20+ Best Hollywood Action Movies (2024)

Best Hollywood Action Movies to Watch in 2024! 

The list contains a variety of Hollywood action movies, including thrillers, crime dramas, fantasy movies, racing movies, sci-fi and more. Get your snacks ready because it's movie time, fellas. 

1. John Wick

What’s better than starting the list of best Hollywood action movies with a Keanu Reeves film? John Wick is a four-part movie and it revolves around the life of an ex-hitman. Every single part of the movie has been a blockbuster. John Wick is highly appreciated for its brilliant action sequences, visuals, editing, direction and superb acting, particularly Keanu Reeves. The fifth part of the film is already in the making and is expected to be released in the coming years. 

Cast - Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen, Adrianne Palicki, Bridget Moynahan, Dean Winters

Release Date - 2014-present

2. Mission Impossible

Who hasn’t heard of Tom Cruise? He is the action king of Hollywood and is renowned for performing all the stunts by himself in the movies. Mission Impossible is a spy action film with seven parts that has been released till now. The main protagonist, Ethan, is always busy saving humanity and his loved ones with his IMF (Impossible Mission Force) team. The movie is full of great action sequences, suspense and thrill. The storylines of all parts are connected to each other, so it's better to watch them in the order of the release date. 

Cast - Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg

Release Date - 1996-present 

3. The Dark Knight 

A dark, gripping, and unforgettable tale of Batman and Joker, ladies and gentlemen, The Dark Night is the movie for you. It has top-notch action, engaging characters, and a hook-up storyline. Trust me! Apart from the action and thrill, one thing that will capture your soul is the performance of Heath Ledger. The city of Gotham is once again in danger, and it’s all upto the Batman to save the city and the people. The film has drama, action, thrill, gripping visuals and a memorable performance. 

Cast - Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart

Release Date - July 14, 2008

4. Kill Bill

Kill Bill is going down in the history of the best Hollywood action movies of all time. This martial arts genre film is on a completely different level. The story revolves around a bride on a mission to take revenge on a group of assassins after they tried to kill her and her unborn child. The film continues for two more parts, which are as fantastic as the first one. Just a heads up, it has brutal graphics and intense violence. Overall, this film will give you all the thrill, action and drama you might want. 

Cast - Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah

Release Date - October 10, 2003

5. Top Gun: Maverick

Are you ready for some aerial action by the action king himself? Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise, is a classic action drama film known for its iconic screenplay, soundtracks and thrilling aerial sequences. The story revolves around Maverick and his journey to becoming the best fighter pilot in the world. With his cold attitude, Maverick faces problems with his colleagues at the training institute. However, it's not just the top post that Maverick wants but also the attention of her instructor, Charlie. 

Cast - Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm

Release Date - April 28, 2022

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6. Mad Max

If you love the themes of a post-apocalyptic world, then you are definitely gonna like Mad Max. Not too far in the future, oil, the most precious resource of man, is lost. It leads to chaos, turmoil and disruption. The last of the law enforcers are trying to restrain a vicious bike gang. The gang kills the wife and child of Max, the best officer of the police force. Max becomes Mad Max, and the only instincts left with him are of hunting and survival. 

Cast - Mel Gibson, Tom Hardy, Jacob Tomuri

Release Date - 1979

7. Blade Runner

Here comes Blade Runner, one of the most popular picks in the list of best Hollywood action movies. The film is considered the foundational work of the cyberpunk genre and a leading example of noe-noir cinema. Blade Runner is set in a dystopian future where the powerful Tyrell Corporation produces synthetic humanoids called Replicants. Rick Deckard, an ex-policeman, is on a mission to eliminate the four replicants who have escaped from the colonies. But during the mission, things happen, and he starts questioning his own identity. The movie is gripping from start to end and offers some of the best cinematic experiences you’ll ever have. 

Cast - Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Daryl Hannah, Edward James Olmos

Release Date - June 25, 1982

8. Die Hard

Die Hard is often considered the pinnacle of the action genre, which is definitely true. It has everything from explosions, gun shoots, fist fights, blood and whatnot. The cinematography is so outstanding it will blow your mind, and Bruce Willis has made the character immortal. Die Hard is not just a plain action movie. It is full of layers and unseen twists that will keep you glued to your seat. The story is about a detective who lands in LA to spend Christmas with his wife. Soon, he learns about a hostage situation in an office building where his wife is one of the hostages. 

Cast - Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Alexander Godunov, Bonnie Bedelia

Release Date - July 12, 1988

9. Rush 

Rush is a biographical sports-action film inspired by the life events of two of the greatest F1 racers, Niki Lauda and James Hunt. They were fierce competitors who always pushed each other to their limits. Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl played their roles in the film, and they did justice to the characters. Hunt was a risk taker and a flamboyant person, as opposed to Niki, who was a calculated and meticulous person. The film not only covers the racing thrill but goes deep to show the different ways in which these two individuals perceived greatness. 

Cast - Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Brühl, Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara, Pierfrancesco Favino

Release Date - 2 September 2013

10. The Terminator

Hollywood and its sci-fi action films are always top-level. In the list of best Hollywood action movies, The Terminator is extremely popular. So, Terminator is a cyborg who came from the future to kill Sarah Connor, a waitress who is destined to give birth to the saviour of humankind. Kyle Reese, a human soldier, is on a mission to save Sarah and, hence, the future of the whole of mankind. The film was initially rejected by many production houses before it was accepted by ORION pictures. Thank goodness the film reached the theatres and became one of the best Hollywood action movies of all time. 

Cast - Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Biehn, Linda Hamilton, Paul Winfield

Release Date - October 26, 1984

11. Batman 

If we are talking about the best Hollywood action movies, Batman is a must to mention. After all, he is the superhero we have grown up listening to. Batman is a part of the DC universe who kills evil and saves humanity. Its recent part was launched in 2022 with Robert Pattinson as Batman. The film received high praise for its action sequences, cinematography and visual effects. The city of Gotham is in danger due to a sadistic killer, and it's upto Batman to catch him. Meanwhile, he has to indulge in the investigation of the city’s big political figures as they are the prime target of the killer. The film has lots of investigative drama and suspense, which will keep you hooked for hours.  

Cast - Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, John Turturro, Peter Sarsgaard, Andy Serkis, Colin Farrell

Release Date - March 1, 2022

12. Dune 

All the science fiction fans, mark your attendance here! Dune is a movie which needs no introduction. With Timothée Chalamet in the lead role, the film is exceptional in terms of plot, visuals and cinematography. Dune is the story of a gifted young boy who has to travel to the most dangerous planet of the universe in order to save his family and people. Everything from the storyline and characters to the screenplay and graphics is enchanting. Two parts of this film have already been released, with the third part expected to be released in 2026. 

Cast - Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux

Release Date - October 22, 2021

13. The Matrix 

Here comes one more popular sci-fi movie that has made its way onto the list of the best Hollywood action movies of all time. To be honest, The Matrix is not just a movie but a masterpiece that created a big question mark on reality. It revolves around the concept that we are living in a simulated world, and some higher power is controlling our so-called reality. Whenever people talk about spirituality, reality and the subconscious, the name of this film always comes forth. The Matrix is even considered to be the greatest science fiction film of all time. 

Cast - Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Joe Pantoliano

Release Date - March 31, 1999

14. Fast & Furious 

Fast & Furious is a popular film series that is loved for its racing action and thrill. The movies are based on the plots of street racing, family disputes, spies and heists. If you love lots of cars on screen going at full speed, then this movie suits you. The film series heavily emphasises on the cars and racing culture, with many subplots revolving around them. With Vin Diesel and Paul Walker in the lead roles, the film series created many masterpieces and a loyal fanbase. The first Fast & Furious film was released in 2011, and there are currently 12 movies in this series. 

Cast - Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris "Ludacris", Bridges, Matt Schulze, Sung Kang, Dwayne Johnson 

Release Date - April 29, 2011

15. Sicario 

Hollywood action thrillers are some next-level watch. Sicario is one such film with suspense, crime drama, thrill and lots of violent action. The story revolves around an FBI agent who is on a mission to stop a dangerous drug cartel going on between the US and Mexico. During the mission, he comes across many harsh realities related to the people around him. He then struggles to choose whom to trust. The film has an engaging plot with many twists and turns, enough to keep you glued. The actors did a brilliant job, and the direction was phenomenal. 

Cast - Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin, Jon Bernthal, Daniel Kaluuya

Release Date - September 18, 2015

16. Avengers 

Avengers is not just a movie series but an essential part of us. I know we all can agree to that. Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor, Hawkeye, Black Widow and others made us feel so many emotions all these years. From action and drama to character development and emotional bonds, Avengers is a film series that has our hearts. And if you haven’t seen this masterpiece, go and watch now! You can not delay one of the most loved Hollywood action movies any longer. 

Cast - Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett, Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston

Release Date - May 4, 2012

17. Rambo 

If you want to watch an authentic action film and know the real meaning of an action thriller, watch Rambo. The storyline is simple but gripping and intense. Rambo is a war veteran who gets on the wrong side of the town’s sheriff. Now, he has to fight for his life and do everything in his power to save himself. The film series has many parts with different storylines. When it comes to direction and screenplay, everyone has done an outstanding job to make this film a gem of the Hollywood action genre. 

Cast - Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Brian Dennehy

Release Date - October 22, 1982

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18. The Lord of the Rings 

What are you even doing if you haven’t watched Lord of the Rings? In the genre of action-adventure-fantasy, this film is a diamond. It is one of the few films that are remembered for decades. The film is based on a future timeline where the fate of the civilisation depends on the ring, which has been lost for centuries. Many good and evil forces are searching for the ring, but fate has placed the ring in the hands of a young Hobbit. The film is perfect in every aspect, including music, visuals, story and direction. 

Cast - Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Cate, Blanchett, John Rhys-Davies, Billy Boyd

Release Date - 19 December 2001

19. Spiderman 

Ahh! One of my favourite superhero action movies of all time. I love everything about this film. It’s high school drama, hero saving the world, secret identity and engaging thrill moments. The film series has multiple parts, with Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse being released at the latest in 2023. The film teaches us that greatness lies within all of us. It depends on us as to how we explore our potential and use it to the fullest. Spiderman is a great film series in terms of engaging plot, meaningful drama and the importance of family and bonds. 

Cast - Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, Rosemary Harris 

Release Date - 24 May 2002

20. Lethal Weapon 

Lethal Weapon is a classic from the 80s and is undoubtedly one of the best Hollywood action movies ever created. The film revolves around a Los Angeles police detective who becomes violent and suicidal after the untimed death of his wife. He is then partnered with a police officer, and together, they uncover a massive drug trafficking ring. The 80s was the time when Hollywood films used to portray authentic action with guns, fist fights, blood and violence. 

Cast - Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey

Release Date - March 6, 1987

21. Commando 

    

Arnold Schwarzenegger! The name is enough to make you add this film to your watchlist. Commando is a classic action thriller film about an ex-Black-ops commander whose daughter gets kidnapped. He only has a few hours to find his daughter and rescue her. The film is highly praised for its action sequences and humour, which keep the audience hooked. The action is really intense and includes gunfights, fiery explosions, bloody bodies, stabbing and more. The film is rated R due to the high level of violence. 

Cast - Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rae Dawn Chong

Release Date - October 4, 1985

Wrapping Up 

When it comes to the Best Hollywood Action Movies, Keanu Reaves and Tom Cruise stand tall with their films. The action genre in Hollywood has transformed a lot from lethal fistfights and fiery explosions to sci-fi thriller and adventure. Nonetheless, Hollywood action movies are still outstanding with their screen play, visuals, action sequences and gripping storylines. If you enjoy reading this article, share it with action lovers you know and let them entertained by these masterpieces. 

Questions You May Have 

Q. What is the top 10 action movie?

Ans. Some of the best Hollywood action movies are - John Wick, Blade Runner, Mission Impossible and Die Hard. 

Q. What are the top 10 action movies on Netflix?

Ans. RRR, Spiderman, Damsel and Extraction are the top action movies on Netflix right now. 

Q. What are the top 10 action movies on IMDb?

Ans. Die Hard, Terminator, Predator, and Mad Max are among the top 10 action movies with the highest IMDb ratings. 

Q. What is the 1 most famous movie?

Ans. Avatar, Titanic and The Lord of the Rings are the most popular movies to date. 

Q. Which are the Hollywood action movies latest? 

Ans. Dune part 2 and Spiderman Across Multiverse are the Hollywood action movies latest.