2026 promises a lot of exciting action movies! We can look forward to a reboot of Cliffhanger starring Lily James, a new take on Masters of the Universe with Camila Mendes, and the sure-to-be-thrilling Mortal Kombat 2. Jason Statham will be in two films, Mutiny and Shelter, while Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is shaping up to be a truly epic adventure. Street Fighter should appeal to fans of the classic games, and David Harbour will return as Santa in the highly anticipated Violent Night 2.
It’s too early to say which movie will be the best of all time – we’ll have to wait until the end of the year to find out. For now, we’ve decided to look back over the last 25 years and choose the best movie from each year within its specific genre. We’ve intentionally excluded superhero films, as they deserve their own separate list.
26) 2000 — Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
2000 was a great year for action movies from other countries. Both Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (from Taiwan) and Kinji Fukasaku’s Battle Royale (from Japan) are excellent films. However, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is the stronger of the two, and it even won the Academy Award for Best Picture. It’s a visually stunning and meaningful movie.
The American action movies from that time weren’t particularly strong – films like The Art of War, Get Carter, Gone in 60 Seconds, Mission: Impossible 2, Romeo Must Die, Shanghai Noon, and Vertical Limit were all fairly unremarkable. Charlie’s Angels was a somewhat enjoyable exception, but definitely skip its overly flashy and disappointing sequel.
25) 2001 — The Fast and the Furious
It’s remarkable that a basic action movie about cops and criminals launched a 25-year franchise – one that even ventured into space (though let’s not dwell on that!). Looking back, it’s clear why the film succeeded; even if you don’t relate to the characters, it’s easy to get invested in the relationships and interactions within The Fast and the Furious.
Looking back, Rob Cohen really pulled off something special with Ghosts of Mars. It wasn’t a guaranteed hit at the time, but now it’s easy to see just how ridiculously enjoyable John Carpenter’s film truly is. It was a surprisingly easy win for him, and I’m glad it’s gotten the appreciation it deserves over the years.
24) 2002 — The Transporter
Many film fans consider 2002 a standout year for action movies. It was the year Jason Statham truly broke through as a major Hollywood star, though his initial success came with a film made in collaboration with France.
We really got to see his charm and impressive skills in this movie. While the story isn’t overly complex, the original Transporter remains the strongest film in the series.
Stream The Transporter on YouTube TV.
23) 2003 — Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
While the Pirates of the Caribbean series went on for a bit too long, the first three movies remain truly special. The original film, in particular, is a standout.
The film still feels remarkably vibrant, especially with Johnny Depp’s unforgettable portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow. However, Depp isn’t the only standout; Geoffrey Rush delivers a classic villainous performance as Captain Barbossa. Though some viewers have criticized the romance between Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, it undeniably played a crucial role in the original three movies.
Stream Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl on Disney+.
22) 2004 — Kill Bill: Volume 2
As a huge movie fan, it might sound strange, but I honestly think Kill Bill: Volume 2 is the best action movie of the year. It doesn’t pack the same non-stop action as some others, but it’s just brilliant and really earned that top spot, in my opinion. And honestly, we feel a little bad we didn’t give the first Kill Bill that honor back in 2003!
While not packed with action, there are moments like The Bride’s fight with Elle in Budd’s trailer. However, if we considered crime movies as action movies too, Collateral would have been the clear winner.
21) 2005 — Mr. & Mrs. Smith
While the off-screen romance between the stars might have gotten more attention, Mr. and Mrs. Smith was the most purely fun action movie of 2005. It’s fast-paced and, as you’d hope, the two main actors had great chemistry together.
Besides those films, the year also saw solid releases like the remake of Assault on Precinct 13, Transporter 2, and Unleashed. However, Mr. and Mrs. Smith was definitely the biggest standout of the year.
Stream Mr. & Mrs. Smith on Prime Video.
20) 2006 — Casino Royale
Looking back, it’s amusing to remember when people questioned whether Daniel Craig could pull off the role of James Bond. He’s now considered just as iconic as Sean Connery! Plus, Casino Royale really established Martin Campbell as the perfect director to revitalize the Bond franchise for a modern audience – he previously directed the hugely successful GoldenEye as well.
Action movies had a great year, with critically acclaimed films like Children of Men and another hit for Jason Statham in Crank. However, Casino Royale truly stood out. What made it work was its realistic feel – something that doesn’t always guarantee success, but it did here – and a fantastic script. But the real magic came from the chemistry between Daniel Craig and Eva Green, who played Vesper Lynd. She was a particularly well-developed and compelling character, arguably the best ‘Bond Girl’ because she felt like a fully realized person, not just a supporting role.
19) 2007 — 300
While it might prioritize visuals over a deep story, the movie 300 was groundbreaking. It demonstrated a key strength Zack Snyder would later showcase in Watchmen: his ability to create comic book adaptations that are visually true to the original material.
Although Zack Snyder’s direction and the movie’s visuals are impressive, 300 is best remembered for launching Gerard Butler’s career. He continues to be a dependable action star, a fact proven by films like Greenland 2: Migration.
18) 2008 — Wanted
With its cool style and great actors, Wanted is a really enjoyable movie. It’s surprising it never got a sequel, but honestly, the film tells Wesley Allan Gibson’s complete story in a satisfying way – we don’t really need more.
While Wanted wasn’t a groundbreaking film in 2008, it was certainly enjoyable. Its success was likely due to a lack of strong competition from other action movies that year, like Bangkok Dangerous, Death Race, Doomsday, Max Payne, and Transporter 3. However, Rambo and Ip Man were also entertaining options at the time.
17) 2009 — Taken
While technically released in France in 2008, the film Taken really gained popularity in the United States a year later. It became a huge success at the box office in January 2009 – a month that usually sees fewer moviegoers – and is often referred to as a 2009 film because of this strong performance.
The film Taken was a turning point for Liam Neeson, launching him into a series of action roles he’s continued to play ever since, although he’s expressed a desire to do fewer of these films in the future.
Stream Taken on Disney+.
16) 2010 — Machete
As a huge movie fan, let me tell you, if you’re looking for a ridiculously fun action film that just flies by, Machete is it. What I really loved is that, unlike the second one, it knows how to balance the over-the-top craziness. Plus, it was fantastic to finally see Danny Trejo, a character actor I’ve admired for years, get his chance to lead a big studio film!
2010 saw a lot of exciting action movies that mixed different styles. Films like The Book of Eli, Centurion, and Clash of the Titans were popular, but Machete really stood out. It successfully combined comedy, gritty action, political thrills, and more. There were also some solid, traditional action films like The Expendables, Faster, Knight and Day, and The Losers, but Machete was the most memorable.
15) 2011 — Fast Five
With Fast Five, the series really took off and gained a much larger following. It felt like a big movie event, even though at its core, it’s a classic heist story with a lot of extra energy.
This movie is full of energy and excitement, and that feeling is contagious. The showdown between Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel is genuinely thrilling. Fast Five is a really fun ride, even though many consider the next film in the series to be even better.
Stream Fast Five on TNT.
14) 2012 — Skyfall
While Casino Royale is excellent, Skyfall is arguably the best of Daniel Craig’s Bond films. It marked a subtle change in the series’ overall feel and a significant visual update, with Spectre and No Time to Die following a similar style. This is largely due to the stunning cinematography by Roger Deakins, but Skyfall’s success goes beyond just its visuals. It’s a surprisingly character-driven story that still delivers the action and spectacle audiences expect from a Bond film.
2012 delivered some excellent action films. Dredd was a non-stop, intense shootout taking place in one location, and featured a compelling villain. The Expendables 2 offered a similar feel, but with action happening around the world. While some felt Jack Reacher wasn’t perfectly cast, it captured the essence of the Lee Child novels. Finally, Safe remains one of Jason Statham’s best, yet often overlooked, films.
13) 2013 — Fast & Furious 6
You might be tired of seeing Fast & Furious movies mentioned. They aren’t exactly cinematic masterpieces, but they’re self-aware and consistently deliver what audiences expect. Fast & Furious 6 is where the series really hit its stride, building on the groundwork laid by Fast Five. Ironically, while the villain in Fast & Furious 6 isn’t particularly strong, they ended up setting the stage for a much better villain in the next movie.
As a big action movie fan, I have to say 2013 wasn’t a great year. Honestly, if there had been more strong contenders, Fast & Furious 6 might not have ended up as my favorite. So many action films just didn’t deliver – A Good Day to Die Hard, Bullet to the Head, Escape Plan, Machete Kills, The Lone Ranger, and The Last Stand all kind of flopped. Even the idea of attacks on the White House, which sounded cool, didn’t really translate into great movies with Olympus Has Fallen and White House Down. They just didn’t quite hit the mark.
Stream Fast & Furious 6 on TNT.
12) 2014 — John Wick
What started as a typical action movie unexpectedly grew into something much bigger. John Wick built the groundwork for a whole world filled with highly skilled assassins who follow a specific code – though not everyone does, of course.
The first John Wick movie works so well because, at its core, it’s a classic revenge story. It’s about a man getting back at those who harmed his dog, and being forced back into a dangerous life he’d left behind. While the sequels are also great, the original John Wick was the standout action film of 2014.
Stream John Wick on HBO Max.
11) 2015 — Mad Max: Fury Road
Many consider Mad Max: Fury Road, released in 2015, to be the most rewatchable action film of the 2010s. It’s an incredibly thrilling and impactful experience, and it wasn’t just the best action movie of its year – it was potentially the best movie overall, in any genre.
Many wondered if the film would work without Mel Gibson, but those concerns vanished within the first five minutes. It quickly became apparent that this movie was exceptional, and every moment after only reinforced that feeling.
10) 2016 — The Accountant
While the second movie wasn’t very memorable, the first The Accountant remains a strong film. It features an interesting premise, a great performance by Ben Affleck, and a truly hateable villain. What really stands out, though, is the relationship between the main character and his brother – it was also a good part of the sequel, but it worked even better when it wasn’t the central plot point.
The first season of The Accountant is compelling because the main character is enigmatic – he’s naturally reserved and prefers to keep people at a distance. We see hints that he wants to be different, though he struggles to change. This internal conflict is what really draws you in, and the exciting climax is just an added bonus.
9) 2017 — John Wick: Chapter 2
John Wick: Chapter 2 maintains the close, personal feel of the first movie, but also broadens the world of assassins we were introduced to. It wasn’t until the third film that the story really felt like it had huge consequences.
This is a real strength of Chapter 2 – it didn’t rush into over-the-top action like some sequels do. It took the time to develop John’s character, showing us his values and boundaries, and it was effective. This is how you successfully make a sequel: build on what worked in the first film, slowly increase the tension, and then, as this film does with its fantastic cliffhanger, set the stage for a dramatic and explosive continuation.
Stream John Wick: Chapter 2 on HBO Max.
8) 2018 — Mission: Impossible – Fallout
Considered the strongest film in the Mission: Impossible series, Fallout immediately grabs your attention and keeps you on the edge of your seat. From the thrilling skydiving scene to the intense helicopter chase and the brutal bathroom fight, the action is non-stop.
This movie successfully juggled a large cast of characters, including what many consider the franchise’s greatest villain, giving each of them meaningful roles. It’s an epic film that still prioritizes its characters, and it stood out as the best action movie of 2018.
Stream Mission: Impossible – Fallout on Paramount+.
7) 2019 — John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum
The second John Wick movie left viewers on the edge of their seats, so expectations were high for the third installment – and it didn’t disappoint. The film was thrilling from start to finish, with intense fight scenes early on, a brilliantly cold performance by Asia Kate Dillon as the Adjudicator, and a captivating attack on the Continental Hotel that made for an unforgettable climax.
As a huge action movie fan, even if 2019 hadn’t been too bad, “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” would still be my pick for the best. It really feels like the peak of the whole “Wick” series. Honestly, the other action movies that year – things like “Rambo: Last Blood,” “Anna,” “Angel Has Fallen,” and “21 Bridges” – just didn’t quite measure up.
Stream John Wick: Chapter 3 on HBO Max.
6) 2020 — Bad Boys for Life
Because of the pandemic, fewer movies came out in 2020 than usual. While this affected all genres, including action films, there were still some successful releases.
Several films stood out recently: Archenemy was enjoyable, Extraction proved to be a big hit for Netflix, Fatman offered a strangely dark take on holiday action-comedy, and Guns Akimbo cleverly mixed genres with strong performances from Daniel Radcliffe and Samara Weaving. However, Bad Boys for Life was the biggest success, launching just before the pandemic began. It became the highest-grossing movie ever released in January, and deservedly so – it was better than previous Bad Boys films and successfully breathed new life into the series.
Stream Bad Boys for Life on fuboTV.
5) 2021 — Wrath of Man
Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham consistently deliver exciting action movies together. While some fans of Snatch might disagree, Wrath of Man is arguably their strongest work as collaborators. The film has a captivating structure, a wonderfully raw feel, and features one of Jason Statham’s best performances, making it feel intensely personal.
While Wrath of Man faced competition from other films, Nobody gained a dedicated following, though it didn’t quite reach the level of John Wick. No Time to Die provided a fitting conclusion to Daniel Craig’s time as James Bond, and Mortal Kombat successfully broadened the appeal of its source material to a larger audience.
Stream Wrath of Man on Netflix.
4) 2022 — Top Gun: Maverick
Top Gun: Maverick perfectly demonstrated the continued importance of movie theaters. It was a truly immersive cinematic experience and stands out as one of the best sequels ever created, surpassing the original with its improved flight sequences and emotional depth after all these years.
Without the strong quality and impact of Top Gun: Maverick, David Leitch would likely have been the standout director of the year, thanks to either Bullet Train or Violent Night, which he produced. However, ultimately, Top Gun: Maverick was the clear choice.
Stream Top Gun: Maverick on fuboTV.
3) 2023 — John Wick: Chapter 4
While a fifth movie seems likely, it would be best to end the series with John Wick: Chapter 4. The film feels like a satisfying conclusion to the story.
John Wick easily took the win, despite other decent action movies like Plane, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Fast X, and Extraction 2. However, The Expend4bles was a clear disappointment.
Stream John Wick: Chapter 4 for free with ads on The Roku Channel.
2) 2024 — The Fall Guy
David Leitch’s The Fall Guy was a strong contender to kick off the summer movie season, but it didn’t perform as well at the box office as hoped. It might be a film that finds a larger audience when it’s available to stream, benefiting from positive recommendations and easy access.
Although The Fall Guy faced strong competition from other 2024 releases – including Rebel Ridge, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Carry-On, and The Beekeeper – it still managed to come out on top, though the margin wasn’t large.
Stream The Fall Guy on Peacock.
1) 2025 — Novocaine
Novocaine is packed with thrilling action scenes and keeps the pace incredibly fast. Despite all the excitement, it avoids feeling exhausting because it’s also surprisingly funny.
The show really shines thanks to the engaging performances of Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder. You’ll find yourself invested in their relationship, even when it gets tricky. Other notable films from this year included A Working Man, The Toxic Avenger, Sisu: Road to Revenge, Sinners (which we’ll also cover in our horror section), Ballerina, and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
Stream Novocaine on Prime Video.
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2026-01-17 22:24