Discover 5 Hidden Gem Action Movies from the ’90s You Probably Missed!

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The 1990s might be considered the golden era for action movies, as it was packed with thrilling films that provided a rush of adrenaline. Some of these included “Speed,” “Die Hard 2,” “Die Hard with a Vengeance,” “Point Break,” “The Rock,” “Con Air,” and many more. For those who prefer sci-fi action, there were offerings like “Total Recall,” “The Matrix,” “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” “Timecop,” “Demolition Man,” “Face/Off,” and “Independence Day.” This decade witnessed the ascension of action stars such as Jean-Claude Van Damme, Wesley Snipes, Steven Seagal, and Bruce Willis to their leading roles. Additionally, Keanu Reeves, Nicolas Cage, and Will Smith also entered the genre during this time, leaving indelible impacts on it.

The movies I’m about to mention fit well with the examples given earlier and haven’t received as much attention as blockbusters like “Point Break” or “Independence Day”. For those who love the ’90s and crave adrenaline, these films are a must-see.

Hard Target

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A 90’s action film that remains compelling, “Hard Target” is not just Jean-Claude Van Damme’s finest work, but also a significant entry into Hollywood filmmaking by director John Woo. Essentially, it reimagines the story of “The Most Dangerous Game,” with Van Damme stepping in to prevent the deadly game from unfolding completely.

In the movie Hard Target, there are several noteworthy elements. One is the starring role of Jean-Claude Van Damme, two is an intriguing antagonist portrayed by Lance Henriksen, and three is arguably one of the most memorable scenes from the ’90s: where Jean-Claude Van Damme’s character, Chance Boudreaux, delivers a punch to a snake. However, it’s fair to say that Wilford Brimley’s Cajun accent could have benefited from some refinement.

Stream Hard Target for free with ads on Tubi.

Broken Arrow

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In the ’90s, Christian Slater arguably reached his peak of popularity (although he’s making a strong return today), but the projects he was involved in were quite varied. This diversity extended to his action roles. For instance, Young Guns II was financially successful, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was a blockbuster hit, whereas Mobsters, Kuffs, and Hard Rain underperformed significantly. John Woo’s sequel to Hard Target, titled Broken Arrow, sits somewhere in the middle.

If not particularly brainy, “Broken Arrow” serves as an ideal complement to the movie that followed Woo’s release, namely “Face/Off.” The film boasts several strengths, including Slater’s captivating charm, Woo’s signature slow-motion action scenes, and a villainous role from John Travolta that strays from his usual type. Additionally, Slater’s on-screen chemistry with Samantha Mathis is another advantage. This isn’t surprising as they had previously collaborated in the underappreciated 1990 coming-of-age film “Pump Up the Volume” and the 1992 animated film “Ferngully: The Last Rainforest.

Rent Broken Arrow on Amazon Video.

Executive Decision

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In most cases, Kurt Russell’s characters in action movies exude unwavering self-assurance even in the most challenging scenarios. For evidence, watch Tombstone, Soldier, or Escape from New York. However, in Executive Decision, his role as Dr. David Grant is more akin to Nicolas Cage’s character in The Rock – someone who prefers a desk over action. But when pushed into the fray, he must rise to the occasion.

Air Force One is often praised for being the best Die Hard-style plane movie, but it’s actually Executive Decision that deserves the title. This film is also noteworthy as it inspired John Leguizamo’s captivating anecdotes about Seagal, such as the revelation that his character in The Menu was modeled after the ponytailed ’90s action star.

Rent Executive Decision on Amazon Video.

The Long Kiss Goodnight

Director Renny Harlin previously harbored aspirations for creating a follow-up to his Shane Black-penned film “The Long Kiss Goodnight.” It’s quite understandable why he felt this way since the fundamental idea of an amnesiac ex-assassin resuming her old activities after her past resurfaces in her current life, seems more like the start of a series rather than a standalone movie.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but revel in Geena Davis’ captivating portrayal of Samantha Caine. The role allows her to traverse an engaging transformation from shy schoolteacher to bold, dyed-hair badass, making it a truly enthralling journey to watch unfold. Much like other scripts penned by Black, the dialogue is explosive and electrifying, but what really sets this project apart is the undeniable chemistry that sizzles between Davis and Samuel L. Jackson on screen.

Rent The Long Kiss Goodnight on Amazon Video.

Hard Rain

Movies featuring extensive use of harsh weather conditions in their storyline tend to require a larger financial investment due to the need for a compelling element that captivates viewers’ interest. A good illustration of this is the movie Twister, where such a hook was effectively utilized.

A classic instance of when audience interest failed to materialize can be found in the movie “Hard Rain”. With a hefty budget of $70 million, this action flick was quite risky for its time, especially considering it featured Christian Slater and Morgan Freeman. Despite their star power, it only managed to gross about a third of its production cost in the U.S. It’s unfortunate because while it may not be the best film either actor has ever been in, it offers an entertaining, high-concept thrill ride with some standout action sequences and a memorable role for the late Betty White.

Rent Hard Rain on Amazon Video.

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2025-03-29 19:10