8 Action Movies An Action Movie Lover Should See

1. Point Break (1991)

Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze were considered miscast and future Oscar winning director Kathryn Bigelow seemed all wrong for action.

With hindsight, this film has earned a rep for brilliantly filmed foot chases and jumping out of airplanes without parachutes.

2. The Matrix (1999)

Who can deny this film doesn’t belong here? How many movies so deeply immerse you in its fantasy?

Keanu Reeves is perfectly cast as a savoir that kicks butt. The opening sequence with Carrie Ann Moss is still the best part of all three movies.

3. The Fugitive (1993)

Harrison Ford is amazing as a convicted man on the run. Tommy Lee Jones is amazing as the man hot on Ford’s trail.

Previously seen as unflappable Indiana Jones and Han Solo, Ford is fragile, scared and unsure, but determined as he leaps from one amazing set piece to the next.

4. Crank (2006)

Jason Statham’s going to die, but not before settling the score. Unfortunately the only way to stay alive is to keep his adrenaline shooting.

That includes having sex on a public street and using ethnic slurs so he can get beat up.

Still, there’s no denying this movie is a race that doesn’t let up.

5. The Terminator (1984)

While the first sequel is technically the better movie because it had the budget, the original has the element of surprise on its side.

Who expected such an emotionally stirring, amusement park ride when the lights went down?

6. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

The first Bourne set the standard. This one upped the ante, forcing everyone to evaluate what an action hero should be.

From a cell phone chase in Waterloo Station to brilliantly choreographed, brutal fight scenes,Ultimatum is what action films can only hope to be.

7. Battle Royale (2000)

Long before Hunger Games, this film challenged the idea of putting children in danger. Battle Royale does it unflinchingly, getting itself banned in many countries.

It’s exciting and disturbing to see a group of teenagers set on an island with a single purpose, to kill each other for entertainment.

8. Die Hard (1988)

Oh, come on, you knew this was coming. Die Hard changed action films forever. John McClane changed the concept of action hero forever.

Allan Rickman changed movie villains forever. No action film has so deftly put you in the shoes of its protagonist.

Every time McClane gasped, so did we.