10 Underrated 90s Action Movies Nobody Remembers Today

The 1990s are often considered a golden age for action movies. So many great films came out during that decade that it was difficult to see them all, and many became incredibly popular. It was also a time when some of the biggest action stars were at their best.

I know we’re not going to get another Terminator 2 every time, but I’ve always thought about how many great action movies from the 90s really shaped what we see on screen today. Films like Rush Hour and The Matrix especially just define that decade for me.

As much as I love remembering the great action movies of that time, it’s also true that a lot of them didn’t really find an audience then, and have been forgotten since. Sometimes there was a good reason for that – maybe they just weren’t very good! But honestly, I think a lot of them are way better than people give them credit for now. Either they’ve actually held up over the years, or they were just overlooked when they first came out.

10. Broken Arrow (1996)

Broken Arrow is a thrilling action movie starring Christian Slater as Riley Hale, a pilot assigned to test fly a bomber equipped with two live nuclear warheads. His mission takes a dangerous turn when his co-pilot, Vic Deakins (played by John Travolta), attempts to steal the warheads.

The plot is simple, but the chemistry between Hale and Deakins is really engaging. They have a history as friends, and John Travolta clearly enjoys playing the villain. Hale also works with Terry, a park ranger played by Samantha Mathis, to prevent dangerous weapons from getting into the wrong hands.

As you’d expect from a John Woo film, Broken Arrow delivers plenty of thrilling action. What really sets it apart, though, is the strong connection between the lead characters, making it stand out from other action movies of the time.

9. Assassins (1995)

The movie Assassins is a surprisingly good action film featuring Sylvester Stallone as Robert Rath, an experienced hitman hoping to retire. He takes on one last assignment, but his plans are disrupted when he encounters a reckless and unpredictable rival named Miguel Bain, played by Antonio Banderas.

Two hitmen are assigned to kill the same target, Electra (Julianna Moore), and repeatedly encounter each other while competing to complete the job. The actors involved have fantastic on-screen chemistry, which isn’t surprising given their star power.

While Assassins features a captivating and unpredictable plot, Antonio Banderas truly elevates the film. Even if you’re not typically a fan of action thrillers, his performance is worth seeing. The villain, Bain, is a memorably ruthless and flamboyant character.

8. The Jackal (1997)

The Jackal is a remake of the 1973 film, The Day of the Jackal. The 1997 movie features Bruce Willis as The Jackal, a highly skilled assassin who is so good, the authorities can’t even confirm he’s real.

When the FBI learns a dangerous assassin, known as the Jackal, is targeting their Director, they turn to an unlikely ally: Declan Mulqueen, a prisoner. A tense chase begins, with the Jackal making preparations for the attack while Mulqueen races to stop him.

As a big fan of thrillers, I have to say the 1997 version of The Day of the Jackal really divides opinion – it takes a lot of liberties with the original story. But honestly, it’s a masterclass in tension, and the Jackal character is just so mysterious. The remake definitely leans more into action, but even though it’s different, Bruce Willis is fantastic as the villain.

7. The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)

In the movie The Long Kiss Goodnight, Geena Davis plays Samantha Caine, a seemingly ordinary mother and teacher who has lost her memory. But when secrets from her past begin to surface, she realizes she may have been a dangerous assassin.

Caine is a former top CIA operative known as Charly. The film follows her as she reconnects with old colleagues while trying to piece together her past and decide if she wants to return to that life.

In The Long Kiss Goodnight, Davis skillfully portrays two distinct characters. She seamlessly transitions between the roles of Caine and Charly within a plot packed with unexpected turns and deceptions.

6. Last Action Hero (1993)

Arnold Schwarzenegger was hugely popular in the 1990s and is considered one of the best action movie stars ever. However, not all of his films were successful, and Last Action Hero from 1993 didn’t receive much praise.

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Jack Slater in the film Last Action Hero. Slater is a classic action hero, the star of his own series of movies. When a young, obsessed fan named Danny (Austin O’Brien) is mysteriously pulled into one of those movies, both their worlds are turned upside down. Slater finds that the rules of action movies don’t quite apply in real life.

The movie Last Action Hero playfully satirizes the clichés of action movies. The villain, Benedict (played by Charles Dance), figures out how to exploit the differences between the movie world and reality. It’s a clever and fun ’90s action-adventure that parodies the tropes of the genre.

5. Timecop (1994)

Timecop is an action-packed science fiction film about time travel. The story follows Max Walker, played by Jean-Claude Van Damme, a member of a special commission tasked with stopping Senator Aaron McComb (Ron Silver) from illegally using time travel for personal gain.

The movie Timecop features rules about time travel, preventing people from changing the past for personal gain. It’s an entertaining idea, and the film delves into what happens when timelines are altered.

Unlike many of Jean-Claude Van Damme’s films, Timecop doesn’t rely heavily on martial arts. While he performs some of his signature moves, the action sequences are fairly standard. The movie has a simple, easy-to-follow story, especially considering it involves time travel, and Brion James is a fantastic villain.

4. The Quest (1996)

Jean-Claude Van Damme delivers another action-packed performance in The Quest, featuring intense martial arts battles that showcase different fighting styles. While it’s a solid film, it doesn’t quite reach the same level of success as his classics like Kickboxer and Bloodsport.

Jean-Claude Van Damme stars as Christopher Dubois, a former pickpocket who becomes a highly skilled martial artist. The movie follows Dubois as he enters a dangerous fighting competition filled with opponents who each have their own distinct fighting styles – even Sumo wrestlers! It’s a simple story, but it’s all about delivering exciting fight scenes.

In The Quest, a lot is on the line for Dubois – losing the tournament would have serious repercussions. He’s also facing a dangerously skilled opponent, Khan (Abdel Qissi), who is far more formidable than anyone else in the competition.

3. Boiling Point (1993)

In the film Boiling Point, Wesley Snipes stars as Jimmy Mercer, a seasoned police officer. After his friend is killed during a police operation by Ronnie (played by Viggo Mortensen), Mercer goes rogue and operates outside the law.

The movie feels a bit dated now, but Wesley Snipes still has some fantastic, memorable lines as he seeks revenge. It’s a very violent film, and while full of action, Boiling Point also takes the time to delve into the complex history of the main character, Mercer.

As a critic, I have to say Boiling Point really stands out for its realism. It’s a crime thriller, yes, but it feels incredibly grounded – a far cry from the over-the-top action we often see. What I especially appreciated was how the filmmakers treated even the antagonists; they weren’t just cardboard cutouts, but characters with understandable, if not justifiable, reasons for their actions. It elevates the whole film beyond a simple good-versus-evil story.

2. Live Wire (1992)

Live Wire is a gripping action movie where Pierce Brosnan plays Danny O’Neill, an expert in defusing bombs who’s trying to figure out the source of a dangerous and mysterious problem.

The film opens with the shocking and unexplained death of a US Senator – he’s suddenly destroyed in an explosion. Investigators are baffled, unable to find any cause or evidence. They turn to O’Neill for help, and he soon realizes the explosive used leaves no detectable trace, making it virtually undetectable.

Okay, so “Live Wire” is seriously out there with its premise, but in the best way. What really stuck with me were the deaths – even now, they’re genuinely shocking. And the way they introduce this new weapon? Super creepy and a really clever spin on everything you think you know about the genre. It definitely left an impression.

1. Payback (1999)

As you might guess from the title, Payback is a hard-edged revenge thriller. Mel Gibson plays Porter, a hardened criminal who is double-crossed during a robbery. His partners leave him for dead, but he survives the attack.

The film centers on Porter’s relentless pursuit of revenge. Starting with no resources, he leverages his skills to earn money and obtain a weapon. As he ascends through the criminal world, the film doesn’t shy away from intense violence, fully embracing its mature rating.

Even now, some of the violent moments in Payback are difficult to watch. While Porter’s story is dark and chaotic, it feels realistic, making the film truly memorable and impactful long after it ends.

2026-04-12 02:31