© NL Beeld

'Top Gun: Maverick' (2022) -

The long-awaited sequel to the original 'Top Gun' delivered on adrenaline-pumping aerial combat with Tom Cruise returning as Maverick. A new generation took flight in a sky-high spectacle.

© NL Beeld

'The Matrix' (1999) -

Bullet time and a reality-bending story made this a sci-fi action game-changer. Keanu Reeves' Neo brought cyberpunk and martial arts together in a visually stunning experience.

© NL Beeld

'Kill Bill: Vol. 1' (2003) -

Quentin Tarantino's homage to martial arts delivered unforgettable action, and Uma Thurman's vengeance. The climax's epic showdown in the Tokyo restaurant is one of the bloodiest in film history.

© NL Beeld

'Bullitt' (1968) -

Steve McQueen's iconic car chase is legendary. This film redefined the action genre, and McQueen's charismatic portrayal still captivates.

© NL Beeld

'The Dark Knight' (2008) -

Christopher Nolan's 'Batman' sequel gave us Heath Ledger's iconic Joker and intense, realistic action. 'The Dark Knight' raised the bar for superhero films and offered a dark, complex take on the genre.

© NL Beeld

'Face/Off' (1997) -

John Travolta and Nicolas Cage's swap turns this into a rollercoaster of action and suspense. Director John Woo's signature gunplay and stylized action shine.

© NL Beeld

'Aliens' (1986) -

James Cameron elevated the 'Alien' franchise, mixing horror and action brilliantly. Sigourney Weaver's Ripley became an action icon, and the suspenseful, intense encounters with the Xenomorphs are unforgettable.

© NL Beeld

'Die Hard' (1988) -

Bruce Willis as John McClane in Nakatomi Plaza is action and one-liners at their best. This genre-defining film brought gritty realism and charisma to the forefront, making McClane an iconic action hero. Yippee-ki-yay!

© NL Beeld

'Predator' (1987) -

Arnold Schwarzenegger versus an alien hunting him in the jungle is pure action gold. Its tension-filled build-up and explosive showdown make it a cult favorite.

© NL Beeld

'John Wick: Chapter 4' (2023) -

Keanu Reeves returns as the unstoppable assassin. The 'John Wick' series redefined modern action with its stylish gun-fu, inventive world-building, and Wick's sheer determination.

© NL Beeld

'Mad Max: Fury Road' (2015) -

George Miller's relentless vehicular onslaught brought life back into the 'Mad Max' franchise. The film's practical effects and non-stop action make it an instant classic in the action genre.

© NL Beeld

'Enter the Dragon' (1973) -

This Bruce Lee-starring masterpiece set the standard for martial arts films. It combined breathtaking fight choreography with Lee's philosophy, making it a timeless classic.

© NL Beeld

'Raiders of the Lost Ark' (1981) -

Steven Spielberg's Indiana Jones burst onto the scene with globe-trotting adventures. Harrison Ford's charismatic archaeologist started a craze the world over.

© NL Beeld

'Kill Bill: Vol. 2' (2004) -

Quentin Tarantino's 'Kill Bill: Vol. 2' is the second installment of the Bride's epic quest for revenge. This film delves deeper into her backstory and features memorable showdowns, including her face-off with Bill himself. Tarantino's signature style and Uma Thurman's iconic performance make this a standout action film.

© NL Beeld

'Avengers: Endgame' (2019) -

This film marked the epic culmination of the Marvel storyline for so many characters. It's a rollercoaster of emotions and jaw-dropping superhero battles, making it a cinematic landmark.

© NL Beeld

'Fast Five' (2011) -

The 'Fast and Furious' franchise shifted gears, becoming a heist action spectacle. Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson's showdown and the daring heist are highlights.

© NL Beeld

'Gladiator' (2000) -

Ridley Scott's epic combines thrilling combat in the Colosseum with Russell Crowe's powerful performance. It resurrected the historical epic genre.

© NL Beeld

'Speed' (1994) -

Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock's chemistry drives this high-octane thriller. The premise of a bomb-rigged bus keeps tensions at a constant boil.

© NL Beeld

'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' (2000) -

Ang Lee's breathtaking wuxia film combined artistry with thrilling martial arts sequences. Its graceful fights in stunning landscapes set a new standard for action choreography.

© NL Beeld

'Heat' (1995) -

Michael Mann's crime saga gives us the iconic face-off between Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. Its intense action scenes and character-driven drama are timeless.

© NL Beeld

'Seven Samurai' (1954) -

Akira Kurosawa's epic masterpiece redefined action with its samurai defending a village. Its structure influenced countless films, and its unbelievable combat scenes set a high standard for action sequences.

© Getty Images

'Bloodsport' (1988) -

Jean-Claude Van Damme bursts onto the action scene with martial arts mastery in 'Bloodsport.' Based on a true story, it showcases epic underground fighting tournaments and iconic splits. A Van Damme classic that's a must for any action aficionado.

© NL Beeld

'Commando' (1985) -

'Commando' marked a turning point in action movies, embracing over-the-top body-count madness. Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a retired Special Ops officer on a vengeful rampage to rescue his kidnapped daughter, creating a deliriously insane, yet oddly comedic action spectacle.

© NL Beeld

'Inception' (2010) -

Christopher Nolan's 'Inception' combines innovative visuals with a complex narrative. Leonardo DiCaprio plays a thief who enters dreams to extract information. The film's action scenes, including a gravity-defying hallway fight, are mind-bending and thrilling.

© NL Beeld

'Ben-Hur' (1959) -

'Ben-Hur' is an epic historical action film directed by William Wyler. It follows the life of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who is wrongfully accused of treason by his childhood friend Messala. The film's highlight is the legendary chariot race, a thrilling and meticulously staged action sequence. With its grand scale, 'Ben-Hur' remains one of the most iconic films in cinematic history.

© NL Beeld

'Police Story' (1985) -

Jackie Chan's 'Police Story' (1985) is a masterclass in action-comedy. His jaw-dropping stunts and physical comedy set a high standard for martial arts cinema.

© NL Beeld

'Duel' (1971) -

Steven Spielberg's directorial debut, 'Duel' is a masterclass in suspense. A salesman is pursued by a menacing tanker truck on a remote highway, with minimal dialogue but maximum tension. Spielberg's genius is on full display in this thrilling showdown.

© NL Beeld

'The Warriors' (1979) -

Walter Hill's 'The Warriors' is a unique New York gang-war thriller. Framed for a murder they didn't commit, a Brooklyn street gang, the Warriors, must journey through enemy territory to get back to their home turf. The film's stylized gang battles, memorable characters, and the infamous "Warriors, come out to play-ay!" taunt have solidified its status as a cult classic.

© NL Beeld

'Assault on Precinct 13' (1976) -

John Carpenter's 'Assault on Precinct 13' is a gritty and suspenseful action thriller. When a nearly abandoned police precinct is attacked by a violent street gang, a desperate group of people, including a police officer, a secretary, and two criminals, must band together to defend themselves.

© Getty Images

'Wages of Fear' (1953) -

Henri-Georges Clouzot's 'Wages of Fear' is a suspenseful thriller set in a South American village. When an American oil company offers a high-paying job to drive trucks filled with highly volatile nitroglycerin through treacherous terrain, a group of desperate men take on the deadly task.

Source: (Collider) (MovieWeb) (Rolling Stone)

See also: Did you know these movies are based on true stories?

© Getty Images