10 Best Action Movie Scenes of 2025 (So Far)

2025 has been a strong year for action movies so far, with three more months to go. Even if we were at the end of the year, it would still be a fantastic one for the genre. Some of the less-than-perfect films, like “The Old Guard 2” and “The Accountant 2”, even managed to impress us with standout action sequences. Will the upcoming action movies of 2025 continue this trend? It certainly looks that way! Movies such as “The Toxic Avenger,” “Caught Stealing,” “Tron: Ares,” “Predator: Badlands,” “The Running Man,” “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” and, most promisingly, “Mortal Kombat II” all appear to be shaping up to deliver thrilling action scenes. I can’t wait to see what these movies have in store!

2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for action sequences in films, regardless of their origin. Whether they’re traditional action flicks or genre-bending hybrids, any high-octane scenes have an equal chance of making our list – and this includes both streaming and theater releases.

10) Discord vs. Andy in The Old Guard 2

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I must admit that the mixed critical response to The Old Guard compared to its predecessor has left me with a tinge of uncertainty about whether it will evolve into a trilogy. However, one thing is for certain – The Old Guard 2 delivers an exhilarating sword battle between Charlize Theron’s character Andy and Uma Thurman’s original immortal, Discord.

This fight stands out distinctly due to its unique setting. It occurs under the cover of darkness on a helipad, perched high up on a skyscraper. The risk is palpable, as one misstep from Andy could send her tumbling down the side of the building. Given her newfound immortality, falling wouldn’t be fatal; instead, it would be excruciatingly painful. However, what makes this fight even more significant is that Uma Thurman brandishing a sword evokes strong associations with Kill Bill, a connection likely meant to echo that classic film.

Stream The Old Guard 2 on Netflix.

9) The Rescue Mission in The Accountant 2

In contrast to the first movie, “The Accountant 2” falls short of expectations, and this shortcoming is particularly noticeable in its climactic scene. However, this could be due to the fact that the initial film’s portrayal of Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) storming Lamar Blackburn’s (John Lithgow) compound was incredibly impressive compared to the rather underwhelming team-up between Christian and Brax (Jon Bernthal) in the sequel.

Towards the climax of the movie, Brax and Christian, who had been trying to rebuild their relationship throughout, team up to save a child. The scene is filled with rapid gunfire from automatic rifles, moments of diving for safety, shattered glass, and quick wit. It’s not groundbreaking, but it sure is enjoyable.

Stream The Accountant 2 on Prime Video.

8) Comer’s Safehouse in Heads of State

Generally speaking, Amazon’s lesser-known film “Heads of State” leans heavily towards comedy rather than action. Primarily, it serves as a platform for the comical camaraderie between Idris Elba and John Cena, showcasing their chemistry reminiscent of their roles in “The Suicide Squad”. Nevertheless, there are still some impressive, explosive scenes that keep things exciting.

The focus lies on an attack by assassins on CIA officer Marty Comer’s safehouse, which he subsequently reveals to President Will Derringer, played by Cena, and Prime Minister Sam Clarke, portrayed by Elba. This action-packed scene bears a striking resemblance to a scene from a John Wick film. However, what makes it distinctive is the energetic spirit that Jack Quaid brings to his portrayal of Comer, a topic we will delve into further later.

Stream Heads of State on Prime Video.

7) Biplane Hang in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

Impossible – Fallout” serves as an appropriate farewell for Tom Cruise’s character Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible series. Throughout the franchise, it has consistently delivered thrilling action scenes, like the helicopter chase from the first film, the bridge stunt in the third, the Burj Khalifa sequence in Ghost Protocol, and the bathroom fight in Fallout – many of which were performed by Cruise himself.

In simpler terms, among all games in the franchise, Fallout stands out for its action scenes (and arguably is the best overall), but The Final Reckoning also delivers impressively. One particularly notable moment is Hunt’s dramatic escape from a submarine, but it’s his suspenseful struggle hanging from an enemy’s biplane that takes the cake for this specific comparison. However, it does seem a bit far-fetched when his arch-enemy accidentally hits him in the groin and face on the plane’s vertical fin, which slightly undermines the entire sequence, but only almost.

Rent Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning on Amazon Video.

6) Rescuing Bob From Himself in Thunderbolts*

It appears that instead of emphasizing weapons in the marketing for the streaming launch of Thunderbolts, Disney opted for a different approach. This shift could suggest some uncertainty regarding how to present this film effectively. However, the weak box office performance can’t solely be attributed to this marketing choice, as it was also affected by the ongoing Marvel Cinematic Universe burnout. Regrettably, Thunderbolts, which is one of Phase Five’s standouts, suffered from this trend.

The standout aspect of “Thunderbolts” lies in its dual nature – while it was advertised as a large-scale event movie, what truly sets it apart is its exploration of the intimate struggle with depression experienced by the characters. As Yelena and her team delve into the world of the Void to save Bob, this sequence carries an intense, perilous feel due to the fact that they are essentially trapped in a realm where they are subjected to the erratic outbursts of one tormented consciousness.

Stream Thunderbolts* on Disney+.

5) The Boat Fight in Nobody 2

Few films successfully combine the elements of traveling and action, but Nobody 2 manages to do just that effectively. While some of the novelty of watching Bob Odenkirk in the role of an action hero has faded, it remains equally thrilling and captivating as the first installment.

In each movie, the standout action scene is particularly significant. While the climactic gunfights are commendable, it’s the mid-point fight that truly steals the show. For instance, in the original film, the bus fight confirmed to Odenkirk fans that he could excel in such roles. Considering his performance in the first, the sequel aimed to offer a fresh take on that memorable sequence, and it did so by trapping Hutch and a gang alongside him in another compact vehicle – a duck boat. This may sound absurd, but it aligns perfectly with the sequel’s more lighthearted atmosphere.

Nobody 2 is now playing in theaters.

4) Levon vs. Dutch’s Biker Gang in A Working Man

Although “The Beekeeper” was more financially successful, David Ayer’s latest collaboration with Jason Statham, titled “A Working Man“, is still another triumph for the actor. Ayer’s rugged filmmaking style and Statham’s stoic dialogue delivery are a perfect pairing, creating an action movie that’s sure to impress.

In simpler terms, the last part of the film is primarily a lengthy, darkly lit scene where Jason Statham’s character, Levon Cade, battles a ruthless biker gang linked with the mafia. He encounters numerous adversaries and, as usual in a Statham film, emerges victorious as the last one standing. This outcome fits perfectly with what we typically anticipate from a Statham movie.

Stream A Working Man on MGM+.

3) Kaiju Bash in Superman

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that Superman’s triumphant arrival on the big screen has been nothing short of spectacular, both critically and commercially. The in-media-res structure of this film was a masterstroke; it plunged us right into this fresh (mostly) new DCU, allowing us to dive headfirst into the action and experience an exhilarating start to our cinematic adventure, just as James Gunn and Peter Safran had envisioned.

In the initial scene of the film, we’re introduced to Superman amidst an exhilarating action sequence. Notably, this encounter includes the “Hammer of Boravia,” which turns out to be a replica of Superman himself, as a surprise twist. Although that scene and the subsequent one featuring his duplicate are entertaining, the climax undoubtedly occurs when Superman battles a fully grown kaiju. It’s James Gunn who manages to incorporate such an impressive kaiju within a Superman film.

Rent Superman on Amazon Video.

2) Nathan vs. Zeno in Novocaine

Following an enhanced debut in the initial “The Hunger Games”, Jack Quaid made a significant leap with Amazon’s “The Boys”. Not only did this project highlight his charisma, but also his capability as a leading man. When it comes to selecting his first major film role, it’s challenging to think of a more fitting choice than “Novocaine”.

In the movie, Quaid’s character Nathan Caine is unique as he doesn’t experience pain, giving him an advantage during action scenes. Yet, despite this, he can still meet his end. A notable example occurs when he confronts the colossal tattoo artist Zeno in a brutal and tense fight sequence. The scene features intense physicality, making viewers flinch at Caine’s use of shattered glass to amplify his punches, causing them to resonate with an uncomfortable intensity.

Stream Novocaine on Paramount+.

1) Eve vs. All of Hallstatt in Ballerina

Despite potentially causing significant financial losses for Lionsgate, the movie “Ballerina” can still be considered an impressive extension to the “John Wick” cinematic universe. Although it lacks the narrative depth found in the main “Wick” series, Keanu Reeves’ involvement adds charm but sometimes appears more like a diversion than a necessity. However, Ana de Armas delivers an exceptional performance as Eve Macarro. The latter half of the film transforms into one extended, thrilling action sequence that is truly spectacular.

Throughout the movie, Eve’s objective shifts from seeking revenge to saving a kidnapped child. Luckily for her, these two objectives coincide perfectly. The person she seeks is none other than the Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne), who is responsible for both the death of her father and the abduction of the child. However, Eve faces a challenging situation because Hallstatt, Austria, where the Chancellor resides, is teeming with assassins like herself. The confrontation between them makes up a significant part of the film and is incredibly thrilling. Armsak de Armas showcases her agility even more than Keanu Reeves in this high-octane scene. To top it off, Eve employs an impressive arsenal of grenades, ice skates, and a flamethrower to outmaneuver her opponents.

Rent Ballerina on Amazon Video.

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2025-08-26 02:11