10 Must-Watch Action Movies From This Century That Don’t Rely on CGI

Computer-generated imagery, and now artificial intelligence, is now widely used in making movies of all types. However, action films were among the first to embrace these new technologies. Early examples, though often quite noticeable, include films like Mortal Kombat: Annihilation and Escape from L.A. As the technology has improved and become more realistic, it’s become less obvious – though the issues with Henry Cavill’s mustache in Justice League prove it’s not always perfect.

While special effects are now standard in Hollywood, especially in superhero movies, there’s value in deliberately choosing to use practical effects instead of CGI or AI. Most films still use some digital enhancements in editing, and that’s almost unavoidable these days. However, these 10 action movies stand out because they prioritized real-world stunts and effects, delivering what many consider the most thrilling and authentic experience in the genre.

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

George Miller’s fourth Mad Max film, Mad Max: Fury Road, delivered a thrilling and popular reinvention of the classic story. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where gasoline is incredibly valuable, the movie stars Tom Hardy as Max and introduces Charlize Theron as Imperator Furiosa, who many fans consider the film’s true hero. It both honors the original films and expands upon their themes.

A Large Cast of Acrobats and Stunt Professionals Came Together for the Chase Across the Desert

The film was popular in part because it relied on impressive practical effects and stunts, especially during the extended chase scene across the desert. This scene alone involved 150 specially made vehicles and over 200 stunt performers. While some computer-generated imagery was used for things like removing safety gear, adding sky effects, and enhancing explosions, the most exciting moments – like those featuring the ‘pole cats’ or the energetic guitarist, Doof – were filmed using real stunts.

‘Triple Frontier’ (2019)

Triple Frontier is a thrilling and realistic film praised for its suspenseful story and strong performances from its cast, including Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Garrett Hedlund, and Pedro Pascal. Set in South America, the movie follows a dangerous job that spirals out of control, leading to a desperate struggle to survive. The film’s exciting action sequences rightfully earned it positive reviews.

Using Practical Effects and Stunts Over Taking the Easy Way Out

Depending on the actors involved, using real stunts, filming on location, and practical effects instead of computer-generated imagery isn’t always feasible. While professional stunt performers handled the most dangerous actions, the cast, including Affleck, received military training to make their scenes look authentic without relying on green screens or CGI. For example, the impressive helicopter crash scene was filmed using a special rig, carefully planned explosions, and precise stunt work.

‘The Raid: Redemption’ (2011)

Sometimes, a foreign film comes along that everyone loves, no matter what language they speak. Gareth Evans’ The Raid: Redemption is one of those films. Though the story is simple—a man stuck in a building trying to escape—it’s incredibly exciting and action-packed, thanks to amazing fight choreography and a skilled cast.

A Genuine and Brutal Martial Arts Masterpiece

Released in the early 2010s, The Raid: Redemption is a highly acclaimed martial arts film that brought Indonesian Pencak Silat to a wider audience. This fighting style emphasizes close combat, joint locks, and powerful strikes. Director Gareth Edwards prioritized dynamic choreography and camera work to showcase the raw energy of the martial art, resulting in over an hour of intense action.

The filmmakers used specialized equipment to create fluid action sequences, allowing the camera to follow actor Iko Uwais as he fought through crowded hallways. While blood and gunfire would be added digitally later, the goal was to create a visceral and realistic experience, ensuring the film would be remembered as a landmark achievement in the genre.

‘Baby Driver’ (2017)

Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver is a thrilling blend of music, action, and humor, introducing audiences to Baby (Ansel Elgort), a driver who relies on music to focus and escape reality while pulling off dangerous getaways. Though celebrated for its exciting action and fantastic soundtrack, the film is often remembered less for Wright’s dedication to using real, practical effects instead of computer-generated imagery.

Making a Movie to the Music

Edgar Wright wanted the car stunts in Baby Driver to feel completely real, so he filmed them using actual cars and practical effects, avoiding green screens and CGI. He even planned the filming around the music, letting the score guide how each scene unfolded. The film was recognized for its technical achievements, receiving three Academy Award nominations for Editing, Sound Mixing, and Sound Editing.

’13 Assassins’ (2010)

Though not widely known in the West, director Takashi Miike is a beloved figure in Asian cinema, celebrated for his diverse films and quirky style. His movie 13 Assassins initially appears to be a simple story about warriors trying to eliminate a cruel leader. But this historical action film builds to a massive climax, culminating in a breathtaking 45-minute battle sequence.

Taking Up the Challenge of Delivering Chaos Without CGI

As a film fan, what really struck me about the climax was how incredibly real it felt. Usually, director Takashi Miike isn’t shy about using CGI, but here, he went all-out with practical effects. We’re talking a huge cast, a ridiculously detailed set, tons of pyrotechnics, and so many props – all to create the intense gore and blood. It almost felt like Miike was challenging himself to create something truly spectacular, and honestly, he succeeded. The amazing thing is, the only CGI used was to hide safety gear! It just makes the whole sequence even more unforgettable as a visual spectacle.

‘The Man from Nowhere’ (2010)

“The Man from Nowhere” is a hidden gem of a South Korean thriller. It tells the story of Cha Tae-sik (played by Won Bin), a quiet pawnshop owner with a secret past who becomes a dangerous force when someone he cares about is wronged. While the film’s story of revenge is satisfying, it’s the incredibly well-done action scenes that really made it a hit with audiences.

Bloody Fights Brutally Choreographed and Shot without the Use of CGI

If you’re an action movie fan, this film delivers everything you could want: intense knife fights, thrilling car chases, and explosive shootouts. But it’s more than just adrenaline – a powerful story of redemption and revenge adds emotional depth. What truly sets the action apart is the incredible camera work and fight choreography, which keep you fully immersed in the moment. It’s a gritty and violent film that smartly uses practical effects instead of relying heavily on computer-generated imagery.

‘The Accountant’ (2016)

We’re featuring Ben Affleck again, and it’s hard not to – his movie, The Account, is a thrilling mix of action, suspense, and drama. It’s a bit different from his other film, Triple Frontier, but still deserves attention. In The Account, Affleck plays a seemingly clumsy accountant who leads a double life as a highly skilled assassin. This dual role is one of his strongest performances yet.

‘The Accountant’ Assures When It Brings the Action, It Feels Real

One of the things that makes The Accountant so enjoyable is how it blends different types of movies. When the action starts, it’s genuinely exciting, with realistic stunts and effects. Ben Affleck even trained to perform many of the fight scenes and gun battles himself, helping to keep the movie engaging. Plus, the promise of The Accountant 2 (coming in 2025) – which will deliver even more of the same high-octane action – adds to the film’s appeal.

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022)

In today’s film industry, very few actors can guarantee an audience simply because of their reputation. Tom Cruise is one of the rare exceptions – his name alone draws viewers and promises a successful film. Top Gun: Maverick is a prime example, having been a huge box office hit and continuing to be popular with streamers.

Placing the Audience in the Cockpit of Explosive Aerial Action

Tom Cruise is famous for delivering thrilling action in his movies, and he’s especially known for using real stunts and effects instead of relying heavily on computer-generated imagery. This is a big reason why the Mission Impossible films are so popular. While CGI was used in this film to improve certain scenes, the focus was on creating a realistic experience with impressive aerial stunts performed by the actors themselves, captured with specialized cameras.

‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)

We’ve talked about how CGI is essential for most modern superhero movies, but Batman is different. His appeal lies in his grounded, street-level heroism, focusing on Bruce Wayne’s internal battles and his fights against villains who, while dangerous, are still fundamentally human. While Batman has been in big-budget films, especially with the Justice League, The Dark Knight proved that the action could be incredible without relying on CGI effects.

Bringing ‘The Bat’ to Life with Practical Effects, Props, and Stunts

Christopher Nolan believes audiences can tell the difference between genuine action and effects created with technology. That’s why he prioritized practical effects and real stunts over CGI in his films. The thrilling truck chase? Filmed with real vehicles. The hospital explosion? A practical effect. Even the Batpod was a functioning prop. This dedication to realism is a key reason why The Dark Knight is considered one of the most popular and sophisticated superhero movies ever made.

‘Warfare’ (2025)

The film Warfare aims to realistically portray the intensity of combat through a recreation of a true story experienced by Ray Mendoza, a former Navy SEAL. It depicts a SEAL platoon’s mission in Ramadi, Iraq, where they become trapped in a city and fight for their lives. Notably, the movie avoids typical dramatic military dialogue and has been widely praised for its authentic depiction of warfare.

Authentically Capturing the Chaos of War

The actors in Warfare received rigorous training to accurately portray the strict discipline of Navy SEALs. The sets and props were also carefully designed to feel authentic. The filmmakers intentionally avoided using CGI, opting instead for practical effects, pyrotechnics, and real gunfire. Scenes were carefully planned and executed, relying on the skills of actual Navy SEALs, and any digital enhancements were kept to a minimum—even muzzle flashes were improved, but not created with CGI.

2025-11-01 23:12