Top 25 Action Movies Ever

While we love all types of movies here at IGN, there’s something especially thrilling about action films—they’re the adrenaline-fueled heartbeat of cinema. These are the kinds of movies that keep your pulse pounding and your eyes glued to the screen.

From the explosive showdowns of the '80s and '90s to today’s high-tech spectacles, action movies have evolved far beyond their campy roots. This list celebrates a wide range of subgenres—action comedies, sci-fi epics, martial arts masterpieces, superhero sagas, war dramas, and adventurous thrillers—all brought together by IGN's most passionate action fans. Our rankings were determined through extensive discussion and voting, with attention paid to the quality of the action, the level of excitement they generate, and their lasting impact on film culture.

Here then, are IGN’s 25 best action movies of all time.

25. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Writer: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
Stars: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan
Release Date: March 13, 2014
Where to Watch: Stream on Disney+, or rentable from Prime Video and other platforms

The Russo Brothers’ first entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe was so impressive it earned them the keys to Captain America: Civil War and the Avengers blockbusters that followed. Winter Soldier is a gripping espionage thriller that shakes up both Steve Rogers' world and the entire MCU when it’s revealed that SHIELD has been compromised by HYDRA for decades. The action sequences—especially the brutal fight choreography and vehicular mayhem—are top-tier. Many consider this the finest MCU film to date, even above the massive Avengers events.

24. RRR (2022)

Director: 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

This Indian blockbuster took audiences by storm in 2022 with its over-the-top blend of musical drama, historical fiction, and jaw-dropping action. Based loosely on two real-life revolutionaries, RRR delivers more than three hours of bombastic stunts, sweeping dance numbers, and emotionally charged performances. It’s an extravagant cinematic feast that continues to grow in popularity and acclaim.

23. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

Director: Chad Stahelski
Writer: Shay Hatten, Michael Finch
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård
Release Date: March 6, 2023
Where to Watch: Rent from platforms including Prime Video

The latest installment in the John Wick saga raises the bar for cinematic action. With Keanu Reeves delivering peak performance and facing off against increasingly deadly odds—including a literal 300-step staircase battle—this film is a stunning conclusion (or near conclusion) to one of modern cinema’s greatest action franchises. The gun fu, kung fu, and sheer intensity of every scene make this a must-watch for action enthusiasts.

22. Fast Five (2011)

Director: Justin Lin
Writer: Chris Morgan
Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster
Release Date: April 15, 2011
Where to Watch: Rent from Prime Video and other platforms

Before the Fast & Furious franchise went full global-saving mode, Fast Five redefined what the series could be. A high-octane heist set in Brazil featuring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s debut as Luke Hobbs, this film blends family, speed, and destruction like never before. Still regarded by many as the pinnacle of the franchise.

21. Casino Royale (2006)

Director: Martin Campbell
Writer: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Paul Haggis
Stars: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen
Release Date: November 14, 2006
Where to Watch: Rent from Apple TV and other platforms

Daniel Craig’s introduction as James Bond redefined the iconic character. Gone were the gadgets and ice palaces; in their place came grit, realism, and emotional depth. From the breathtaking parkour opening to the intense poker showdown, Casino Royale returned Bond to his roots as a lethal operative with a heart buried beneath layers of trauma.

20. Ip Man (2008)

Director: 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

A tribute to Wing Chun legend Ip Man, this film showcases Donnie Yen at his peak. Combining elegant martial arts with heartfelt storytelling, Ip Man is a masterclass in action filmmaking, blending grace, precision, and raw emotion.

19. Independence Day (1996)

Director: Roland Emmerich
Writer: Roland Emmerich, Dean Devlin
Stars: Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum
Release Date: June 25, 1996
Where to Watch: Stream with MGM+, or rent from Apple TV and other platforms

Roland Emmerich’s sci-fi disaster epic became a cultural phenomenon. With city-destroying aliens, heroic speeches, and last-minute computer viruses saving the day, Independence Day is pure popcorn entertainment with unforgettable action beats.

18. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Director: Ang Lee
Writer: Wang Hui-ling, James Schamus, Tsai Kuo-jung
Stars: Michelle Yeoh, Chow Yun-fat, Zhang Ziyi
Release Date: May 18, 2000
Where to Watch: Stream with Max, or rent from Prime Video and other platforms

Ang Lee’s visually stunning martial arts epic combines romance, philosophy, and gravity-defying action. With Oscar-winning cinematography and some of the most beautifully choreographed fights ever filmed, Crouching Tiger remains a classic of Eastern and Western cinema alike.

17. The Raid: Redemption (2011)

Director: Gareth Evans
Writer: Gareth Evans
Stars: Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim, Donny Alamsyah
Release Date: September 8, 2011
Where to Watch: Rent from Prime Video and other platforms

Hailing from Indonesia, The Raid is a relentless, no-nonsense action film. With minimal plot and maximum impact, this movie features some of the most realistic and brutally executed fight scenes in modern cinema. Pure adrenaline from start to finish.

16. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

Director: Peter Jackson
Writer: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Stephen Sinclair, Peter Jackson
Stars: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen
Release Date: December 5, 2002
Where to Watch: Max

Peter Jackson’s Two Towers brings the scale of fantasy warfare to new heights. The climactic Battle of Helm’s Deep remains one of the most spectacular and emotionally resonant action sequences in film history, combining large-scale spectacle with intimate heroism.

15. True Lies (1994)

Director: James Cameron
Writer: James Cameron
Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis, Bill Paxton
Release Date: July 15, 1994