An action film involves a protagonist facing violent and physically demanding events. These films typically feature a competent hero battling against extraordinary odds, including life-threatening crises, deadly adversaries, or thrilling chases that often end in the hero’s triumph. Advancements in computer-generated imagery (CGI) have made it easier and more affordable to create action scenes and visual effects that previously required experienced stunt teams. However, opinions on action films that heavily rely on CGI are divided, as some films use it to create unrealistic and highly improbable scenes.
1. Die Hard
Released in 1988, “Die Hard” is an American action movie directed by John McTiernan. The screenplay was written by Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza. The movie’s story was inspired by the 1979 novel “Nothing Lasts Forever” by Roderick Thorp. “Die Hard” is a well-known action film that follows the story of John McClane, a detective from New York City. He finds himself trapped in a high-rise office building that has
been taken over by a group of terrorists. The film begins with McClane traveling to Los Angeles to visit his ex-wife, Holly, who is attending a Christmas party in the office building. While waiting for her, the building is seized by a gang of terrorists led by Hans Gruber. They are after a large sum of money stored in the building’s vault.
2. Police Story
The Police Story franchise is an action comedy series from Hong Kong, created and starring Jackie Chan. The franchise consists of seven films, with Jackie Chan directing the first film and others directed by Ding Sheng, Benny Chan, and Stanley Tong. The films were produced by Leonard Ho, Raymond Chow, Jackie Chan, Willie Chan, Barbie Tung, Solon So, and Yang Du. The original Police Story film was released on December 14, 1985, and gained popularity, leading to three sequels, two spin-offs (Crime Story and Supercop 2), and two reboots (New Police Story and Police Story 2013).
3. Enter the Dragon
Released in 1973, “Enter the Dragon” is a martial arts film directed by Robert Clouse and written by Michael Allin. The movie features Bruce Lee, Jim Kelly, and John Saxon and serves as Bruce Lee’s final completed film before his untimely death at the age of 32 on July 20, 1973. “Enter the Dragon” is a co-production between the United States and Hong Kong. The film premiered in Los Angeles on August 19, 1973, just one month after Bruce Lee’s passing. It is estimated that the movie earned over $400 million globally, equivalent to over $2 billion when adjusted for inflation in 2022, against a budget of $850,000.
4. Terminator 2: Judgement Day
“Terminator 2: Judgment Day” is a 1991 American sci-fi action film directed by James Cameron. James Cameron also co-wrote the screenplay for the movie with William Wisher. The film features an incredible cast including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robert Patrick, Edward Furlong, and Linda Hamilton. It serves as the sequel to the 1984 film “The Terminator” and is the second installment in the Terminator series. The plot revolves around Skynet, a hostile artificial intelligence, sending a highly advanced killing machine, known as a Terminator, back in time to 1995. Its mission is to assassinate John Connor, the future leader of the human resistance, while he is still a young child.
5. Inception
The movie “Inception” was released in 2010 and is a sci-fi action film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. Christopher Nolan also financed and produced the film, alongside his wife Emma Thomas. The story revolves around Dom Cobb, a skilled thief with the ability to enter people’s dreams and extract valuable information from their subconscious. Cobb is hired by a wealthy businessman named Saito to carry out a challenging task: implanting an idea into the mind of a rival CEO named Robert Fischer through dream manipulation.
6. Avatar: The Way of Water
“Avatar: The Way of Water” is a highly anticipated American sci-fi blockbuster released in 2022. The film was directed by James Cameron, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. The concept for the movie was developed by James Cameron, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Josh Friedman, and Shane Salerno. “TSG” and “Lightstorm Entertainment” served as the producers of the film, which was distributed by 20th Century Studios.
7. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is a recently released American superhero film from 2022. The movie showcases the Marvel Comics superhero Black Panther. Marvel Studios produced the film, which was distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It serves as the sequel to the 2018 film “Black Panther” and is the 30th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Ryan Coogler directed the movie and also co-wrote the screenplay with Joe Robert Cole.
8. Mission Impossible
“Mission: Impossible” is a popular franchise of American action espionage movies. The movies are based on and adapted from the television show of the same name created by Bruce Geller. Tom Cruise is heavily involved in the production of the series and also stars as the protagonist, Ethan Hunt, an agent of the IMF (Impossible Missions Force). The films have been directed by various directors and feature different crew members. The original musical score by Lalo Schifrin from the television show is often incorporated into the movies. The franchise has been well-received by both reviewers and audiences.
9. No Time to Die
“No Time to Die” is an espionage film that was released in 2021. The movie is the 25th installment in the James Bond series. It was produced by Eon Productions. Daniel Craig portrays the fictional British MI6 agent James Bond for the fifth and final time in this film. Cary Joji Fukunaga directed the movie, and the screenplay was written collectively by Fukunaga, Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The film features a diverse cast, including returning actors such as Ben Whishaw, Léa Seydoux, Naomie Harris, Christoph Waltz, Rory Kinnear, Jeffrey Wright, and Ralph Fiennes, reprising their roles from previous movies.
10. The Bourne Ultimatum
“The Bourne Ultimatum” is the third installment of the Bourne trilogy. The film revolves around Jason Bourne, a former CIA assassin, as he uncovers the truth about his past and his involvement in a secretive government operation. Bourne’s primary objective in this movie is to gather information and put an end to the program that has been manipulating him. The story begins with Bourne receiving a message from a reporter named Simon Ross, who possesses crucial knowledge about his background. As Bourne investigates, he discovers that Ross has been targeted by the CIA and must go on the run to protect him.
