We have compiled the best action movies for all the moments when excitement is at its peak. Our list includes the top Netflix action movies and action movies, offering a variety of choices for action Movie lovers.
Action movies, one of the most popular genres in the Movie industry, are always followed by a large and dedicated audience. As one of the most frequently produced genres, action Movies consistently rank among the most appreciated cinematic works. To help you explore this thrilling genre, we’ve prepared a comprehensive list of the best action movies, complete with exciting movie recommendations.
We’ve divided our content into three distinct lists to offer you plenty of options. In our first list, we feature the best IMDb-rated action movies of all time. We also provide recommendations for action movies in another list. Lastly, we’ve included a selection of the best Netflix action movies for your viewing pleasure.
For those who ask , “What are the best action movies?” we have chosen the top 10 movies according to IMDb. Our list includes examples from The Dark Knight to Seven Samurai, which was released in 1954. Of course, listing ten movies is a bit limiting because very good action movies like Kill Bill, Mad Max and The Bourne are not included here, but you can reach the lists that include them in the rest of the content. Here are the best action movies, each more beautiful than the other 🔽
1.The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight remains one of the best action movies ever made about Batman. As the second Movie in Christopher Nolan’s iconic trilogy, this dark and gritty masterpiece follows Batman as he joins forces with district attorney Harvey Dent and police lieutenant James Gordon to dismantle organized crime in Gotham. However, this time, Batman faces his most dangerous adversary yet — the enigmatic and chaotic villain known as the Joker.
Information about The Dark Knight
- Title: The Dark Knight
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Cast: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine
- Release Year: 2008
- Duration: 152 minutes
- Country: USA
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
- Available Platforms: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Apple TV
- IMDB Rating: 9.0/10
- Language: English
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: The Dark Knight on IMDb
2.The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

The Return of the King, adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s 1955 novel, is masterfully directed by Peter Jackson and serves as the epic conclusion to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The Movie ties together the key storylines from the first two Movies, with Frodo Baggins closer than ever to destroying the One Ring in the heart of Mount Doom. Meanwhile, Gandalf and the remaining members of the fellowship rally their forces to distract Sauron, giving Frodo the opportunity to fulfill his quest.
Information about The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2003):
- Title: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
- Director: Peter Jackson
- Cast: Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, Cate Blanchett
- Release Year: 2003
- Duration: 201 minutes
- Country: New Zealand, USA
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
- Available Platforms: Check local listings for streaming availability (may vary by region).
- IMDB Rating: 8.9/10
- Language: English
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King on IMDb
3.Inception

Inception, directed by Christopher Nolan, follows a team of skilled thieves led by Dom Cobb. Unlike traditional heists, Cobb and his team are tasked with the complex mission of planting an idea rather than stealing information. The Movie delves into the intricacies of the subconscious, as unexpected events within their targets’ dreams and Cobb’s own troubled past threaten the success of their mission.
Information about Inception
- Title: Inception
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy
- Release Year: 2010
- Duration: 148 minutes
- Country: USA, UK
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Available Platforms: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Apple TV
- IMDB Rating: 8.8/10
- Language: English
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Inception on IMDb
4.The Matrix

The Matrix is a groundbreaking Movie that hardly needs an introduction. This sci-fi action masterpiece, directed by The Wachowskis, ignited a highly successful franchise that follows the journey of Neo. In the first Movie, Neo, a modest computer programmer and hacker named Thomas Anderson, discovers that reality is far from what it seems. The movie introduced the revolutionary “bullet time” technique, which has since been replicated in numerous Movies, music videos, and TV shows.
Information about The Matrix
- Title: The Matrix
- Directors: The Wachowskis
- Cast: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
- Release Year: 1999
- Duration: 136 minutes
- Country: USA
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
- Available Platforms:Amazon Prime Video,Google Play Movies & TV
- IMDB Rating: 8.7/10
- Language: English
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: The Matrix on IMDb
5.Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

Director Irvin Kershner delivers an epic sequel in the Skywalker Saga with The Empire Strikes Back, set three years after the events of the 1977 Movie. The movie follows the intense war between the Galactic Empire, led by Emperor Palpatine, and the Rebel Alliance, led by Princess Leia Organa. Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker embarks on a journey to find Jedi Master Yoda in order to prepare for his inevitable confrontation with the Sith Lord Darth Vader.
Information about Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
- Title: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
- Director: Irvin Kershner
- Cast: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
- Release Year: 1980
- Duration: 124 minutes
- Country: USA
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Adventure
- Available Platforms:Disney+,Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB Rating: 8.7/10
- Language: English
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: The Empire Strikes Back on IMDb
6.Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Terminator 2: Judgment Day masterfully blends science fiction and action with its gripping storyline centered around a T-800 model machine sent back in time to protect John Connor, the future leader of the human resistance. Meanwhile, Skynet sends its own advanced Terminator, the shapeshifting T-1000, with the sole mission of eliminating the young boy. The relentless battle picks up where it left off, creating a thrilling continuation of the fight for humanity’s future.
Information about Terminator 2: Judgment Day
- Title: Terminator 2: Judgment Day
- Director: James Cameron
- Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick
- Release Year: 1991
- Duration: 137 minutes
- Country: USA
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Thriller
- Available Platforms:Netflix (availability may vary),Apple TV,Google Play Movies & TV,Amazon Prime
- IMDB Rating: 8.6/10
- Language: English
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Terminator 2: Judgment Day on IMDb
7.Harakiri

Set in Edo-period Japan, Harakiri is a legendary jidaigeki Movie centered on the ronin Hanshiro Tsugumo. Directed by Masaki Kobayashi, the Movie is renowned for its powerful and twist-filled story, delivering a stark message about corruption and honor. In this gripping tale, samurai Tsugumo, who has lost his master, requests permission to perform hara-kiri in the house of Lord Iyi. However, his encounter with a young samurai who made a similar request before him sets off a chain of events that will change everything.
Information about Harakiri
- Title: Harakiri (Seppuku)
- Director: Masaki Kobayashi
- Cast: Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Ishihama, Shima Iwashita, Tetsurō Tamba
- Release Year: 1962
- Duration: 133 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Genre: Drama, Historical, Samurai
- Available Platforms:Apple TV,Google Play Movies & TV,
- IMDB Rating: 8.6/10
- Language: Japanese
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Harakiri on IMDb
8.Seven Samurai

An indispensable samurai movie, director Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai focuses on a group of ronin hired by the residents of a poor village to protect them from bandits. This impressive movie is a genre-defining masterpiece, employing innovative techniques in both narrative and technical aspects. Its complex camerawork marked a significant milestone, using multiple angles to capture the same action shot. The movie also served as an early example of the trope of a group of heroes banding together to achieve a goal or defeat an enemy—a trope still widely used today.
Information about Seven Samurai
- Title: Seven Samurai (Shichinin no Samurai)
- Director: Akira Kurosawa
- Cast: Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima, Seiji Miyaguchi
- Release Year: 1954
- Duration: 207 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Genre: Adventure, Drama, Action
- Available Platforms:The Criterion Channel,Amazon Prime Video,Google Play Movies & TV
- IMDB Rating: 8.6/10
- Language: Japanese
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Seven Samurai on IMDb
9.Gladiator

Inspired by Daniel P. Mannix’s 1958 book Those About to Die, Gladiator is acclaimed as one of the best action movies ever made and a major blockbuster. Directed by Ridley Scott, the movie dramatically portrays the harrowing journey of Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius. After the ambitious traitor Commodus murders Maximus’s father and claims the throne, Maximus is forced into slavery. Rising through the ranks as a gladiator, Maximus fights against increasingly formidable opponents in his quest for revenge.
Information about Gladiator
- Title: Gladiator
- Director: Ridley Scott
- Cast: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed
- Release Year: 2000
- Duration: 155 minutes
- Country: USA, UK
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
- Available Platforms:Amazon Prime Video,Apple TV,Google Play Movies & TV,HBO Max
- IMDB Rating: 8.5/10
- Language: English
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Gladiator on IMDb
10.Leon: The Professional

Directed by Luc Besson, Léon: The Professional, also known as The Power of Love, explores the unconventional relationship between a skilled “cleaner” (hitman) and a 12-year-old girl named Mathilda. After her family is murdered by a corrupt DEA agent, Mathilda turns to Léon for protection and revenge. The movie delves into their fascinating and often controversial dynamic, while also showcasing remarkable action sequences. Léon, who considers the houseplant on his windowsill his best friend, learns to embrace love, and Mathilda finds the security and strength she needs.
Director: Luc Besson
Cast: Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, Gary Oldman
Best Quote: “I love these little moments of calm before the storm. It reminds me of Beethoven.”
Netflix best action movies 🎦
In this list, we have included the original productions of the popular streaming platform Netflix. The Gray Man and Ava are among the action movies that should be watched. Without further ado, we will present you the bestNetflixLet’s put it on the list of action movies made 👇
- The Gray Man
- 6 Underground
- Extraction
- Kate
- Ava
- Red Notice
- The Old Guard
- Triple Frontier
- Outlaw King
- The Adam Project
2024 new action movies 🎥
In this list, we will include 2024 action movie recommendations. In fact, when we look at it in general, the year we are in will be a full year for those who want to watch action movies. Of course, a lot of action movies were released this year, but we have listed the 10 best action movies of 2024 for you ⬇
- Argyll
- The Fall Guy
- Lift
- The Beekeeper
- Bad Boys 4
- Gladiator 2
- Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
- Deadpool 3
- Madame Web
- Twisters
The 50 best action movies from 2000-2024 🎬
Finally, in this list of action movie recommendations, we focus on movies released after 2000, or more specifically, in the 21st century. While individual preferences may vary, the ranking here is based on the overall scores from IMDb’s general votes. Below are the best action movies released after 2000:
- The Dark Knight (2008)
- Beginning (2010)
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
- The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
- The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
- The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
- Django Unchained (2012)
- Gladiator (2000)
- Batman Begins (2005)
- Inglourious Basterds (2009)
- The Avengers (2012)
- The Departed (2006)
- Avatar (2009)
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
- Avengers: Endgame (2019)
- V for Vendetta (2005)
- Kill Bill: Part 1 (2003)
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
- Iron Man (2008)
- Deadpool (2016)
- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
- No Country for Old Men (2007)
- Star Wars 7: The Force Awakens (2015)
- The Hunger Games (2012)
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
- Scramble (2000)
- The Martian (2015)
- Iron Man 3 (2013)
- Thor (2011)
- Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier (2014)
- Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
- 300 Spartans (2006)
- Iron Man 2 (2010)
- Spider-Man (2002)
- Resurrection (2015)
- Star Wars 3: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- Captain America: Civil War (2016)
- Man of Steel (2013)
- Sin City (2005)
- Black Panther (2018)
- X-Men: Logan (2017)
- Kill Bill: Part 2 (2004)
- City of God (2002)
- Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
- Doctor Strange (2016)
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006)
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
In our best action movies content, we’ve included a diverse selection of movies that showcase the genre’s excitement and appeal. Action movies have long been a significant part of cinema and will continue to captivate audiences both now and in the future. If you have any favorite action movies that aren’t listed here, please share them in the comments section. Your recommendations will help fellow movie enthusiasts discover the top action movies to watch.
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