4 Action Movie Characters That Are Basically Superheroes (And Aren’t Indiana Jones)

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Action movie series often live or die based on their main characters. Those featuring heroes *without* superpowers – no capes, costumes, or high-tech suits – hold a special place in film history. Some of the most memorable action films don’t rely on superpowers at all, instead focusing on ordinary people who are smart and surprisingly lucky. A perfect example of this is Indiana Jones.

Over five films, Indiana Jones has done some truly incredible things – he’s defeated countless Nazis, prevented dangerous artifacts from falling into the wrong hands, rescued an entire village of children, encountered aliens, and even time traveled. Considering all of that, it’s fair to say he’s a superhero, or at least close enough. In fact, he has as much claim to the title as any traditional action hero, and many would argue he’s the best of them all.

4) Rama – The Raid franchise

Rama, portrayed by Iko Uwais in the films *The Raid: Redemption* and *The Raid 2*, is considered one of the greatest action heroes in recent cinema. While incredibly skilled and strong, Uwais plays him as a realistic and relatable character. Rama is deeply committed to his family, faith, and principles, even when facing life-threatening danger.

Let me tell you, Rama is a seriously impressive action hero. He’s not just strong – he’s a brilliant fighter who can take on hordes of enemies using nothing but his skill and raw power. And he’s a crack shot too, always thinking quickly on his feet. Honestly, the sheer amount of punishment and challenges he endures across just two films? It’s more depth and action than a lot of your typical Marvel movies manage to pack in.

Obvious Superpowers: Super durability, hand-to-hand combat expert.

Accomplished remarkable feats, including clearing a fifteen-story building of gangsters and successfully infiltrating the Bangun crime family.

3) John McClane – Die Hard franchise

Bruce Willis became famous for playing John McClane, a character who instantly felt like a classic when he first appeared in *Die Hard*. While McClane doesn’t seek out trouble, he’s incredibly skilled at stopping villains, even while enduring a lot of physical punishment – making him a hero in the truest sense. He even jokes in the fourth movie that he’s always called upon to save the day because no one else will.

McClane is a skilled fighter, though he doesn’t always win. Beyond that, his experience as a police officer gives him valuable detective skills often overlooked in action heroes. He can take down enemies with force, but he’s also adept at understanding their plans and breaking them down psychologically.

Obvious Superpowers: One man army, proficient detective skills.

This individual repeatedly stopped terrorists, acting alone to overcome threats in buildings, at airports, and even when they were trying to hold New York City hostage or cripple critical American systems.

2) Ethan Hunt – Mission: Impossible franchise

Alongside Indiana Jones, Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt is a strong contender for the title of action movie hero who consistently proves his worth. It’s not just the incredible stunts Tom Cruise performs – the character’s development over eight films clearly demonstrates his heroic nature. Ethan Hunt consistently does what’s right, prioritizing the safety of others above all else.

Even when things get incredibly difficult, Ethan Hunt always manages to pull through. Like all great heroes, he faces losses, but he uses those experiences to improve and find new ways to succeed. And let’s not forget the amazing technology he uses – if Batman is considered a superhero, then Ethan Hunt definitely fits the bill too.

Obvious Superpowers: Afraid of nothing, improvisational adaptation.

This individual accomplished incredible feats, including dismantling terrorist groups worldwide, breaching highly secure locations like the CIA headquarters and the Kremlin, surviving a journey through a sunken submarine in the Arctic, and ultimately defeating The Syndicate.

1) Terry Richmond – Rebel Ridge

Aaron Pierre, who only had one film credit before Rebel Ridge, stands out as a unique action hero. His character, Terry Richmond, relies on his intelligence to outwit opponents for most of the movie, rather than using physical force. When a fight finally happens, Richmond defeats his attackers without using lethal force, making a clear point of avoiding killing. He operates with a strong moral code, similar to many superheroes, and does so with a distinctive flair.

Obvious Superpowers: Expert hand-to-hand combatant, keen observational abilities.

This individual bravely and skillfully disarmed and overcame all the deputies in a Sheriff’s office, without anyone being harmed.

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2025-10-12 17:41