Action movies have continued to evolve and improve over the years, with the past decade being a particularly fascinating time for fans of the genre. Superhero films have taken center stage as hits from the Marvel Cinematic Universe consistently impress audiences and critics alike.
Fans on Letterboxd – a social media platform for film buffs – make it easy for viewers to choose the action movies worth watching. The highest-rated ones from each of the last ten years represent the best that the genre has to offer and should be considered essential viewing for audiences who enjoy thrilling action films.
Why Don’t You Play In Hell? (2013) – 3.90
Director Sion Sono takes audiences on a wild ride with a group of wacky filmmakers called the “F**k Bombers” who attempt to create a hit movie with Yakuza gangs. Things unsurprisingly spiral out of control when they realize they may have gotten more than they bargained for.
It’s a fast-paced action movie that’s certainly not for everyone, but those who like frantic films with just enough absurdity and surrealism should definitely check it out. Why Don’t You Play In Hell? manages to mesh the chaotic gunfights, comedic moments, and metacommentary in an entertaining way, which makes it still worth watching today.
Haider (2014) – 3.98
An award-winning modern-day adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, director Vishal Bhardwaj’s Haider follows the eponymous protagonist as he returns to Kashmir to investigate his father’s disappearance. What follows is a gripping tale of political turmoil, conspiracy, and love as the young poet finds himself increasingly embroiled in the turmoil in the region.
It’s the third entry in the director’s Shakespearean sojourn, and arguably the boldest one so far. It unapologetically serves as political commentary about the Kashmir conflicts and their harrowing effects on individuals, depicted through a hard-hitting tale of tragedy and revenge.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – 4.15
Set in a post-apocalyptic future where people clash for necessities like water, food, and (especially) gasoline, Mad Max: Fury Road tells the story of Max Rockatansky. Director George Miller depicts the protagonist’s journey as he meets Imperator Furiosa, and the two decide to courageously escape from cult leader Immortan Joe’s far-reaching influence in the dystopian setting.
Whether it’s Max’s best quotes or the riveting chase scenes, there’s more than one reason for fans to revisit the 2015 action film. It brought the franchise to a wider audience and viewers understandably continue to clamor for more epic entries that delve even deeper into the desert wasteland and its inhabitants.
Train To Busan (2016) – 3.93
Director Yeon Sang-ho’s Train to Busan continues to be one of the best South Korean zombie movies ever made. It’s centered on Seok-woo’s terrifying experience on a high-speed train as the zombie apocalypse begins and reaches its passengers.
The action horror movie is a zombie flick done right, as it’s impossible not to root for the admirable protagonist as he’s forced to confront the things that truly matter to him in his life. The movie soon becomes less about the admittedly creepy undead and more about the difficult decisions survivors have to make in the face of the daunting circumstances.
Logan (2017) – 4.06
Fans who have seen director James Mangold’s Logan know that it’s not a typical superhero film. The gritty final installment in the Wolverine trilogy portrays the titular protagonist’s experiences in 2029, as he cares for an ill Professor X while also struggling with his own deteriorating abilities. Everything changes for both of them when the young mutant, Laura, arrives.
Viewers see the last X-Man’s best traits, as his compassion and bravery get him through the most challenging parts of his journey with Laura. Despite not having the same strength he used to, he does whatever it takes to keep her safe and to do the right thing.
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018) – 4.44
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is often (and rightly) credited with reinvigorating the thirst for superhero films, particularly ones that feature the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. The film introduces some of the best characters in the Spider-Verse as Miles Morales meets his multiversal counterparts.
The movie has been praised for its unique and comics-inspired animation, which is striking, to say the least. Its action sequences will have viewers at the edge of their seats as they watch the Spideys’ attempts to jump from one multiverse to another, battle enemies together, and attempt to take down Kingpin.
Avengers: Endgame (2019) – 3.93
Director Anthony and Joe Russo’s Avengers: Endgame is a superhero action film that needs no introduction. The direct sequel to Infinity War follows the story of the surviving Avengers after Thanos’ devastating snap, as they devise a plan to reverse its terrible effects on the world.
With its incredible visual effects and enthralling story, the sequel is an instant classic that further cemented the MCU’s place in cinematic history. It brought multiple storylines and well-loved characters together in a seamless way, with its perfectly-choreographed action sequences being the cherry on top.
Riders Of Justice (2020) – 3.81
Riders of Justice is a criminally underrated action movie that follows the tragic story of Markus Hansen, who loses his wife in a train accident. When a group of men approach him and claim it wasn’t an accident at all, they work together to find the perpetrators.
Director Anders Thomas Jensen does an excellent job at nailing the well-loved elements of the genre. He doesn’t overcomplicate the sequences or the plot, which makes the entire film easy to follow and entertaining to watch. The Danish film also features one of Mads Mikkelsen’s more overlooked performances, as he plays the role of the protagonist in a memorable and badass way.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) – 4.18
With Marvel favorites like Doctor Strange and returning characters like Doctor Octopus, Spider-Man: No Way Home is one of the best entries in the franchise to date. It’s centered on Peter Parker’s struggle as he deals with the effects of the revelation of his identity. He asks Doctor Strange for a magical solution to his problems, and they unintentionally break open the multiverse in the process.
It’s a wild ride from the introduction to the credits, as Spider-Man deals with threats unlike anything he has ever had to deal with before. He also has to juggle his relationships in the midst of the chaos, which highlights all the traits fans have grown to love about the superhero.
Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022) – 4.36
Evelyn Wang says goodbye to her relatively normal life when she’s exposed to the infinite versions of her from other universes in Everything Everywhere All at Once. She has a hard time believing that she is the version that can save all the universes, but she soon learns she’s capable of astonishing things.
A24’s recently released film has already received positive reviews, thanks to its witty comedy, fresh take on the multiverse concept, brilliant cast, and heartfelt story. It’s quickly turning into one of the must-see movies of the year, as it’s a crowd-pleaser that fans of the action and sci-fi genres will certainly appreciate.