10 Movies That Prove the ’90s Was the Best Decade For Action Thrillers

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Every ten years sees its proportion of successful high-priced action-thrillers, with many falling short. However, such films are becoming less common these days due to studios typically investing in projects expected to generate profits. Action thrillers aren’t always guaranteed to succeed (though no genre can truly guarantee success), and a good example is “The Accountant,” which earned $155 million worldwide for an investment of $44 million, making it a profitable endeavor, yet not quite reaching blockbuster budget levels.

Primarily, these days you’ll find newly released films on streaming platforms such as Extraction, Havoc, The Gray Man, and The Ice Road. If we were to identify a period when they were highly profitable studio ventures, it would undoubtedly be the 1990s. Notable ’90s action thrillers still maintain their appeal, despite some of them being characteristic of that era.

10) The Hunt for Red October

It’s safe to say that John McTiernan has had one of the most captivating and remarkable career paths among action movie directors. His directorial debut, the horror film “Nomads” with Pierce Brosnan in the lead, didn’t leave a lasting impression. However, what followed next was nothing short of incredible – he directed three iconic action films one after another: “Predator” in 1987, “Die Hard” in 1988, and “The Hunt for Red October” in 1990. Despite not reaching the same level of success again, his collaborations with Bruce Willis on “Die Hard with a Vengeance” and Pierce Brosnan on “The Thomas Crown Affair” are still noteworthy productions.

I’ve always found Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan series to be ripe for adaptation, much like Lee Child’s Jack Reacher stories. Though Harrison Ford is the most well-known Ryan, “The Hunt for Red October” remains the adaptation that stands unbeaten in my eyes. It’s a tense, masterfully written tale set within the confines of a submarine, which only heightens the suspense throughout the story. Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin both deliver outstanding performances as Marko Ramius and Ryan, respectively.

Stream The Hunt for Red October on Paramount+.

9) Backdraft

Although “Backdraft” includes several thrilling action scenes, it primarily explores a family dynamic, particularly the bond between two firefighter brothers. Whether delving into their relationship, the nail-biting rescue missions, or the arsonist case that forms its core, Ron Howard’s film effectively strikes a balance and delivers an engaging experience.

Although it has its imperfections, such as an excess of characters and perhaps insufficient roles for Rebecca De Mornay and Jennifer Jason Leigh, this production largely operates smoothly like a well-oiled Hollywood machine. Notably, the late Donald Sutherland delivers a riveting performance as secondary arsonist Ronald Bartel, devouring the scenery with relish.

Rent Backdraft on Amazon Video.

8) Trespass

It’s surprising that a movie like Trespass, featuring Bill Paxton alongside Ice-T and Ice Cube, produced by Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis (known for Back to the Future), and directed by Walter Hill (renowned for The Warriors and 48 Hrs.), hasn’t received more attention. This film seems to be underrated and underwatched.

In a more casual and engaging tone, here’s how the sentence could be rephrased:

Paxton and William Sadler portray two brave firefighters who stumble upon a hidden gold trove within an old, abandoned building. However, they narrowly miss securing it before encountering a grisly murder scene orchestrated by Ice-T’s character, King James.

Rent Trespass on Amazon Video.

7) Cliffhanger

Initially, there were plans for Renny Harlin’s film “Cliffhanger” to receive a follow-up, titled a legacy sequel, with Sylvester Stallone reprising his role as Gabe Walker. This potential project might have been more successful than “Rambo: Last Blood.

Among Sylvester Stallone’s films from the late ’80s to mid-’90s, such as “Over the Top,” “Rambo III,” “Lock Up,” “Tango & Cash,” “Rocky V,” “Oscar,” “Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot,” “The Specialist,” “Assassins,” and “Judge Dredd,” one standout is particularly dynamic, briskly paced, and director Renny Harlin excelled at action scenes. The opening scene in particular is explosive. It offers a fun, mindless watch, despite John Lithgow’s English accent being quite noticeable.

Rent Cliffhanger on Amazon Video.

6) The Fugitive

As a cinephile eagerly reminiscing about the golden age of ’90s action cinema, I can confidently assert that few films have left as lasting an impression as “The Fugitive.” Starring the iconic duo of Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones, this thriller offers two of their most captivating performances. The script, brimming with suspense and intrigue, complements their efforts brilliantly.

The narrative, a tangled web of mystery and chase sequences, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The score, a symphony of tension and drama, amplifies the intensity. And let’s not forget Andrew Davis’s masterful direction, which, in my humble opinion, showcases his career’s zenith. In essence, “The Fugitive” stands as the epitome of ’90s thrillers, a film that remains a benchmark for the genre even today.

In “The Fugitive,” there isn’t a single off-key moment, and Harrison Ford delivers an outstanding against-the-grain performance. Unlike his characters Indiana Jones or Han Solo, Dr. Richard Kimble isn’t a swashbuckling adventurer; yet, Ford manages to convey every ounce of Kimble’s desperation and intelligence with the same conviction he showcased in his tough action roles. Plus, “I didn’t kill my wife,” followed by “I don’t care” is one of the most impactful quick dialogues ever seen on screen.

Rent The Fugitive on Amazon Video.

5) Twister

A ’90s film that significantly shaped the childhood memories of many movie enthusiasts, “Twister” is remarkable in that its remake or sequel, while keeping the original spirit alive, managed to surpass it in certain aspects. However, both films share a common strength beyond their dramatic action sequences – they portray the characters’ passionate pursuit of something inherently dangerous, which could potentially claim their lives.

The performance of Jami Gertz drew some criticism, however, it was more her character that seemed to be the issue. The film needed a central emotional conflict to thrive, and it’s clear that in Twister, the romantic triangle between Bill Paxton’s Bill Harding, Helen Hunt’s Dr. Jo Harding, and Gertz’s Dr. Melissa Reeves was not its strong suit. Instead, the film shines when a tornado is tearing through a drive-in theater screening The Shining, or when a cow is flying through the air while mooing. These whimsical moments might seem unusual, but they don’t necessarily signify the film’s downfall.

Rent Twister on Amazon Video.

4) Air Force One

Air Force One can be seen as Die Hard set on an airplane, but it had a significant impact on popular culture beyond that comparison. In fact, President Bill Clinton was a fan and showed the movie not once but twice at the White House.

Harrison Ford is brilliantly suited for the role of President James Marshall. With his rugged charm, he skillfully portrays a tough action hero while subtly incorporating Marshall’s passion for diplomacy. His cool composure is put to the test in this film, pushing it beyond its limits. Moreover, the movie provides an excellent platform for Gary Oldman to deliver a captivating performance as a menacing Russian terrorist, which adds another layer of intrigue to the storyline.

Stream Air Force One on MGM+.

3) Con Air

One could easily say that among Nicholas Cage’s top action movies, the film “Con Air” stands out as a prime example of grandiose, humorous Hollywood action at its best. It’s filled with memorable lines, never fails to keep things thrilling, and the chemistry between Cage and John Malkovich is palpable. In terms of tone, it’s the most whimsical of Cage’s three major mid-90s action films (including “The Rock” and “Face/Off”), but if this specific narrative were to be taken seriously, it wouldn’t have been as effective.

Among the standout films of the past decade, “Con Air” truly shines, with an exceptionally well-chosen cast. However, John Cusack’s character feels somewhat overshadowed in comparison to Nicolas Cage’s Cameron Poe and Gary Oldman’s Cyrus “The Virus” Grissom. Yet, it’s not his performance that stands out awkwardly, but rather the lack of depth in his character compared to the other two powerhouse roles. The main trio is brilliantly complemented by extraordinary supporting acts from Steve Buscemi, Danny Trejo, Colm Meaney, Ving Rhames, and comedian Dave Chappelle – each seeming to revel in their roles. The joy and excitement of “Con Air” are tangible and contagious.

Stream Con Air on Hulu.

2) Enemy of the State

In my opinion, Tony Scott’s “Enemy of the State” has sadly grown increasingly pertinent as governments continue to expand their surveillance practices. It’s also worth noting that we live in a time where some corporations have the ability to monitor our activities through the very devices that have become indispensable in our daily lives.

In this narrative, we journey alongside Will Smith as Robert Clayton Dean, a dedicated labor lawyer. Unbeknownst to him, Robert stumbles upon the shocking assassination of a congressman. Suddenly, he finds himself falsely accused of the crime. To prove his innocence, he enlists the aid of a retired intelligence agent, brilliantly portrayed by Gene Hackman, who fits seamlessly into the role of an experienced operative.

Stream Enemy of the State on Hulu.

1) Payback

The 1990s action movie “Payback,” often overlooked, is worth watching, especially when you opt for the director’s cut known as “Payback: Straight Up.” Initially criticized for its somber tone, this neo-noir film has a lasting impact. What sets it apart is that distinctive mood, distinguishing it from the earlier adaptation of Donald E. Westlake’s novel The Hunter, titled “Point Blank” and starring Lee Marvin.

It’s true that the “Straight Up” version is more brutal than the original cut. The character of Porter, played by Mel Gibson, becomes even less appealing, and a controversial scene of domestic abuse was removed for valid reasons. However, the “Straight Up” version is consistent and Porter isn’t meant to be a likable character, much like Jason Statham’s Chev Chelios in the “Crank” movies, who aren’t typically portrayed as appealing figures.

Stream Payback on Prime Video.

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2025-08-23 20:43