My Favourite Action Movies of All-Time

Not many film genres have gained the appreciation of action. Since the 1980’s, the action genre has produced unforgettable movies. Whether it’s police-officers, whip-smart archaeologists or dreamers, the genre has created strong characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the greatest movies in a genre that deserves to be celebrated.

1. North by Northwest

Alfred Hitchcock is a legendary filmmaker that has always impressed my father. I remember forming strong bonds with a father that was a huge fan of the famous filmmaker. He would often fondly recall with nostalgia watching movies made by a filmmaker giving him a lifelong love of Cinema. Through his love for watching Hitchcock movies, my father inspired me to make my film criticism dreams come true. I’m a huge fan of Hitchcock and adore all the movies he made throughout his illustrious career. However, “North by Northwest” has always been my personal favourite. Ever since its release in 1959, Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film has stood the test of time as the greatest action movie ever made. With the most entertaining movie of his career, Hitchcock captured a spy on a mission to escape mistaken identities causing despair. Hitchcock is one of those filmmakers that always excelled at using diegetic sounds in his movies to build tension, and his strengths are clearly evident in “North by Northwest”. For instance, the iconic scene in which Roger Thornhill is chased by a cropduster is one of the greatest moments of the action genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Cary Grant, who embodies a compelling action hero. Ultimately, what makes “North by Northwest” the greatest action movie ever is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1950’s, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a strong message about mistaken identity which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years following the release of an action film about spies assuming identities running from cropdusters which are terrifying, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a genre that has produced movies worth celebrating.

2. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

Indiana Jones is an incredible character that shaped my teacher’s identity. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a teacher that appreciated the whip-smart hero. Through his admiration for Indiana Jones, my teacher gave me a love for Cinema. He admired all the films made about the hero with a spark, but his favourite film was always “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. Released in 1981, Steven Spielberg’s movie forever changed the action genre through its introduction of an iconic character. Steven Spielberg is one of those filmmakers that has always had an aptitude for staging awe-inspiring action sequences in his movies, and his strengths are clearly evident in “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. For instance, the iconic scene in which Indiana Jones is chased by a humongous boulder in a state of fear remains one of the most memorable moments of the action genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Harrison Ford, who created an iconic hero audiences adored. Ultimately, what makes “Raiders of the Lost Ark” a timeless classic is its strong balance. Unlike most movies in the commemorated genre, it strikes a fine balance between spectacle and character development. As strong as Indiana Jones’ desire to find the Lost Ark, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that hasn’t lost its spark which has left a lasting mark.

3. The Dark Knight

The Joker is a legendary comic-book character that my brother has always loved dearly. As far as I can remember, my brother has adored the Joker. I remember a brother that was a huge fan of the character. He grew up to embrace a villain holding a special place in his heart that left smiles on his face. As someone treasuring bright memories of a brother that appreciated the Joker, I adored “The Dark Knight”. Ever since its release in 2008, Christopher Nolan’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest comic-book film ever made. Nolan is one of those filmmakers with an aptitude for constructing breathtaking action in movies, and his strengths are evident in “The Dark Knight”. For instance, the scene in which Batman interrogates the Joker is one of the greatest action sequences ever filmed in a movie. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Heath Ledger, who embodied a commemorated villain. Ultimately, what makes “The Dark Knight” a commemorated action movie is its message. It delivers a strong message about terrorism which would resonate with everyone. As strong as the Joker’s desire to leave a smile on the face, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced timeless movies which audiences embrace.

4. Die Hard

Terrorism has impacted my identity. At an early age, I faced bombings causing damage. I recall with nostalgia terrifying memories of bomb blasts that caused my family to face insomnia in Saudi Arabia. An act of terrorism, the bombing was a shock to the system. As someone that witnessed hard terrorist attacks in which there was a high likelihood to die, I adored “Die Hard”. Ever since its release in 1988, John McTiernan’s movie has stood the test of time as one of the greatest action movies ever made. McTiernan is one of those filmmakers that has always had a flair for staging breathtaking action in his movies, and his strengths are evident in “Die Hard”. For instance, the scene in which John McClane blows up the rooftop to retaliate against terrorists remains one of the finest moments of the action genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Bruce Willis, who created an iconic action hero. Ultimately, what makes “Die Hard” an action classic is its timeless appeal. Unlike most action movies in the 1980’s, it has aged beautifully with a message about terrorism that remains relevant today. As strong as the courage of John McClane, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has never lost its abilities to entertain.

5. Mission: Impossible – Fallout

It isn’t easy to recover from a leg injury. Several years ago, my life hit a heartbreaking low when I suffered a devastating leg injury causing sorrow. An inevitable injury, the leg impairment resulted from the risky business of running. It was hard for me to accept the impossible mission that I couldn’t run. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the fallout consequences caused by leg injuries as powerfully as “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”. Christopher McQuarrie’s sixth film in the iconic action franchise is one of the greatest action movies ever made. In the sixth instalment of the series, Cruise broke his ankle jumping across rooftops of buildings. A career-ending injury, the stunt put the actor’s future in uncertainty. Nevertheless, nothing in the whole world could stop Cruise from pursuing his passion for filmmaking. Cruise’s commitment to commemorated stunts regardless of the risks made “Fallout” an action masterpiece. Whether he’s dangling from a helicopter that’s flying or jumping across rooftops, Cruise’s commitment is awe-inspiring. As strong as Ethan Hunt’s desire to overcome his fallout, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre without a doubt that has produced unforgettable movies which deserve to be talked about.

6. Casino Royale

James Bond is a spectacular spy that has built a lasting legacy. Following his introductions during the 1960’s, Bond earned a following. In 2006, Martin Campbell reimagined the spy with the ability to enthral in his movie “Casino Royale”. With the most action-packed movie of his career, Campbell celebrated a legendary spy that audiences hold dear. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Casino Royale” stand out is its gritty action. Campbell staged thrilling action sequences using shaky cinematography to capture Bond’s intense fighting style. At the centre of it all is a dazzling performance from Daniel Day-Lewis, who embodied the legendary spy. A brilliant beginning of a franchise about a spy, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a commemorated genre that has always produced memorable movies that satisfy.

7. Gladiator

Gladiators are grand historical figures that my grandfather has always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that had immense knowledge about gladiators with courage. He would speak fondly about Rome as a place he considered his home. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandfather that loved Roman gladiators, I adored “Gladiator”. Released in 2000, Ridley Scott’s movie changed the action genre through its depiction of the Roman era. Scott showcased his strength as a filmmaker by staging breathtaking battle sequences recreating the Roman era. Assisted by Russell Crowe who is excellent in the lead role, Scott celebrates gladiators that fought centuries ago. As strong as Maximus’ desire to become a gladiator, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies audiences treasure.

8. Inception

One of the most common criticisms levelled against the action genre is its lack of originality. The action movie genre has always followed a predictable formula by recycling ideas. In a genre that has often lacked original ideas with innovation, it’s worth praising “Inception”. Released in 2010, Christopher Nolan’s science-fiction masterpiece forever changed the action genre. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Inception” stand out is its originality. Nolan used engaging non-linear storytelling to stage action sequences which are awe-inspiring. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is excellent in the lead role, Nolan captured dreams spiralling out of control. As strong as Cobb’s desire to make his dreams come true true, it’s a dazzling reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced memorable movies which audiences value.

9. Mad Max: Fury Road

Mad Max is a magnificent franchise that has earned a massive following. Following its introductions by George Miller in the 1980’s, the commemorated franchise about mad emperors has earned worldwide recognition. All of the Mad Max movies are packed with a load of action, but none more so than “Fury Road”. Released in 2015, George Miller’s blockbuster took the franchise to another level through breathtaking action. Miller showcased his strength for staging action through practical stunts that are awe-inspiring. At the centre of it all is Tom Hardy, who created one of the most iconic action heroes in cinematic history. A magnificent reboot of a commemorated franchise about emperors that are mad, it’s a marvellous reminder of a genre which has produced unforgettable movies that always leave audiences glad.

10. The Matrix

Few action movies ever made are as beloved among film critics as “The Matrix”. Since its release in 1999, the Wachowski’s movie has become a science-fiction classic. Despite its merits, I must admit that I have never been a huge fan of “The Matrix”. On a technical level, the film is extremely well-made offering stunning special effects. The slow-motion scene in which Neo dodges bullets remains a highlight of the action genre. However, the film’s intense focus on spectacle leaves little room for compelling storytelling. Nevertheless, for all its flaws it’s an incredibly influential film that remains a memorable addition to the action genre. As precious as the matrix, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost ability to transfix audiences that I will forever treasure for inspiring me to pursue dreams of joining communities of film critics.