The film's action sequences, including the bathroom brawl and helicopter chase, are among the best in the series, raising the bar for action cinema.

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 is a darkly humorous and violent satire of corporate America and police corruption. Peter Weller's portrayal of the titular cyborg enforcer is both stoic and poignant, with the film's action scenes delivering a gritty, hard-edged thrill that remains unmatched.

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 a quintessential '80s action film that blends high-octane thrills with a unique sci-fi premise. The film's iconic moments, such as the arm-wrestling handshake and the final showdown with the alien hunter, have cemented its status as a classic in the genre.

See our guide to the Predator movies in order.

7. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

Image credit: Miramax FilmsDirector: Quentin Tarantino | Writer: Quentin Tarantino | 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 and stylish revenge tale directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film's action scenes, particularly the epic battle with the Crazy 88, are executed with such flair and intensity that they have left an indelible mark on action cinema.

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 undertones. The film's blend of martial arts and groundbreaking visual effects has inspired countless imitators, yet none have captured the original's magic.

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. The film's action sequences and character development, particularly Charlize Theron's portrayal of Furiosa, make it a modern action masterpiece.

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 horror of the original Alien into an action-packed epic. Sigourney Weaver's performance as Ellen Ripley is iconic, and the film's intense action sequences, particularly the final battle, set a new standard for sci-fi action.

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 is a timeless adventure that set the standard for action films. Steven Spielberg's direction and Harrison Ford's portrayal of Indiana Jones combine to create a cinematic thrill ride that remains unmatched.

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 "everyman" hero and iconic villain. Bruce Willis's portrayal of John McClane and Alan Rickman's Hans Gruber are central to the film's enduring legacy, with action sequences and humor that have made it a timeless 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 the pinnacle of action cinema, blending non-stop action with state-of-the-art special effects and a compelling narrative. The film's message about the power of choice and redemption, combined with its iconic action sequences, ensures its place at the top of our list.

See our guide to the Terminator movies in order.

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

Captain America: The Winter Soldier RRR John Wick: Chapter 4 Fast Five Casino Royale Ip Man Independence Day Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon The Raid: Redemption The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers True Lies Star Wars: Episode 5 - The Empire Strikes Back Hard Boiled Speed The Rock Mission: Impossible - Fallout RoboCop Predator Kill Bill: Vol. 1 The Matrix Mad Max: Fury Road Aliens Raiders of the Lost Ark Die Hard Terminator 2: Judgment Day Other (Tell us in the comments!)

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

New Action Movies of 2025

2025 has seen a slew of new action movies, and we've reviewed the best and worst of them. Check out our reviews of some of the biggest action movies released this year:

• Love Hurts - 4/10
• Back in Action - 4/10
• Old Guy - 5/10
• Cleaner - 5/10
• Captain America: Brave New World - 5/10
• The Gorge - 7/10

For a comprehensive look at all our movie reviews, dive into the full list on IGN.

Upcoming Action Movies

Looking ahead, 2025 promises an exciting lineup of action films. Here are some of the most anticipated releases:

• **Thunderbolts*** - May 2, 2025
• Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning - May 23, 2025
• Karate Kid: Legends - May 30, 2025
• Ballerina - June 6, 2025
• Superman - June 11, 2025
• F1 - June 27, 2025
• The Fantastic Four: First Steps - July 25, 2025
• The Naked Gun - August 1, 2025