It was actually a fun trip down memory lane coming up with a list of the top 10 action movies of all time. Action movies exist, for the most part, as pure popcorn fare, light on dialogue and heavy on action. Few films in this category will ever be nominated for an Oscar, but that’s a good thing. Grammarians be damned. The movies on this list of the top 10 action movies of all time are all about pure visceral entertainment, and they deliver that in spades. This list might create some controversy – we all have our own idea of what is good work, so make sure to leave your comments and let me know if I left anything out.
10 – Predator – You knew that Predator was going to take at least one place on this list of the top 10 action movies of all time. No, he couldn’t do it, and it was so thick with a point that we didn’t know what he was saying half the time, but when he was running to tear up a city (or jungle) around the enemy’s ears, few could do it very carefully. job as Arnie.
9 – Indiana Jones & The Last Crusader– Although many fans of Raiders of the Lost Ark are a lost cause, it is sacrilege to actually consider this movie to be the best of the Indiana Jones movies. The addition of Sean Connery to all the cast is just spot on in this movie. A perfect action/adventure film with more than its fair share of comedy. An absolute classic.
8 – The Road Warrior – Mel Gibson is no stranger to action movies, and one of these Lethal Weapon movies could easily make this top 10 list, but in my mind The Road Warrior is just the definition of what an action movie should be. This should be one for most writers and I wouldn’t be surprised if I got some comments wondering why I didn’t rate it higher.
7 – Gladiator – The role Russell Crowe was born to play. This Ridley Scott film insists from the opening scene to the end credits. You’ve got violence, gore, and a strong, honest draw. No, there are no car suits or flying bullets, but you can look down on other flaws to help you fight to the death in the gladiatorial arena.
6 – Goldfinger – You don’t think I could write a list of the top 10 action movies of all time and not include the movie Bond? Now, as beautiful as it is, this movie is certainly showing its age. With all the technological advancements of film, one of the more modern film chains would be more suitable for this index, but it would be unfair. This movie is the best of the bond movies, and although the action scenes can look a little cheesy today. The standards still stand the test of time as an all-time classic in any genre.
5 – Enters the Dragon – Forget Jackie Chan and Jet Li, this guy didn’t make art. He didn’t have invisible strings pulling him around through the air. Who just kicked the ass is obvious. The ultimate master of kung fu, no one could stand against the fury of this Dragon, and the fight scenes in this movie are second to none.
4 – Aliens – A sci-fi thriller that was so far ahead of its time, it absolutely deserves a spot on the list of the top 10 action movies of all time. A complete throwback, equal parts horror and action, with incredible special effects for its time, it was the Alien second movie. The series is well received by fans and by far the best.
3 – Terminator 2 – Surprise, surprise, Arnie claims another place. He is, after all, perhaps the greatest action hero of all time. Although many would put the original Terminus in its place, this movie was much better on every level, and had mind-blowing special effects that only Jurassic Park and The Matrix can imagine the relative technology of the time each movie was released.
2 – The Matrix – Speaking of The Matrix, this movie really stood the film industry on its ear. The Wachowski brothers really hit a home run with incredible, sci-fi action movies. It was life by Keanu Reeves (not saying much, I know). The special effects were absolutely jaw-dropping, and the action never stopped. Absolutely glorious! Too bad the sequels couldn’t quite live up to the promise of the original.
1 – Die Hard – One was the logical choice , in fact, to the top spot on the list of the top 10 action movies of all time. Bruce Willis starred in many duds during his career, including Die Harder and Live Free Or Die Hard, but the original movie was totally spot on. Few heroes were as incredible as those who achieved an incredible feat. Easily the best action movie in cinematic history. I hate you to find something better for me.
