If you are a sophisticated movie fan who indulges in the highest quality films, you really may not ever give action movies any real chance. Sure, that might be a generalization, but truth be told, if you’re a fan of subtle nuance, intrigue, & powerful storytelling, chances are that you are not going to find it in the middle of a big explosion as the film’s protagonist machine-gun’s his or her way through the flames to safety. We’re just talking about two very different types of film.
Part of the fun of action-packed cinema is that you don’t have to really think too hard about what’s going on. You truly are able to enjoy the movie because you are 100% committed to the suspension of disbelief, the crucial element that makes any movie successful. Otherwise, all you’re doing is sitting in a big, dark room watching a big TV screen.
We just want to have fun at the movies, and action movies are the screeching-tire car chase path to this fun.
One thing is for sure, though, and it’s that every action film fan has their favorite that they watch many times over. As such, you owe it to yourself to check out these nine action movies one more time:
Point Break – Who would have ever guessed that surfing and bank robbery would have combined for such a potent movie? Contrary to the usual action movie norm, there is a lot of subtle nuance in this offering.
The Matrix – This film may be the pinnacle of all action-packed, sci-fi, philosophical mind-warps, and it certainly serves as the highest bar to eclipse.
Enter The Dragon – A martial arts movie for the ages with perhaps the best fighting sequences on film. Just try not to emulate every move you watch.
Die Hard – Seen as the both the best action movie around as well as the best Christmas movie for the guy in your life, this movie, and all of its sequels, are the definition of action.
Raiders of the Lost Ark – The movie that started it all for Indiana Jones. It’s an outright classic.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day – The first movie was good, but once you saw the T-1000 do his thing, you knew sequels would never be the same.
RoboCop – Oddly enough, this movie and the philosophy behind its social views, along with its definitions of humanity, fit into our modern-day society very well. It’s timeless.
Oldboy (Korean version) – If you like your revenge served very, very cold, this movie is the best around. Action aside, this movie will push your limits from beginning to end.
First Blood – While most Rambo movies tend to be bloody shoot ’em-ups with more concern for body count than storyline, the original movie featuring John Rambo as a broken & lost Vietnam veteran is probably one of the most powerful portrayals of a soldier coming home you’ll likely see.
