The 25 Greatest Action Movies Of All Time

What are the best action movies of all time? It’s a controversial question, isn’t it? Any time any publication or site puts out a new list of what they consider the greatest action movies of all time, it can’t help but generate a ton of controversy. Nevertheless, we here at JoBlo have decided to throw our hats into the ring with a list we really hope generates some nostalgia among our viewers but also encourages them to seek out the movies on this list that they may not have seen. But first, some may wonder where superhero movies are on this list. Given how broad that genre is, we decided to stick to old-school action, so we have left them off the list, as they deserve their own ranking. There are also a few absences from the list, notably some Jackie Chan films, with those to follow in another planned list, so stay tuned!
Do you agree with this list? Let us know in the comments what you think are the best!
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[@jothishprabu8]

Die Hard 3 is underloved !!!

[@ThatSoddingGamer]

For me, it's 1, 3, 4, 2. That's all there is _right?_ While they made an exception for First Blood 1 and 2, and cheated with the John Wick franchise, I think they tried to stay away from using multiple entries in a franchise.

[@theFRIS]

definitely, i have to be in the mood to watch parts 1&2, but i can watch part 3 at anytime, even if i see it on tv already started

[@chrisperry7963]

My favorite!

[@marcusperry7461]

Equilibrium

[@maceothompson2353]

I totally agree!!!!

[@bigjohnnyy4488]

True Lies needs to be on every top action movies list. Top 10 to be exact.

[@FlorisYoung]

A few more movies that are worth mentioning: Rush Hour Mission Impossibel: Fallout Bloodsport Speed The rock True Lies

[@JoBloOriginals]

Those would make our list of 25’more action films if we do it. Speed came very close to the top 25 as did Fallout

[@dragonfire1760]

I was also thinking of Scarface. Is that an action movie?

[@thelittlehooer]

Good call on The Rock. Michael Bay's finest hour.

[@LukeLovesRose]

I still think Mission Impossible Rogue Nation is better than Fallout

[@raja-jl9os]

​@@LukeLovesRose i think asian cinema make great action

[@Omar-wq9dz]

More people need to see John Woo’s films The Killer and Hard Boiled, if they want to good action movies outside of Hollywood

[@kevsplitterskull3209]

I actually prefer The Killer to Hard Boiled because of the pathos they inject into each of the main characters and how horribly it ends, but both are absolute classics. An old friend once said that it depends which one you saw first.

[@raystewart3648]

I Agree 100%. Fantastic movies, the best. Hollywood has some things to learn.

[@Rozzyc1976]

A Better Tomorrow 1 and 2 are also pretty good

[@adampellett4917]

The 1980s and the 1990s had the best action films to enjoy rewatching. Great vid, JoBlo.

[@miltontavares9506]

For sure.That golden age of action was the bomb.

[@brucewalker7500]

Face/Off, The Rock, Bloodsport, Where Eagles Dare, Battle Of Britain, Broken Arrow, to name a few more.

[@jordibarguno]

Just watched Hard Boiled on Sunday. The final showdown in the hospital is amazing. It truly is the definition of action.

[@zoranbl1990]

Great list. Only one that is missing is True Lies

[@personatodo]

Rumble in the Bronx, Hard Boiled, Mad Max: Fury Road, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Police Story, Top Gun: Maverick, Die Hard, Kick Ass, Speed and Saving Private Ryan would be in my top 10.

[@fathercheese01]

I could say quite a few movies that should or could be on this list. But come on, True Lies needs to be on this list. It's a perfect action movie. oh! And Stargate, also perfect.

[@eroloden5611]

Cliffhanger, Terminator 1, Taken, Die hard 2 and 3, Lionheart. And... Rambo 3

[@thumpyloudfoot864]

The Terminator is one of my all time favourites but it is a Horror rather than action, but to be completely honest I'd say its a Slasher flick more than anything....

[@eroloden5611]

@@thumpyloudfoot864 A horror movie, exactly. Just a brilliant 80's sci/fi- horror - action movie of all time. Greetings from Belgium.

[@archwodrichemond-fils6187]

Rambo 3 is really underrated

[@Technoir444]

What, no love for Starship Troopers? Would you like to know more?

[@kevsplitterskull3209]

Once again, another Verhoeven enters the ring! This is why I said they could easily have done 50.

[@mattyladd]

Great list! I’d love to see 25 more. Including: - The Last Boy Scout - Big Trouble in Little China - Escape From New York - The Fugitive - Top Gun Maverick

[@davidhogansrevenge4604]

The Last Boy Scout deserves more love for certain!

[@6rimR3ap3r]

What a list. What. A. List. To me Terminator 2 will always be the pinnacle of action movies but anything on this list is a treasure.

[@rickyspanish4792]

Very good list! Agree with almost all of it, except maybe the order. And I would have included Waterworld, but alas! Great video well done :)

[@pedrochevez2090]

Great list! Another 3 of my personal favorites are The Rock, The Delta Force and Ronin.

[@thelittlehooer]

The Delta Force and Ronin? a man after my own heart. Delta Force for the theme alone, and Ronin for any of the three great car chases.

[@TheSperz23]

When you DO make part 2 (you really can’t leave the audience hanging, we need a good sequel list), please don’t make it incomplete like this list is for me. This list was missing the inclusion of my favorite action/comedy/buddy cop movie of all time, Tango & Cash. Also, need to be included: Rush Hour, True Lies, Last Action Hero, Die Hard With A Vengeance, Ip Man 1 & 2, The Warriors. I’m going to stop there because I want to see YOUR list, not mine. GREAT video though, I loved it! Keep up the great work!

[@thomasbechmann7548]

Good list! If longer, I would add: Dirty Harry Cliffhanger Speed True Lies Clear and Present Danger The Rock Desperado Face/Off Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Collateral Wanted Taken Mission: Impossible: Fallout

[@thelittlehooer]

How did we forget Face/Off! Wanted is a hidden gem, also.

[@thomasbechmann7548]

@@thelittlehooer Found it odd that «Hard Target» was on the list but not «Face/Off».

[@anthonypenrose4703]

Id Also add Demolition Man & Die hard 3 to your list

[@TheRighttoArmBears2022]

Great list I would have changed it around a little but you have all the best in it 😁

[@CentipedeCentralLawnCare]

Great list!! I agree with most of this!

[@snsdkbopper7819]

I can agree with about 75% of this list, But 2 underrated action movies in my opinion are True Lies, & Equilibrium.

[@th3_only_blubbu]

I was going to ask Jackie was on here and joblows says they'll be on another list, I LOVE THIS CHANNEL

[@williepirie5329]

My 45 year old heart skipped a beat watching this list🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@darksiders2002]

Pretty solid list. I would add Time Cop, Ong Bak, Bloodsport, Kickboxer, Out for justice, Under siege, Mission of Justice, Undisputed 3, Never back down, Cobra, XXX, Riddick Pitch black, etc. Depends what you are looking for.

[@davebonser5481]

Great action list I’ve rewatched most of these movies over the years many times

[@juicev25]

Great list! You will never please everyone so the debate will continue. Thanks for the video.

[@christianboyd4635]

Great list, almost all my picks on there.

[@AtomicDropD]

Great list! Too many hard decisions with just doing 25 haha. I might not have included adventure movies like Raiders to narrow the list a little more and probably would have ranked Fury Road & The Matrix a little higher. Some personal favorites of mine that didn’t make the cut: Face/Off Speed Sudden Death Rumble in the Bronx Cliffhanger Edge of Tomorrow Independence Day Demolition Man Die Hard with a Vengeance

[@RevokCronenberg]

Great video and a good subject choice. I'm sure this will be one of your best performing videos. I would be interested to hear how you chose the ranking i.e. what were the criteria you used to differentiate between them all? And also how on earth you justify putting Predator down at 13??? 😛

[@rossninness426]

Dredd needs to be here.

[@thelittlehooer]

Criminally under-rated!

[@kevsplitterskull3209]

It could have been, but my roommate showed it to me one night and all I could say was "You like that? Now we need to watch The Raid." He saw it and agreed.

[@thelittlehooer]

@@kevsplitterskull3209The Raid and Dredd are a good double feature. Both are good for different reasons.

[@josephaaron4985]

I'd argue Terminator 2: Judgement Day IS the greatest movie of all time. Agree with this list, though. Some of these I need to put on my "must watch" list

[@lenniegodber7805]

Everyone has their own opinion of course but for me Predator is king of the hill, followed closely by Aliens.

[@magicgundam]

I'm an 80s kid and love all the classic action movies from the 80s to 2000s, but I've gotta say Mad Max Fury Road took the title over everything else for me upon first view. Holy hell that movie is amazing.

[@neilmatthews5590]

The original Total Recall? The first Terminator, Cobra, Marked for Death , Tango and Cash , last boy Scout , long kiss goodnight , Goldeneye, Face off ?!?!!!! Nevermind the True Lies !!!?!?! Plus it has to be said some of the mission impossible series is top notch, I have to say the Stath in the first Transporter film is awesomeness

[@busybeehomestaging6405]

Finally someone give Hard Target the love it rightly deserves! I’d argue that Rambo III is better than part 2 and The Raid 2 is probably SLIGHTLY better than the original. Special mention for To Live and Die in LA, Cliffhanger, Desperado, The Bourne Ultimatum and Escape From New York

[@diogogomes3238]

Point Break is without a doubt top notch action. Just pure masterpiece. Like speed

[@ProudPapaJD]

Love Point Break!

[@Mrderwrtr]

How did Long Kiss Goodnight not make this list...?😮

[@WayneLocke-yr6xm]

Great list more please

[@ThatSoddingGamer]

I wonder if Total Recall was considered? I suppose it was more of a sci-fi thriller than a straight-up action movie though.

[@JoBloOriginals]

It was and came very close.

[@kevsplitterskull3209]

Yeah but if Robocop made it there is a case for Recall. Also, both Verhoeven.

[@gregmize01]

Nice list. Glad to see casino royal included.

[@shamblingheat]

I would've put The John Wick series and Matrix higher but list is solid AF!

[@sjiang120]

It seems like you have forgotten about True Lies

[@johncarter101]

Dredd is seriously underrated and in my opinion should be on the list.

[@thepodbaydoorshal]

“Number 25 is Hard Target.” I love this list already.

[@Locadel2003]

One of the most underrated flicks was Sudden Death with Van damme

[@mike91mdk45]

My all time favorite's honestly Demolition Man ( Probably controversial itself). There's just something about it. The setting, action, cheesy moments, and most importantly : wesley snipes' performance. Just prefect.

[@1anonymousb]

Although I'd always put T2 and Aliens in 1 & 2 spots, this is a great list!. My own would definitely have The Raid 2 and The Rock in it.

[@miro_lino6211]

Heat Seriously, to not put it on this list is a little sacrilicious

[@JoBloOriginals]

I personally consider it a drama/ thriller more than action. Planning a crime list - it would be at the top of

[@alexandercvetanovski9234]

How can Indiana Jones and Beverly hills cop be more action than heat. With that reasoning Beverly Hills cop is a comedy and Indiana Jones is an adventure movie not action :)

[@354Entertainment]

Superb list, my first one will always be Die Hard!!!

[@coolshabz7755]

Missing some more good action movie's like, Con Air, Face/Off, John Woo The Killer, Broken Arrow, Dolph The Punisher also some 90s Steven Seagal and Chuck Norris action movie's.

[@thelittlehooer]

Con air? this list was about 25 too short. Con Air is f'ing great.

[@natef6477]

And Under Siege

[@thelittlehooer]

2:38 It is illegal to mention Leon: The Professional without **deep breath** E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E!!!! Carry on.

[@JoBloOriginals]

Yeah we had to put it in there. Just had to

[@kevinjeffery792]

Great list id of maybe had Speed or Faceoff in there somewhere

[@GarethAlan81]

Predator should have been higher up

[@Dr_1212]

Awesome 😎👍

[@corporalhicks86]

Some great titlesxon this list. I would have included Speed, The Bourne Supremacy, Independence Day, Total Recall and True Lies

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

Rambo First Blood 2 is pure entertainment. Rewatch all the time

[@teethonthecurb161]

Rambo's girlfriend calls him "Wambo" 😂 Always gets me.

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

@@teethonthecurb161 What mean expendable?

[@teethonthecurb161]

@@TwinCitiesOxygen You clearly haven't seen Rambo II then.

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

@@teethonthecurb161 hmmm?

[@Kariakas]

Good list overall for a topic that can be endlessly debated. True Lies, Fifth Element, Total Recall as well as so many martial arts movies like Chans or Kung Fu Hustle could be considered.

[@DNOstalgia]

Some of my all time favourite movies I this list, but the inclusion of Barbie in the 10 was just silly 😂😂😂

[@ThePeterR66]

I approved 100% this list. Apart the Raid, I'm watching half of the list every year since 30 years !!

[@dwizzycep8868]

Fantastic job but u need 2 do another 25💯😎

[@evaunit2005]

This is a pretty good list. I understand Hard Boiled being the "better" action film in the top 10 by John Woo. But The Killer is still my favorite due to the story and to be honest, we probably wouldn't have John Wick if it weren't for Chow Yun-Fat's performance as Ah Jong/Jeffrey aka Shrimp Head/Mickey Mouse lol

[@fedoff2190]

Great list. I always like the last boy Scott

[@jennybardoville5455]

Was hoping to see Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon among these gems

[@gregsky01]

It's funny you mention Casino Royale and OHMSS. I'm actually doing a Bond marathon right now so I'm kinda reanalysing where some of these movies fit in my rankings. Casino Royale has always been my favourite with Goldeneye close behind (both directed by Martin Campbell) and for a good while I considered OHMSS to be the worst but having watched it again recently it is so much better than I remember. Certainly better than most of Moore's movies and better than Thunderball and Diamonds are Forever which felt like no one was trying in those movies. I would encourage everyone who has a bad memory of this movie to rewatch and divorce your mind from the other Bond's, you might be pleasantly surprised. I'd also recommend giving Dalton's movies another shot (particularly License to Kill) especially if you liked Craig's outing as Bond. This was really the predecessor to that iteration of the character but unfortunately Batman Begins hadn't been made yet so people weren't ready for a dark Bond.

[@thumpyloudfoot864]

Switch One and Two and this a near perfect list.. and Hardcore Henry needs an honorable mention...

[@orlandoruizjr3834]

This list is really good. I would have thrown in Dirty Harry, Speed, and The Rock.

[@Cheeks730]

You had me until Beverly Hills cop. It doesn’t have enough action let alone well done action apart from the opening chase. But that’s just me, this is a great list

[@Diablokiller999]

Still hope Leon gets mentioned in John Wick in some way, would love that both franchises exist in the same universe and that Leon is one of the assassin legends :D

[@jongray3797]

Could easily put True Lies, The Fifth Element, and Escape from New York on this list as well. I would take out Hard Target and put Bloodsport or Lionheart as well.

[@domb5900]

I would have Hot Fuzz, Con Air, The Night Comes For Us, Ong Bak, FaceOff, Big Trouble, Extraction and Passenger 57.

[@1400IntruderVS]

Raiders of the Lost Ark will always be my #1

[@ProudPapaJD]

The Last Boyscout? Robocop a little too high. Great list! Great movies! I was shocked T2 was 2, but hard to argue with Die Hard, best Christmas movie ever!

[@jetcitykitty]

Speaking of Luc Besson, The Fifth Element!

[@Rozzyc1976]

La Femme Nikkita

[@vddr24]

Mission impossible should be on this list as well as pulp fiction

[@markusforsberg6741]

I should have put james bond license to kill from 1989 in there.:D my personal favorite bond movie and personal favorite bond actor timothy dalton

[@jesseowenvillamor6348]

Dalton's the best Bond

[@mattymac1399]

The name....is Dalton.

[@shadowwarrior7218]

Gr8 List

[@davidhogansrevenge4604]

I love this list & would think that you had access to my movie collection somehow? I have to agree with some others who have mentioned True Lies, Speed, The Rock etc. There is one other movie that I would like to be considered. Once you get past Ellen Ripley in listing believable action movie heroines it’s a short field. In my opinion there’s only one who comes close Charlie Baltimore in The Long Kiss Goodnight. It’s a terrific action movie with snappy dialogue & I wish that it would receive more attention & praise.

[@deadeyedmillennialmedia]

This list is chaos

[@virgil3241]

Ahh Road House. one of my dirty pleasure movies. Its one of those cruising channels late at night, see it on, and you watch it. Ive lost count the amount of times Ive watched it the last 30 years.

[@matthaught4707]

I'd love to see an episode of "the greatest action movie you've never seen" about Extreme Prejudice.

[@DeusExAstra]

How could you not have the original Terminator on the list? Also, Predator really needs to be at least top 10. At least.

[@brandonilovecaitjacksonrac6618]

The first terminator movie is a horror movie not an action movie

[@teethonthecurb161]

​@@brandonilovecaitjacksonrac6618Amazing the amount of gunfire shootouts in a "horror" 😂

[@yomamma359]

​@@brandonilovecaitjacksonrac6618 Yeah was on all the horror VHS shelves back in the day. This Terminator horror thing is dumb 🙄

[@brandonilovecaitjacksonrac6618]

@yomamma359 it's a slasher, whereas Terminator 2 is an action film. Kind of like Alien is to Aliens. One more horror, one more action. Aliens and Terminator 2 have horror elements in them. But they are action films if you were to classify them. Alien and Terminator are classified as sci- fi horror.

[@mike91mdk45]

Criminally underrated, that first one. I love T2, but this is another empire strikes back situation. We don't get there without a new hope. Same for T1

[@DNOstalgia]

OooOoooooh this will be interesting 😊😊😊😊

[@insertgoodname4809]

No Jackie Chan? Police Story 1 is *untouchable.*

[@user-tx2ip8cj6x]

lot's of war movies, such as saving private ryan, platoon etc also braveheart and highlander

[@kevsplitterskull3209]

This list easily could have gone to 50!

[@raystewart3648]

25 Most Funny Movies. That would be entertaining. On this list I would say that Die Hard is no.2 and number one would be Hard Boiled easily.

[@andyzar1177]

Great list guys! Next list should be 25 greatest Martial Arts films!

[@JoBloOriginals]

Yessir - already in the works

[@jaydenvincent6086]

My top 10 is interchangeable- 1. Raiders of the Lost Ark 2. Aliens 3. Mad Max: Fury Road 4. Die Hard 5. Terminator 2 6. Predator 7. Rambo first Blood 8. Mission Impossible Fallout 9. Casino Royal 10. The Bourne Identity

[@GrinderCB]

...and of course, Die Hard can go on your list of greatest Christmas movies whenever you do that.

[@jonathanfeldheim6554]

Total Recall? The Last Boycott? The Running Man? C'mon CB!

[@Jcarroz]

Predator isn’t in the top10?! I demand a recount!

[@brianroach7479]

T2 is #1 Brother. Not really sure how this is up for discussion. Thanks for the post just the same.

[@anatoliy1382]

I would switch out the last 2. Terminator Judgement Day #1 and Die Hard #2 Otherwise Good list!

[@DNOstalgia]

Here's to 25 more! 🍻🍻🍻

[@ShootingStar1313]

Nice list but you could easily make a 100 greatest action movies with the amount of material available. Do it! Just do it! 💯

[@handsomestik]

I'm actually okay with this list. It has Hard Boiled

[@robertholmes6906]

Conan The Barbarian (1982) !!!! Basil Poledouris' score alone should qualify!! Also..."Big Trouble in Little China" should be on this list too !! Classic !!

[@jasonmckenzie2835]

Damn right Die Hard is #1. However, while Predator is one of the all time great movies, I'd argue only the first act is action genre.

[@ja37d-34]

Dredd?

[@filmfanman2647]

I know movies are subjective, but True Lies and Face/Off not being on this list is almost criminal lol.