By Frank Kamuntu
The 21st century has been kind to the action genre: big-spectacle, high-budget films have become hot commodities once more after limping through the 1990s hobbled by waning interest in big muscles, big guns, and big explosions. Instead, bigger was not only better but necessary to draw back increasingly shrinking audience engagement in action films. The results have moved the needle significantly as a result, where nearly every year in the 21st century has produced incredible action films – maybe even the best.
Not an automatic draw as they once were, action films got a lot smarter as a result: complex protagonists, plots, and scenarios began to populate the genre, with filmmakers realizing a cool kill and lots of explosions won’t draw the audience into action movies like they used to. As a result, the quality of plot and characterizations got a lot better in the new century, with unexpected juxtapositions producing action films that were actual good films in their own right. With that, let’s take a look at the 20 best action movies of the 21st century so far.
1. The Raid (2011)
This Indonesian action masterpiece is a non-stop ride filled with absolutely stunning fight scenes and heart-pumping action.The Raid: Redemption’s cinematography feels precise and purposeful, with explosive violence balanced with a surprisingly emotional storyline for an action film.
A violent ballet of bullets and intense action sequences, The Raid is one of the most well-reviewed rated action films ever made that expresses the inherent gory violence that occurs during police raids in extremely dangerous situations.
2. Equilibrium (2002)
Equilibrium is like the love child of The Matrix and Fahrenheit 451. This dystopian action flick takes place in a society where all forms of emotion are banned, and anyone who dares to feel is immediately executed.
Christian Bale gives a standout performance as a “Grammaton Cleric” who is tasked with enforcing these rules but eventually discovers the joy of emotions himself. The gun-kata fight scenes are a work of art and will satisfy any fan of the John Wick series. An action movie with a brain, Equilibrium is an underseen action classic.
3. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
The Bourne Ultimatum is the best film in the Jason Bourne franchise. Featuring Matt Damon at the top of his action game as the amnesiac assassin Jason Bourne, the action sequences are intense and visceral, with hand-to-hand combat that feels realistic and brutal.
The film’s fast-paced editing and globe-trotting storyline keep you caught up in the action, and the twists and turns leave you guessing until the end. A new classic in the action genre and a highlight of the series.
4. Atomic Blonde (2017)
You would have never thought it about the Academy-award-winning actress,, but Charlize Theron kills it as an action star in Atomic Blonde. This is a stylish and ultra-violent spy thriller set in Cold War-era Berlin. The action scenes are dazzling, with a ten-minute single-take fight scene that is a true masterpiece of choreography. Theron’s character is tough as nails and unapologetically badass, making her one of the most compelling female action heroes in recent memory.
The film’s soundtrack, featuring ’80s hits like “99 Luftballons” and “Blue Monday,” adds to the film’s cool factor. If you’re looking for a slick and stylish action flick starring an Oscar-winning chick, Atomic Blonde is definitely where to find it.
5. Haywire (2011)
A smart and sleek action movie with a killer cast, Haywire stars Gina Carano as a black ops agent who is betrayed by her own agency and sets out for revenge. The fight scenes are fantastically detailed, smartly utilizing Carano’s MMA background, while the film’s stripped-down style and minimalist approach to storytelling make it stand out from most 21st century action films.
With an all-star supporting cast – including Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender, and Antonio Banderas – delivering strong performances, Haywire is a hidden gem in the action genre that deserves more attention than it’s gotten.
6. Ip Man (2008)
Ip Man is a martial arts movie that tells the story of the real-life Wing Chun master who trained Bruce Lee. Donnie Yen stars as Ip Man, and his performance is nothing short of incredible. The fight scenes are beautifully choreographed, with an emphasis on speed, precision, and creativity.
The film’s depiction of wartime China is both harrowing and inspiring, and the character of Ip Man himself is portrayed as a true hero. Whether a fan of martial arts or biopics, Ip Man is one of the best of both so far this century.
7. Extraction (2020)
A high-octane action flick that delivers on all fronts, Extraction stars Chris Hemsworth as a black-market mercenary who is hired to rescue the kidnapped son of an international crime lord. The action sequences are jaw-dropping, including a stand-out 12-minute long single-take fight scene.
The film’s emotional core is also strong, with a touching relationship between Hemsworth’s character and the boy he is trying to rescue. An action flick that has serious artistic chops, even film fans who usually shy away from action movies will want to check this one out.
8. Dredd (2012)
A gritty and ultra-violent adaptation of the classic British comic book character, Dredd erases the embarrassing 1995 Sylvester Stallone adaptation. Karl Urban stars as Judge Dredd, a law enforcement officer in a dystopian future who is tasked with taking down a drug lord who controls an entire city block.
Stylish action matches the futuristic landscape the film is set in, with a standout slow-motion sequence that is surprisingly unknown. Urban plays Dredd with the character’s established stoicism and menace, again making Stallone’s performance in the older adaptation look like a cartoon in comparison. Forget Marvel films, next to Dredd they look like movies made for babies.
9. Shoot ‘Em Up (2007)
Shoot ‘Em Up is a wildly over-the-top action movie that knows exactly what it is and revels in it. Clive Owen stars as a mysterious drifter who saves a pregnant woman from assassins and embarks on a mission to protect her and her baby. The action sequences are absurd and gleefully violent, with Owen using everything from carrots to umbrellas as weapons.
This is an action film with humor that is actually funny, with Owen’s deadpan delivery and Paul Giamatti’s scenery-chewing performance as the villain kicking this film up a few notches on the action post. If you’re in the mood for a fun and ridiculous action movie, Shoot ‘Em Up is the perfect choice.
10. Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
Speaking of absurd fun, Kung Fu Hustle is a genre-bending martial arts comedy that defies description. The film takes place in a fictionalized 1940s China and follows a group of gangsters who unwittingly start a war with the residents of a housing complex that is secretly full of kung fu masters.
The action sequences are wildly colorful and creative, with a blend of wirework and CGI that explodes off the screen. Its mix of slapstick and witty dialogue makes this a super-fun film that keeps you engaged between, and during, the action sequences. A true gem in the action genre, Kung Fu Hustle is the surreal martial arts comedy you didn’t know you were missing out on.
11. The Equalizer (2014)
The Equalizer is a slick and stylish action movie that stars Denzel Washington as a retired black ops agent who uses his skills to help those in need. The most intense action of Washington’s career, his character dispatches enemies with ruthless efficiency and brutality.
The film’s brilliantly paced, with a slow build that ratchets up throughout the runtime, leading to a thrilling finale. You may think Denzel is too old to be an action star at this point, but The Equalizer is a late-career highlight, proving that one of the most dynamic mainstream actors of his generation can also kick butt.
12. Kill Bill, Vol. 1 (2003)
A gigantic hit upon release, the Kill Bill series still holds up. However, Kill Bill, Vol. 1 is the stronger of the two films thanks to its brisk pacing and being one of the best revenge flicks ever made. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Quentin Tarantino directed it with his unique blend of style and substance. Similarly, in a career highlight, Uma Thurman stars as “The Bride,” a former assassin who seeks revenge on her former boss and his deadly team of assassins.
The action sequences are beautifully choreographed, with a dazzling mix of swordplay, knife fights, and hand-to-hand combat. The film’s visual palette is quintessential Tarantino, with a wild mix of color schemes and film stocks that create a truly unique look. Even if you’re not a Tarantino fan, Kill Bill Vol. 1 is a martial arts action film any fan of the genre can appreciate and enjoy.
13. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Mad Max: Fury Road is a non-stop thrill ride that is as visually stunning as it is action-packed. Tom Hardy stars as the iconic post-apocalyptic hero, who finds himself on the run with a group of women who are fleeing from a tyrannical warlord. The action sequences are some of the most intense and creative ever put on film, with a mix of practical stunts and jaw-dropping visual effects.
The film’s feminist undertones are also a standout, with the women characters being just as strong and capable as the male ones. Mad Max: Fury Road is a modern classic and a must-see for any action movie fan.
14. Nobody (2021)
After a break-in at his home, an unassuming family man finds himself back into the world of violence he tried to leave, to . Nobody is a stylish and intense action movie that stars Bob Odenkirk as an unassuming family man who has a secret past as a lethal assassin. The action sequences are brutal and inventive, with Odenkirk’s character dispatching his enemies with surprising skill and efficiency.
The film’s humor is also a standout, with Odenkirk delivering deadpan one-liners that will leave you chuckling. The supporting cast, including Christopher Lloyd and RZA, also deliver strong performances. Nobody is a great choice for anyone who wants to see Bob Odenkirk kick some butt.
15. The Protege (2021)
Maggie Q stars as a highly skilled assassin who is seeking revenge on those who killed her mentor in the slick and stylish action film The Protege.
The action sequences are fast-paced and intense, with a mix of gunfights and hand-to-hand combat. With a stellar supporting cast, including Michael Keaton and Samuel L. Jackson, The Protege is a great female-led action movie.
16. Mission Impossible: Fallout (2018)
Mission Impossible: Fallout is the sixth instalment in the long-running action franchise and is arguably the best one so far. Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt, who finds himself on the run from the CIA after a mission goes wrong.
The action sequences are some of the most thrilling ever put on film, with a mix of practical stunts and jaw-dropping visual effects. The film’s pacing is also excellent, with a non-stop barrage of action that only pauses to catch its breath. Since the audience is well aware that Cruise does all of his own stunts, each one comes across as genuinely suspenseful and thrilling. Even if you haven’t seen all of the previous films, Mission Impossible: Fallout works as a standalone action film.
17. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019)
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum is the third instalment in the John Wick series and is just as intense and action-packed as the previous two. In fact, it’s the best of the series (so far). Keanu Reeves returns as the legendary hitman who is on the run from the criminal underworld after breaking a cardinal rule. Inventive, intense fights heighten the base standard the previous two films developed, with a stylish mix of gunfights, knife fights, and hand-to-hand combat.
The film’s world-building is also a standout, with a rich mythology that adds depth to the story and makes Parabellum seem like the centerpiece in an ever-expanding franchise. Considering the pedigree of the series, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum is one of the best action films ever made.
18. Hanna (2011)
A teenage girl who has been trained as an assassin by her father embarks on a mission to take down the agency that is hunting her. With a unique visual style and an atmospheric soundtrack by The Chemical Brothers, Hanna is a great choice for anyone who wants to see a fresh take on the action genre.
Tom Cruise brings his characteristic A-game to the film while Saoirse Ronan delivers a breakthrough performance as the eponymous protagonist. Its sleek cinematography and fantastically choreographed fight sequences are highlights, but the heart at its core and the inherent vulnerability of the protagonist keep you hooked until the final frame.
19. Oldboy (2003)
While stumbling home drunk on night, a man is kidnapped for no reason and imprisoned for 15 years in an abandoned hotel room. When he is suddenly released, he embarks on a mission of revenge against those who have wronged him. Along the way, he meets a sympathetic waitress and begins a light romance with her as he works towards uncovering who imprisoned him, and why. The answer is shocking and devastating. Then again, so is this film.
An extremely violent film with unbelievably well-shot and choreographed action sequences, Oldboy set a new standard for South Korean action, becoming a crossover cult hit across the world. If you don’t know the twist ending, don’t spoil it for yourself and just watch the movie, as it earns that twist with every frame.A must-see for anyone who considers themselves not just an action film, but a great film. A masterful blend of action and psychological horror, Oldboy (the 2003 version, not the terrible 2013 American remake) is a film you will likely not forget soon, no matter how much you may want to. A masterpiece of action.
20. Casino Royale (2006)
James Bond was starting to look a little long in the tooth by the turn of the century. With five separate actors playing the iconic character for over 40 years, it seems like it was time for 007 to turn in his Walther PPK and take early retirement. That is, until Casino Royale’s release in 2006. Bringing Bond back to his origin story, where he is a violent killer employed by MI6. From the black and white cold open to the iconic closing scene, this is the 21st century’s James Bond.
After all, Ian Fleming’s original novels detailed a womanizing, calculating murderer in service for God and King. Maybe this was too violent for the last century, but Casino Royale proves the future is made for stronger stuff. Expertly crafted and with a verve and urgency many previous Bond films lack, Casino Royale is (ironically) an excellent entry into the James Bond franchise. Craig is maybe the best Bond in this regard, whose steely good looks and impersonal manner are closer to the source material than the goofier previous iterations. It’s also a cracking good action flick, one that can be thrown on any given evening to enjoy a high-energy spy action film. One of the best of the franchise and one of the best of the 21st century.
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