7 Action Movies From the 21st Century That Are 10/10, No Notes

The action movie is a quintessential part of cinema. Tapping into the essence of the movie-going experience by offering an adrenaline-fueled piece of big-screen escapism, action films may often find themselves overlooked by critics and awards bodies, but they are certainly far from being overlooked by audiences. Many consider the first true action movie to be Edwin S. Porter‘s The Great Train Robbery from 1903, and 123 years later, action is still one of the core genres at the box office.

In the 21st century, the practical stunts of yesteryear have been somewhat sacrificed for the popularity of CGI and other technology, although film stars such as Tom Cruise are keen to keep it alive. Whether it’s a fully practical action scene or a CGI’d set piece, some of the best in the genre’s history have hailed from this century. With all that in mind, here’s a look at 7 21st-century action movies that are 10/10, no notes.

1

‘Hot Fuzz’ (2007)

Image via Universal Pictures

Of all the perfect pairings for the action genre, comedy is perhaps the best. In this century, no trio has quite nailed this blend better than Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost​​​​​. After changing their game with their pitch-perfect zombie comedy Shaun of the Dead, the trio turned their sights to the buddy cop genre and its many great inspirations in the genius Hot Fuzz.

Pegg and Frost have never been better as an on-screen duo than as Nicholas Angel and Danny Butterman, the duo investigating the strange goings-on in a quaint British village. Heralded by critics and fans alike for being both visually innovative and boasting one of the finest screenplays of its decade, Hot Fuzz is a near-perfect example of why action and comedy go together like salt and pepper.

2

‘Revenge’ (2017)

Image via Rezo Films

In 2024, Coralie Fargeat stunned the cinematic world with the daring, violent, and powerful body horror explosion The Substance, making herself a well-known name in the process. Hopefully, thanks to the success of her Academy Award-winner, Fargeat’s previous effort, the similarly gory Revenge, is finally getting the plaudits it deserves.

A smart feminist take on the “rape-revenge” sub-genre, Revenge leaves nothing to the imagination as it takes its audience on an often difficult but always enthralling journey. At the heart of the movie is a captivating performance from Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, as she stops at nothing to seek vengeance on the men who put her through hell.

3

‘Oldboy’ (2003)

Image via Show East

Park Chan-wook’s Oldboy is a cinephile favorite. Regularly appearing in “best of” lists for the 21st century, its staying power is a testament to just how gripping and innovative this masterpiece is, even to this day. After being held captive for 15 years, Dae-su Oh (Choi Min-sik) is released and vows to take bloody revenge.

That revenge comes in the form of two hours of non-stop, pulse-racing action featuring some of the most imaginative action cinematography and choreography ever seen. A powerful revenge tale that is never afraid to veer into the realm of the offbeat, Oldboy is just as refreshing today as it was in 2003.

4

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were valid concerns for the future of cinema. As millions had become accustomed to streaming from the comfort of their own couch, and with the industry in financial disarray, it was up to one man and his need for speed to come and save the day.

Top Gun: Maverick stormed to enormous box office success in 2022, as a host of fresh faces and the return of a couple more helped the movie to almost $1.5 billion. This isn’t simply thanks to its big-name IP, stars, and the desperate return of millions to theaters — this is thanks mostly to the film being the best legacy sequel ever made, with a penchant for breathless action set pieces and a huge heart that is reminiscent of the golden era of action.

5

‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ (2000)

Image via Sony Pictures Classics

The 21st century began with a selection of top-tier action movies. The swords-and-sandals epic Gladiator was the year’s biggest success as the winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture, and Japan delivered the brilliantly breathless Battle Royale in December. However, no movie from that year is better than the enthralling Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

A smart examination of tradition that proudly explores the very essence of the wuxia film, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon rightfully catapulted director Ang Lee into the mainstream as one of the action genre’s finest visionaries. However, this isn’t just a masterclass in action filmmaking; it’s also one of the most visually gorgeous films of the past 26 years, which helped the film win the Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography Academy Awards.

6

‘The Incredibles’ (2004)

Image via Pixar Animation Studios

Action can arguably thrive more in the animated space, with no live-action limitations allowing the impossible to be crafted on screen. Of all the many animated action movies we’ve been treated to this century, few are greater and more endearing than The Incredibles. Director Brad Bird‘s genius is in full flow throughout this tale of a superhero family who are finally offered the chance to come out of hiding and reach their full potential.

Hilarious, heartwarming, and featuring some genuinely impressive action scenes, The Incredibles is Pixar at its best during its golden era in the early-mid 2000s. Sure, the film’s sequel, released many years later, was far from the level of quality of its predecessor, but let that take nothing away from the pure entertainment of this Pixar classic.

7

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

Image via Warner Bros.

At its best, the action genre delivers thrills, spills, and plenty of tears through dynamic, innovative narrative and filmmaking techniques. For the pinnacle of this ethos, look no further than 2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road. With a long, complex road to the screen, director George Miller‘s magnum opus looked set to be an inflated flop before its release. However, despite its underwhelming box office performance, it more than proved its skeptics wrong.

Fans and critics alike have spent the past decade gushing over the film’s visual appeal, but its capacity to use its visual genius to deliver a smart, tearjerking tale of redemption and human connection deserves much more recognition. In the first 26 years of this century, no action movie has hit the heights of Fury Road, and it’s perhaps unlikely another film will for many more decades to come.

Release Date

May 15, 2015

Runtime

121 minutes

Director

George Miller