The action genre has long captivated audiences, from timeless classics like Bullitt and Dirty Harry to the explosive entries of the 2010s, which solidified its status as a box office titan. Throughout cinema history, action films have played a pivotal role in shaping Hollywood careers, such as Bruce Willis and his iconic role in the Die Hard franchise. These films often center around protagonists battling against criminals and terrorists, showcasing gravity-defying stunts and captivating fight sequences that fans adore.
Each decade has contributed its own masterpieces to this genre, and the 2010s were no exception. Although the beginning of the decade featured some less impressive offerings, the action landscape quickly evolved, introducing a plethora of new franchises and reviving beloved classics. From contemporary remakes to groundbreaking thrillers, this period produced some of the most notable action films.
10 The Expendables 2 (2012)
Directed by Simon West
In 2010, Sylvester Stallone initiated a bold project with The Expendables, gathering an ensemble of action stars. However, it was the sequel, released in 2012, that truly shined as a highlight of the series and an embodiment of the action genre. After dealing with a rogue CIA agent, Barney Ross’ team of elite mercenaries returned to face off against an unforgiving arms dealer, Vilain, in a mission fueled by vengeance. This sequel received a warm reception, surpassing its predecessor by embracing its nostalgic elements with gusto.
The Expendables 2 effectively rectified the shortcomings of the original film, presenting a compelling narrative and amplifying the campy charm that fans craved. With improved humor, an abundance of explosions, and notable cameos from action legends Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger, the film stands as a glorious homage to the stalwart of ’80s action cinema.
9 Fast Five (2011)
Directed by Justin Lin
The Fast and the Furious franchise has transformed into a box office juggernaut over the past two decades. While the series initially focused on car culture and street racing, Fast Five marked a pivotal shift towards thrilling heist action. Here, Dominic Toretto and his crew faced their greatest challenge yet, cleverly navigating the treacherous underbelly of Brazil.
The introduction of Dwayne Johnson as a formidable antagonist injected fresh energy into the narrative, showcasing a dynamic between Johnson’s character and the franchise’s beloved anti-heroes. Fast Five skillfully balanced the series’ original love for cars with a newfound emphasis on gritty heists and gripping action.
8 The Equalizer (2014)
Directed by Antoine Fuqua
The Equalizer, a modern adaptation of a classic TV series, was reimagined for contemporary audiences in 2014. Denzel Washington portrayed the formidable Robert McCall, a retired government operative who takes on the role of protector for the vulnerable. This newly minted hero soon finds himself embroiled in a deadly conflict with the mob while striving to save a young girl’s life.
The film expertly navigates McCall’s moral compass, showcasing his dedication to righting wrongs while delivering exhilarating action sequences that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Washington’s performance as the retired hero breathed new life into this franchise, grabbing the attention of action enthusiasts everywhere.
7 Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
With the explosion of comic book films in recent years, one standout adaptation emerged in Kingsman: The Secret Service, a project based on the works of Mark Millar. The film presents a fun twist on traditional spy films, following the journey of a working-class Brit named Eggsy as he joins a covert spy organization to thwart a nefarious tech mogul.
This film serves both as a parody and a tribute to the spy genre, akin to the long-standing Bond franchise, capitalizing on humor while delivering electrifying escapism. Kingsman introduces memorable gadgets and explosive fight scenes, taking beloved spy conventions and pushing them to an exhilarating extreme.
6 Skyfall (2012)
Directed by Sam Mendes
The James Bond franchise has remained an enduring source of action and cultural significance since its inception in the 1960s. In 2012, Skyfall emerged as a standout entry, telling the story of a semi-retired Bond who returns to MI6 in the wake of a betrayal targeting M. After the mixed reception of Quantum of Solace, Skyfall’s darker tone and grounded action were refreshing, plunging Bond into a gripping world of deception and danger.
| Daniel Craig James Bond Films | Year of Release |
| Casino Royale | 2006 |
| Quantum of Solace | 2008 |
| Torrential rain | 2012 |
| Spectre | 2015 |
| No Time To Die | 2021 |
With strong performances, especially from Javier Bardem as the villain Raoul Silva, Skyfall rejuvenated the franchise’s narrative by focusing on Bond’s character depth and backstory—elements fans had yearned for. This return to a more classic approach captivated a global audience.
5 Dredd (2012)
Directed by Pete Travis
Originating from the pages of British comics, Judge Dredd has been a long-standing character in pop culture. After a poorly received adaptation featuring Sylvester Stallone, the 2012 film Dredd, led by Karl Urban, presented a darker and more grounded interpretation of this character. Director Pete Travis crafted a focused narrative avoiding the pitfalls of its predecessor, immersing viewers in the gritty reality of Mega-City One.
Inspired by the action of The Raid, Dredd packs intense, tightly choreographed scenes while following its protagonists through a high-stakes conflict inside a fortified building. This film is distinctive for its memorable portrayal of Ma-Ma, a powerful female villain, and its innovative visual style, making it a beloved gem in the action genre.
4 Mission Impossible – Fallout (2018)
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie
Since its revitalization in 1996, the Mission: Impossible series has consistently raised the bar for spy thrillers. The franchise hit new heights with 2018’s Mission: Impossible – Fallout, where Ethan Hunt and his team embark on a treacherous mission to recover stolen plutonium. This entry is lauded for its intricate plot twists and high-stakes action, leaving audiences breathless.
Fallout matched and even surpassed many Bond films by successfully introducing an imposing villain and expertly crafted action sequences. The film’s remarkable stunts and dynamic storytelling solidified its place among the action greats.
3 John Wick (2014)
Directed by Chad Stahelski
Keanu Reeves solidified his legacy as a preeminent action star with the release of John Wick in 2014. Centered on a retired assassin seeking vengeance for the murder of his beloved dog, the film quickly garnered attention with its stunning visuals and rich narrative. John Wick’s journey showcases the seamless blend of style and substance, pulling audiences deeply into its beautifully crafted world.
With its striking use of color, dynamic choreography, and Reeves’ poignant portrayal of grief and retaliation, John Wick swiftly became a cornerstone of modern action cinema. This film is credited with reinvigorating the genre, leading to a successful franchise built on its distinctive style.
2 The Raid: Redemption (2011)
Directed by Gareth Evans
The significant impact of Asian cinema on Hollywood has been evident throughout film history. The Raid made waves in 2011, garnering international acclaim for its unparalleled choreography and relentless intensity. Following a police raid on a high-rise controlled by a fierce crime lord, this film demonstrated that narrative strength and intensity could be delivered in a compact format.
The success of The Raid reinvigorated interest in high-caliber action choreography within the industry, inspiring countless films to elevate their fight scenes. Its influence resonates today, shaping the direction of modern action cinema, showcasing how powerful storytelling coupled with breathtaking visuals can create a lasting legacy.
1 Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Directed by George Miller
George Miller’s Mad Max franchise revolutionized concepts of dystopia in cinema, evolving from its 1979 origins. In 2015, Mad Max: Fury Road delivered a cinematic experience that combines stunning visuals with relentless action, essentially encapsulating an entire movie within a high-octane chase. Audiences were introduced to a redefined Max, played by Tom Hardy, as he aligns with a group of women fleeing from the tyrannical Immortan Joe.
This film is renowned for its breathtaking action sequences, brilliant world-building, and character development. Mad Max: Fury Road adds to the canon of post-apocalyptic storytelling with its engaging characters, thrilling set pieces, and astounding cinematic craftsmanship, thereby claiming its rightful place as one of the best action films of the 2010s.
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