Top 10 Most Anticipated Action Movies of 2021

Top 10 Anticipated Action Movies of 2021

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Anticipated Action Movies of 2021.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the pulse-pounding films that are required viewing for thrill-seeking moviegoers in 2021. We’ll be looking at conventional action movies and any other films that look like they’ll have plenty of thrilling scenes. Keep in mind that some release dates are subject to change.

What action movie are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments below!

#10: “Top Gun: Maverick”

Release Date: July 2nd, 2021 [U.S.]
In the first “Top Gun” film, a combination of impressive flying scenes and a cast of fun characters gave audiences everywhere a need for speed. After over three decades of waiting, the upcoming sequel seems poised to bring even more thrills. Tom Cruise will return as a hotshot pilot in “Top Gun: Maverick.” He'll have to put aside his ego to train a batch of new recruits. The trailer promises some absolutely gorgeous and exciting flying scenes. And between the beach scene and Miles Teller playing the son of beloved character Goose, there’s plenty of callbacks for longtime fans. We can't wait to see this movie take off.

#9: “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”

Release date: June 11th, 2021 [U.S.]
While fans may think of “Ghostbusters” as a comedy film, the upcoming entry in the franchise looks like an action-packed supernatural spectacle. The trailer follows two children who move into a peaceful looking town in the country. After they arrive, their new hometown is rattled with earthquakes and mysterious green lights. These events will eventually motivate the kids to jump into the Ectomobile and start shooting proton lasers at poltergeists. The movie features an all-star ensemble that includes Finn Wolfhard and Paul Rudd. It will also feature several surviving cast members of the original classic. Between the thrilling concept and stellar cast, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” might be able to revive the franchise’s hopes for the future.

#8: “The Matrix 4”

Release Date: December 22nd, 2021 [U.S.]
The original “Matrix” had a huge impact on the action genre. We've lost track of how many movies have tried to pay homage to the bullet time scene alone! Hopefully, “Matrix 4” will kickstart another action revolution. While we don't know too much about the plot at this point, the film's casting gives us plenty to be excited about. Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jada Pinkett Smith, and others will be returning to reprise their famous roles. And we're also going to see talented actors like Jessica Henwick and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II join the franchise. Audiences will not want to miss their chance to enter the Matrix again.

#7: “Mission: Impossible 7”

Release Date: November 19th, 2021 [U.S.]
Every installment in this thrilling spy franchise has featured a jaw-dropping action sequence. “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” alone featured a high-altitude jump, a helicopter chase, and a fight on top of a mountain. The behind-the-scenes footage of a crazy motorcycle stunt is more than enough to get us excited for “Mission Impossible 7.” We also know that fantastic actors like Hayley Atwell and Shea Whigham will appear in new roles. And since the movie will reportedly set up a two-part story, there's gonna be plenty of plot packed in between all the action. Whether you're a fan of crazy stunts or layered spy thrillers, you should choose to accept the next “Mission: Impossible” film.

#6: “F9”

Release Date: May 28th, 2021 [U.S.]
“F9” can’t get here fast enough. Wrestling superstar John Cena is joining the franchise alongside musician Cardi B. The film will also be a “Tokyo Drift” reunion of sorts with the return of Lucas Black, Bow Wow, Jason Tobin, and Sung Kang as fan-favorite Han. They'll all collide in a plot that pits Cena's Jakob against Vin Diesel's Dom. Their conflict will involve crazy fight scenes, fast cars, and physics-defying action. And if Michelle Rodriguez was telling the truth, they might even go to space. “F9” has the potential to be one of the best movies in the franchise. If you're not caught up, now's a great time to do a marathon and join the “Fast & Furious” family.

#5: “No Time to Die” (2021)

Release Date: April 2nd, 2021 [U.S.]
Bond’s 25th outing will be unlike any other film that’s come before. Lashana Lynch will become the first black woman to take up the code name 007. She’ll kick ass alongside Ana De Armas as Paloma, and of course, Daniel Craig as James Bond. “No Time to Die” will also feature two Oscar winners as villains: Christoph Waltz’s Blofeld and Rami Malek’s Safin. Outside of the blinding amount of star power, the trailers have hinted at creative and pulse-pounding action sequences. Bond will jump off of bridges and narrowly avoid/shoot cars while trying to save the world. We’ll see if he’ll prevail when the epic and historic “No Time to Die” is released.

#4: “Black Widow”

Release Date: May 7th, 2021 [U.S.]
Marvel’s fans are hungry for a new cinematic release. While “Shang-Chi” and “Eternals” will probably be great, “Black Widow” is the most exciting upcoming project. Scarlett Johansson will lead the long-overdue movie about this popular Avenger. Fans will get to explore her mysterious origins and see what she was doing before her untimely death in “Endgame.” Judging by the trailers, Black Widow’s adventures involved lots of guns, death-defying risks, and tons of enemies. She’ll have to fight a ton of brainwashed female agents and the deadly Taskmaster. Luckily, Black Widow will be aided by David Harbour, Rachel Weisz, and Florence Pugh. Together, they’ll uncover an exciting new chapter in the MCU.

#3: “The Suicide Squad”

Release Date: August 6th, 2021 [U.S.]
There’s plenty of excitement in the air for the #Snydercut of “Justice League.” But James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad” can give that heroic team a run for their money. The new DC film will follow a variety of villains with crazy abilities going on an insane mission. The squad will include Idris Elba’s Bloodsport and Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn. We’ll all get John Cena as Peacemaker, Peter Capaldi as The Thinker, and so many more. Gunn proved that he can bring humor, drama, and balance to a big ensemble cast in both “Guardians of the Galaxy” films. His talents and the huge cast seem to be adding up to one fantastic action movie.

#2: “Dune”

Release Date: October 1st, 2021 [U.S.]
Book-to-movie adaptations don’t always turn out well. But the upcoming “Dune” might break the cycle. Right off the bat, the trailer showed off some sleek fight scenes between its cast members. Timothée Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Zendaya, and way too many other talented people to name here will all take part in the action. And although the original novel has plenty of material to adapt, director Denis Villeneuve and the creative team will only cover half of the book in this film. This genius move should make the complex story much easier to digest. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or a newcomer who just wants to see that giant space worm, “Dune” is a must-see.

Before we unveil our explosive top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Untitled “Spider-Man: Far From Home” Sequel
Release Date: December 17th, 2021 [U.S.]

“Venom: Let There Be Carnage”
Release Date: June 25th, 2021 [U.S.]

“The King's Man”
Release Date: February 12nd, 2021 [U.S.]

“Uncharted”
Release Date: July 16th, 2021 [U.S.]

#1: “Godzilla vs. Kong”

Release Date: May 21st, 2021 [U.S.]
Are you ready for some giant monster mayhem? In the red corner, we have the giant primate from “Kong: Skull Island.” This massive mammal is both ridiculously strong and intelligent enough to use improvised weapons to take down other monsters. In the blue corner, we have Godzilla, who’s ready to defend his title as King of the Monsters. This giant lizard can unleash atomic blasts from its mouth, take on other Titans, and gain more power when he absorbs nuclear energy. These two ridiculously famous monster icons haven’t clashed since 1962. We can’t wait to see Godzilla and Kong back together, whether they fight, team-up, or get shawarma together.