Another Top 10 Bad-Ass Vin Diesel Moments

In Vin Diesel’s breakout action role, his character Richard B. Riddick has a turbulent relationship with Pilot Carolyn Fry. For one, she nearly sacrificed the Hunter-Gratzner passengers for her own survival, and she later gets all up in Riddick’s business while he’s preparing to fly off alone. Yet, with all his machismo, Riddick has a soft spot for Carolyn and offers her safety, or at least a ride. But this is Fry’s chance for redemption; a chance to fight for her fellow survivors Jack and Imam. And so, the conflict represents a turning point for both characters, as their physical confrontation leads to a moment of levity, complete with a subtle verbal jab from the snarky mercenary.

Kicking off the PG-13 follow-up to “Pitch Black,” some baddies locate both a hiding and a heavily bearded Richard. B. Riddick. Of course, Vin’s protagonist doesn’t fear the mercenaries, and he quickly “ghosts” a couple before surprising the mutton-chopped leader Toombs. In typical Vin Diesel fashion, Riddick emerges with some patronizing yet truthful commentary, breaking down Toombs’ three deadly mistakes. It’s a badass moment for Vin, and also shows us the inadequacy of his foes. Supported by dark lighting and an ominous vibe, Vin sets the tone for Riddick’s New Mecca adventure.

Regardless of a scene’s importance to the overall narrative, you can always count on Vin Diesel for a well-timed zinger. In this moment, though, there’s a rhyme and reason for the Vinsanity. A drug lord has accidentally murdered Sean Vetter’s wife, and Vin’s character WILL have his vengeance. It comes when an outlaw talks a little too much, which obviously piques the interest of Vin’s rogue DEA agent. Vin doesn’t just deliver a beat down – he thoroughly destroys the unsuspecting gentleman, complete with some relentless haymakers and knees to the face.

During the final act of Vin Diesel’s lukewarm fantasy flick, he faces one of his more unique cinematic adversaries. Wielding his favorite sword, Kaulder gets up close and personal with the Queen Witch, as Vin injects his usual bravado for the final blow – or so it seems. Remember, this is the Queen Witch, and Diesel has a little more work cut out for him. It all leads to yet another quotable line, with his character now sporting a sword of actual fire. Visually, it’s one of the more epic Vin moments, but it’s not one of the most successful. Apparently not even a sword to the witch’s belly can silence her beating heart.

Letty loves Dom, and you know that Dom has strong feelings for Letty, too. So when a chase goes wrong in “Fast & Furious 6,” it’s clear that Vin Diesel’s iconic character will at least TRY to do something – and he doesn’t waste any time thinking about it. One could argue that maybe Letty should NOT have stood on top of a tank. But somehow, someway, the two end up in each other’s arms; thanks primarily to Vin’s insane aerial save. It’s a memorable moment for the franchise, and certainly an unforgettable one for Dom and Letty.

Riddick is not your average kind of guy. When he’s jailed up at Crematoria, he thinks for himself and plays by his own rules. But even so, the Hell Hounds aren’t your usual security guards, and they don’t just regulate Crematoria – they tear apart anyone causing problems. Riddick, however, has a special connection with these beasts – and when cornered, he eases their skepticism with his eyes alone. The Guv doesn’t quite get it, but Riddick know what’s up. He closes out the scene with a nonchalant and killer response to his near-death experience.

Not long after Dom’s death-defying leap to save Letty, he and The Rock’s Luke Hobbs serve up a master class on aerial butt-whoopin’. They’re after bad guy Shaw, of course, but they’re mostly after his computer chip. During a chaotic fight sequence – in which Shaw’s Russian henchman is a bit of a huge obstacle – Vin successfully utilizes traditional brawn and technique, while The Rock utterly defies gravity. Given all the threats within the scene, it shows us that Dom sometimes needs help, as there’s only so much that swagger and bare knuckles can accomplish.

For Vin Diesel and his character Dom Toretto, brevity goes a long way. And while long chase sequences can feel rather exhausting for viewers, you can always count on Vin to come through with a biting line of dialogue. In this sequence, the baddie kicks around Paul Walker, acting all tough with his ill-fitting tank top. But Dom comes to the rescue, and quickly takes care of business. It’s one thing to shut somebody up face-to-face, but in this case, Dom seems amazed that anybody would dare mess with him or his crew. It’s a classic Vin Diesel moment, and one that exemplifies the Dom Toretto persona.

Given the peaceful nature of Vin Diesel’s Groot, he’s the polar opposite of his most popular live-action movie character. Yet there’s a connection between the two, and that’s the late Paul Walker. Vin delivered his famous line shortly after his good friend’s sudden death, and director James Gunn has been on record about his admiration for Diesel’s passionate interpretation. The line marks one of the film’s most emotional moments, as his scratchy vocalization and texture provides clarity for both Rocket and viewers.

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

Head in a Box
“Riddick” (2013)

Massive Ski Jump
“xXx: The Return of Xander Cage” (2017)

In perhaps THE defining film of the franchise, Vin Diesel’s Dom Toretto escapes prison and hightails it to Rio with Mia and Brian. Unsurprisingly, Agent Luke Hobbs manages to track him down and expresses his, um, displeasure. But Vin isn’t worried. He understands the situation and breaks things down for Mr. Hobbs. It’s one of those cool, calm and collected Vin moments, as his sly grin, posture and vocal command essentially knocks Hobbs upside the head without a punch even being thrown. Vin is a master of machismo, and this moment speaks volumes about his on-screen charisma.

So, do you agree with our picks? What’s your favorite Vin Diesel moment? For more dramatic Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com