This isn’t your normal best action movies list — here you won’t find the usual suspects. We’re bypassing the iconic muscle and one-liners of Arnold Schwarzenegger, the cool charisma of Bruce Willis, the unmatched grit of Sylvester Stallone, the alien ass-kicking of Sigourney Weaver and the legendary prowess of Bruce Lee to spotlight some underrated action movies you might have overlooked.
These films, each bursting with adrenaline but less trodden by the mainstream spotlight, deserve a salute for their punch-packed narratives and dynamic performances from stars who might not be household names in action movies but sure know how to dominate the screen.
Most Underrated Action Movies
Equilibrium – 2002
In the dystopian world of “Equilibrium,” Christian Bale stars as John Preston, a Grammaton Cleric skilled in the martial art of Gun Kata. After ceasing his emotion-suppressing medication, Preston turns against his totalitarian society. Bale’s intense performance, coupled with high-octane action sequences, explores themes of control and rebellion, making “Equilibrium” a cult favourite for its philosophical undertones and innovative fight choreography.
Shoot ’Em Up – 2007
Clive Owen plays Mr. Smith, a mysterious loner with exceptional shooting skills, who delivers a baby during a gunfight and takes on its protection. “Shoot ‘Em Up” is an action-packed, satirical film where Owen’s dry wit meets his ability to perform elaborate gunfights, providing non-stop entertainment that’s both thrilling and humorously over-the-top.
Salt – 2010
Angelina Jolie stars in “Salt,” a fast-paced action thriller where she plays Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent who goes on the run after she is accused of being a Russian spy. The film is packed with intense action and plot twists, with Jolie performing many of her own stunts. Her portrayal of Salt as both a fierce and strategic thinker solidifies the character’s place among the top action heroines.
Ronin – 1998
Robert De Niro’s character, a freelance operative named Sam, navigates a deadly game of cat and mouse in pursuit of a mysterious briefcase in “Ronin.” Known for its gritty realism and one of the best car chase scenes in film history, De Niro brings a seasoned intensity to his role, supported by a strong ensemble cast including Jean Reno and Natascha McElhone.
Bullet Train – 2022
Directed by David Leitch, “Bullet Train” is a high-octane action comedy that places Brad Pitt as Ladybug, an unlucky assassin aiming for a peaceful mission, aboard a speeding Japanese bullet train filled with competing killers. Each character, from Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Tangerine to Joey King’s Prince, has their own deadly and conflicting motives, creating a chaotic mix of humour and violence. The film’s relentless pace and intricate choreography showcase a blend of sharp wit and breathtaking action, making it a standout as Pitt navigates through absurd obstacles and encounters with his distinct comedic flair.
Dredd – 2012
Karl Urban stars as Judge Dredd, a law enforcer in a post-apocalyptic city where he serves as judge, jury, and executioner. “Dredd” strips down action cinema to its core with a straightforward plot and a focus on raw, visceral fight sequences. Urban’s portrayal is intensely stoic, embodying the comic book hero without ever removing his helmet.
Safe – 2012
Of course, a Jason Statham movie has to make our underrated action movies list. Statham stars in “Safe” as a former elite agent and cage fighter whose life intertwines with a young girl who has memorized a valuable numerical code. Statham’s typical brute force and charisma carry the film, which delivers a flurry of well-executed fight scenes and shootouts, maintaining a brisk pace and high stakes.
Atomic Blonde – 2017
Charlize Theron stars as an undercover MI6 agent sent to Berlin during the Cold War in “Atomic Blonde.” The film is notable for its stylish aesthetic, pulsating soundtrack, and a particularly brutal and beautifully choreographed fight scene that lasts several minutes without a cut.
The Guest – 2014
Dan Stevens breaks away from his “Downton Abbey” persona to play David, a charming but lethal former soldier who brings violence into the life of a grieving family. “The Guest” mixes thriller, horror, and action genres, with Stevens delivering a captivatingly eerie performance that keeps the audience guessing his true intentions.
Hanna – 2011
Directed by Joe Wright, “Hanna” features Saoirse Ronan as a teenager trained by her father (Eric Bana) to be the perfect assassin. Her journey across Europe to evade a relentless CIA agent (Cate Blanchett) is both a gripping thriller and a poignant coming-of-age story. Ronan’s performance is brilliantly balanced between innocent youth and lethal prowess.
Double Team – 1997
“Double Team” stars Jean-Claude Van Damme alongside basketball icon Dennis Rodman in a film that epitomises the late ‘90s flair for blending high-octane action with sports celebrity charisma. Van Damme plays Jack Quinn, a counter-terrorist agent who must escape from a remote island known as “The Colony” to save his pregnant wife from an international terrorist. Rodman’s character, a flamboyant arms dealer named Yaz, adds a unique, colourful style to the mix.
Haywire – 2011
Gina Carano, a former mixed martial artist, stars in “Haywire” as a black ops operative betrayed during a mission. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, the film is known for its realistic action sequences, which highlight Carano’s formidable fighting skills, bringing an authenticity that sets it apart from typical action thrillers.
The 13th Warrior – 1999
Antonio Banderas portrays Ahmad Ibn Fadlan, an Arab courtier who joins a group of Vikings to combat a supernatural threat. “The 13th Warrior” is a blend of historical epic and horror, with Banderas effectively bridging cultural gaps and showcasing his versatility in a physically demanding role.
Knight and Day – 2010
It’s not often you would put a Tom Cruise movie in an underrated action movies list — but this isn’t your Mission Impossible status film. This action-comedy stars Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, with Cruise playing a rogue spy who embroils Diaz’s character in a globe-trotting adventure. “Knight and Day” offers a blend of action, comedy, and romance, with Cruise’s charismatic performance driving the high-energy escapades.
Money Train – 1995
“Money Train” features Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson as foster brothers who work as transit cops in New York City. After being denied a loan and facing personal debts, they plot to rob the “money train,” a subway train collecting millions of dollars from the city’s subway booths. Jennifer Lopez joins the cast, adding tension and romance to the mix. The film combines the heist and action genres with a healthy dose of humour, driven by the dynamic chemistry between Snipes and Harrelson.
Lockout – 2012
Guy Pearce portrays Snow, a man wrongly convicted of espionage, offered a chance at freedom if he can rescue the president’s daughter from an orbital prison. “Lockout” is filled with witty one-liners and solid action, with Pearce bringing a rough-edged charm to his anti-hero role.
The Long Kiss Goodnight – 1996
Geena Davis stars in “The Long Kiss Goodnight,” playing Samantha Caine, a schoolteacher and mother with amnesia who discovers that she was once a highly skilled secret agent. As she gradually recovers her memories, she embarks on a quest to discover her true identity, with Samuel L. Jackson playing her wisecracking sidekick. The film combines explosive action with sharp wit and showcases Davis in a tough, compelling role.
Unleashed – 2005
Jet Li plays Danny, a man raised to behave like a dog and used as a living weapon. His journey towards humanity is gritty and emotionally resonant. “Unleashed” showcases Li’s martial arts skills while exploring deeper themes of freedom and human connection, with Morgan Freeman and Bob Hoskins supporting superbly.
The Way of the Gun – 2000
Ryan Phillippe and Benicio Del Toro star in “The Way of the Gun,” a gritty crime thriller about two criminals who kidnap a pregnant woman connected to a wealthy family. The film, directed by Christopher McQuarrie, is renowned for its hard-hitting action sequences and a raw narrative style. Phillippe and Del Toro deliver standout performances, bringing a visceral edge to their roles as antiheroes.
Pain & Gain – 2013
This dark comedy from director Michael Bay stars Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as bodybuilders caught up in an extortion ring and a kidnapping scheme that goes terribly wrong. “Pain & Gain” is a departure from typical action films, offering a satirical take on the American dream, with Wahlberg and Johnson bringing both physical intensity and comedic timing to their roles.
Smokin’ Aces – 2006
“Smokin’ Aces” combines action, crime, and dark comedy in a tale about a magician turned mafia informant (Jeremy Piven) and the assorted assassins competing to kill him. The ensemble cast, including Ryan Reynolds and Alicia Keys, delivers a hyper-violent spectacle that’s as unpredictable as it is entertaining.
Hard Target – 1993
Jean-Claude Van Damme stars in “Hard Target,” directed by John Woo. This film was Woo’s American directorial debut and showcases Van Damme as Chance Boudreaux, a drifter who helps a young woman search for her missing father in New Orleans. Known for its intense action sequences and Woo’s distinctive slow-motion gunplay, “Hard Target” also highlights Van Damme’s martial arts skills against a backdrop of richly staged set pieces typical of Woo’s films.
Banlieue 13 (District B13) – 2004
This French action film stars David Belle, one of the founders of Parkour, and Cyril Raffaelli, a martial artist and stuntman. Set in a dystopian Paris, “Banlieue 13” is known for its breathtaking Parkour sequences and explosive action, making it a standout in the genre for its physical creativity and dynamic pacing.
Big Trouble in Little China – 1986
In John Carpenter’s “Big Trouble in Little China,” Kurt Russell stars as Jack Burton, a truck driver who gets caught in an ancient mystical battle in San Francisco’s Chinatown. This film blends action, adventure, and comedy, as Jack, a swaggering and occasionally clueless hero, navigates a world of sorcery, martial arts, and monstrous creatures to rescue his friend’s fiancée. Russell’s charismatic and humorous performance, combined with the movie’s unique mix of genres and unforgettable one-liners, makes it an underrated gem in the action category, offering a distinctly ‘80s cult classic vibe that’s both thrilling and delightfully campy.
Drive – 2011
“Drive” stars Ryan Gosling as a Hollywood stunt driver by day and a getaway driver by night, known simply as Driver. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, the film is a sleek neo-noir thriller that delves deep into the dark underbelly of Los Angeles. Gosling’s character is a man of few words but immense skill behind the wheel, whose solitary life becomes complicated when he grows close to his neighbour, Irene (played by Carey Mulligan), and her young son. When a heist meant to protect Irene goes tragically wrong, Driver finds himself on a violent collision course with the city’s most dangerous criminals.
If you are looking for even more movie options – jump on over to our Friday Night Movies series for further movie recommendations.