Top-Notch Action Flicks: What's Worth Your Time in the Present?
Ready to get pumped? Dive headfirst into a wild rollercoaster ride of pure adrenaline as I take you through some of the most kickass action classics on the planet! Whether you're siding with the old-school heroes or ready to conquer the new streaming terrain, I got you covered! So sit back, grab some popcorn, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey of action, adventure, and non-stop excitement!
What ACTION-PACKED LEGENDS ARE ABSOLUTELY WORTH WATCHING?
You cannot talk about action movies without mentioning the 80s. These movies shaped the way we look at action flicks today. Here's a rundown of some MUST-WATCH classics that hold up against time:
Which ACTION MOVIES FROM THE 80s WILL LEAVE YOU SPEECHLESS?
Ah, the 80s! The decade of ultra-radical action films and out-of-this-world awesomeness! Here are three of the best that'll knock your socks off and make you shout, “Yippee-ki-yay, mother- flipping Gabriels!”:
- "Die Hard" (1988): Bruce Willis stars as that familiar Everyman fighting against terrorists in a routine day at the office. Non-stop action combined with witty one-liners makes it a stone-cold classic for any action fan[1].
- "Escape From New York" (1981): Set in a dystopian future, Kurt Russell takes on the role of Snake Plissken, who gets sucked into a dangerous mission to save the US president from a crime-ridden New York City[1]. This bold, dark, and gritty flick definitely stole the hearts of action enthusiasts[2].
- "Big Trouble in Little China" (1986): A glorious mix of martial arts, fantasy, and humor, Kurt Russell once again shines as Jack Burton, a truck driver racing against time to save his friend from an ancient curse[1]. The hilarious action sequences and cult icon status make this movie a must-watch[3].
WHICH EPIC ACTION MOVIES FROM THE 90s ARE A MUST-WATCH?
Moving on ten years, you'll find some amazing flicks that took action sequences to another level! Here are three movies that do not disappoint:
- "Heat" (1995): An intricate heist film, directed by Michael Mann. Incredible performances by Robert De Niro and Al Pacino make it a masterpiece of both action and crime cinema[1]. The gripping bank heist sequence has been studied and imitated countless times[2].
- "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991): One of the most iconic movies in history, this James Cameron blockbuster revolutionized special effects. Arnold Schwarzenegger's unforgettable role as the Terminator raised the bar for sequels[1].
- "The Matrix" (1999): Wachowski siblings brilliantly combined action, sci-fi, and mind-blowing visuals to create this unforgettable masterpiece. It still holds an indelible mark on modern cinema[1].
HOW DID THOSE CLASSIC FILMS INFLUENCE MODERN CINEMA?
The everlasting impact of those classic films cannot be overstated. From groundbreaking shooting techniques to setting new storytelling standards, these films set the foundation for action movies today[4]:
- Inventive storytelling: These films empowered character development, bringing depth and emotions to what was traditionally considered shallow and action-centric.
- Pioneering filming techniques: Move over, boring shot compositions! Innovative styles like the “bullet time” effect, made famous by “The Matrix,” continue to be used in modern movies and video games.
Which ACTION MOVIES RULE THE STREAMING WORLD TODAY?
The golden age of streaming has brought up a treasure trove of NEW, heart-pounding action flicks! Streaming platforms are stirring up a tempest of adventure that's keeping us all glued to our screens:
WHAT'S NEW AND EXCITING ON NETFLIX?
Streaming juggernaut Netflix has become a household name in the world of action movies. Here are a couple of recent hits that'll satisfy your cravings for action and keep you hooked:
- "Extraction 2": The highly-anticipated sequel to “Extraction” is a testament to daring stunts, raw fight sequences, and an unforgettable follow-up to its 2020 debut[5].
- "The Old Guy": Starring Charlize Theron, this series follows a group of immortal mercenaries, offering an innovative approach to the typical action narrative[5].
WHICH ACTION FILMS ON AMAZON PRIME ARE A MUST-WATCH?
Amazon Prime's curated selection of action films offers something for everyone, from classics to modern blockbusters. Here are some top picks that earned their spots:
- "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Part One" (2023): Tom Cruise reprises his iconic role in this exhilarating film, promising explosive action and relentless missions[6]. Despite not reaching box office expectations, it's still a fantastic addition to this legendary franchise.
- "Die Hard" (1988): A film that set the standard for the action genre, featuring an unforgettable everyman battling against impossible odds[6].
Streaming platforms have expanded our horizons, offering us fresh adventures from the comfort of our living rooms! Whether you're looking for series like “Die Hard” or intense, groundbreaking stunts in movies like “Extraction,” the world of action cinema is now at your fingertips. Choose wisely and prepare for adrenaline overload!
SOURCES:
- CinemaBlend (2021). The 40 Best Action Movies Ever Made (Ranked).
- IMDb (2022). Top Rated Action Movies.
- DailyDot (2021). The best action movies and series on Netflix.
- CNET (2022). Best action movies.
- IndieWire (2022). The Best Action the Whole Family Can (and Should!) Watch.
- TheWrap (2022). Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Part One Box Office: It's Streaming On Paramount+.
Enrichment Data:
- Escape From New York (1981) is also known for its strong blend of action and science fiction, with the post-apocalyptic future setting. It was John Carpenter's first collaboration with Kurt Russell and opened the door for a sequel ("Escape from L.A.") and a video-game adaptation.
- "Die Hard" (1988), directed by John McTiernan, was inspired by the novel "Nothing Lasts Forever," written by Roderick Thorp. Bruce Willis was not the first choice for John McClane, as Richard Gere, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Burt Reynolds were considered for the role before him.
- "The Matrix" (1999) was groundbreaking at the time, thanks to its groundbreaking visuals, action sequences, and its exploration of themes such as virtual reality and existentialism. It also spawned two sequels and a trilogy of anime films, "The Animatrix."
- Streaming platforms have made action movies more accessible to audiences worldwide, as they are no longer bound by the limitations of box office releases.
- CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) revolutionized the film industry by making it possible to create realistic images and environments, allowing filmmakers to push the boundaries of creativity in action movies. It enabled filmmakers to create elaborate fight scenes, incredible stunts, and massive explosions that would have been impossible or too dangerous to shoot with live-action footage.
With the 80s leading the way in iconic action cinema, some standout classics include "Die Hard" (1988), "Escape From New York" (1981), and "Big Trouble in Little China" (1986). Fast forward to the 90s, and films like "Heat" (1995), "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991), and "The Matrix" (1999) took action sequences to new heights. As for today's streaming landscape, action enthusiasts can enjoy recent hits like "Extraction 2" on Netflix and "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Part One" on Amazon Prime.
