10 Most Entertaining Action Movies of the Last 5 Years, Ranked

A staple in cinema, great action movies are all about delivering pulse-pounding excitement while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Over the last five years, action cinema has evolved in incredible ways, blending intense fight choreography, jaw-dropping stunts, and creative storytelling to push the genre forward. And while Hollywood continues to dominate the big-budget spectacle, some of the most exhilarating action films of recent years have come from around the world.

This list highlights the most entertaining action movies from the last five years, focusing on stories that deliver both exhilarating action and a gripping story. Not only do these movies showcase some of the best stunt work and action choreography in modern cinema, but they also offer memorable characters and unique plots that keep the viewers entertained to the end. With a mix of standalone hits and franchise entries, each of these films has earned every punch, kick and bullet to be placed among the best.

10

‘Violent Night’ (2022)

Directed by Tommy Wirkola

Violent Night reimagines Santa Claus (David Harbour) as an unlikely action hero caught in a bloody hostage situation. The film follows a drunk, grizzled Santa who stumbles into a Christmas Eve heist at a wealthy family’s estate when he is out delivering presents. When a group of mercenaries led by the sadistic Scrooge (John Leguizamo) holds the family hostage, Santa takes it upon himself to eliminate them one by one, especially because most of the mercenaries are on his naughty list.

Violent Night probably has the most fun with its wacky, absurd premise. Directed by Tommy Wirkola, who has made a name for himself for blending gore with comedy in his movies, the action sequences are gritty, brutal, and simply impressive. The fights are quite inventive, with Santa employing candy canes, Christmas lights and even a woodchipper as his deadly weapons. With a light tone and brutally satisfying fight sequences, Violent Night stands as one of the most entertaining action films that delivers on its title, making it a Christmas film perfect for action film junkies. For those who enjoyed this film, Santa might bring a present, as Violent Night 2 is currently in the works.

9

‘Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In’ (2024)

Directed by Soi Cheang

Set in the lawless slums of Hong Kong’s infamous Kowloon Walled City, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In follows Lok-Kwan (Raymond Lam), a young drifter who finds himself caught between warring factions inside the densely packed complex. As he struggles to survive and carve out his place, he becomes entangled in a brutal fight for control over the walled city between Cyclone (Louis Koo), who aims to bring stability, and Mr. Big (Sammo Hung), who wants to keep the city for his interests.

Audiences who love Hong Kong cinema will definitely enjoy this adaptation of the graphic novel, as it is committed to practical, bone-crunching action choreography and immersive world-building. The fights are raw and relentless, showcasing intense hand-to-hand combat, which is extra special when they’re performed by legends like the great Sammo Hung. Director Soi Cheang captures the claustrophobic, chaotic energy of Kowloon, turning its maze-like alleys and rooftops into a battleground. Blending classic martial arts traditions with modern filmmaking techniques, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In stands out as one of the most exhilarating martial arts films in recent years.

8

‘Nobody’ (2021)

Directed by Ilya Naishuller

Nobody follows Hutch Mansell (Bob Odenkirk), a seemingly mild-mannered dad living a routine, uneventful life, until a home invasion forces him to take action. While he appeared helpless when the invasion happened, Hutch tracks down the perpetrators who stole her daughter’s beloved bracelet. He finds himself in the crosshairs of the Russian mob, forcing him to unleash the skills of his former life as a highly trained assassin.

The film’s biggest asset lies in its leading man. Bob Odenkirk, best known for playing slick lawyer Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, trades his comedic persona for that of an action star. He brings a grounded, everyman charm to Hutch, making his transformation from a suburban dad to a unstoppable killing machine believable and incredibly fun to watch. The action, which was crafted by the team behind John Wick, is visceral and brutal. Whether it’s the now-iconic bus brawl or a full-scale shootout in a booby-trapped warehouse, Nobody never loses momentum. It became a hit with action fans, and a sequel directed by Timo Tjahjanto (The Night Comes For Us) is imminent.

7

‘Prey’ (2022)

Directed by Dan Trachtenberg

A fresh and necessary reinvention of the Predator franchise, Prey follows Naru (Amber Midthunder), a skilled Comanche warrior eager to prove herself as a hunter. Set in 1719, her journey turns into a fight for survival when she encounters a highly advanced Predator, one of the first to land on Earth. As the technologically advanced alien methodically hunts anything it sees as a threat, Naru must rely on her resourcefulness and deep understanding of the land to beat the deadly creature.

The Predator franchise has suffered in recent years, as the Shane Black reboot did not jolt it back to life. Director Dan Trachtenberg (10 Cloverfield Lane) stripped back the film and brought it back to basics: a mano-a-mano survival thriller, similar to the celebrated first two films starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny Glover. Prey thrives in its simplicity, with Amber Midthunder‘s exceptional Naru facing off against the Predator in a physical chess match that emphasizes wits and skills over brute force. As one of the best prequels, the film was a fan favorite, and it even got new fans to get excited about the franchise again. The only downside is that it was only released on Hulu. Fortunately, the studio has learned from its mistake and will be releasing Trachtenberg’s follow-up, Elle Fanning‘s Predator: Badlands, in theatres.

6

‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ (2024)

Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah

Miami’s most reckless detectives, Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence), return in Bad Boys: Ride or Die. This time, the duo is forced to go on the run when their late Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano) is framed for corruption, making them the targets of both criminals and law enforcement. As they fight to clear his name together with their trusted crew, Lowrey and Burnett seek help from their previous enemy, Lowrey’s estranged son, Armando (Jacob Scipio).

After their Batgirl movie was discarded, directors Adil & Bilall bounced back with their second outing in the Bad Boys franchise. After emulating Michael Bay‘s style in Bad Boys for Life, the directing duo established a unique rhythm and created some of the most exciting and imaginative sequences in this installment. The action includes a breathtaking, kinetic oner that includes a creative first-person shooter perspective in the climax. Smith and Lawrence remain the draw for the film, with their unmatched chemistry that brings humor and excitement. It was a hit that Smith desperately needed after his infamous Oscar slap. Despite both of the leading men starting to show their age, it seems that they will be in the franchise for life.

5

‘Tenet’ (2020)

Directed by Christopher Nolan

Christopher Nolan’s Tenet follows The Protagonist (John David Washington), a CIA operative recruited into a secret mission tasked with preventing World War III. He has to stop a powerful Russian arms dealer (Kenneth Branagh) from detonating the mother of all bombs by using mysterious technology that can invert time, allowing people to move backward while the rest of the world moves forward. Teaming up with Neil (Robert Pattinson), their mission literally bends time so that the future can be prevented.

The mind-bending action thriller is Nolan’s version of James Bond. Always obsessed with the concept of time, Nolan crafted high-concept science fiction with practical, large-scale action. The film’s time-inversion brings a refreshing and unpredictable spectacle to the usual action choreography. The practical stunts, including a highway sequence where the chase unfolds from both ends of time and an actual 747 crashing into an airport terminal, add a level of realism that’s usually replaced by CGI. While its complex narrative may challenge first-time viewers, the film clearly says that it’s best not to understand it but feel it. Audiences who feel the film are rewarded with something new every time they revisit the film. It may be imperfect, but it’s Nolan at his most ambitious yet.

4

‘Bullet Train’ (2022)

Directed by David Leitch

Set almost entirely aboard a speeding Shinkansen train, Bullet Train follows Ladybug (Brad Pitt), a skilled but unlucky assassin tasked with retrieving a mysterious briefcase. The simple job turns out to be a coveted one as other deadly assassins, including Prince (Joey King) and the hitmen duo Lemon and Tangerine (Brian Tyree Henry and Aaron Taylor-Johnson), try to get it themselves, leading to a much larger conspiracy. As the train speeds to its final destination, Ladybug fights to survive against the lineup of eccentric killers.

Directed by David Leitch (Deadpool 2, The Fall Guy), the film delivers slickly choreographed fight scenes in a confined setting at a relentless pace. With the always likable Brad Pitt as the lead, the humor lands as hard as the punches and kicks. While critics were more lukewarm towards the film, audiences loved the spectacle. The film’s neon-lit aesthetic, fast-paced editing, and stylized action sequences make it visually striking, while its absurd comedy keeps it entertaining. The film also boasts an incredible ensemble that includes Emmy winner Hiroyuki Sanada and a slew of surprising cameos. Simply put, Bullet Train is pure action movie fun.

3

‘RRR’ (2022)

Directed by S.S. Rajamouli

RRR brings together two Indian revolutionaries in a fictional, action-packed tale. Set in 1920s British-occupied India, the film follows Komaram Bheem (NTR Jr.), a tribal warrior on a mission to rescue a kidnapped girl, and Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan), a decorated officer with a secret agenda. Their paths collide unexpectedly, leading to a deep friendship. However, their identities clash, leading to a rift between them, but the two heroes need to band together to defeat their common enemy.

Indian movies, particularly Tamil cinema, have an entirely different visual language than Hollywood, and this film brings it to mainstream audiences. Director S.S. Rajamouli (Baahubali) put together some of the most inventive and exhilarating action set pieces unlike any other on screen. From a gravity-defying bridge rescue to an all-out battle between the two heroes, every sequence is simply breathtaking and awe-inspiring. Even the musical scenes, including the Oscar-winning “Naatu Naatu,” are expertly choreographed and emotional. A massive success around the world, RRR‘s entertainment factor is not only in its spectacle but also its heart, which makes the audience connect with the characters on screen. With a sequel in the works, RRR is an unforgettable experience and a must-watch for every action film fan.

2

‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ (2023)

Directed by Chad Stahelski

John Wick: Chapter 4 sees Keanu Reeves’ relentless assassin continues his crusade against The High Table. His road to freedom leads him through Osaka, Berlin, and Paris, as he faces off against deadly killers led by the ruthless Marquis de Gramont (Bill Skarsgård). The Marquis personally dispatches a blind yet lethal warrior, Caine (Donnie Yen), on Wick’s path. As usual, John must rely on old allies like Winston (Ian McShane) and outfight a horde of elite killers to finally be free.

With each entry, the John Wick films always outdid themselves, and this final chapter is arguably the best of them all. Stuntman-turned-director Chad Stahelski pushes the franchise to new heights with some of the most exquisitely choreographed fight sequences ever put on screen. From a brutal sword fight in a Japanese hotel to a jaw-droppingly awesome shootout shot from above that feels like a live-action video game, the action is both innovative and exhilarating, as expected from the series. The film still brings the wildest stunts to the screen, this time most memorably highlighted by the long fall from a Parisian staircase. With a seemingly definitive conclusion, it will be a long while before audiences are treated to a film as satisfying as John Wick: Chapter 4 again. Fans can see John again in a spin-off starring Ana de Armas, Ballerina.

1

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022)

Directed by Joseph Kosinski

Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) returns in Top Gun: Maverick, as he’s called back to the Top Gun academy to train an elite group of young aviators for a mission that can only be carried out by fighter jets. Among the team are the cocky Hangman (Glen Powell), the confident Phoenix (Monica Barbaro) and the son of his late best friend Rooster (Miles Teller), who still harbors resentment towards Maverick. Maverick also reconnects with an old flame, Penny (Jennifer Connelly), making him rethink his life as a seasoned, daredevil test pilot.

A worthy successor to the iconic original, Top Gun: Maverick stands as one of the best action films of recent years thanks to its commitment to practical, high-intensity spectacle. Tom Cruise’s commitment to using real fighter jets instead of relying on CGI results in some of the most exhilarating action sequences ever filmed. His insistence extends to his younger co-stars, making every sequence immersive. Beyond the spectacle, the film has a heart that makes the audiences care, from Maverick’s emotional journey, the bond between pilots, and closure with Iceman (Val Kilmer). The film could’ve easily been just a nostalgia fest, but director Joseph Kosinski and Cruise are adamant about bringing high entertainment equal to the heights of the jets themselves. It’s a rare film that delivers old-school action done right so that it can outshine even the best CGI creations.

NEXT: The 10 Best Action Movies of the Last 25 Years, Ranked