The 1990s produced some truly memorable films. While science fiction movies often launched huge franchises and became worldwide hits, the decade also saw a boom in action films. Many action stars from the 80s continued their success with exciting new adventures. These 90s action movies weren’t just more of the same, though—they upped the intensity and often mixed action with elements of science fiction, fantasy, and even horror, creating something fresh and innovative.
The 1990s produced a lot of fantastic action movies, but many were overlooked or have since been forgotten. As a result, there are some truly great action films from that decade that don’t get the recognition they deserve. Despite being a strong era for the genre, audiences have largely forgotten how good some of these movies actually were.
7) Timecop (1994)
Released in 1994, Timecop is a standout sci-fi action film from the 1990s. What makes it special is that, unlike many time travel movies, it keeps the story relatively simple and focused on the action. Jean-Claude Van Damme plays Max Walker, a detective who becomes part of the Time Enforcement Commission – a group dedicated to preventing people from abusing time travel. Many fans consider it one of Van Damme’s best films, and it’s a great example of how the 90s brought exciting action to the sci-fi genre.
6) Predator 2 (1990)
Released in 1990, Predator 2 is a sci-fi sequel that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. It’s surprising, considering it’s part of a popular action series and a really good movie on its own. This film moves the iconic alien hunter to the streets of Los Angeles, setting a sci-fi story against the gritty backdrop of a gang war. Featuring a strong performance by Danny Glover, Predator 2 is one of the most thrilling and underrated action films of the 1990s.
5) The Hard Way (1991)
Released in 1991, The Hard Way is a funny action-comedy pairing Michael J. Fox and James Woods. Fox plays an actor researching a role by tagging along with a tough police detective (Woods) as they investigate a serial killer nicknamed the Party Crasher. The film had the potential to launch a series, but it came out during a time when buddy cop movies were already very popular. Despite this, The Hard Way is a thoroughly enjoyable action comedy that benefits from the strong chemistry and talent of its lead actors, offering both laughs and exciting action sequences.
4) Breakdown (1997)
As a huge fan of ’90s action flicks, I always felt Kurt Russell was a standout, but it’s surprising how many great movies from that era slip under the radar. One I particularly love is Breakdown from 1997. It’s a really gripping thriller where Russell plays a guy desperately searching for his wife after she appears to be kidnapped by a truck driver. It’s got everything – intense chases, genuinely suspenseful moments, and just solid action. Honestly, it’s another fantastic ’90s action movie that deserves way more recognition than it gets!
3) End of Days (1999)
The film End of Days once again featured Arnold Schwarzenegger as the lead in a big-budget action movie. However, it distinguished itself by adding supernatural horror to the mix. Schwarzenegger plays Jericho Cane, a former police detective tasked with protecting a young woman who is destined to bear the Antichrist. While it’s often overlooked now, End of Days showcases a surprisingly nuanced performance from Schwarzenegger and offers more depth than many similar action films of the 1990s.
2) The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)
The 1990s delivered a number of fantastic action films with women in the lead, and The Long Kiss Goodnight is definitely one of the best. Geena Davis plays a teacher who can’t remember her past, and she teams up with a private investigator, Samuel L. Jackson, to uncover the truth. Despite having a dedicated fanbase, the movie doesn’t get enough credit as a top-tier action film from the decade – many people have forgotten just how good it is!
1) Ronin (1998)
The 1998 film Ronin delivers everything you’d want in a great action thriller: a stellar cast including Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Stellan Skarsgård, Sean Bean, and Jonathan Pryce, a team of operatives moving through French cities, and a central mystery revolving around a mysterious briefcase. Despite being well-received when it came out, Ronin has largely been forgotten and deserves recognition as one of the most underrated action movies of the 1990s.
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2025-11-16 23:48