8 Action Movies From The 1990s With Tons Of Gun Play

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The 1990s stood out as a golden era for the action genre, with many iconic films showcasing spectacular gun fights that were truly remarkable. From intense shootouts to duels and artfully choreographed death scenes, gunplay has always been a defining element of this genre, dating back to its origins. The ‘John Wick’ series demonstrates that there is still a demand for such high-octane action, but the 1990s were particularly notable for their abundance of gun violence on screen. This trend can be largely attributed to the impact of the Hong Kong action cinema movement, which gained momentum in the late 1980s.

Many action films back then weren’t hesitant about featuring gun violence, but some standout titles took this to another level and became iconic due to the sheer number of gunfights they contained. These were often from seasoned action directors like James Cameron and Michael Mann, as well as fresh talents such as Michael Bay and Robert Rodriguez who made their mark with high-octane shootouts. These action movies didn’t just offer a lot of gunplay, but also innovated by presenting the action in thrilling new ways.

8. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Directed By James Cameron

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is widely recognized as one of the finest sequels in movie history. Unlike its predecessor, it offers a refreshing and unanticipated take on the narrative and characters. Moreover, it significantly escalates the scale, particularly in terms of action. While the original Terminator film had its fair share of gunfights, James Cameron took things to another level with the sequel, delivering some of his most thrilling action sequences yet.

It’s thrilling to watch Arnold Schwarzenegger reprise his heroic role as the T-800, brandishing a shotgun, but what’s equally exciting is the transformation of Linda Hamilton’s character, Sarah Connor, into a formidable gunfighter. The movie offers some spectacular shootout scenes, and one in particular cleverly reworks a scene from the original. Unlike the police station massacre in 1984’s The Terminator, this sequel features a unique sequence where the T-800 engages an entire police force, with specific instructions not to cause any casualties among them.

7. Tombstone (1993)

Directed By George P. Cosmatos

The passing of actor Val Kilmer has sparked renewed attention towards the classic Western action movie, where Kilmer’s memorable portrayal of Doc Holliday opposite Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp stands out. Given the film’s focus on the notorious O.K. Corral gunfight, it’s no surprise that there is an abundance of gun action. It was exciting to witness the revival of the Western genre during the 90s, a decade characterized by high-action films, making for a captivating blend of both Western and action genres.

The scene at the O.K. Corral stands out as a memorable moment, and the movie Tombstone does an excellent job capturing the turbulent and swift atmosphere of the incident. However, that scene is just halfway through the film because Tombstone also offers numerous other exciting gunfights between Earp’s group and the wicked Cowboys. One of the most impressive shootouts plays on the dramatic tension instead of raw intensity as Doc Holliday steps in for Wyatt, facing off against Johnny Ringo.

6. Face/Off (1997)

Directed By John Woo

John Woo’s impact on ’90s action movies is significant, stemming from his groundbreaking work in ’80s Hong Kong filmmaking. In fact, it was with the movie Face/Off that he found the perfect platform to showcase his distinctive style – a style marked by extravagant gunplay. Despite its outlandish storyline about John Travolta and Nicolas Cage switching faces, the action in this film is so captivating that viewers often overlook it.

In the film “Face/Off,” Woo infuses distinctive aspects that make it shine amongst typical Hollywood action movies. During gunfights, Nicolas Cage employs a pair of golden pistols, while the finale sees Travolta and Cage squaring off in a church filled with fluttering doves before readying to shoot each other. Though discussions about a “Face/Off” sequel have occurred, it’s challenging to imagine another director matching Woo’s level of audacity.

5. The Matrix (1999)

Directed By Lana & Lilly Wachowski

In a straightforward and engaging manner: Just like no other action movie, The Matrix truly revolutionized the genre. Its imaginative and intellectually stimulating sci-fi plot was only matched by the groundbreaking direction of Lana and Lilly Wachowski. The film combined traditional martial arts with wirework in its fight scenes, a style that became widely recognized before being fully embraced by superhero films. Nevertheless, it was during the gunfights where the Wachowskis appeared to be enjoying themselves the most.

Discussing The Matrix often triggers memories of the unforgettable bullet-time sequence, a cinematic masterpiece that’s been imitated less successfully elsewhere. Notably, there are the thrilling instances where Neo and Agent Smith seem to defy gravity during their subway fight scene. But what truly sets The Matrix apart is the climactic lobby shootout between Neo, Trinity, and an abundance of shots – a scene that lives up to Neo’s request for “lots of guns” beforehand.

4. Heat (1995)

Directed By Michael Mann

Apart from being hailed as one of the best heist movies ever made, Heat is equally renowned for its intense action sequences, showcasing one of the most legendary shootouts in cinematic history. This film masterfully blends high-octane action scenes with tranquil moments, and the captivating café dialogue between acting titans Robert De Niro and Al Pacino is undeniably thrilling. Nevertheless, Heat truly shines in delivering gritty, impactful action, starting from the very first armored truck heist scene.

Throughout the film, there are occasional gunfights, such as the mishap at the deserted drive-in theater. Yet, it’s the scene where De Niro’s group exits a bank and encounters the entire Los Angeles police department that truly highlights the movie’s greatness. The subsequent firefight is intense, chaotic, and lengthy. Michael Mann and the cast were meticulously dedicated to their roles, and Val Kilmer’s proficiency during the shootout in Heat clearly demonstrates the fruits of rigorous preparation.

3. Bad Boys (1995)

Directed By Michael Bay

Michael Bay has undeniably made a name for himself as a highly successful action director, although his films often spark debate. Nevertheless, there remains a strong affection for the film that kick-started Bay’s directing career and highlighted his knack for over-the-top action scenes – “Bad Boys.” The success of this movie was largely due to the dynamic duo of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, a partnership that endured even after Bay parted ways with the “Bad Boys” series. However, it’s challenging to dispute that Bay injected the film with an unbridled dose of excitement.

Bad Boys showcases numerous action sequences where Michael Bay experimented with techniques that would later define his signature style. These include dynamic shots of the protagonists leaping through the air while shooting their weapons mid-flight. The climactic shootout in an airplane hangar, for instance, boasts a self-funded explosion scene by Bay, showcasing his unwavering dedication and fondness for creating explosive spectacles on screen.

2. Desperado (1996)

Directed By Robert Rodriguez

Robert Rodriguez initially made a name for himself as an independent director with the cult classic film “El Mariachi”. Leveraging this success, he expanded his vision and used the recognition he gained to finance a more expansive retelling of the story. Antonio Banderas portrayed the wandering musician seeking vengeance in this production. Notably, the larger cast included stars like Banderas and Salma Hayek. It appears that the entire increased budget for “Desperado” was allocated towards crafting the film’s exhilarating gunfights.

Rodriguez created a film blending elements of a traditional Western and high-octane Hong Kong action, adding his signature style. Scenes like Banderas striding into a criminal den and revealing his guitar case brimming with weapons provide enjoyable entertainment, while the movie maintains this delightful excess, introducing guitar cases that fire automatically and launch missiles.

1. Hard Boiled (1992)

Directed By John Woo

At the start of the 1990s, while Hollywood was churning out awe-inspiring action movies, Hong Kong was still leading the pack in this genre. John Woo had already become an icon in action cinema, often working with Chow Yun-fat, as seen in films like “A Better Tomorrow” and “The Killer.” However, the action movie “Hard Boiled” was so exceptional and intense that it managed to capture the attention of American audiences as well.

The initial scenes set the tone for a typical John Woo film, featuring an extended gunfight that lasts longer than usual yet remains engaging due to its presentation of chaos and violence. There are numerous other exhilarating action sequences in store, such as the raid on the warehouse, but fans of “Hard Boiled” know that the hospital sequence is truly exceptional. The uninterrupted camera work during this shootout continues to be hailed by many as one of the best action scenes ever filmed.

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2025-05-10 21:41