Action movies only continue to get better every single year, with more creative plots, daring sequences, and incredible performances making the best ones stand out among both fans and critics.
Audiences on Letterboxd – a social media platform for film buffs – have made it easy for viewers to choose the must-see action flicks from the past decade. The most popular movies in the genre may not always get the highest ratings, but they’ve certainly sparked enough discussion and debates from fans to warrant them the top spots for each year on the site.
Iron Man 3 (2013) – Rating: 3.1, Fans: 538
Fans get to truly understand the weight of Tony Stark’s responsibilities as a superhero in Iron Man 3. They get a glimpse into how the recent attacks during the Battle of New York have affected him in a negative way, which only gets worse when a mysterious villain known as the Mandarin threatens his safety.
Although there are a few things from Iron Man 3 that have aged poorly, director Shane Black does an excellent job at capturing Tony’s more human side. Beyond the movie’s great visuals and well-choreographed action sequences, it’s Iron Man’s moving story that has contributed to making the film a massive success.
Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014) – Rating: 3.8, Fans: 3.3k
Director James Gunn introduces the beginning of a fan-favorite group of heroes in a charming and wildly entertaining way in Guardians of the Galaxy. In the superhero film, Peter Quill takes center stage as he finds himself in trouble after stealing a strange Orb. He meets iconic characters like Drax the Destroyer and Gamora during his efforts to evade an intergalactic manhunt.
A large part of what makes Vol. 1 so entertaining is its humor, which matches its flawless soundtrack as well. Of course, its more tear-jerking moments leave a mark on fans as well, who can’t be blamed for already feeling attached to the film’s likable characters.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – Rating: 4.1, Fans: 14k
Viewers are thrust into an unforgiving post-apocalyptic world in Mad Max: Fury Road, where gasoline and water have become precious, and cult leaders like Immortan Joe control the scarce necessities. Its protagonist, Max Rockatansky, has had enough of his hard life and teams up with Imperator Furiosa in search of something better.
Director George Miller’s critically-acclaimed fourth entry into the franchise is already considered a classic at this point. From its wild chase scenes to impeccably choreographed and over-the-top action sequences, there’s more than one reason to watch the action movie again today.
Deadpool (2016) – Rating: 3.7, Fans: 2.2k
There was a ton of pressure on director Tim Miller to get the beloved comic book character right in 2016’s Deadpool. The first entry in the franchise introduced Wade Wilson and villains like Ajax, while telling the story of how the unique anti-hero came to be.
Fans appreciated the fact that the movie didn’t pull any punches, as it was as violent, profane, and outrageous as many expected it to be. It would lay the groundwork for its less popular sequels and remains a wildly entertaining film that’s worth rewatching for its humorous banter and slow-motion action sequences.
Baby Driver (2017) – Rating: 3.8, Fans: 13k
Director Edgar Wright gives audiences one of the most iconic drivers in cinema in Baby Driver. The protagonist, Miles ‘Baby,’ is a compelling character from the get-go, and becomes even more endearing when fans learn about his tragic past. Baby is a getaway driver who attempts to escape his life of crime and his debt to a dangerous kingpin, but it’s not as simple as just driving away.
A large part of what makes the action scenes so absorbing in the film is the music, as the tunes Baby listens to are perfectly timed with his driving. Viewers know they’re in for a wild time when Baby puts on his earphones, as wild stunts are bound to follow when the music starts to play.
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018) – Rating: 4.4, Fans: 35k
Directors Rodney Rothman, Peter Ramsey, and Bob Persichetti give viewers a well-written and compelling origin story for the endearing character, Miles Morales, in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Fans dive headfirst into the multiverse as Miles attempts to learn how to cooperate with cool versions of Spidey to defeat the villain, Kingpin.
The visually stunning animated film rejects the tired old superhero formula and brilliantly presents something truly new in the oversaturated genre. It has been lauded for the way its vibrant visuals punctuate its gripping action sequences, making it impossible for fans to take their eyes off the screen.
Avengers: Endgame (2019) – Rating: 3.9; Fans: 9.6k
The Russo brothers’ Avengers: Endgame is a great example of a sequel done right. Set after the events of Infinity War, the superhero action film follows the story of some of the strongest surviving Avengers as they attempt to reverse the effects of Thanos’ snap.
The movie was rightly an instant classic upon release, as its cutting-edge special effects, spotless choreography, and engrossing plot entertained fans around the world. It brought multiple storylines – both overarching and individual narratives – together in a seamless way, wrapping up the epic saga and signaling the start of a new phase in the MCU.
Tenet (2020) – Rating: 3.4, Fans: 2.2k
If there’s anything Tenet’s fans know, it’s that the sci-fi action film is not for everyone. Director Christopher Nolan gives audiences an unbelievably complex narrative, which is centered on the Protagonist, as he tries his best to manipulate the flow of time to prevent an attack from the future.
Viewers who can appreciate the sometimes frustratingly complicated plot will be able to fully enjoy the movie’s astounding visuals. It’s one of Nolan’s most divisive films to date and it’s surely not for everyone, but those who do end up liking it may find it to be one of their favorite action movies of all time.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) – Rating: 4.2, Fans: 15k
With its action-packed scenes, wild twists, countless references, and returning characters like the Green Goblin, it's not surprising that Spider-Man: No Way Home quickly became a fan favorite when it was released last year, with some calling it the best entry in the franchise.
The superhero film is a genuine standout in the MCU, as it thrusts viewers into the wild multiverse as Peter Parker and Dr. Stephen Strange figure out how to conceal the protagonist's identity. It perfectly captures what fans love about the protagonist, as he will do anything in his power to make sure that his friends and the entire world are safe, no matter the cost for him.
Uncharted (2022) – Rating: 3.0, Fans: 85 Fans
Whether fans like it or not, director Ruben Fleischer’s Uncharted was a surprisingly popular film when it was released earlier this year. The video game adaptation depicts Nathan Drake’s experiences as he searches for mysterious loot from the Magellan expedition. Along the way, he finds clues that may lead to the location of his long-lost brother.
The movie’s low rating on Letterboxd makes sense once viewers read the comments, as fans criticize it for being a mindless action flick. Although Tom Holland’s performance as the protagonist is often praised, it doesn’t do enough to redeem the lackluster narrative and script.