Top 10 Times Action Movies Crossed Over
#10: “Alien vs. Predator” (2004)
Alien vs. Predator Movie Franchises
“Alien” Franchise (1979-) & “Predator” Franchise (1987-) Which species were you rooting for? When a team of experts investigates a mysterious underground pyramid in Antarctica, they become trapped. And they’re not alone! The isolated setting recalls the claustrophobic feel of the “Alien” franchise, while the superior weapons the Yautja bring to the fight continue a longstanding theme from the “Predator” series. As in the original films, the movie takes its time revealing the eponymous monsters, before all hell breaks loose. While neither critics nor audiences were over the moon about the film, it does have some entertaining action scenes, and did well enough at the box office to get a sequel.
#9: “Collateral” (2004)
“The Transporter” Franchise (2002-) & “Collateral” (2004) Although Jason Statham is credited as Airport Man in Michael Mann’s “Collateral”, there’s plenty about his character that recalls his role as Frank Martin in “The Transporter”. “Transporter” co-director Louis Leterrier saw it too, and on a podcast, “Collateral’s” screenwriter Stuart Beattie confirmed that the connection was intentional. The quick and clever handover makes it clear that like Frank Martin, ‘Airport Man’ is a seasoned professional. Statham isn’t in the movie for long, but it’s a fascinating crossover that brings “Collateral” and “The Transporter” into a shared universe.
#8: “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” (2003)
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Various Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill’s beloved comic book series threw together heroes from various literary works, assembling a sort of Justice League of Victorian England. Their roster included Mina Murray, Allan Quatermain, the Invisible Man, Captain Nemo, Dr. Henry Jekyll, and Orlando. Alas, Stephen Norrington’s adaptation only thinly resembles the source material. It replaces Orlando with Dorian Gray and Tom Sawyer, but all the characters are as poorly developed as the plot. Nonetheless, there is some joy to be had from seeing them all in the same room, especially with Sean Connery as Quartermain. It was his last ever role on screen, with the stress of the debacle reportedly leading to his retirement.
#7: “Van Helsing” (2004)
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Universal Horror Monster Films In this mash-up of classic Universal Horror Monster films, vampire-hunter Van Helsing encounters werewolves and Frankenstein’s monster on his mission to destroy Count Dracula. The movie was panned upon release, and doesn’t exactly live up to its potential. As you’d expect, there’s more action and CGI than character development or plot. However, Hugh Jackman makes a great Van Helsing, with an arsenal worthy of any monster-hunter. Kate Beckinsale joins him in the fray. Watch it for the action and the monsters, and there’s fun to be had.
#6: “Ready Player One” (2018)
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Various Based on Ernest Cline's 2011 novel, this Steven Spielberg film is an homage to pop culture icons. As such, it includes a jaw-dropping number of well-known characters and franchises. The plot follows a teenage orphan in the year 2045 as he and a band of misfits fight to save a virtual world from an evil corporation. There are cameos from the Iron Giant, the DeLorean from “Back to the Future”, the Overlook Hotel from “The Shining”, and about a gazillion more. While the movie was somewhat predictable, seeing all your favorites in one shared universe is still a thrill. You’ll need to watch it several times to catch all the easter eggs. Who ever imagined the Heroes in a Half Shell would fight alongside Chucky?
#5: “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” (2006)
The Fast and the Furious: Explained
“Better Luck Tomorrow” (2002) & “The Fast and The Furious” Franchise (2001-) Actor Sung Kang first played Han Lue in Justin Lin’s 2002 crime-drama “Better Luck Tomorrow”. When Lin was hired to direct the third installment in the Fast & Furious franchise, “Tokyo Drift”, he decided to have Kang reprise his role. Han ended up appearing in the prequels and sequels as well. Both Lin and Kang have confirmed that it’s the very same character, with “Better Luck Tomorrow” serving as an origin story. Han’s penchant for snacking in the “Fast & Furious” films is a way for him to avoid the smoking habit he had in his youth.
#4: “Last Action Hero” (1993)
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Various A film-within-a-film, John McTiernan’s action comedy starring Arnold Schwarzenegger sees its young protagonist entering the world of a fictional action franchise. This opens the door to multiple crossover moments. Some of the cameos are brief, such as Sharon Stone as Catherine Tramell from “Basic Instinct” and Robert Patrick as the T-1000 from “Terminator 2”. There’s also a poster featuring Sylvester Stallone, rather than Arnie, in the latter film. One of the most creative references imagines Arnold Schwarzenegger in an action-packed “Hamlet”. Critics weren’t kind to the film, but it’s become something of a cult classic, and remains an entertaining watch.
#3: “The Lego Movie” (2014)
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Various The Lego brand encompasses so many franchises, it was inevitable that this movie would be a sprawling crossover event. “The Lego Movie” does it right however, allowing them to be supporting characters that fill out the world, rather than cramming them all into the spotlight. The film focuses on Emmet, an ‘everyman’ construction worker who must save his world from Lord Business. Several DC heroes make an appearance, including Superman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and a particularly angsty Batman. So too do Han Solo, C-3PO, Lando Calrissian, the wizards Gandalf and Dumbledore, the ninja turtle Michelangelo, Speed Racer, and more. All these cameos could have made the movie feel overstuffed, but instead just make it even more delightful.
#2: “Zatoichi and the One-Armed Swordsman” (1971)
“Zatoichi” Franchise (1962-89) & “One-Armed Swordsman” Franchise (1967-71) This film crossed over franchises from Japan and Hong Kong. The blind masseuse and blademaster Zatoichi starred in a slew of films and a TV series in Japan, while one-armed swordsman Wang Kang featured in a trilogy of wuxia films that remain classics of Hong Kong cinema. “Zatoichi and the One-Armed Swordsman” has the two meet as allies, before a series of misunderstandings caused by the language barrier pits them against one another instead. What follows is the best of both cinematic worlds, as they cross swords and let their steel speak for them.
#1: “King Kong vs. Godzilla” (1962)
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“King Kong” Franchise (1933-) & “Godzilla” Franchise (1954-) This kaiju film was the first to include the screen legends in color. It was also the third film in both franchises. After Godzilla breaks free of an iceberg, and King Kong is kidnapped, the monsters wreak havoc in Japan. Deciding to fight fire with fire, the Japan Self-Defense Forces transports Kong to Mt. Fuji to battle Godzilla. Their showdown takes an unexpected turn thanks to a bolt of lightning. The effects may have been more impressive in the 2021 mash-up. But the original clash is still iconic and shouldn’t be missed!
