If you’re looking for fast-paced action and thrilling stunts, Hollywood has plenty to offer. From cinematic classics to modern blockbusters, these action movies have something for everyone. Check out our top 10 list of best Hollywood action movies.
10. The Matrix, 1999
At No.10 of our list of best hollywood action movies is The Matrix
The Sci-Fi action flick is a film from 1999, directed by the Wachowskis. The film stars Keanu Reeves as Neo, a hacker who is recruited by a rebellion against a dystopian future in which humanity is enslaved by sentient machines and kept in a simulated reality, the Matrix.
The film features spectacular action scenes, mind-bending visual effects, and a thought-provoking story, which combines elements of cyberpunk, Japanese anime, and mythology. The Matrix was a major commercial success, grossed over $460 million worldwide, earned four Academy Awards and is one of the top-rated Hollywood action movies.
9. The Terminator, 1984
The Terminator is a 1984 science fiction action film directed by James Cameron, and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator, a cyborg assassin sent back in time from the year 2029 to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), the future mother of a resistance leader.
The Terminator was a commercial and critical success and it is considered one of the most iconic films of the 1980s. It established the Terminator as a cultural icon and launched James Cameron’s career as a director. It also launched a franchise that includes several sequels and spin-offs.
8. Mission: Impossible—Fallout, 2018
The sixth in the iconic Mission: Impossible franchise, Fallout stars Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt and features incredible stunts, high-octane action sequences, and great chemistry between the cast. This movie is widely considered to be one of the best action films ever made, with a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 87% audience score.
As the movie opens, Hunt and his team are on a mission to find three missing pieces of plutonium. They travel to Paris, Berlin, London and Kashmir in search of it—each new destination bringing with it its own unique style of suspense and danger. From scenes involving perilous motorcycle chases to confrontations with deadly assassins, Mission: Impossible—Fallout keeps viewers at the edge of their seats as the team fights for their lives against seemingly unbeatable odds.
7. Top Gun, 1986
Top Gun is a 1986 action drama film directed by Tony Scott and produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer. The film stars Tom Cruise as Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a hotshot naval aviator who is sent to the elite Top Gun flight school to train alongside other top pilots.
The film was a commercial success and became an iconic film of the 1980s, known for its action sequences, aerial stunts, and the hit song “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin.
6. Iron Man , 2008
Any list of best hollywood action movies will remain incomplete without the Iron Man. It is a 2008 superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The film tells the story of Tony Stark, a billionaire industrialist who is kidnapped and injured by terrorists in Afghanistan. While in captivity, Stark builds a powerful armored suit to escape and returns home to the United States.
Once back, he decides to use his resources and knowledge to become the armored superhero Iron Man, to fight against evil forces and protect the world. The film not only catapulted Robert Downey Junior to the peak of stardom but also was a beginning of a whole new experience for comic book lovers as it was a movie that kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe which would keep entertaining movie goers for years to come with amazing super hero movies and series.
Check out Top 10 Best Moments of MCU Movies That Left Us Speechless
5. The John Wick Trilogy, 2014-2019
The John Wick trilogy is a series of action films starring Keanu Reeves as the titular character, John Wick. The first film, John Wick (2014) follows the story of a retired hitman who seeks vengeance against the Russian mobsters who killed his dog, a gift from his recently deceased wife.
The second film, John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017) continues the story, with John Wick being pulled back into the criminal underworld to repay a debt to a powerful crime lord.
The final film in the trilogy, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019) finds John Wick on the run, with a $14 million contract on his head, and every assassin in the city after him.
Overall, the John Wick franchise has become one of the best-ever Hollywood action movies in recent years. The fourth film in the series has been announced and slated to release in 2023. By the looks of it, the fourth chapter has full potential to feature on this list of best hollywood action movies.
4. Gladiator, 2000
Joining the list of best hollywood action movies at No.4 is Gladiator. Gladiator is a 2000 historical epic film directed by Ridley Scott. The film tells the story of a Roman general who is betrayed and enslaved by the new emperor, Commodus, and then trained as a gladiator to fight in the Colosseum.
As Maximus rises through the ranks of the gladiators, he gains the support of the people and the courage to seek revenge on the emperor. The film is notable for its realistic and brutal depiction of gladiatorial combat, as well as its strong performances. The film was a box office success, grossing over $457 million worldwide and received numerous awards and nominations. The film won 5 Oscars, among them Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe.
3. Raiders of the Lost Ark, 1981
Raiders of the Lost Ark is Steven Spielberg’s ode to classic pulp-adventure films, starring Harrison Ford as the iconic archaeologist/action hero Dr. Indiana Jones. With a charismatic supporting cast and thrilling set pieces, Raiders of the Lost Ark is a thrilling ride that remains fresh almost 40 years after its initial release, making it our 3rd pick for the list of best hollywood action movies.
2. Die Hard, 1988
Often hailed as one of the greatest action movies ever made, Die Hard set the benchmark for other films released in its wake. Featuring a star-studded cast including Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman, this classic never fails to entertain. Follow John McClane on his iconic mission as he takes on a group of German terrorists to rescue his estranged wife and save everyone in the building!
Not only film has attain a cult status over the years but also enjoys a tremendous fan following. It was but obvious to have further installments and to be made Die Hard a franchise. Die Hard has to be on any and every list of best hollywood action movies.
1. Avengers: Endgame, 2019
The Top spot on our list of best hollywood action movies has the Avengers: Endgame.
Avengers: Endgame is the fourth Avengers film and the 22nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film follows the events of “Avengers: Infinity War”, in which Thanos (Josh Brolin) acquired all six Infinity Stones and used them to wipe out half of all life in the universe. The remaining Avengers and their allies must devise a plan to defeat Thanos and undo his actions.
The film was released in April 2019 and was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $2 billion worldwide. It gave some of the most brilliant cinematic moments to the fans. Not only this, but many of the comic book moments came to life with this movie that made fans in theatre go crazy.
The film became the highest-grossing film of all times.
