Like the Joker splitting a billiard stick and throwing it between VHS copies of Invasion U.S.A. and Missing in Action, Rotten Tomatoes staff has emerged from the bloody battle that is choosing the 100 best action movies ever. This is one hand-picked socky-chopped shotgunned list, featuring only movies that are Fresh and Certified Fresh on the Tomatometer. …And ACTION!
300 (2007)
Critics Consensus: A simple-minded but visually exciting experience, full of blood, violence, and ready-made movie quotes.
Synopsis: Sin City author Frank Miller's sweeping take on the historic Battle of Thermopylae comes to the screen courtesy of Dawn... [More]
Starring: Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham, Rodrigo Santoro
Directed By: Zack Snyder
RUNNING SCARED (1986)
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Distinguished by a sharp, witty dialogue between its two cop protagonists, Ray and Danny (Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal), this... [More]
Starring: Gregory Hines, Billy Crystal, Jimmy Smits, Steven Bauer
Directed By: Peter Hyams
CRANK (2006)
Critics Consensus: It's a film about a guy injected with Speed... wait, there's no bus. It's a film about a guy who has to kick a bunch of squirmy butts to stay alive... wait, no snakes or planes here. But it is a film about doing lots of drugs and pulling lots of punches, and it entertains accordingly.
Synopsis: A one-time freelance hitman who was just attempting to turn his life around is forced to keep his heart pumping... [More]
Starring: Jason Statham, Amy Smart, Efren Ramirez, Jose Pablo Cantillo
Directed By: Mark Neveldine, Brian Taylor
DESPERADO (1995)
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: The mysterious, guitar toting "El Mariachi" walks the streets again to avenge the death of his beloved girl friend in... [More]
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Joaquim de Almeida, Cheech Marin
Directed By: Robert Rodriguez
DEMOLITION MAN (1993)
Critics Consensus: A better-than-average sci-fi shoot-em-up with a satirical undercurrent, Demolition Man is bolstered by strong performances by Sylvester Stallone, Wesley Snipes, and Sandra Bullock.
Synopsis: The plot of this action film begins in 1996, with Los Angeles in a violence-crazed conflagration. One of the LAPD's... [More]
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Wesley Snipes, Sandra Bullock, Nigel Hawthorne
Directed By: Marco Brambilla
THE ROCK (1996)
Critics Consensus: For visceral thrills, it can't be beat. Just don't expect The Rock to engage your brain.
Synopsis: The sophomore film from former music video and commercial director Michael Bay, this fast-paced action yarn featured rapid-fire editing, a... [More]
Starring: Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris, Michael Biehn
Directed By: Michael Bay
DEATH WISH (1974)
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: This drama about a man who takes the law into his own hands was wildly controversial upon first release, sparking... [More]
Starring: Charles Bronson, Hope Lange, Stuart Margolin, Vincent Gardenia
Directed By: Michael Winner