Action as a genre has been highly watched and enjoyed since the invention of movies. The beloved genre has stood the test of time and can be combined with other genres as well. This approach of mixing genres is common among filmmakers to make the movie not very one-dimensional, which diminishes its overall appeal. As times have changed and evolved, so has the cinema and the action it portrays. Here are the best action movies from every decade of the past 100 years.
11 1920 - The General (1926)
Buster Keaton is one of the pioneers of contemporary filmmaking. Throughout his films, the legendary actor-director used a variety of mind-blowing techniques to capture and create some of the best action sequences of the era. There had been no CGI since 1926, which meant Keaton and his team would devise ingenious ways to create sequences that are still current in the current era.
10 1930 - The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
Based on the life of the legendary Saxon knight Robin Hood, The Adventures of Robin Hood depicts the life and times of the heroic outlaw who puts his swordsmanship to good use by stealing from the rich and tending to the poor. The Adventures of Robin Hood is regarded as one of the best action films of its time, complemented by a rich Academy Award-winning score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold.
9 1940 - The Mark of Zorro (1940)
Zorro's mark is based on the novel Capistrano's curse by Johnston McCulley. The plot revolves around a nobleman who fights with a brutal dictator for the people of his native land, while pursuing the dictator's niece, Lolita.
8 1950s - Seven Samurai (1954)
Akira Kurosawa's 1954 masterpiece is still relevant in today's context of filmmaking, with many filmmakers revisiting the film throughout their careers. Set during the Sengoku period of Japanese history, the film revolves around a group of Ronin, who are hired by poor villagers to protect their village from raiding bandits. Seven Samurais influence is not just limited to Japan or the film community; in a BBC poll, the film was at the very top of the poll for the best non-linguistic film.
7 1960 - The Wild Gang (1969)
In this over-the-top macho film directed by Sam Peckinpah, a group of rampaging outlaws decide to hang up their boots after one last heist. Once the men reach the location of the robbery, they realize they have been set up and a massacre ensues. Despite the overly graphic documentation of violence, The wild gang shows a harsh reality of life: rough men trying to survive in rough conditions.
6 1970 - Enter The Dragon (1973)
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Warner Bros. Pictures
Enter the Dragon is one of Bruce Lee's most iconic films. The film beautifully captures the martial arts ethos along with the addition of some sharp action sequences. In terms of plot, the movie sees Bruce Lee agree to spy on a crime lord, using his invitation to a martial arts tournament as a cover. If you have a penchant for martial arts, then Enter the Dragon should be at the top of your list.
5 1980 - The Terminator (1984)
In a post-apocalyptic future, the devious supercomputers rule. In an attempt to stop a human uprising, the computers teleport a cyborg killer known as the "Terminator" back in time to kill Sarah and her unborn son Connor, who is destined to rebel against machine hegemony. The terminatoris regarded as one of the best action movies of the last century, propelling Arnold Schwarzenegger to superstardom while also adding some well-deserved credibility to James Cameron.
4 1990 - The Matrix (1999)
The Matrix is a cyberpunk sci-fi film heavily influenced by Japanese animation and martial arts, to create a never-before-seen visual spectacle. The film pioneered the ingenious use of various action effects, such as the slow-motion sequences, while keeping the camera at normal speed, along with the bullet-time sequence, where the heightened perception of the character is emphasized. The Matrix is considered one of the highest-grossing Warner Bros. films of 1999, along with winning four Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects and Best Editing.
3 2000s - Oldboy (2003)
A loose adaptation of the manga of the same name, Oldboy tells the story of Oh Dae-Su, who spent 15 years in a hotel room and was released one fine day. Not knowing who his captor is or what he has done to deserve this, Oh Dae-Su embarks on a vengeful quest for answers. Oldboy won the prestigious Grand Prix award at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, garnering praise from critics and filmmakers alike.
2 2010s - John Wick (2014)
After the death of his wife, retired assassin John Wick leads a quiet life. It all boils down to when the son of a Russian mafia kills John's puppy (the last gift his dying wife gave him), forcing John to single-handedly take on the entire cartel and destroy everyone who the road is dead. . The John Wick series stars the legendary Keanu Reeves in the titular role and is considered one of the best modern action franchises.
1 2020s (So far...) - All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
Technically, No news from the Western Front is classified as a war/drama film. But if you look at it introspectively, it has a lot more to offer, especially in terms of realistic action. The film depicts the journey of a few naive boys as they are sent to the front to defeat the enemy. The German war epic portrays the horrific realities of war and the costs it entails, and the film won an Oscar for Best International Feature Film.
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