Key Takeaways:
– JoBlo ranks “Die Hard” (1988) as the greatest action movie of all time.
– This list sticks to classic action films, leaving out superhero movies and certain genres like Jackie Chan's films.
– The list includes a mix of newer franchises like ‘John Wick', ground-breaking classics like ‘Enter the Dragon', and influential pieces such as ‘Casino Royale'.
– Action movies starring iconic figures like Jean-Claude Van Damme, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Bruce Lee, among others, make the cut.
– Notably, the list omits films such as ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,' ‘Hero,' and ‘Heat'.
Entering the action-packed world of cinema can be a thrilling adventure. In the world of film, action movies hold a special place. They've got everything: thrilling chases, well-choreographed fights, and gripping storylines that can glue you to your seat. Online publication JoBlo recently released its top 25 action movies of all time, causing quite a stir. This list ranges from modern Hollywood blockbusters to timeless classics, showcasing the best in the genre.
Picking out the ‘best' action films is a challenging task and often leads to heated debate. With the number of action films released over the decades, it's clear that the list is subjective and leaves out superhero films, given their broadness. Notable films like Jackie Chan's “Police Story” have been omitted, but more lists are in the pipeline, so fans stay tuned!
Coming in at number 25 is “Hard Target” (1993), praised as Jean-Claude Van Damme's best action film. Directed by John Woo in his American film debut, the depiction of villains and action sequences in this movie warrants its place on the list.
“Leon: The Professional” (1994) follows at number 24 with its stylish depiction of a hitman drama. This Luc Besson's film introduced Natalie Portman to cinephiles while offering an unforgettable villain played by Gary Oldman.
The 23rd spot goes to “Casino Royale” (2006). It arguably re-invented James Bond and showcased Daniel Craig's immense talent, and it was impossible to ignore in a compilation of this sort.
Old-school action fans would agree with “Commando” (1985) sitting at the 22nd spot – where Arnold Schwarzenegger's image changed from killing machine to a more personable character. As for films centred around the Vietnam War, “Rambo: First Blood Part 2” (1985) is an influential one-man-army movie positioned at number 21.
The list includes notable mentions of recent works such as “The John Wick Franchise” at number 17 which starkly refreshed the film industry, and “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015) at number 15, a product of a chaotic shoot and proved to be a masterpiece.
A Quentin Tarantino classic, “Kill Bill Volume 1 & 2” (2003, 2004), is at number 16. The film showcased Tarantino's love for Kung-Fu cinema and breathtaking action sequences. “The Matrix” (1999) transcended the boundaries of sci-fi action and redefined Keanu Reeves' career, securing the 11th spot.
The top 5 include classics and influencers such as “Enter the Dragon” (1973) by the legendary Bruce Lee which made a significant impact on martial arts and films across continents, ranking number 5. At the fourth spot, we have “Hard Boiled” (1992), best known for its climax shoot-out. Indiana Jones's saga “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981) was deemed the third highest, followed by “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” (1991) at the second spot for its unbeatable combination of real explosions and a heartwarming storyline.
The number one spot, much to the delight of die-hard action fans, was claimed by “Die Hard” (1988). The film featuring Bruce Willis's unforgettable performance as John McClane was not only labeled as the greatest Christmas movie but also bagged the title of the greatest action flick ever.
Remember, this list is subjective, and there may be other deserving titles such as ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,' ‘Heat,' or ‘Hero,'. However, the list is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to explore the world of action movies. Let's keep the discussion alive in the comments section below! Happy watching!
