In the wake of Gareth Evans’ brutal and brilliantly orchestrated action film Ravage, now available on Netflix, we present a curated list of ten jaw-dropping action films that promise to leave a lasting impression. This selection spans diverse genres, from Indonesian martial arts to explosive pursuits in a post-apocalyptic Australia. Get ready to brace yourself for a cinematic knockout!
#1 The Killer by John Woo (1989)
Released in 1989, The Killer is considered one of John Woo’s magnum opuses. The film tells the story of a guilt-ridden assassin on one last bloody crusade. Woo’s direction transcends the noir genre, delivering a film that is as stylish as it is intense. With virtuoso gunfights and a narrative intertwined with themes of redemption and sacrifice, The Killer remains influential. Although a recent remake by Woo failed to reach the brilliance of the original, its legacy endures.
#2 Face/Off by John Woo (1997)
Another landmark in the action genre, Face/Off (1997) showcases a compelling confrontation between Nicolas Cage and John Travolta. Known for its baroque spectacle, the film features Woo’s iconic slow-motion sequences and balletic gunfights, utilizing the full visual grammar that has brought him acclaim. Among Woo’s American works, Face/Off stands as his crowning achievement, leaving audiences wishing for the return of such intense filmmaking.
#3 The Matrix by the Wachowskis (1999)
A monumental work in American science fiction, The Matrix left an indelible mark on audiences through its meticulous cyberpunk aesthetics and philosophical undertones. Drawing from a diverse range of influences—including Baudrillard’s philosophy, Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, and Hong Kong action cinema—the Wachowskis innovated with techniques like Bullet Time. Their cinematic wizardry makes The Matrix one of the quintessential action films of the English-speaking world.
#4 Time and Tide by Tsui Hark (2000)
Acclaimed Hong Kong director Tsui Hark brings us Time and Tide, detailing the life of Tyler, a bodyguard for a triad chief after a consequence with a pregnant police officer. As he teams up with an ex-mercenary, they face threats from vengeful foes. Infused with thrilling gunfights and remarkable choreography, Time and Tide captivates viewers with its ingenious direction and serves as a masterclass in relentless action cinema.
#5 Oldboy by Park Chan-wook (2003)
Park Chan-wook, a pioneer of the South Korean cinema wave, made waves with Oldboy, a film celebrated for its intricate storytelling and stunning visuals. Winning the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes in 2004, the film depicts a father’s brutal quest for vengeance after being imprisoned for fifteen years. Its signature corridor fight scene is a landmark moment in action cinema, establishing Oldboy as a must-see for fans of the genre.
#6 A Bittersweet Life by Kim Jee-woon (2005)
Renowned for his contributions to the genre, Kim Jee-woon’s film A Bittersweet Life tells the tragic tale of a loyal enforcer caught in a web of betrayal and fury after defying his boss out of compassion. Instead of merely paying homage to Hong Kong cinema, Kim draws inspiration from French noir, resulting in a gripping narrative of crime and weakness intertwined with explosive action sequences. This film showcases Kim’s profound talent, revitalized with a recent 4K remaster and re-release.
#7 The Raid by Gareth Evans (2011)
Director Gareth Evans made waves with The Raid, a violent and savage Indonesian action film released in 2011. The straightforward premise follows elite police officers attempting to infiltrate an impenetrable building housing Jakarta’s most powerful crime lord. As they enter, elite fighters emerge to challenge them at every floor. This exhilarating film is a relentless onslaught for viewers, solidifying Evans’ reputation in the action genre. The subsequent film, The Raid 2: Berandal, broadened this intense narrative.
#8 Mad Max: Fury Road by George Miller (2015)
George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road, a post-apocalyptic masterpiece, continues to awe audiences even a decade post-release. Despite its minimalist script, the film delivers exhilarating car chases, breathtaking explosions, and motorized ballet-like stunts, securing its status as the quintessential blockbuster of the 2010s. Miller masterfully utilizes the charisma of his leads, Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, to elevate the thrilling narrative. Despite a recent spin-off’s lackluster performance, Fury Road remains an essential experience.
#9 RRR by S.S. Rajamouli (2022)
Far too often reduced to Bollywood productions, Indian cinema boasts an impressive array of action films, brilliantly showcased by S.S. Rajamouli’s RRR. This film follows two Indian heroes uniting to overthrow the British Empire, celebrated for its generous and explosive action scenes where the laws of physics seem suspended. With impeccable technical mastery, Rajamouli—already known for Baahubali—celebrates the resistance of an oppressed people while exploring themes of friendship. RRR is newly available on Netflix and is not to be missed!
#10 City of Darkness by Soi Cheang (2024)
With an impressive roster of directors like John Woo and Tsui Hark having redefined the action genre in Hong Kong, many have migrated from the region to explore Hollywood or mainland China. However, Soi Cheang remains a stalwart of Hong Kong cinema. Following his successful revival of gritty crime dramas with Limbo, Cheang ventures into martial arts with City of Darkness. The film tells the story of a Chinese refugee who escapes the Triads by entering Kowloon Walled City—a lawless zone dismantled in the early ’90s—where he becomes a martial arts enforcer. A homage to the vibrant Hong Kong action genre, City of Darkness features outstanding action sequences and marks a significant chapter for Hong Kong cinema, rekindling its cinematic spirit with legendary actors Louis Koo and Sammo Hung.
If you found this article engaging, feel free to share your favorite action films in the comments. We can also curate a sequel if you’re interested!
Meet William, a proud Bethel University alumnus with a fervent passion for lifestyle and culture topics. His keen interest doesn’t stop there; he’s also deeply engrossed in current events of all kinds. William dedicates himself wholeheartedly to this site, thriving on the collaborative energy he shares with Suzanne, his long-standing partner in crime.
Having navigated their university courses side by side for years, their teamwork on the site is nothing short of dynamic. Together, they bring a unique blend of insights, proving that two heads are indeed better than one in delivering compelling content.
