Top 25 Action Movies Ever

As passionate lovers of action cinema here at IGN, we find ourselves consistently drawn to the adrenaline-pumping spectacle that defines the genre. While our hearts will always have a soft spot for those classic B-movies filled with explosive stunts and over-the-top drama from the '80s and '90s, we know that "action" encompasses far more than just campy chaos. Our appreciation extends across a wide range of subgenres — including action-comedy, sci-fi action, martial arts, superhero epics, war films, and high-stakes adventures.

This list was meticulously crafted by IGN's most dedicated action enthusiasts, who voted based on criteria such as the intensity of the action sequences, overall excitement factor, and the film’s lasting impact on pop culture and cinema history.

Without further ado, here are IGN’s 25 best action movies of all time:

25. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo | Writer: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely | Stars: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan
Release Date: March 13, 2014
Where to Watch: Stream on Disney+ or rentable via Prime Video and other platforms

The Russo Brothers’ debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was so impressive that it earned them the reins for Civil War and the climactic Infinity Saga. Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a masterful blend of espionage and action, shaking up both Steve Rogers’ world and the entire MCU when it’s revealed that S.H.I.E.L.D. has been infiltrated by HYDRA for decades. With top-tier fight choreography, intense vehicular destruction, and emotional stakes, this film is often cited as the greatest MCU entry yet — even surpassing some Avengers blockbusters.

24. RRR (2022)

Director: S.S. Rajamouli | Writer: S.S. Rajamouli | Stars: N.T. Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn
Release Date: March 25, 2022
Where to Watch: Netflix

This Indian cinematic marvel took global audiences by storm in 2022. Blending fictionalized history with fantastical action, RRR follows two real-life revolutionaries — Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) and Komaram Bheem (N.T. Rama Rao Jr.) — in an exaggerated tale of rebellion against British rule. Overflowing with over-the-top violence, sweeping musical numbers, and jaw-dropping visuals, RRR delivers pure entertainment on an epic scale. It’s destined to climb even higher in future rankings.

23. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

Director: Chad Stahelski | Writer: Shay Hatten, Michael Finch | Stars: Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård
Release Date: March 6, 2023
Where to Watch: Rentable via Prime Video and other platforms

What began as a revenge mission over a dead puppy has evolved into one of modern cinema’s most stylish and relentless action sagas. John Wick: Chapter 4 raises the stakes with breathtaking gun fu, brutal hand-to-hand combat, and visually stunning set pieces. The film culminates in a literal uphill battle, cementing Wick’s legend while delivering one of the franchise’s most intense conclusions to date.

22. Fast Five (2011)

Director: Justin Lin | Writer: Chris Morgan | Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster
Release Date: April 15, 2011
Where to Watch: Rentable via Prime Video and other platforms

Before the Fast & Furious series went full globe-trotting spectacle, Fast Five served as the turning point where street racing gave way to heist-driven heroics. Introducing Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Agent Hobbs, the film builds toward an unforgettable Brazilian money heist that laid the groundwork for future installments. Its mix of raw action, family themes, and sheer absurdity makes it a standout in the franchise.

21. Casino Royale (2006)

Director: Martin Campbell | Writer: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Paul Haggis | Stars: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen
Release Date: November 14, 2006
Where to Watch: Rentable via Apple TV and other platforms

Daniel Craig’s debut as James Bond redefined the iconic spy with a grittier, emotionally complex take. In Casino Royale, Bond is portrayed as a ruthless operative still learning the ropes of espionage and seduction. From its incredible parkour opening sequence to the tense poker showdown, this film brought Bond back down to earth — and made him more compelling than ever.

20. Ip Man (2008)

Director: Wilson Yip | Writer: Edmond Wong, Chan Tai-lee | Stars: Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, Lynn Hung
Release Date: December 18, 2008
Where to Watch: Stream on Peacock or rentable via Prime Video

Donnie Yen’s portrayal of Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man remains one of the most revered performances in martial arts cinema. Fusing elegant kung fu techniques with deeply personal storytelling, Ip Man honors the legendary teacher of Bruce Lee with respect and flair. Sammo Hung’s choreography elevates every fight into a dance of precision and power.

19. Independence Day (1996)

Director: Roland Emmerich | Writer: Roland Emmerich, Dean Devlin | Stars: Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum
Release Date: June 25, 1996
Where to Watch: Stream with MGM+ or rentable via Apple TV

This ‘90s blockbuster combined alien invasion chaos with old-school heroism. When massive alien ships descend upon Earth, a ragtag team of scientists, pilots, and politicians must band together to save humanity. With unforgettable moments like the White House explosion and Will Smith’s cool-as-hell fighter pilot antics, Independence Day became a cultural phenomenon and solidified Emmerich as a king of disaster cinema.

18. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Director: Ang Lee | Writer: Wang Hui-ling, James Schamus, Tsai Kuo-jung | Stars: Michelle Yeoh, Chow Yun-fat, Zhang Ziyi
Release Date: May 18, 2000
Where to Watch: Stream with Max or rentable via Prime Video

A poetic blend of romance, philosophy, and breathtaking wirework, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon elevated wuxia filmmaking to international acclaim. Directed by Ang Lee and featuring Oscar-winning cinematography and score, the film blends ethereal beauty with bone-crunching martial arts battles. The bamboo forest duel remains one of the most iconic scenes in action history.

17. The Raid: Redemption (2011)

Director: Gareth Evans | Writer: Gareth Evans | Stars: Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim, Donny Alamsyah
Release Date: September 8, 2011
Where to Watch: Rentable via Prime Video

Shot with brutal realism and razor-sharp pacing, The Raid: Redemption is one of the most punishingly intense action films of the past decade. Set almost entirely within a gang-infested apartment building, the film features non-stop, jaw-dropping martial arts mayhem. Every punch lands like a thunderclap, and every kick leaves you breathless.

16. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

Director: Peter Jackson | Writer: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Stephen Sinclair, Peter Jackson | Stars: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen
Release Date: December 5, 2002
Where to Watch: Max

Peter Jackson