The 10 Defining Action Movies Of The 2020s, So Far

The current decade has been a roller coaster for the movie industry. With the pandemic shutting down production and movie theaters for around two years, and various strikes affecting the creation of new projects, we are lucky to continue to see quality films of all genres being made. The Action

genre is particularly tricky when it comes to the filmmaking process, with so many different moving parts that need to come together.

From the stunt team to the catering company, there are countless people involved in making a film that is meant to excite and thrill. As the 2020s hit their midway point, a look back at some of the most impactful action films of the decade shows that viewers were actually very lucky to be able to see some proper classics in the making. Many leaned into humor to balance out the violence, and others ensured each combat sequence was bigger, louder, and better.

10

The Gray Man (2022)

Directed By Joe Russo & Anthony Russo

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The Gray Man

Not Yet Rated

Thriller

Action

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7/10

10/10

Release Date

July 15, 2022

Runtime

122 minutes

Cast

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  • Headshot aOf Ana De Armas In The 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.

    Ana De Armas

  • Headshot Of Alfre Woodard In The Netflix`s LA World Premiere Of `The Gray Man`.

    Alfre Woodard

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After the record-breaking success of the final two Avengers installments, it was always going to be interesting to see what project the Russo brothers would choose next. They opted for the harrowing drama, Cherry, which saw them reunite with Tom Holland, for an interesting change of pace. After that, they returned to their action movie comfort zone with the slick spy thriller The Gray Man. There is a very decent mystery aspect to it, and the cast is stacked with some bona fide action stars.

Julia Butters shows even more of her talent after her breakthrough role in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.

The antagonistic cat-and-mouse dynamic between Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans is as delicious as Evans’ “trash tash,” while Ana de Armas does a great job trying to wrangle the two rivals and keep things on track. Julia Butters shows even more of her talent after her breakthrough role in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, and adds some much-needed heart to the story. The film is by no means perfect, but it’s very entertaining and features some fantastic action sequences and hilarious humor.

9

The Beekeeper (2024)

Directed By David Ayer

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The Beekeeper

R

Action

Thriller

ScreenRant logo

6/10

16

8.8/10

Release Date

January 12, 2024

Runtime

105 Minutes

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Jason Statham

    Jason Statham

  • Headshot Of Emmy Raver-Lampman In The 34th Independent Spirit Awards

    Emmy Raver-Lampman

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It is hard to think of the action films of the last few years and not think of Jason Statham in some capacity. He has brought the world some of the most iconic fights and chase scenes throughout his career and is clever at balancing big established IPs with newer projects that allow him to make something of his own. The Beekeeper falls into the latter category and sees Statham go on a justice-seeking mission that showcases his strength and determination.

The role of a retired elite killer with a brooding nature and short temper is not new for the actor, but if something isn’t broken, then there is not much sense in trying to fix it. Statham is able to imbue this tried and tested persona with some of his natural charisma and imposing brutishness. The film practically quadrupled its budget at the box office and a sequel is in the works, meaning Jason Statham’s reign over the action genre realm is far from over.

8

No Time To Die (2021)

Directed By Cary Joji Fukunaga

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No Time to Die

PG-13

Action

Adventure

Thriller

ScreenRant logo

6/10

10

7.7/10

Release Date

October 8, 2021

Runtime

163 Minutes

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Daniel Craig

    Daniel Craig

  • Headshot Of Rami Malek In The UK premiere of Oppenheimer

    Rami Malek

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Daniel Craig’s last outing as James Bond was inevitably going to be emotional and push boundaries. His previous releases as 007 were largely positively received, perhaps with the exception of Quantum of Solace, and this final installment managed to perfectly encapsulate his whole journey as the dashing spy. No Time to Die features moments of depth and reflection, as well as callbacks to themes that are explored throughout the five-film run. And the action is top-tier.

The star has said in multiple interviews that the physicality the role demanded was becoming too much for him, but he gave it his all.

Though his character was battered and bruised, he made sure the viewers were as immersed and engaged in the story as possible. Rami Malek is an intimidating and layered villain, who contradicts the very title of the film. Lashana Lynch brings some fresh energy to the franchise with a powerful performance, and there are some shocking twists that will remain unforgettable.

7

Extraction (2020)

Directed By Sam Hargrave

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Extraction

R

Action

ScreenRant logo

5/10

Release Date

April 24, 2020

Runtime

117 minutes

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Golshifteh Farahani

    Golshifteh Farahani

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Rudhraksh Jaiswal

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Extraction debuted on Netflix at a time when most of the world was forced to stay indoors, so the explosive escapism was a much-needed release for many different emotions. Chris Hemsworth takes on a much darker and grittier role than ever before and leads this unrelenting story with strength and conviction. The action sequences are immersive and therefore terrifying, and the violence is not for the faint of heart.

As the hero of Extraction tries to save a kidnapped boy from a treacherous war zone, the audience is there every step of the way. Each ambush, shootout, and gaping wound feels real, and it is clear director Sam Hargrave had vast experience in stunt work. The film broke many viewing records at the time and even led to a sequel, despite the ending not being too happy for the main protagonist.

6

Monkey Man (2024)

Directed By Dev Patel

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Monkey Man

R

Action

Thriller

ScreenRant logo

8/10

7/10

Release Date

April 5, 2024

Runtime

121 Minutes

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Dev Patel In The Los Angeles Premiere Of Universal Pictures 'Monkey Man'

    Dev Patel

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Sharlto Copely

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Discovering an underrated gem like Monkey Man can be a privilege, and Dev Patel’s first foray into directing is an absolutely wild ride. He also stars in the film that has an indie feel to it, with a lot of gritty realism and unpolished brutality. The themes are dark, as is the set design, creating an eerie atmosphere that adds to the suspense of this action thriller.

A story of vengeance, Monkey Man sees Kid try and avenge his mother’s murder as he delves into the world of an underground fight club, a high-end brothel, and a narcotics ring, all to gain access to those responsible for the massacre of his village. The action feels visceral, which suits the theme of the film, and it was rightfully a big critical success. It’s important for action films not to feel too slick and predictable, and this movie subverts expectations, which is sure to influence future projects.

5

Twisters (2024)

Directed By Lee Isaac Chung

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Official poster for Twisters (2024)

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Twisters

PG-13

Action

Adventure

Thriller

ScreenRant logo

8/10

20

6.7/10

Release Date

July 19, 2024

Runtime

117 Minutes

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Daisy Edgar-Jones In The Premiere of 'Twisters' at Cineworld Leicester Square.

    Daisy Edgar-Jones

  • Headshot Of Glen Powell In The 96th Academy Awards Vanity Fair Party

    Glen Powell

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When Twister came out in 1996, it was a huge hit, earning nearly half a billion dollars at the box office. It has stood the test of time and even earned its cult status after years of being watched and rediscovered by audiences of all generations. A sequel had been in development for a while, but with various obstacles and then Bill Paxton’s untimely death, a direct continuation was shelved indefinitely. Twisters came at just the right time, and audiences were ready for more action that was guaranteed to blow them away.

Twisters follows a similar sort of story, with two characters who find themselves at odds but still have a deep connection and respect for what they do. Casting some of the most exciting rising stars was also a great choice, with Daisy Edgar Jones and Glen Powell at the helm. It is also one of the few films that centers the action on the forces of nature rather than a tangible enemy. This raises the stakes and feels much more relatable than super-villains and secret assassin squads.

4

Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

Directed By Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert

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Everything Everywhere All at Once

R

Adventure

Comedy

Action

ScreenRant logo

8/10

25

8.8/10

Release Date

March 25, 2022

Runtime

132 minutes

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  • Headshot Of Jenny Slate In The 2024 Disney Upfront

    Jenny Slate

  • Headshot Of Ke Huy Quan

    Ke Huy Quan

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This quirky and confusing film swept the board at the Academy Awards, earning Oscars for three of its stars, the directors, and taking the top prize of Best Picture as well. Everything Everywhere All at Once is one of those rare movies that can combine awe-inspiring action sequences and an emotional plot that covers so many lofty topics. Family dynamics, immigration, queer identity, and lost love are all among the stories that are tackled in the film, not to mention an endless multiverse that offers up some exciting visuals.

Michelle Yeoh is known to be one of the most badass action stars in the history of the genre, and here, she is able to mix her martial arts skills with her impressive emotional range, creating one of the most moving performances of the entire decade. Ke Huy Quan made a welcome return to the limelight, and the fight between Yeoh and Jamie Lee Curtis with sausages for fingers is sure to remain one of the most memorable ones for a very long time.

3

John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

Directed By Chad Stahelski

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John Wick: Chapter 4

R

Thriller

Crime

Action

ScreenRant logo

8/10

10

9.3/10

Release Date

March 24, 2023

Runtime

169 minutes

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Hiroyuki Sanada

    Hiroyuki Sanada

  • Headshot Of Clancy Brown In The Los Angeles premiere of 'Scrambled' at AMC Westfield Century City

    Clancy Brown

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There is no end in sight to the juggernaut that is the John Wick franchise. With a few planned spinoffs on the way, it’s fair to say he is one of the most important antiheroes of the last few decades. Keanu Reeves always brings a reluctant nonchalance to the role, which suits this tired and frustrated assassin to a tee. He is a meticulous fighter who combines strategy with skills, and a very personal end goal.

The fight sequences are some of the most thrilling and enthralling in the whole franchise, transcending scale and the laws of physics.

The fourth chapter in the Wick saga spans continents as the protagonist seeks answers as well as asylum at the various Continental hotels around the globe. The fight sequences are some of the most thrilling and enthralling in the whole franchise, transcending scale and the laws of physics. One fight stands out in particular when Wick and Caine go face-to-face, trading punches all the way up Montmartre in Paris, on the way to Sacré Coeur. It is unrelenting and impossible to look away.

2

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Directed By Jon Watts

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Spider-Man: No Way Home

PG-13

Superhero

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

102

8.9/10

Release Date

December 17, 2021

Runtime

148 Minutes

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Tom Holland In The 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards

    Tom Holland

    Peter Parker

  • Headshot Of Zendaya In The Los Angeles Premiere Of Amazon MGM Studios' 'Challengers'

    Zendaya

    MJ

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While Tom Holland did his absolute best to avoid leaking spoilers for this third installment of the Spider-Man franchise, there were still those who came across leaks and hints before they managed to get to the theaters. When audiences finally got to see each of the previous Peter Parkers appear on the big screen, the gasps and applause spoke for themselves. There is a lot more at stake in this chapter, with multiverses clashing, futures in the balance, and one of the saddest Marvel deaths in a while.

Holland, Tobey Maguire, and Andrew Garfield make for an absolutely electric trio, and any scene they have together is cinema gold. When they fight side-by-side, it feels like something very special, and they each get a moment to either avenge or celebrate an iconic moment from their respective franchises. It’s arguably the best of the Holland outings and pulls on the heartstrings while making viewers laugh and smile as well. Each of the battles will live on even if the memory of Peter Parker does not.

1

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Directed By Joseph Kosinski

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Top Gun: Maverick

PG-13

Action

Drama

War

ScreenRant logo

8/10

51

9/10

Release Date

May 27, 2022

Runtime

130 Minutes

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Tom Cruise In The UK premiere of ‘Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning’ Part One

    Tom Cruise

  • Headshot Of Miles Teller

    Miles Teller

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The epic Top Gun: Maverick had been a long time coming. Not only did it not go into production until over three decades after the original Top Gun came out, but both the shooting and release were delayed due to lockdown. However, the wait was certainly worth it, and when it was finally released, viewers got to take to the skies once more. It has the perfect mix of nostalgia and modern elements, with some heartfelt nods to the iconic original, and some fresh new characters too.

Tom Cruise eases back into his role as the rebellious elite pilot, but years of experience add a twinge of sadness that gives depth to his personality. The new cadets include Miles Teller and Glen Powell, who do a great job paying homage to the original characters they were inspired by. Jennifer Connelly is a formidable romantic interest, and the action is unparalleled.

The flight sequences are mesmerizing, and the soundtrack elevates each scene to newer heights. It also grossed nearly $1.5 billion and was nominated for Best Picture, helping it define this new action era with gusto. Here’s hoping the wait for the next one isn’t quite as long.