The action genre produces many franchises because daring stunt work, charismatic heroes, and unique premises garner enough interest in action films to warrant sequels for them. However, as Speed 2, one of the worst movie sequels of all time, demonstrates, not every good idea can or should be reused. There’s always franchise potential in any engaging action thriller concept, but some action films tell complete stories that don’t have any reason to continue.
Yet, many movies that try to be the new Die Hard almost succeed by putting their own spin on the blueprint provided by the Bruce Willis starter. Even more iconic is James Bond, a franchise that keeps getting updated every decade, allowing James Bond movies to redefine the spy genre in every era. So, when done creatively, or if there’s an intention beyond giving audiences more of the characters or the settings, action movies can yield amazing sequels.
10
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Directed By George Miller
After years in production jail, Miller was finally able to bring back his seminal franchise, which redefined the post-apocalyptic action genre, in 2015. Mad Max: Fury Road had been part of Miller’s plans for a long time, and when the new film was finally announced, there was, unsurprisingly, a huge amount of hype generated by the franchise’s return. Both Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron are action movie stalwarts, so audiences were excited to see them in the beloved franchise.
It is perhaps safe to say that Mad Max: Fury Road is the best Mad Max movie. Its gritty depiction of the post-apocalyptic world, where every resource has to be fought for tooth and nail, often earns it the reputation of being one of the greatest action movies of all time. With a run time of two hours, it doesn’t drag despite mostly featuring action set pieces because the action is high-octane, the acting makes the characters’ plights believable, and the cinematography is gorgeous.
9
Die Hard With A Vengeance (1995)
Directed By John McTiernan
John McTiernan’s Die Hard introduced the world to Bruce Willis’ most famous character, John McClane. The director, however, wasn’t involved in the making of Die Harder or Die Hard II as it is more commonly known, and the sequel is a disappointing follow-up. He returned to the franchise as a director and a producer for Die Hard With a Vengeance, and the result is one of the best action movies turning 30 in 2025.
Unfortunately, the franchise’s revival was short-lived, as both the sequels to Die Hard With a Vengeance are subpar.
Die Hard With a Vengeance revived the genre by switching up the winning formula. It has the same time-sensitive premise as Die Hard, but expands the setting to the whole of New York City. Moreover, Bruce Willis is coupled with Samuel L. Jackson to shift the movie into the buddy cop genre. The two of them play off each other to create memorable moments of camaraderie as they solve the villain’s riddles at various locations of the city before finally confronting him.
8
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
Directed By James Gunn
James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy is arguably the best trilogy in the MCU. In 2014, he made the first movie featuring the ragtag group of superheroes who band together to save the universe. A sci-fi movie with an incredible ensemble cast, the movie won over audiences with the hilarious interactions between the memorable characters and their heartwarming journey into becoming a functioning crew.
While Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 had the challenge of expanding their world and lore, James Gunn had an even more daunting task with its sequel. After Avengers: Endgame, the biggest showdown in the history of the MCU, it was important to retain the tone of the franchise while moving it forward with its consequences in mind. Gunn didn’t just prove up to the task, he delivered what is perhaps the best film in the trilogy. A devastating backstory and a touching show of familiarity between the characters makes it the ideal farewell.
7
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
Directed By Chad Stahelski
John Wick was one of the biggest surprise hits of 2014, and its тιтular character helped reshape genre expectations forever. The action genre has never been the same since the realistically choreographed and gorgeously sH๏τ action sequences moved the genre away from the frenzied shaky cam aesthetic that had prevailed in the 2000s. However, the premise, personal to the character, didn’t seem possible to extend for long.
The film continues its predecessor’s trend of changing how action scenes are sH๏τ.
Yet, John Wick: Chapter 2 is just as delightful. Wick may have fulfilled his mission of vengeance, but his resurgence has caused waves, and he is forced to return after a ghost from the past threatens his peace. The film continues its predecessor’s trend of changing how action scenes are sH๏τ, as most of the sequences occur in background scoreless silence, with the only sound coming from the blows delivered. The mirror room fight scene is one of the greatest in the history of the genre because of its imaginative use of blocking.
6
Mission: Impossible III (2006)
Directed By J.J. Abrams
Mission: Impossible is an impressive action franchise, because, after seven films and an eighth and final movie on the way, it remains exciting and refreshing. Tom Cruise’s unbelievable and life-threatening stunts continue to be the highlight of the franchise, and despite the use of the last-minute escapade trope, the movies never lose their charm. While the first film was more focused on the espionage aspect of Ethan Hunt’s missions, the franchise has successfully moved away into more action-focused territory.
This shift was, of course, first introduced by John Woo when he directed the second movie in the franchise. However, it’s a disappointing sequel due to its overuse of slow motion and its lack of stealth work. J.J. Abrams revived the franchise with the third film, which increased the stakes and introduced one of the most despicable villains in the franchise, portrayed to perfection by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. The film balances action and espionage, and introduces a darker world with more gritty action scenes.
5
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Directed By James Cameron
James Cameron’s The Terminator was one of the most successful action blockbusters of the ’80s. It bolstered Arnold Schwarzenegger’s popularity as Hollywood’s go-to action star. After seven years, a second movie was released, which is widely considered one of the greatest sequel movies of all time. Cameron wanted to make Terminator 2: Judgment Day to complete the story he had started in the original, but the film’s popularity spawned an entire franchise of movies and even one TV show.
John Connor is perhaps the most important character of the franchise, alongside Schwarzenegger’s Terminator, but it’s easy to forget that he’s not a character in the first movie. It’s the second film that introduces viewers to John Connor, portrayed as a kid for the majority of the film by Edward Furlong. Terminator 2: Judgment Day is an action film with a lot of heart as it explores the terminator’s allegiance to the cause of humanity.
4
The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003)
Directed By Peter Jackson
Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy is the only other trilogy, beside The Godfather, to have every film be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Tolkien’s epic is brought to life with the use of novel technology, including models and miniature cameras. It doesn’t get more grand and expansive than The Lord of the Rings, and it’s plain to see why each film was deemed worthy of the Oscar, even if only the third part won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Jackson arguably gave us the best film in the trilogy at the end.
The narrative threads set up over the course of the previous films come together for the legendary conclusion to the tale in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Despite a huge number of plot points to cover, the film never drags and takes its time covering every emotional beat with sincerity and attention to detail. It is a daunting task to bring together every element of a large-scale fantasy duology, but Jackson arguably gave us the best film in the trilogy at the end!
3
The Dark Knight (2008)
Directed By Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins, a movie that celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025, introduced a more grounded approach to superhero filmmaking with a sense of realism in its narrative. Christian Bale quickly won over audiences with his portrayal of Batman and Bruce Wayne, delivering the caped crusader’s lines with a memorable raspy whisper that makes him terrifying to his enemies. Despite it being a fantastic film, no one could have predicted how good the sequel would be.
The Dark Knight is often considered to be among the best films ever made in the history of cinema. Heath Ledger’s inspired performance as the villain Joker, which won him a posthumous Oscar, continues to influence villain performances today. The film explores the philosophy behind Batman and balances chaos, despair, and hope, to tell its story. The Dark Knight‘s beautiful IMAX cinematography, with stunts all created without the use of CGI, adds to the sense of realism that defines Nolan’s trilogy.
2
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Directed By Irvin Kershner
George Lucas’ Star Wars, now тιтled Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, is a perfect non-animated action movie for children to watch. It introduces the world to lightsabers, the Force, the Death Star, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader. However, viewers have to wait for the next movie to discover the most quoted line from the whole of Star Wars, where Darth Vader tells Luke, “I am your father.”
The Empire Strikes Back has a lot more to offer beyond the meme, of course, from introducing Yoda to expanding the lore of the Jedi and the Force. Yoda’s mentorship sequence is one of the greatest training montages in all action cinema, and The Empire Strikes Back is undoubtedly the best Star Wars movie. It deals with darker topics than the original movie, but that doesn’t detract from the charm of the galaxy far, far away. A sense of adventure still hangs over every scene, especially ones where John Williams’ instantly recognizable score plays in the background.
1
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Directed By Joseph Kosinski
Top Gun propelled both Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer to action stardom. Arguably, Val Kilmer’s most iconic character of all time is Iceman from Top Gun, a role he reprised for a cameo in Top Gun: Maverick. There was a span of 36 years between the movies, and the 2020s have seen the release of some remarkably lifeless and unimaginative sequels and remakes. Despite whatever misgivings one might have had, Top Gun: Maverick is on par with Top Gun.
Tom Cruise’s тιтular character Maverick has a different role in the film, and he is joined by new trainees, played by Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Monica Barbaro, and others. The high-octane third act of the movie features some of the best airplane stunt work ever committed to the silver screen, and it brings back the same level of thrill one feels when watching Top Gun‘s climactic confrontation. Top Gun: Maverick was even nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, a rare feat for the action genre, which even Top Gun didn’t achieve.
