Before action movies grew into a specific genre, action elements remained in westerns, noir-thrillers, and other gritty-type films that required some physical stakes. Though the industry eventually codified the action film genre into a specific set of tropes and plot arcs, many of the best action films remain underrated due to their innovative use of said elements.
It’s hard to say exactly what makes a potential action film hit and transforms it into an underdog, underrated by either critics or audiences. As evidenced by this list, however, the most underrated action films often employ filmmaking techniques that are too advanced for contemporary audiences.
Films like “Hardcore Henry” use a unique perspective to achieve their goals, perhaps at the expense of viewer comfort. Other films like “Roadhouse,” however, subversively inject great action into otherwise silly affairs. Whatever the case, many great action films remain the most underrated. In this article, we will explore those films and discover what about them turned audiences away while simultaneously discovering what gave them enduring appeal. (For other films that didn’t get the credit they deserved, discover 30 movies underappreciated upon release.)
To compile a list of the most underrated action films, 24/7 Tempo consulted a range of entertainment and cinema publications including Reddit.com and Comic Book Resources. Next, we selected action films that were overlooked upon release yet contain elements that stand up through time. After that, we consulted sites like IMDB.com and Rottentomatoes.com to confirm aspects of the film’s plots and critical receptions.
Hardcore Henry (2016)
After a man wakes up in a Russian laboratory, he learns that scientists have brought him back to life as a half-human, half-robot hybrid. Though he can’t remember his life before the surgery, he soon meets a woman who tells him his name is Henry and claims to be his wife. Before he can learn more, a gang of thugs breaks in and kidnaps her. In response, Henry embarks on a bloody rampage through the city to save her and stop a villain from destroying the world.
What makes “Hardcore Henry” one of the most underrated action films is the film’s employing of a unique first-person perspective to tell its story. It’s quite literally shot from the eyes of Henry, resulting in a truly in-your-face adventure of blood, mayhem, and impressive fight choreography. This film does not concern itself with character development or evolving narratives so much as it injects the viewer into a kinetic, nonstop firestorm of action, adventure, and physical might. It’s fun, exciting, and makes so little sense that it paradoxically makes all the sense in the world.
Blade II (2002)
The first Blade movie introduced viewers to its unique, hybrid human-vampire hero Blade. Able to walk in the sun but required to live off blood, Blade turns his wrath towards the vampires that created his harrowing life circumstances. In “Blade II,” Blade returns to the scene, this time, to wearily join forces with the vampires he hates after a new vampire species forms, threatening the worlds of vampires and humans alike.
While the original “Blade” made for action-packed, blood-dripping fun, the sequel “Blade II” ramps up the energy and gives viewers a better look at the strange, hidden world of vampires that walk amongst us. With now-famed director Guillermo del Toro at the helm, “Blade II” looks fabulous, feels raised in stakes, and hits all the right action notes. What makes “Blade II” one of the most underrated action films, however, involves the film’s true-to-the-source-material sense of kinetics, stunning visuals, and steady pacing. Compared to countless other comic book adaptations, “Blade II” captures the material better than most. While it feels like a B-movie, that feeling is oddly refreshing and exciting.
Dredd (2012)
“Dredd” takes place in a dystopian future, where criminals run the streets of the giant, endless metropolis of Mega City One. The only law of the land sits in the hands of judges, part cops and part executioners, who judge the populace as they see fit. The most feared of these judges is Dredd. Soon, Dredd partners up with Cassandra, a rookie cop with latent psychic abilities. After the pair receive reports of an unspeakable crime, Dredd and Cassandra head into a dangerous part of town run by Ma-Ma, a powerful drug lord who stops at nothing to keep her empire on top.
Upon viewing the cover of Dredd, one thinks they’re in for another typical, shoot-em-up with a futuristic flair. What makes “Dredd” one of the most underrated action films, however, is how surprisingly focused and entertaining the film is. It’s gritty, and stylish, evoking the best of its comic book source material without ever dragging on or making audiences feel bored. Furthermore, it injects cynical adult humor at the right moments, while maintaining a technician’s like focus on the action at hand. Plus, the film makes some interesting points regarding the nature of power and justice without ever falling into preachy territory. Any hardcore action film fan deserves to experience the ultraviolent, cohesive world, and well-built setting of “Dredd.”
Smokin’ Aces (2007)
Buddy “Aces” Israel is an entertainer and magician who loves to flirt with the dark side of life. After realizing he’s too far over his head, he incurs the wrath of the mob boss Primo Sparazza after agreeing to testify against his crew. In response, Sparazza puts out a wide call for hitmen, assassins, and other underworld figures to kill Israel and collect a hefty reward. As two FBI agents assigned to Israel attempt to protect him, a dangerous collection of characters converge on Lake Tahoe to kill Israel and collect a considerable reward.
What makes “Smokin’ Aces” one of the most underrated action films is just how glitzy, stylish, and explosive it turns out to be. Taking the most entertaining aspects of shoot-em-ups, mob dramas, and black comedies, the film feels familiar and relies on an impressive ensemble cast to bring it home. While it fails to find its focus, there is something in this film for everyone. There are twists and turns, stand-out villains-row characters, and a stylish direction and pacing giving the movie its juice. While utterly ridiculous, it’s the type of ridiculous that’s devilishly fun and never lets a dull moment transpire. In many ways, “Smokin’ Aces” is like a Tarantino movie from another dimension. For that reason alone, it’s worth the watch.
Equilibrium (2002)
“Equilibrium” takes place in a futuristic world run by a regime that eliminates the need for war by suppressing the emotions of the populace. Feeling and everything that may evoke it like books, music, or art are strictly forbidden and punishable by death. Enter Clerick John Preston, a top official responsible for punishing those who violate these rules. After Preston misses a dose of Prozium, the drug designed to suppress emotions, he starts having feelings. Soon, Preston, the one person in charge of suppressing emotions and dissent, becomes the one person capable of overthrowing the oppressive regime.
Channeling the restrictive psyche-destroying dystopias of George Orwell combined with the stylish, kinetic firefights of John Woo, “Equilibrium” uses overused tropes to create a balanced, impressive action thriller. What makes “Equilibrium” one of the most underrated action films, however, is its synthesis of martial arts and gunplay. Though the film’s plot feels overworn and tedious at times, it makes up for it through its interesting use of gun karate. This results in action sequences of surprising engagement and fulfillment. While overlooked upon its release and relatively scorned by critics, a few decades on “Equilibrium” remains a compelling, refreshing take on old sci-fi/action formulas.
Ronin (1998)
Ostensibly, Deirdre is a criminal mastermind with her sights set on stealing a valuable briefcase with mysterious contents. To accomplish this feat, she enlists an international team composed of ex-intelligence officers, ex-intelligence specialists, and ex-criminals. Once the heist operation gets underway, however, the trustworthiness of several team members comes into question. While they attempt the impossible, the team must keep a watchful eye on each other, never quite sure who is being set up or let down.
As the saying goes, “There’s no honor amongst thieves.” Nowhere is this more apparent than in “Ronin,” an explosive, yet tightly measured action heist flick of the highest order. It moves with an erratic pace that never comes close to flying off the rails as it maneuvers the viewer through complex power plays and thrilling action sequences. What makes “Ronin” one of the most underrated action films, however, is its endearing, yet unassuming coolness. It moves quickly, distilling complex story arcs while maintaining a breakneck speed that is at times both elegant and sophisticated. As many critics suggested, there is a European vibe to “Ronin” that helps it cultivate a unique personality in the realm of action films. While overshadowed by other action blockbusters in its time, it continues to act as a worthy, deceptively smart action flick of the highest order.
Behind Enemy Lines (2001)
While on a mission, a Navy pilot’s plane is shot down over enemy territory. Though he survives the explosive crash, he struggles to survive an ever-increasing onslaught of enemy troops, outpace a relentless secret police enforcer, and outmaneuver a world-class tracker. As he races against the clock, his commanding officer goes against orders to attempt a dangerous and increasingly desperate rescue mission.
Upon release, many critics derided “Behind Enemy Lines” as nothing more than propaganda for the United States Armed Forces and NATO. While it’s hard to argue with that, as the film’s motivations seem right out of an Army recruitment video, there are elements at play that spark action success. What makes “Behind Enemy Lines” one of the most underrated action films is its sense of the hunt and thrill of the chase. What little plot points it puts forth are best ignored. Instead, viewers should simply lose themselves in its incredible, unrelenting chase and pursuit. The action in the film is perilous and nerve-wracking, resulting in one of the better action chase films to be released in the new millennium. Propaganda accusations aside, if you let the film’s high-stakes action move you along, you won’t come away from it disappointed.
Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
As a well-worn and hardboiled truck driver, Jack Burton has seen it all and probably delivered packages there too. After making a delivery to San Francisco’s Chinatown, however, Burton finds himself swept up in a strange, magical conspiracy lurking under the surface of the neighborhood. After an ancient Chinese prince and criminal leader kidnaps Jack’s best friend’s fiancee, he embarks on an adventure to save the girl and prevent the ancient prince from using the girl to break a curse that makes him immortal.
Though it was not thought of like this in its time, upon reflection, “Big Trouble in Little China” captures the best of ’80s action flicks. It features a fascinating and fully realized world of magic, intrigue, and conspiracy, injecting the viewer right into the thick of it while still providing plenty of laughs to get them through. What makes “Big Trouble in Little China” one of the most underrated action films, however, is it manages to take silly gags and an utterly campy atmosphere and transform it into one of excitement, mystery, and triumph. Furthermore, it doesn’t take itself seriously. While it provides plenty of great action in inventive new ways, it makes its circus-like atmosphere engaging, imaginative, and full of adventure. (For other underrated movies from the period, discover the most underrated movies of the 1980s.)
The 13th Warrior (1999)
After Muslim ambassador Ahmad ibn Fadlan finds himself exiled from his homeland, he embarks on a journey northward that puts him in the company of Vikings. Upon first introduction, Fadlan takes offense to the Viking’s uncouth, unsophisticated, and foul behavior. Soon, however, he grows to respect these warriors and takes up their offer to join in on their adventures. Upon further travel, the group gets word of an evil presence threatening a kingdom. Soon, they must confront and defeat this presence that hitherto seemed like something only possible in legends.
Based on the highly entertaining novel “Eaters of the Dead” by Michael Crichton, “The 13th Warrior” features a world too little realized in modern films. While critics initially derided it as a ludicrous adventure, it was based on the true travelogues of a Muslim ambassador from the 900s. What makes “The 13th Warrior” one of the most underrated action films is its approach to the Ancients. It features fantastic, adrenaline-boosting action scenes, impressive and fascinating period costumes, inventive cinematography, and an appreciation for a forgotten time and place. While parts of the film are indeed ridiculous, other parts prove that sword and sorcery action films can shine when they set their sights on underappreciated times in history.
Enemy of the State (1998)
While attempting to make a wide-sweeping surveillance bill pass legislation, a corrupt National Security Agency official orders the assassination of a congressman. After a videotape of the murder ends up in the hands of a family man and labor lawyer Robert Clayton Dean, however, he gets framed for the murder. Seeking to prove his innocence and throw the government goons off his case, Dean enlists the help of the grizzled and cynical ex-intelligence agent Edward “Brill” Lyle.
There is a certain unmistakable yet indescribable air to ’90s thriller/action movies that “Enemy of the State” captures beautifully. Directed by the late great Tony Scott, the film features stylish yet energetic pacing, rounding out the rougher points with a great cast. What makes “Enemy of the State” one of the most underrated action films is how well it makes the viewer feel like they are the ones embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy. Presenting like the spiritual sibling of older surveillance sendups like “The Conversation,” “Enemy of the State” provides suspense and high-tech mystery, while remaining oddly prescient regarding its critique of surveillance and the eroding sense of privacy in modern American society.
Hard Boiled (1992)
After a cop loses his partner in a shootout with gun smugglers, he embarks on a mission to catch them. To get closer to the nefarious gang, however, the cop teams up with an undercover cop who’s posing as a hitman for the crew. To uncover their secrets and uproot the gun smuggler gang, the two cops use every violent method necessary.
While “Hard Boiled” relies on a plot so overused it threatens to bore, the film is anything but boring. Arguably director John Woo’s masterpiece, the film features a frenetic pace, a sly yet outrageous sense of humor, and incredible action sequences. What makes “Hard Boiled” one of the most underrated action films is how it takes indescribably bloody violence and makes an art of it. Infinitely more entertaining and explosive than most American action movies could hope to be, “Hard Boiled” is a kick-in-the-pants good time that uses graphic extravagance to its complete advantage. It deserves a watch, but preferably on a big screen.
Roadhouse (1989)
Sitting somewhere in the great, forgotten heartland of America is The Double Deuce, arguably the meanest, rowdiest, most violent bar in the Midwest. Desperate to improve the establishment’s reputation and recoup some of the money lost from the endless fights, the owner hires bouncer Dalton to clean up the bar’s reputation. Though he may not look like much, the Ph.D.-carrying, martial arts expert Dalton is a force to be reckoned with. Though he succeeds in cleaning up the bar, he must face the powerful criminal element in town that made The Double Deuce what it was in the first place.
“Roadhouse” is a classic ’80s action film that falls in the “so bad it’s good” category of movies. Though utterly silly, and full of unmistakably bizarre and idiosyncratic elements, the film takes itself seriously, resulting in a brawny exhibition of macho toughness and human cool. What makes “Roadhouse” one of the most underrated action films is it manages to convince the viewer that, not only does a world where bouncers are celebrities exist, but it’s also a massively entertaining world full of fights, pool stick beatings, and righteous triumphs of reserved good over outrageous evil.
The Warriors (1979)
After a gang called The Warriors from Coney Island attends a city-wide gang meeting in the heart of the city, someone kills a gang leader. In the ensuing chaos, the Warriors are framed for his murder. To survive, they must battle every single gang in the city on an adventure through Manhattan back to their unassuming hideout away from the city.
What makes “The Warriors” one of the most underrated action films (and the oldest film on this list) is how well it combines the classic race-for-your-life plot arc with imaginative notions of gangs and their place in the criminal hierarchy. Though pulpy, and at times corny, the film succeeds in creating a wholly realized world of wildly costumed gangs. Though technically based on a real story from Ancient history, “The Warriors” has stood the test of time for its sense of adventure and visual feast of comic book-like characters.
Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
Randall “Memphis” Raines gave up his life of crime long ago. All that changes, however, after a surprise and chilling visit from an old friend. As Raines learns, he must reenter the criminal fold to save his brother. All that is required is one contract to steal 50 luxury cars in a single night. To accomplish this, Raines enlists the help of criminals and thieves from his past.
Stylish, and full of moments of excess, “Gone in 60 Seconds” suffers from many plot holes yet endures them in a way only a Hollywood blockbuster can. What makes the film one of the most underrated action movies, however, is how comfortable, delightfully cheesy, and extravagant its approach appears. It’s a fun movie, full of glossy car chases and central-casting criminals, yet it never gets ahead of itself in its pursuit of Hollywood blockbuster glory.
16 Blocks (2006)
Over his job and weary of the world, NYPD Detective Jack Mosley takes a routine assignment to transport a trial witness to the courthouse by late morning. Though it’s only 16 blocks away, the simple task quickly becomes a deadly game of cat-and-mouse after corrupt cops arrive to kill the witness before he can testify against him.
Though “16 Blocks” struggles at moments to fit everything into its 1-mile chase, there are so many elements in the movie that work wonderfully. Fast-paced, explosive, and action-packed, what makes “16 Blocks” one of the most underrated action films is its ability to take a relatively routine thriller story and elevate it to a high-stakes, gripping action chase through the heart of New York City. (For fans of the sci-fi genre, discover 16 of the most underrated sci-fi films.)