Top 30 Action Movies of the Century (So Far)

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the best of action cinema in the 21st century…to this point. If you're looking for even more action, be sure to check out all episodes of "Citadel: Diana" on Prime Video now!

#30: “Nobody” (2021)

A former assassin getting pulled back into a life of violence may not be the most original plot for an action movie, but “Nobody” still pulls it off well. The film follows Hutch Mansell, whose repetitive family life drives him to seek a violent outlet. However, Hutch ends up in more trouble than he bargained for. Lead actor Bob Odenkirk may not be the typical action hero, but he still manages to kick plenty of ass here! Car chases, booby trap-laden ambushes, and that epic bus fight are just a few of the reasons why “nobody” should overlook this action movie.

#29: “300” (2007)

The memes may have added to this movie’s fame, but the rest of it holds up as well. Larger than life in the best possible way, “300” is a movie based on a comic book based on real history. It details the story of 300 Spartans holding out against a far more numerous Persian army. However, since it’s told in-universe as a story, the embellishments, and ridiculous muscles make sense. Featuring more muscles and slow-mo than you can shake a spear at, “300” delivers on epic action. Its battle scenes feature plenty of visual spectacle that makes every frame feel like a painting - or at least a comic page.

#28: “SPL: Sha Po Lang” [aka “Kill Zone”] (2006)

Hong Kong crime dramas often feature plenty of action and martial arts mixed in, and “SPL: Sha Po Lang” is one of the best! Sometimes known as “Kill Zone,” “SPL” follows Donnie Yen’s Ma Kwun, a police inspector transferred into a precinct where his predecessor is determined to catch a triad boss before retirement. Tinged with an air of tragedy, and featuring plenty of action and twists throughout, “SPL” really pulls out all the stops for its finale. Donnie Yen vs. Sammo Hung is epic enough, but the penultimate alley fight against Wu Jing regularly makes it onto our best fight lists for good reason. The speed of it is spectacular!

#27: “Kingsman: The Secret Service” (2014)

After the resourceful and street smart Eggsy sees a well-dressed agent demolish some thugs, he eventually applies to join the secretive Kingsman agency. His fantastic journey entertained us while shaking up the spy genre. Eggsy and the other characters are self aware enough to poke fun at various action cliches. At the same time, the narrative embraces its genre with slick and unforgettable fight sequences. Every time Eggsy and his friends rushed into battle, we knew we were in for a tightly choreographed and refreshing scene. Their adventures all took place in a quirky world that was later explored in a sequel and a prequel. In the end, Eggsy’s Kingsman’s journey opened up the doors to a new and exciting franchise.

#26: “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” (2010)

Director Edgar Wright brilliantly balanced video game aesthetics, romantic comedy and fast-paced scenes in this cult classic film. When Scott Pilgrim falls for Ramona Flowers, he learns that he must defeat her seven evil exes. He takes on every single one of them all in fight scenes that stand out from most films because they feel exactly like video game boss battles. In between climatic frays, Wright loaded the film with plenty of humor, easter eggs and quotable lines. The movie also has the added bonus of having an absurdly stacked cast full of hilarious actors and future stars. If you’re looking for a funny film with nostalgic references and innovative action scenes, then Scott’s story is a must-see.

#25: “Upgrade” (2018)

A man named Grey is living a fairly humble life in an advanced society before it's suddenly turned upside down. After a vicious assault, he loses his wife and ability to move his body. When an advanced computer chip helps him regain full motion, he decides to hunt down the ones responsible. Since Grey’s advanced software can take over his body while he observes, we get darkly funny and unique fight scenes. All of the movie’s heart-pounding sequences are shot extremely well and take advantage of the futuristic setting. And to top it all off, “Upgrade” has a few massive twists we won’t ruin for you. The movie’s slick action and surprising story made it a twisted and exciting romp through an uncertain future.

#24: “Taken” (2008)

We bet most moviegoers could recite the plot of “Taken” by heart. Audiences loved watching the middle-aged Liam Neeson fight to save his daughter and her friend from terrible fates. Although we were pulled in by the relatively grounded and gritty sequences, the movie’s structure really stayed with us. “Taken” inspired an entire subgenre of movies where middle-aged characters, usually parents, stepped out of their normal lives to get vigilante justice. While many have come close to matching “Taken’s” formula, none of them are as quotable as Neeson’s original. The lines he recited before and after thrilling scenes still continue to be parodied and referenced over a decade later.

#23: “21 Jump Street” (2012)

Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum teamed up to star as a duo of unimpressive police officers that are asked to pose as high school students to solve a case. Not only do they have amazing comedic timing and chemistry, but they also excel at bringing hilarious action scenes to life. Each bombastic sequence manages to be more creative and funnier than the last. And along the way, they manage to take shots at everything from movie cop tropes to chase scenes. All of the nonsensical explosions and failures to fly are weaved into a solid and surprising story. Fortunately, we got to see the bumbling duo return to give us more high-octane and gut-busting scenes in “22 Jump Street.”

#22: “13 Assassins” (2011)

Samurai films may be few and far between these days, but this remake proves the genre remains sharp. A semi-historical film, “13 Assassins” follows a group of samurai determined to kill the shogun’s brother, a sadistic madman. The style of the film is evocative of the greatest samurai films of the 20th century, while production values are the best of this century. The final battle, in which the assassins lay a massive trap for their target, is positively massive and contains both large scale and small scale encounters. “13 Assassins” delivers powerful drama, fantastic characters, and incredible action equal to anything in its or any other genre.

#21: “Hot Fuzz” (2007)

What appeared to be a silly parody of buddy cop films shattered our expectations once we dove into the story. After an overachieving officer named Nicholas Angel is sent to a small town, he stumbles upon a dark conspiracy. He teams with fellow cop and action-movie lover Danny Butterman to bring the guilty parties out into the light. The film’s fast paced editing made its high octane sequences more distinct and funnier to watch. And we got heavily invested in Nicholas and Danny thanks to great character development. Every running gag, over-the-top scene and fourth wall breaking movie reference build up a fantastic climatic shootout. “Hot Fuzz” isn’t just a love letter to buddy cop films—it’s a fantastic example of how great they can be.

#20: “Baby Driver” (2017)

Edgar Wright's third and final entry on our list featured a getaway driver that stole our hearts. What Ansel Elgort’s Baby lacks in social skills, he more than makes up for with his great taste in music and superb driving abilities. His talents behind the wheel are brought to life with a combination of breathtaking practical stunts and clever editing techniques. And the music is perfectly woven into the narrative. As Baby gets himself into deeper trouble, the sequences only get increasingly ambitious and jaw dropping. And incredibly talented actors like Jamie Foxx, Lily James and Jon Hamm all ensure scenes outside the cars are just as compelling to watch. All of these elements come together in a beautiful symphony of suspense and talent.

#19: “Atomic Blonde” (2017)

This spy thriller has a particularly stylish flair to it. Set in Berlin on the eve of the Berlin Wall’s collapse, “Atomic Blonde” follows Lorraine Broughton, an MI-6 agent brought in to recover a list of agents undercover in Berlin. Along with its beautiful visuals, “Atomic Blonde” features plenty of twists and turns on Lorraine’s journey to recover what she needs and escape Berlin. The action is a major highlight as well, with chases and shootouts galore. The crown jewel is easily the 10-minute-long fight scene in the stairwell though, which is shot mostly in a single take! “Atomic Blonde” may not be as “explosive” as some other action movies, but it’s still “radioactive” - and for once, that’s a good thing.

#18: “Dredd” (2012)

While it might “raid” some plot elements from a certain film we’ll be discussing later, “Dredd” is still a magnificent movie. Based on the Judge Dredd comics, “Dredd” follows the titular judicial supercop as he and his rookie partner are pitted against a massive building run by a drug lord. The near-future dystopia on display is as fascinating as it is horrible. The visuals and slow-motion are incredible throughout, and actually make 3D worth watching. The explosive action throughout feels like “Dredd” should be the rule for action movies everywhere. And as Dredd himself says, he is the law.

#17: “Gladiator” (2000)

An action epic with a bit of prestige, “Gladiator” follows a Roman general who works his way up to challenge the emperor who betrayed him whilst enslaved as an arena fighter. “Gladiator” is one of the few movies on our list to win the Best Picture Oscar, and its quality is evident in every element of its production. The lavish sets and costumes, phenomenal acting, and incredible score lend plenty of majesty to this revenge tale. Meanwhile, the battle scenes, both inside and outside the arena, are every bit as epic as the settings. “Gladiator” may not be our champion, but we can’t say we’re not entertained.

#16: “Hero” (2004)

The early 2000s were a renaissance for wuxia films, and “Hero” is one of the best. The film follows a nameless man who recounts defeating assassins who once tried to kill the founder of the Qin dynasty of China. However, the king doubts Nameless’s story, leading to several alternate versions of events, presented thematically in different colors. “Hero” is a visually stunning and often tragic retelling of China’s unification, with fight scenes that are as beautiful as they are exciting! No matter which version of events you prefer, “Hero” is a gorgeous action epic bursting with atmosphere and powerful themes.

#15: “RRR” (2022)

One of the most fun, crowd-pleasing action movies in recent years, “RRR” depicts the fictional friendship between two real Indian revolutionaries and their fight against the British. There’s a little something for everyone in “RRR” - fantastic songs, incredible dancing, romance, bromance, and amazing period costumes. And we didn’t forget about the action, which is positively glorious throughout! Epic rescues, thrilling escapes, incredible battles, and heartbreaking duels abound! Absolutely everything in “RRR” goes as hard as possible, such that its 3 hour runtime positively flies by. It’s no wonder it became a global megahit.

#14: “Oldboy” (2003)

Why was a man named Oh Dae-su locked in a room for fifteen years? The answer to that mystery requires a lot of detective work and quite a few punches. Although this film doesn’t have as many action scenes as some other picks, the quality of its fights more than make up for that. The one take sequence where Oh Dae-su faces a group of attackers alone still takes our breath away. Ultimately, the best part of “Oldboy” are the numerous and complex twists that turn the entire story on its head again and again. Whether you know about the shocking reveals or not, we highly recommend giving this tense Korean classic your full attention.

#13: “The Bourne Ultimatum” (2007)

The third entry in the Bourne franchise sees the amnesiac titular character uncover more truths about how he became a dangerous super spy. As the thought provoking narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that gaining his impressive skills caused him to lose some humanity. It was incredible to see “Bourne Ultimatum” raise serious moral questions and deliver excellent action sequences. The suspenseful train station trek and window jump are both still stunning to watch today. No matter how over-the-top the film gets, it never loses sight of its intelligent and subversive story. “Bourne Ultimatum” definitively proves that its battle hardened protagonist is so much more than a weapon.

#12: “Edge of Tomorrow” (2014)

Shortly after inexperienced soldier William Cage is sent to the frontlines of war against aliens, he appears to die on a battlefield. But he wakes up and relives the events that led to his demise. Upon realizing he’s stuck in a time loop, Cage teams up with Emily Blunt’s Rita Vrataski in the hopes that he can stop the invaders and live to see tomorrow. This “Groundhog Day” setup is full of gigantic war scenes and scenes where humans expertly use cool exosuits in battle. It also manages to make many of Cage’s untimely deaths extremely hilarious. “Edge of Tomorrow’s” creative narrative, futuristic action and genuine humor will make you want to watch it on repeat.

#11: “Ip Man 2” (2010)

During Donnie Yen’s second outing as legendary martial artist Ip Man, he struggles to start a wing chun school in Hong Kong. Even after he acquires eager students, he still has to fight bias and other masters for the right to teach. Every clash Ip Man gets into features lightning fast blows and spectacular choreography. The way the movie blends real fighting moves with over-the-top wire work and stunts feels natural for the world. As the stakes and the bouts get increasingly bigger, small dramatic scenes keep the movie grounded. Great fight scenes and complex character work will inspire anyone who watches to push their limits as far as Ip Man did.

#10: “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022)

Most action franchises that bring back an established star for one last ride decades later fall flat. “Top Gun: Maverick” is the exception. Maverick returns and is just as devil may care, but after he pushes things too far (again), he gets one final chance to fly. With time a factor, he has to teach a new generation of hot shot pilots to run an impossible mission. While tributes to the original film abound, “Top Gun: Maverick” appeals just as much to new viewers. It has a likable cast, great music, and a ton of aerial action. Watching this movie will place you firmly in the “danger zone” and you won’t want to leave.

#9: “Furious 7” (2015)

While “Fast Five” definitely invigorated the NOS fueled franchise, the “Fast and Furious” formula was arguably perfected in “Furious 7.” The seventh installment features cars attached to big parachutes, daring leaps off of falling vehicles and the Rock firing a giant turret. And we can’t forget the time Dom used a car to jump between skyscrapers. Our family of heroes do it all to get revenge for one of their own and to recover a dangerous computer program. After the main story wraps up, the movie slows down to pay tribute to the late great Paul Walker. The touching ending served as an unforgettable farewell to a great action star.

#8: “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (2022)

One of the most bizarre films ever made, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” follows Evelyn, an ordinary woman whose life is turned inside out after she encounters people from multiple parallel universes. The movie has a broad range of tones. It’s a family drama, a surreal comedy, an action movie - it’s everything. The fight scenes, just like the rest of the movie, are as silly as they are creative - anything can be a weapon! “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is a moving look at family and love through an absolutely absurd lens, but life is like that sometimes.

#7: “Skyfall” (2012)

“Casino Royale” was full of incredible action that helped establish Daniel Craig as Bond. However, it was Skyfall that elevated his take on the character to a new level. After Bond is shot during an awe-inspiring chase scene, he’s brought out of retirement to stop the dangerous Raoul Silva. But the suave spy has to avoid trains and survive tense shootouts if he wants to succeed. Javier Bardem’s amazing turn as the devious Silva and Craig’s portrayal of a weary but willing Bond are both fantastic. Their epic clash is full of emotional beats, stunning revelations and beautiful cinematography. The fact that “Skyfall” was once England’s highest grossing film further cements that you shouldn’t miss this Bond mission.

#6: “John Wick: Chapter 4” (2023)

Although every movie in the “John Wick” franchise is an action masterpiece, the internationally feared assassin saves the best for fourth (we obviously wanted to say last here, but that’s still up in the air!). Mr. Wick’s attempt to end his fellow assassins’ pursuit of him culminates in a promised duel that his opponent will do anything to stop from happening. “John Wick: Chapter 4” is loaded with one spectacular action set piece after another, with the entire film’s global scale adding both beautiful locales and new ways for John to kill a lot of people. If there were never another “John Wick” movie after this one, the series would definitely go out on a high note. Fortunately, plenty of spin-offs seem to be on the way.

#5: “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000)

This incredibly complex and engrossing martial arts epic features some of the most talented actors to have ever worked in the genre. Chow Yun-fat, Zhang Ziyi, Michelle Yeoh and a few other iconic performers all demonstrate their acting chops and fighting skills in beautiful scenes. While their story has too many breathtaking bouts to describe here, the duel where Shu Lien attempts to face Jen Yu’s with a variety of weapons and moves is a particular film highlight. Their emotional and stunning face-off is just one example of how the movie expertly layers character motivations and symbolism under every one of its fight sequences. The tremendous clashes and epic story of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” also earned it the Oscar for best foreign film.

#4: “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” (2018)

As Ethan Hunt put everything on the line to save the world from a nuclear plot on screen, Tom Cruise was pulling off risky stunts behind the scenes. He jumped across rooftops for a running scene, flew a helicopter for a chase sequence and did a high altitude jump from a plane! All these stunts blew us away while furthering the plot and characters. While these amazing sequences were great, the emotional narrative and callbacks helped make it the franchise’s finest film. And the cherry on top was the choice to include Henry Cavill and his arms as a foil to Ethan Hunt. This sixth installment’s exhilarating narrative set a new bar for “Mission: Impossible” films and other thrillers to reach for.

#3: “Kill Bill: Volumes 1 & 2” (2003-04)

Since this two part tale about an assassin trying to get revenge on her former boss Bill was originally intended to be a single movie, we’ll consider both for one entry. The entire story captured the hearts and imaginations of many viewers. Fans of westerns, pop culture and martial arts films found plenty of thrilling homages to each genre. Watching title character Beatrix take on former coworkers and goons in wildly different ways made each confrontation surprising and exciting. Uma Thurman also shook scenes up by portraying a wide variety of the assassins’ emotions with masterful acting. By the time Beatrix’s gripping mission was over, she had become an unforgettable heroine who is still imitated and praised decades later.

#2: “The Raid” (2011)

If a group of officers wants to catch a notorious criminal, they must survive a raid on the kingpin’s hideout. Unfortunately, the big bad has many incredibly capable martial artists and outlaws on his payroll. Officer Rama has to fight for his life as his coworkers slowly fall one by one. His scenes contain some of the fastest moves and best choreography we’ve seen this century. Since these awe-inspiring sequences feature great cinematography and less cuts than normal, it feels like you’re in the middle of every fray. The straightforward premise and tremendous stunt work led to an awesome sequel that left us breathless again. Even if we never get a third chapter, “The Raid” stands as a towering genre accomplishment.

#1: “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015)

Although this high-octane post-apocalyptic film doesn’t seem like a Best Picture nominee on the surface, it has lots of things going for it underneath its gritty exterior. After Max Rockatansky crosses paths with the determined Furiosa, they form an alliance to escape the evil Immortan Joe. Their thrilling team-up is full of creative editing, has incredibly emotional moments and involves practical action scenes. Unique characters and earnest performances also made this world memorable. And while Max’s name is in the movie title, Furiosa constantly commands the narrative thanks to Charlize Theron’s nuanced and badass portrayal. All of “Mad Max’s” fantastic elements earned it six Oscars and near universal praise. It deserves to race to the top of any list of 21st century action films.



Is there an action-packed masterpiece we forgot? We hope your comments about your favorites blow up!