Here at IGN, we've always had a soft spot for action movies — from the high-octane thrill rides to the more nuanced, character-driven spectacles. While we adore all genres, action has a special place in our hearts, especially considering how much the genre has evolved over the years. From the campy B-movies that filled our Saturday nights and lazy Sundays in the '80s and '90s, to today’s sleek, stylized spectacles, the term “action movie” now encompasses everything from martial arts epics and sci-fi showdowns to superhero blockbusters and gritty war dramas.
We’ve curated this list of the 25 best action movies of all time based on votes from IGN's biggest action aficionados. Our criteria included not only the quality and intensity of the action sequences but also the lasting impact each film has made on the genre and pop culture as a whole.
25. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Image credit: Walt Disney Studios
Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo | Writer: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely | Stars: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan | Release Date: March 13, 2014 | Review | Where to Watch
The Russo Brothers' debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was nothing short of groundbreaking. Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a taut political thriller laced with top-tier action and emotional depth. It redefined what a superhero film could be by weaving in espionage, betrayal, and moral dilemmas into its narrative. The film’s intense fight choreography, stunning set pieces, and shocking revelations about S.H.I.E.L.D.’s corruption elevated it beyond typical comic book fare. Widely regarded as one of the best MCU films ever made, it set the stage for Civil War and the larger Infinity Saga.
24. RRR (2022)
Image credit: Variance Films
Director: S. S. Rajamouli | Writer: S. S. Rajamouli | Stars: N. T. Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn | Release Date: March 25, 2022 | Where to Watch
A cinematic explosion of color, music, and jaw-dropping stunts, RRR took global audiences by storm. This Indian epic blends history with fantasy, following two real-life revolutionaries who are fictionalized into larger-than-life heroes. With over three hours of non-stop spectacle, including Oscar-winning musical numbers and gravity-defying action sequences, RRR is a genre-bending masterpiece that’s part historical drama, part action-adventure, and fully unforgettable.
23. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
Image credit: Lionsgate
Director: Chad Stahelski | Writer: Shay Hatten, Michael Finch | Stars: Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård | Release Date: March 6, 2023 | Review | Where to Watch
Keanu Reeves returns as the unstoppable John Wick in what might be the most ambitious entry in the franchise yet. Packed with breathtaking combat sequences, elaborate gun fu, and a climactic staircase battle that will leave you breathless, Chapter 4 raises the bar for modern action cinema. The film combines Eastern and Western martial arts styles with precision stunt work, proving once again why the John Wick series continues to dominate the action landscape.
22. Fast Five (2011)
Image credit: Universal Pictures
Director: Justin Lin | Writer: Chris Morgan | Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster | Release Date: April 15, 2011 | Review | Where to Watch
Before Fast & Furious became a globe-trotting superhero saga, Fast Five was the turning point that launched the franchise into overdrive. Set in Rio de Janeiro, the film follows Dom Toretto and his crew as they pull off an impossible heist while being pursued by DSS agent Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson). The film’s standout sequence — dragging a vault through city streets like a demolition derby — remains one of the most iconic action scenes in the series.
21. Casino Royale (2006)
Image credit: Sony Pictures
Director: Martin Campbell | Writer: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Paul Haggis | Stars: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen | Release Date: November 14, 2006 | Review | Where to Watch
Daniel Craig’s debut as James Bond brought a grittier, more grounded edge to the franchise. Casino Royale strips away the gadgets and fantastical elements of previous Bond films, focusing instead on raw emotion and brutal realism. The parkour-heavy opening sequence alone sets a new tone for 007, while the final poker showdown against Mads Mikkelsen’s chilling Le Chiffre delivers suspense and tension rarely seen in action spy films.
20. Ip Man (2008)
Image credit: Mandarin Films
Director: Wilson Yip | Writer: Edmond Wong, Chan Tai-lee | Stars: Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, Lynn Hung | Release Date: December 18, 2008 | Where to Watch
Donnie Yen’s portrayal of Wing Chun master Ip Man is both elegant and devastatingly effective. Ip Man blends biographical storytelling with some of the finest martial arts choreography ever captured on screen. The film highlights the cultural backdrop of wartime China while showcasing Yen’s incredible physicality and restraint. A must-watch for fans of kung fu cinema.
19. Independence Day (1996)
Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Director: Roland Emmerich | Writer: Roland Emmerich, Dean Devlin | Stars: Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum | Release Date: June 25, 1996 | Review | Where to Watch
This '90s blockbuster redefined disaster cinema. Independence Day delivered massive alien invasions, heroic speeches, and explosive set pieces that thrilled audiences worldwide. Anchored by charismatic performances and a rousing score, the film remains a nostalgic favorite for anyone who grew up during the era of practical effects and popcorn spectacle.
18. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Image credit: Sony Pictures Classics
Director: Ang Lee | Writer: Wang Hui-ling, James Schamus, Tsai Kuo-jung | Stars: Michelle Yeoh, Chow Yun
