Age often brings with it experience, wisdom, and a no-nonsense atтιтude that lends itself well to handling any situation, even in action movies. Whether it’s running a business, supporting a family, or jumping out of a plane to escape explosions, sometimes it helps to have done it multiple times before. There have been many franchises that have lasted so long that the lead actors were well into their 50s, 60s, or 70s when some of the later installments came out.

There have also been films that focused solely on veteran actors who would bring their years of expertise to the table either in a mentorship capacity or as fearless leaders who call all the sH๏τs. Many legacy actors have stepped into both types of roles, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Bruce Willis. With Harrison Ford about to co-star in Captain America: Brave New World, it’s refreshing to see that there are still so many high-profile roles in action films filled by more mature actors.

10

J.K. Simmons in Red One (2024)

69 At The Time Of Release

When the two names on the call sheet for an action film include Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, a feeling of slight panic and an immediate trip to the protein store are sure to follow. However, for J.K. Simmons, there was absolutely no need for that. Simmons’ version of Santa Claus has his very own gym and prepares all year long to be able to deliver presents to kids across the globe. He is physically fit, filled with optimism, and his mission is to spread joy to the world.

While the aim of Red One is to rescue his character from Gryla’s evil plan, Santa’s scenes are some of the most important to the story. As he tries to console his head of security who has lost his way, it’s clear just how important his compᴀssion is in how he affects many people’s lives. He looks perfectly comfortable lifting weights whilst next to Dwayne Johnson, and his contribution to the thrilling final face-off was heroic as he fought alongside Evans and Johnson. But, it was his masterful present-giving skills that solidified his position as a bona fide action star.

9

Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

79 At The Time Of Release

Since his first outing in 1981, Indiana Jones has been through a lot. Arks, temples of doom, crusades, and a lot of snakes, are among some of the things he faced as he explored the world of history and archeology. With the original trilogy ending before the 1990s, Harrison Ford was still a young man when he first hung up his fedora. In 2008, a reboot introduced both Jones and audiences to a son that he hadn’t known about. As they teamed up, the possibility of further sequels or spin-offs featuring one or both of the characters was implied.

It wasn’t until 2023 that a new Indiana Jones movie came out, and audiences found their favorite adventurer grieving the death of his son and the subsequent end of his relationship. As soon as he dons the classic Dr. Jones uniform, it’s clear that there’s still some fight in him. Being able to see such an iconic character over so many years is a privilege, and Ford’s emotional performance shows how the years of searching for treasures and all that it involves has impacted him to make him the man he is.

8

Jackie Chan in The Foreigner (2017)

63 At The Time Of Release

Known for his martial arts skills as well as his impressive comedic timing, Jackie Chan was able to showcase a much more raw and dramatic side to his skill set in The Foreigner. He plays Quan Ngoc Minh who is grieving the loss of his daughter and vows to get revenge for her death, in this politically-charged action thriller based on the novel by Stephen Leather. As he takes on Pierce Brosnan, it’s plain to see how comfortable the years of high-octane action have made both the stars in their respective roles.

It is Jackie Chan’s vulnerability in the emotional scenes mixed with his impressive physical prowess that steals the movie. After finding comfortable ground in the realm of action comedies, it was a very bold move for Chan to showcase his more serious side decades into his career. He showed that he was still in top form with both his fighting skills and his acting, all the while keeping audiences invested and entertained.

7

Michael Caine in Harry Brown (2009)

77 At The Time Of Release

Having previously starred in quite a few action adventures, Michael Caine was able to call upon his vast expertise in the gritty revenge thriller, Harry Brown. The тιтular Harry Brown was simply trying to lead a quiet life of retirement from the Royal Marines, when a tragedy happens in his violent neighborhood. This pushes him to breaking point. Having lost his wife and his close friend, all that remains is his need for revenge.

As he calls upon his proficient military training to carry out his vigilante quest, Caine struggles with feelings of loneliness and morality. Michael Caine’s performance is everything one would want from a dark action film such as this. It is nuanced, emotional, powerful, and frightening, with a smattering of his signature charm that he cannot help but exude. Audiences are rooting for every ruthless decision the character makes, as Caine draws them in with his compelling presence and raw portrayal of this fascinating older man.

6

Linda Hamilton in Terminator: Dark Fate

63 At The Time Of Release

Sarah Connor is one of the most iconic protagonists of the action genre, and has had to endure a lot of trauma. As Linda Hamilton reprises the role of this brave and strong woman, she adds another layer to the characters’ personality. After years of fighting in the resistance, hunting Terminators and mourning the loss of her son, Connor is now a battle-worn warrior who brings all her memories and experiences to every fight. She is a commanding leader as well as an empathetic mentor in a world full of chaos and violence.

Seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger reprise his role alongside Hamilton is a welcome nod to the nostalgia of the first few movies, but it’s ultimately all about her. The physical strength Linda Hamilton was able to achieve is very impressive, and her maturity is highlighted as an ᴀsset, as it should be. While the scars from the battles she may have lost are with her, they only add to her power. In a film that’s not necessarily perfect, Linda Hamilton was able to honor Sarah Connor in a nearly perfect way.

5

Anthony Hopkins in The Mask of Zorro (1998)

61 At The Time Of Release

Prior to this film, the Oscar-winning Anthony Hopkins most famous roles included a cannibalistic serial killer, an emotionally suppressed butler, and Pablo Picᴀsso, with very few action films to speak of. But, it’s exactly that class and sophistication that works so well as the outgoing masked vigilante who protects the people from corrupt Spanish rulers. He is the old guard, and is able to train and mold a pᴀssionate yet unruly Alejandro (Antonio Banderas) to take over the mantle. Hopkins more than holds his own in every fight.

Though Anthony Hopkins was not known for his swordfighting, he was able to produce some elegant shapes. He was a very believable older Zorro that demanded respect. He had a great rapport with both Banderas and his on-screen daughter, played by Catherine Zeta Jones. Having two Welsh people play a Spanish family might seem like an unusual choice nowadays, but that common connection created a strong bond between the actors which is felt throughout the movie. His heroic antics in the finale proved just how much fight was left in him and the final scene with Elena was fittingly heartbreaking.

4

Liam Neeson in Taken (2009)

56 At The Time Of Release

With nearly 200 acting credits on IMDb, it’s safe to say Liam Neeson has a very long and varied resume. He had starred in a few action films prior to Taken, but this was the movie that shifted the trajectory of his career into more gritty and dark roles. Not only did it have two hit sequels, but it created a whole genre of “Liam Neeson action films”, which have a very specific set of features. The Grey, Non-Stop and Cold Pursuit all happened because of the actor’s brooding and menacing performance in Taken.

Neeson’s mature age was a key factor to the character’s personality, which is measured and focused, as he tries to save his abducted daughter. Viewers were stunned at the violence and brutality exhibited by Bryan Mills, who had his eyes set on one goal. The intensity, pain and suppressed emotions were on full display throughout, and soon became his signature go-tos in the action roles he chose.

3

Helen Mirren in RED (2010)

64 At The Time Of Release

Standing out in a film filled with a stellar cast of mature movie stars is not an easy task, but Helen Mirren manages to do just that. With co-stars like Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, and John Malkovich, it takes a lot to steal the show, but Mirren’s portrayal of the retired MI6 agent is particularly memorable. Her blend of sharp wit and killer instincts shines among all the explosive action and quippy retorts between the former friends.

Standing for “Retired, Extremely Dangerous,” RED allows a group of older actors to take center stage in an entertaining and exciting caper. While their age is used for laughs in some of the scenes, it’s clear that these former spies know exactly what they’re doing. As Victoria Winslow, Mirren shows her strength in handling a weapon, as well as a group of former colleagues with big egos. Her technical ability was almost elegant, and the gravitas she was able to bring to the role made her one of the best parts of this very fun movie.

2

Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

59 At The Time Of Release

The sequel to the smash hit Top Gun from 1986, didn’t come out for nearly four decades, making it one of the longest gaps between installments. At the time of its release, Tom Cruise was already very well-known for his action films, which include the hugely successful Mission Impossible franchise. He would famously do most of his own stunts, and showcased some seriously impressive stamina. This return to one of his earliest blockbuster roles felt rather special. To say Cruise slotted back into the role with ease is an understatement.

As Capt. Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell, Cruise was able to show how much the beloved character had been through over the intervening years. While he showed growth and maturity, Maverick was able to retain that impulsive nature that audiences originally fell in love with. Maverick was also able to impart his knowledge and vast experience to a whole new group of cadets, including his deceased best friend’s son. That relationship has so many moving parallels to the Maverick and Goose friendship, providing some much-needed closure.

1

Sean Connery in The Rock (1996)

65 At The Time Of Release

The 1990s were a golden decade for action films, with John Woo, Joel Schumacher, and Michael Bay all directing some of the most iconic classics of the genre. Bay was responsible for giving audiences this high-stakes crime thriller, which let Sean Connery do what he did best. In a layered role that required physicality, charm, and strength, the actor delivered on all fronts. His portrayal of the long-imprisoned former spy was perfect casting, considering his previous role as James Bond. John Patrick Mason is a former British SAS operative sentenced to prison time without a trial.

However, his unique skills and knowledge of Alcatraz are required when a group of mercenaries takes over the former prison. With hostages’ lives on the line, as well as an imminent threat to San Francisco, time is of the essence. Instead, Mason takes his time to use H๏τel amenities, get a very sharp haircut, and hatch a proper plan. It’s this restraint and confidence in one’s choices that can only come with the level of knowledge and experience that only Connery could bring, and highlights how fun it can be to put older actors in action movies.