Top 20 Action Movies That Are Actually Masterpieces
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- Get to the masterful choppa! Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at action films that not only exemplify the thrills of their genre, but can be considered important artistic achievements. Our countdown includes movies “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, "Police Story", "Skyfall" and more! What are some other action movies that had a profound impact on you? Give us your hits in the comments.
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#action #movies #masterpiece #classic #diehard #madmax #thematrix #missionimpossible
What are some other action movies that had a profound impact on you? Give us your hits in the comments.
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Skyfall
Top 10 தரமான Indian 🇮🇳👊 Action movies 👊
1 Doom movie franchise & Kill
2 War
3 Vikram
4 Tiger movie franchise
5 Kaithi
6 Wanted
7 Attack 2022 movie
8 Race movie franchise & Kanthara
9 RDX & Pushpa & Leo
10 Pathaan & Jawan
And etc...
Top 10 தரமான Indian 🇮🇳👊 Action movies 👊
1 Doom movie franchise & Kill
2 War
3 Vikram
4 Tiger movie franchise
5 Kaithi
6 Wanted
7 Attack 2022 movie
8 Race movie franchise & Kanthara
9 RDX & Pushpa & Leo
10 Pathaan & Jawan
And etc...
Red Dawn -1984- , Lethal Weapon movie series -1987 to 1998, Jason Bourne series - 2002 to 2016.
,,The Thing'' 1982r. This sci-fi horror film by John Carpenter is a true masterpiece.
Others I can think of are, The Hunt for Red October(1989); John Wick(2014); The Fugitive(1993); Bourne Identity(2002); Lethal Weapon(1987); Dirty Harry(1971); Gladiator(2000); Assault On precinct 13(1976); 48 Hours(1982); The Warriors(1979); The Wild Bunch(1969); Escape From New York(1981); Commando(1985).
Ok this guy f's
Saymynameice, that is a great list! 👍
love Commando, but Predator is the greatest action flick of all time.
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000) was an absolute masterpiece of filmmaking!
Ang Lee's brilliant direction, the engaging story, the cinematography, the costume designs, the musical score, the beautifully choreographed fight sequences, and the powerful performances from the actors . . . All top notch 👍
Ang Lee's Hulk (2003)
I agree. I loved Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
This I agree with.
I'm sorry, I completely DISagree. Crouching Story, Hidden Plotline was the worst movie I've encountered in my 50+ years of watching. It's a movie about a girl. No, it's a movie about a sword. No, it's a movie about a quest. No, it's a movie about..... A FREAKIN HAIRPIN?????
Sorry, this movie goes down as trash in my book.
@@BethelAbbaYou're just stupid
The most amazing thing about Terminator 2: It's more than 30 years old and the CGI still doesn't look outdated
I agree. It set the bar for action with perfect cgi. Everything else couldn’t come close to terminator 2. Not even the later sequels.
I have to agree, but I think it is because the CGI level has been kept as minimal as needed (and also as it was possible by the time) then everything seems as real as it could be.
It was real special effects backed up by CGI not full power CGI green screen scenes.
@@andrewgardner8972 Let us not speak of the later sequels 🤫 Agreed 💯 on this one the C.G I is masterfully well done here and it remains a classic to this day !
That’s because they used real scenes in the city and stunts back then
This is a first rate WatchMojo selection. Very well done. That Seven Samurai was #1 was the icing on the cake.
Terminator 2 was just so good and still holds up so well, that any sequel or continuation they try to do now is just trying to capture the magic that was made with that amazing film.
How is Predator not on this list? I mean, is it because it's an action, sci-fi, suspense, and horror movie all rolled into one? Was it too much to try and understand.
I understood it perfectly. Not every alien race wants us to live long & prosper. If anything we're the trash of the universe so hunting us would be a sport. Kudos to Topher Grace in Predators. The psychopath dentist was something I did not see coming.
@@dicksonfranssengood movie but eh
Predator is my favorite action movie.
@@traystyles1 I mean it was definitely epic when it came out and still continues to have more movies so that definitely says something. I change my mind, I think it should be on here! And is Bad Boys too much of a comedy!? Because that movie also has 4 movies now and the first one was amazing
It would have been totally freaking awesome to have had either "Predator" or "Predator 2" on this list. I do also like "Predators" from 2010, which is still my favorite Adrien Brody film. Both "Predator 2" & "Predators" are a bit underrated, in my opinion. 😎😉
*thumbnail*
Bruce Lee vs Keanu Reeves would have been pure unadulterated awesomeness.
🥉
Bruce lee would've swept Keanu any time
"Raiders" made me fall in love with filmmaking, it's one of my favourite Spielberg films. Also, Die Hard is such a Christmas movie, I watch it every Yuletide season.
Sorry, Die Hard is not a Christmas movie.
Agreed about Raiders but hearing Kate Capshaw's screeching voice in Temple was like 20,000 volts going through Frankenstein's bride.
@@Jayrome-ls7mw Of course it is! "Now I have a machine gun. Ho Ho Ho!" 😂
@@Jayrome-ls7mw Christmas movies usually involve redemption. He comes to Los Angles to make amends with his wife, and does, but only after realizing his own mistakes along the way. That is a Christmas movie.
@@roberthughes7237 Great post. Truth in all you said. It's the body count, explosions that makes this more a summer blockbuster. That's just me.
Predator would definitely be in my top 5
@vinay7884 lol bro was just about to mention Predator. Definitely up there in the top 3 for me
I agree. Not only for best action movie but for best SIFi and horrormovie as well
Raiders of the lost ark is a timeless masterpiece. 💯💖🎉
When Raiders came out a friend called me up and asked if I wanted to see it that night. I'd not heard of it yet, but agreed to go after he said Trust me you will love it. He was going back to see it again. He was right I was blown away. Spielberg was just establishing himself as a master filmmaker and storyteller. I've seen Raiders at least a dozen times if not more. PS.. This was one of your best lists well done
🏆🥇
Beverly Hills Cop... the benchmark for the modern action-comedy subgenre.
The long chase scene in Road Warrior should've placed that movie here over Fury Road, which I loved.
The Fugitive--Harrison Ford's Dr. Kimball was perfect and the action scenes were great. Who can forget watching him jump into the waterfall?
This is the 1st time in years that a list is so well put together
I agree. I've seen all of these expect for one and this list is excellent.
The raid 1&2 were just absolutely masterpiece of their genre. Matrix was the best movie ever for me. So far! Great list!
I am sorry but you really dropped the ball for not Including John Wick here. This is an action masterpiece. Huge reason for this is that the creative people were allowed to do their thing. People who understood what made a good action movie. From the gun fights, martial arts, vehicle chases, and even cinematography it was impeccable.
To include that, you must remove one of the picks. So which will it be?
@@jp3813 If I had to delete the Matrix from the list and replace it with John Wick, I would do so easily.
@@wyldhowl2821 Why though? Remember, you picked 20 other films over it.
The Matrix is far superior to John Wick. It's actually not even close.
@@tylerdordon99Matrix is no action masterpiece
Enter the Dragon is one of the best action movies Ive ever seen, and its shown on Lees birthday every year.
He really is a much missed martial arts icon.
I would like to have seen Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon on the list, but overall, pretty good.
14:00 Thank you for acknowledging Hero. Your the only UA-cam channel who has given the underrated gem 💎 it's flowers. 💐 This is my favorite Jet Li film. The once upon a time in China saga following behind it.
I'm patiently waiting for a 4K for this one.
Thanks for meaningful and valuable video as always ❤❤❤
So glad RRR made the list. I know it is Indian but for me it is the closest thing to live action Anime I've ever seen.
Thank you for the update, WatchMojo..!! The best actions movies on the list..!!
9:26 "Game over, man! Game over!" - poor US Colonial Marine Corps soldier
Hudson was great. The classic military smart ass.
We're in some real pretty shit now, man!
I love Hero. The colors are just breathtaking, in my opinion. All of these movies are really good.
I clicked expecting to disagree with this video but this list is pretty bullet proof. I've seen just about all of these except for #18 and these picks are solid. Well done.
I wouldn’t put RRR on this list…but I would definitely put Predator, John Wick or Robocop
RRR definitely belongs on this list
@@frankd9945 illogical ACTION SCENES
Awesome movies I'll have to rewatch this now thanks WatchMojo 👏🙌🤜🤛🔥👌
Predator should have been here.. That movie left me stunned after I first saw it back in '88.. I have seen it like 100+ times since and never get tired of it.. Plus Jet Li's best movie "Fearless" should have been here as well..
I can't believe you mentioned Ong Bak! It's legendary!
_Raiders of the Lost Ark_ and _Skyfall_ are among the greatest films of their day.
Thank you for including my favorite movies
Terminator 2 Judgement Day
Rambo First Blood
Tho I felt First Blood deserved a higher ranking
I know Kick-Ass is technically a comic book movie, but the action in that film is incredible. Likewise, I greatly enjoyed the action style of the first 2 Kingsman movies
What an amazing and diverse (culturally and historically) list of absolute action masterpieces.
Solid list and hard to argue with, though personally I would have found room for one of the Tom Clancy films (probably The Hunt for Red October) and one of the Bourne films (probably The Bourne Identity).
4:51 Rambo likes to go for a walk.
A very enthusiastic walk.
Some think First Blood is a cartoonish joke but sadly it's not. You can't train anyone to kill an enemy they don't know in a WWII setting, then drop them in a jungle and expect everyone to come home to a new bungalow, two cars in the driveway in be forever happy. Robert McNamara, almost as stupid as MacArthur if that's even possible.
@@dicksonfranssen huh I never knew
*NOTHING IS OVER!*
Alucard would probably be walking right beside Rambo.
John Woo has made so many classic action movies, it`s crazy!
18:35 _The Raid_ and 20:31 _The Matrix_ are my favorite ❤
If this was my list (in no particular order):
Indiana Jones
Star Wars
Blade
Predator
Terminator
Rambo
John Wick
Matrix
Seven Samurai
300
Evil Dead
Die Hard
Bourne Identity
Skyfall
Transporter
Starship Troopers
Scarface
Mad Max
Conan
Gladiator
Love the wide range of this list.
Left out that deserved a place above some of these:
Dirty Harry, influential "tough cynical cop" film, with a protagonist that's almost an anti-hero.
Lethal Weapon: bumped it up a notch from the example set by Dirty Harry. Two cops clashing, one of which is very badass, but also suicidally crazy.
- You included Die Hard on your list, but you kind of forget that what made it new & refreshing is that was that it was written almost like an antidote to the Lethal Weapon style supercop; this cop was acting more like desperate, outclassed by the enemies all around him, and just fighting from moment to moment just to get out of each scrape alive. (Though like a lot of sequels, the franchise then threw subtlety out the window.
Then you end your list with Seven Samurai, which is a great film, but if non-modern (non-gun) action is going to come into this discussion, that opens up the discussion of why you didn't have films like Braveheart, Gladiator, Rob Roy, and perhaps the * perfect * action-fantasy film: Conan The Barbarian !
I was hoping for some unknown action movies. If we are listing well known ones I would rank:
10) Predator
9) RoboCop (The original one)
8) The Hunger Games
7) Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers Endgame (Let's face it, they are a single movie split in 2. Iron Man, Avengers and Captain America: Civil War serve as sufficient prep)
6) Aliens (Alien should be watched first so that you get some of the earlier tension, but I would not rank Alien in my top 10)
5) Terminator 2
4) Terminator
3) Léon: The Professional
2) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
1) The Matrix
(If I were to list the top 20, I would list the three InfinityWar/Endgame prequels separately, along with the other two Captain America's , the third Matrix, the original Star Wars movies, and the original Total Recall)
Damn, you got Hard Boiled way up there,...thank you!
I like Hard Boiled, but I loved The Killer
Jurassic Park? John Wick? Con Air? Bad Boys? Crouching tiger, hidden dragon? The Crow? Independence Day? Train to Busan? Avengers:Endgame? Predator? Some are definitely missing here. You could even argue that Commando and Hard Target are masterpieces in the genre in the campy style of filmmaking.
"Hard Target" is totally freaking awesome! It's my favorite Van Damme movie. And both "Predator" & "Commando" are 2 great Schwarzenegger flicks that are some of the greatest action flicks of the 80s as well as some of the greatest action flicks of all time. Also, "John Wick" 2 & 3 are great, as well.
Jurassic Park isn't an action film.
"Crying Freeman" from 1995 is such an underrated gem. It’s incredibly fascinating and artistic, capturing a unique blend of reality and manga-inspired imagination. The way it brings the manga world to life feels almost tangible, making it a truly immersive experience. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend giving it a watch. It’s a hidden treasure that deserves more recognition!
The Raid 1 and 2 ☠️
I dispute the idea that Mad Max 2 wasn't an important pop culture moment in the 1980s. It influenced fashion, pop videos and other movies for years afterwards. Other than movie geeks, most people have forgotten Fury Road (which I did enjoy).
I was surprised by how many films on this list I had seen, but my favourite film of all time is Hero, so I'm pleased to see that on the list!
I was genuinly surprised they included Fury Road instead of Mad Max 2😮
Mad Max 2 was very influential when it came out. Fury Road, a good movie but that's it
Honestly, I much prefer "Cyborg" with Van Damme over any of the _Mad Max_ movies. But then again, I'm a HUGE JCVD fan, so that's definitely one reason as to why I like it a lot more. Also, I love the score for "Cyborg" much more than the music in those _Mad Max_ movies, as well. So that's another reason, too.
@@fromtexas2734 That's fair enough. We're all influenced by what we enjoy most. I enjoyed both Mad Max 2 and Fury Road, but if the question is about which one influenced cinema - or culture generally - Mad Max 2 is the one.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Kung Fu Hustle, The Mummy Returns, The Demolition Man and Lethal Weapon 4 are my favorites
There are some fantastic suggestions in the comments but i didn't see 'The good, the bad, and the ugly' it would have easily made the list, also "No Country for an old man", "The Seven Samurai", "Taken", just to name a few
Aliens - Favorite movie of all time
The Matrix - 2nd favorite movie of all time
Here are some honorable mentions: Face/off (John Woo brings all of his merits with a lot of shootings and awesome performances from Travolta and Cage in a terrenal sci-fi classic), The Rock (Sean Connery proved how to be an action man in his later years with a very good plot), The Bourne Supremacy (Our favorite amnesia spy trying to find out who he is by using his brains, guts, fight skills and one only pistol).
The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise I have to watch this movie everytime it's on a screen
Is the movie action packed?
The fact that Lethal Weapon 1987 was not included is a crime. What about Commando 1985, Sudden Death 1995, John Wick 2014, The Equalizer 2014, Air Force One 1997 or Olympus Has Fallen 2013.
SAVINGS PRIVATE RYAN & BLACKHAWK DOWN are totally awesome that you have missed it.
Those are proper war films though, full of action but maybe not "action" films.
Conan the Barbarian. Story, soundtrack, set design and costuming, and yes, even acting (James Earl Jones? Max Von Sydow?)
RRR(2022)
YESSSSSS!
Mad Max 2 IS the masterpiece of the franchise, Fury Road is a Magnum opus. Pretty good list, you forgot a few films, maybe PART 2, 3,4,5? And the FACT you acknowledge Die Hard as THE CHRISTMAS movie IT IS, makes this list a MASTERPIECE. well done Watchmojo! please do TOP 10 Fear Factory songs next. *Martyr, scapegoat, replica, cyberwaste, edgecrusher, linchpin, fear campaign, Soulhacker, zero signal, self bias resister.*
Highly recommend 1982 Shaolin Temple movie. Many people regarded it as all time favorite Kongfu movie from China. And its music and songs were also great.
Seven Samurai, not only the greatest action film ever but arguably the greatest film of all time. Would have had Aliens at no2 myself and you missed out FACE/OFF and Brotherhood of the Wolf but a nice list
Die Hard is probably my favorite Christmas movie
Lethal Weapon, Too.
MY WORK PLACE had a christmas movie theme day where each team would come in with a xmas movie theme team leader was going through a list of what we can do i suggested die hard boss said not an xmas movie team disagreed and we all came in wearing a vest and a sign for on top of the computer "YIPPEE KIA A " MOTHERF**KER" (but firm nixed the plan to end all the calls with this)
they did not repeat next christmas
@@philiprice7875 that sounds like a great Christmas party
18:54 Gareth Evans directed the raid 1 and 2 not Gareth Edwards
Any of the Ip Man movies should've made the list!! Those movies are 🔥.
@Daniel Craig - I cried watching the last Craig starred James Bond. I have read every single book; yes most people don't know they were books first. What no one knew before today (except my Dad I miss him very much he was also a huge 007 fan) is that I cried watching all the other ones too. Judy D. and Craig as well as the new Q not trying to be the old Q. Not to mention the bad guys were just so on point. The art in such a movie has been there from the start regardless of who you favorite bond is or was... but no one else ever made me shed tears.
-SkyFall: 6 Oscar Nominations
All the previous James Bond Films: 6 Oscar nominations total.
Shows you how great SkyFall was.
-Mission Impossible Fallout was a pure adrenaline filled masterpiece. That was the most critically acclaimed film of 2018.
-T2 Judgment Day should have been nominated for best picture. It was ahead of its time and is one of the great sequels ever.
-RRR…..not into Indian films much, but this movie was damn good.
-No comic book films on this list. The Dark Knight should be on this list.
This is just a list of my favourite movies
The Matrix is my #1 all time favorite movie!
I’ve only seen Mad Max: Fury Road, The French Connection, Bullitt, First Blood, Skyfall, Aliens, Die Hard, Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Heat, Terminator 2: Judgment Day and The Matrix.
Thanks for sharing, but why just list what you have seen?
@pike100 For me it makes sense to add the ones that I've seen.
“Saving Private Ryan” deserves a mention.
Mad max ❤❤❤ Ong bak ❤❤ Skyfall ❤❤❤
The Raid at #4 made me look forward to seeing the top 3
Great list. Love the many Hong Kong movies on the list. But in my opinion the #1 all.time should be Terminator 2 Judgement Day.
Highly disappointed with Aliens...#12 is truly an insult...
Aliens should be in the top 5
I’m disappointed that “The Dark Knight” wasn’t picked for this list. I thought for sure it would be #1”.
maybe they considered it more drama than action
@@dylanpollack It is more drama than action. Like about 90% of that movie is nothing but talking & bullcrap. Now, don't get me wrong, though. I don't hate Nolan's "The Dark Knight." I'm just not as big a fan of it like so many other people are. And honestly, I actually like "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice" 🦸♂(which I rewatched not too long ago) a whole hell of a lot more than 2008's "The Dark Knight." And that film has about 10x more action in it than Nolan's "The Dark Knight"!
@@fromtexas2734 Batman vs Superman is an overhyped, underwhelming and anticlimactic piece of garbage.
@@michaelmonthey5974 Totally 100% disagree. We agree to disagree. But you go watch & enjoy "The Dark Knight" and I'll go and watch & enjoy "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice." To each their own. 😃
Luc Besson's La Femme Nikita
Chad Stahelski's John Wick
John Frankenheimer's Ronin
Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill
My List:
1. Seven Samurai
2. Raiders of the Lost Ark
3. Terminator 2: Judgement Day
4. John Wick Chapter 4
5. the Raid: Redemption
6. Mad Max: Fury Road
7. Police Story
8. RRR
9. Hard Boiled
10. Die Hard
hey kid, ever heard of an actor called Al Pacino ? Robert De Niro ?
@@anjoLas Yes i have, but Sorry this i My List! ✌
11. Lethal Weapon.
@@harsyakiarraathallah2222 Yup, I totally agree. It's your list. It's YOUR list. So you go ahead and you put whatever movie you want on it. 👌👍
The John Wick series is definitely #1 for me and I said series because it could be any of the 4
Aliens at only #12 is a crime
Serpico, Dark Knight, John Wick, Blade .... many were left i think
Serpico is a good movie, but it isn't an action film.
Van Damme’s Hard Target !
Should've been most influential action movies of all time
I think the movie equilibrium is right up there too
But Equilibrium itself was influenced by The Matrix, surely?
Die Hard is way too low. Should be at least be in the Top 3 imo. There's a reason the movie has become an adjective in the lexicon of cinema. Ex - is the Die Hard of this or that.
Spider Man 2 (2004)? Perhaps the greatest comic book movie of all time. The Dark Knight was also not on the list so I'm assuming y'all left out said comic book movies all together.
Some other notable omissions -
Predator
John Wick
Braveheart
Gladiator
The Blue Brothers deserves to be included. That film is full of outrageous action moments that are also part of the comedy. They could never shoot a film like that today. Not in Chicago. They turned that city upside down to shoot that car chase!
Point Break deserved a spot on this list
I was doubtful The Dark Knight (2008) would be on here cause how it's a comic book movie, and that could be on a list of its own.
Boring ass movie hardly has any action
Mad Max: Fury Road at 20?! C'mon!
Yes I too regret, but I'm happy to see diehard not making top 5
When I first saw raid I was speechless and felt like a kid again straight forward action
I am not sure many people have ever considered most of these to not be masterpieces.
The Matrix, Indiana Jones, Die Hard and of course Mission Impossible are my favourites.
Exiled (2006)
Dragon Inn (1967)
A Bittersweet Life (2005)
Eastern Condors (1987)
8 Diagram Pole Fighter (1984)
I can't believe none of the Blade movies made the list or John Wick movies 😢
Some of my favorites
*Hardcore Henry*
*The Expendables 2*
*The Protector*
*Red Dawn*
*Kill Bill Vol. 1*
*Predator*
*Wanted*
*Equilibrium*
*xXx*
*Ninja Assassin*
Great list but it's insane that John Woo's A Better Tomorrow 2 isn't on this list.
Heat is one of the best movies ever made and how and the hell did it get snubbed at the Oscars
How is John Wick not on here? :o
Cannot believe you guys put skyfall above casino royal. In Intro in CR is unbeaten in terms of action choreography
Killing M in Skyfall was an important decision nobody saw coming..that’s the reason that made it a masterpiece
Why is this titled "Actually Masterpieces?" almost half of the films on here have long been considered masterpieces
We must not leave our the game changing of the super hero genre of movies that marvel did up until maybe Ms marvel
No mention of The Dark Knight !!!!😱
Overrated trash 🗑️