The first BD-ROM players (Samsung BD-P1000) were shipped in mid-June 2006, though HD DVD players beat them to market by a few months.[31][32] The first Blu-ray Disc titles were released on June 20, 2006: 50 First Dates, The Fifth Element, Hitch, House of Flying Daggers, Underworld: Evolution, xXx (all from Sony), and MGM's The Terminator.[33] The earliest releases used MPEG-2 video compression, the same method used on standard DVDs. The first releases using the newer VC-1 and AVC formats were introduced in September 2006.[34] The first movies using 50 GB dual-layer discs were introduced in October 2006.[35] The first audio-only albums were released in May 2008.[36][37]
BEYOND ORDINARY MUSIC [BOM] [ 60 Movies DISC BOX SET ]
Following these new developments, on February 19, 2008, Toshiba announced it would end production of HD DVD devices,[53] allowing Blu-ray Disc to become the industry standard for high-density optical discs. Universal Studios, the sole major studio to back HD DVD since its inception, said shortly after Toshiba's announcement: "While Universal values the close partnership we have shared with Toshiba, it is time to turn our focus to releasing new and catalog titles on Blu-ray Disc."[54] Paramount Pictures, which started releasing movies only in HD DVD format during late 2007, also said it would start releasing on Blu-ray Disc. Both studios announced initial Blu-ray lineups in May 2008. With this, all major Hollywood studios supported Blu-ray.[55]
Blu-ray faces competition from video on demand[66] and from new technologies that allow access to movies on any format or device, such as Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem or Disney's Keychest.[67] Some commentators suggested that renting Blu-ray would play a vital part in keeping the technology affordable while allowing it to move forward.[68] In an effort to increase sales, studios began releasing films in combo packs with Blu-ray Discs and DVDs, as well as digital copies that can be played on computers and mobile devices. Some are released on "flipper" discs with Blu-ray on one side and DVD on the other. Other strategies are to release movies with the special features only on Blu-ray Discs and none on DVDs.
Sony added Blu-ray 3D support to its PlayStation 3 console via a firmware upgrade on September 21, 2010.[233] The console had previously gained 3D gaming capability via an update on April 21, 2010.[234] Since the version 3.70 software update on August 9, 2011, the PlayStation 3 can play DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio while playing 3D Blu-ray.[235] Dolby TrueHD is used on a small minority of Blu-ray 3D releases, and bitstreaming implemented in slim PlayStation 3 models only (original "fat" PS3 models decode internally and send audio as LPCM).[236] The PlayStation VR can also be used to watch these movies in 3D on a PlayStation 4.[237] As of 2018, most major home entertainment studios, such as Walt Disney Studios, Sony Pictures, MGM, and Universal Pictures had discontinued the Blu-ray 3D format in North America, but continued to produce and sell them in other regions such as South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Paramount Pictures has ceased sales and productions of 3D Blu-ray Discs all over the world, its last 3D releases being Ghost in the Shell and Transformers: The Last Knight, while Warner Bros. still continues to sell and produce 3D Blu-ray Discs to this day in all regions, notable titles including: Wonder Woman, Blade Runner 2049, Justice League, Tomb Raider, Rampage, Aquaman, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, Shazam!, and Godzilla: King of the Monsters.[citation needed]
His music has also served as the basis of several revues and compilation shows, including "Side by Side by Sondheim," "Putting It Together," "Mostly Sondheim," and "Sondheim on Sondheim." Beyond the adaptation of his works for movies, Sondheim wrote original music for the 1974 Alain Renais drama "Stavisky," and the Warren Beatty films "Reds" and "Dick Tracy," including a song for Madonna, "Sooner or Later (I Always Get My Man"), which won an Oscar for Best Original Song.
A Cambridge University graduate who was president of the Footlights performance club, he began writing music for the West End and the movies. Working either solo or in collaboration, Bricusse wrote words, music or both, including lyrics for the Bond theme songs "Goldfinger" and "You Only Live Twice" (with music by John Barry), and the Academy Award-nominated score for "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory"; its songs, co-written with Anthony Newley, include "Pure Imagination" and "The Candy Man."
He was a man of letters, music, theater and film, earning the sobriquet "Godfather of Black Cinema" for helping to usher in a wave of "blaxploitation" movies in the 1970s that influenced generations of filmmakers. The best-known work of Melvin Van Peebles (August 21, 1932-September 22, 2021) was the 1971 movie "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song," an indie film that he wrote, produced, directed, starred in and scored. It was a violent tale of a Black street hustler on the run after killing police officers who were beating a Black revolutionary. Despite its low budget and limited distribution (it initially received an X rating), the film became a box office hit, inspiring Hollywood to chase after a lucrative but untapped Black film market.
Refusing to work in movies without control, Van Peebles wrote and produced several plays and musicals on Broadway, including the Tony-nominated "Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death" and "Don't Play Us Cheap." He also co-wrote the 1977 Richard Pryor film "Greased Lighting," about Wendell Scott, the first Black race car driver. He penned the screenplay for "Panther," adapted from his novel and directed by his son, Mario Van Peebles. He also recorded several albums.
Looked at chronologically, as in this list of the some of the most enduring and collectable releases of the decade, the 1950s were soundtracked by a giddying, multi-coloured galaxy of music. Some of the discs are by artists widely-celebrated today, although where possible an effort has been made to avoid the most obvious choice of releases, others are by musicians who were little known at the time, and remain so today. Hopefully, you will find a few surprises along the way.
#140 Running Scared (1986) 59% #140 Adjusted Score: 55462% Critics Consensus: Running Scared struggles to strike a consistent balance between violent action and humor, but the chemistry between its well-matched leads keeps things entertaining. Synopsis: Ray and Danny (Gregory Hines, Billy Crystal) are two Chicago police detectives hot on the trail of drug kingpin Julio... [More] Starring: Gregory Hines, Billy Crystal, Jimmy Smits, Steven Bauer Directed By: Peter Hyams #139 Equilibrium (2002) 40% #139 Adjusted Score: 42210% Critics Consensus: Equilibrium is a reheated mishmash of other sci-fi movies. Synopsis: In a futuristic world, a regime has eliminated war by suppressing emotions: books, art and music are strictly forbidden and... [More] Starring: Christian Bale, Emily Watson, Taye Diggs, Angus Macfadyen Directed By: Kurt Wimmer #138 Hero (2002) 94% #138 Adjusted Score: 101233% Critics Consensus: With death-defying action sequences and epic historic sweep, Hero offers everything a martial arts fan could ask for. Synopsis: In this visually arresting martial arts epic set in ancient China, an unnamed fighter (Jet Li) is being honored for... [More] Starring: Jet Li, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Maggie Cheung Man-yuk, Donnie Yen Directed By: Zhang Yimou #137 Road House (1989) 42% #137 Adjusted Score: 44856% Critics Consensus: Whether Road House is simply bad or so bad it's good depends largely on the audience's fondness for Swayze -- and tolerance for violently cheesy action. Synopsis: The Double Deuce is the meanest, loudest and rowdiest bar south of the Mason-Dixon Line, and Dalton (Patrick Swayze) has... [More] Starring: Patrick Swayze, Kelly Lynch, Sam Elliott, Ben Gazzara Directed By: Rowdy Herrington #136 Unstoppable (2010) 87% #136 Adjusted Score: 93785% Critics Consensus: As fast, loud, and relentless as the train at the center of the story, Unstoppable is perfect popcorn entertainment -- and director Tony Scott's best movie in years. Synopsis: When a massive, unmanned locomotive roars out of control, the threat is more ominous than just a derailment. The train... [More] Starring: Denzel Washington, Chris Pine, Rosario Dawson, Kevin Dunn Directed By: Tony Scott #135 Shaft (1971) 87% #135 Adjusted Score: 91084% Critics Consensus: This is the man that would risk his neck for his brother, man. Can you dig it? Synopsis: John Shaft (Richard Roundtree) is the ultimate in suave black detectives. He first finds himself up against Bumpy (Moses Gunn),... [More] Starring: Richard Roundtree, Moses Gunn, Christopher St. John, Charles Cioffi Directed By: Gordon Parks #134 The Villainess (2017) 85% #134 Adjusted Score: 90238% Critics Consensus: The Villainess offers enough pure kinetic thrills to satisfy genre enthusiasts -- and carve out a bloody niche for itself in modern Korean action cinema. Synopsis: Honed from childhood to be an elite assassin, Sook-hee embarks on a rampage of violence and revenge to finally earn... [More] Starring: Kim Ok-bin, Shin Ha-kyun, Sung-joon, Kim Seo-hyung Directed By: Jeong Byeong-gil #133 Highlander (1986) 70% #133 Adjusted Score: 72534% Critics Consensus: People hate Highlander because it's cheesy, bombastic, and absurd. And people love it for the same reasons. Synopsis: When the mystical Russell Nash (Christopher Lambert) kills a man in a sword fight in a New York City parking... [More] Starring: Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, Roxanne Hart, Clancy Brown Directed By: Russell Mulcahy #132 Die Hard 2 (1990) 70% #132 Adjusted Score: 74042% Critics Consensus: It lacks the fresh thrills of its predecessor, but Die Hard 2 still works as an over-the-top -- and reasonably taut -- big-budget sequel, with plenty of set pieces to paper over the plot deficiencies. Synopsis: A year after his heroics in L.A, detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) is mixed up in another terrorist plot, this... [More] Starring: Bruce Willis, Bonnie Bedelia, William Atherton, Reginald VelJohnson Directed By: Renny Harlin #131 National Treasure (2004) 46% #131 Adjusted Score: 51994% Critics Consensus: National Treasure is no treasure, but it's a fun ride for those who can forgive its highly improbable plot. Synopsis: Historian and code-breaker Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) has been searching his whole life for a rumored treasure dating back to... [More] Starring: Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Sean Bean Directed By: Jon Turteltaub #130 The Protector (2005) 53% #130 Adjusted Score: 55601% Critics Consensus: Despite some impressive fight scenes, this trimmed-down version of the Thai action pic is an off-putting mix of scant plot, choppy editing, and confusing subtitles and dubbing. Synopsis: A young fighter (Tony Jaa) travels to Australia to retrieve stolen elephants that were promised originally to the king of... [More] Starring: Tony Jaa, Johnny Nguyen, Nathan Jones, Petchtai Wongkamlao Directed By: Prachya Pinkaew #129 Revenge (2017) 93% #129 Adjusted Score: 98893% Critics Consensus: Revenge slices and dices genre tropes, working within an exploitation framework while adding a timely -- yet never less than viscerally thrilling -- feminist spin. Synopsis: Jen is enjoying a romantic getaway with her wealthy boyfriend -- until his two sleazy friends arrive for an unannounced... [More] Starring: Matilda Lutz, Kevin Janssens, Vincent Colombe, Guillaume Bouchède Directed By: Coralie Fargeat #128 El Mariachi (1992) 91% #128 Adjusted Score: 96614% Critics Consensus: Made on a shoestring budget, El Mariachi's story is not new. However, the movie has so much energy that it's thoroughly enjoyable. Synopsis: El Mariachi (Carlos Gallardo) is a traveling guitar player with the modest desire to play music for a living. Looking... [More] Starring: Carlos Gallardo, Consuelo Gómez, Reinol Martinez, Peter Marquardt Directed By: Robert Rodriguez #127 A Touch of Zen (1971) 97% #127 Adjusted Score: 98179% Critics Consensus: A brilliantly directed feast for the eyes with an epic story to match, A Touch of Zen marks a groundbreaking achievement in the wuxia genre. Synopsis: Ku Shen Chai (Chun Shih), an unmotivated artist in his early 30s, still lives with his mother, but he is... [More] Starring: Feng Hsu, Chun Shih, Pai Ying, Roy Chiao Directed By: King Hu #126 Top Gun (1986) 58% #126 Adjusted Score: 64259% Critics Consensus: Though it features some of the most memorable and electrifying aereial footage shot with an expert eye for action, Top Gun offers too little for non-adolescent viewers to chew on when its characters aren't in the air. Synopsis: The Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School is where the best of the best train to refine their elite flying... [More] Starring: Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Anthony Edwards, Val Kilmer Directed By: Tony Scott #125 Con Air (1997) 58% #125 Adjusted Score: 61605% Critics Consensus: Con Air won't win any awards for believability - and all involved seem cheerfully aware of it, making some of this blockbuster action outing's biggest flaws fairly easy to forgive. Synopsis: Just-paroled army ranger Cameron Poe (Nicolas Cage) is headed back to his wife (Monica Potter), but must fly home aboard... [More] Starring: Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, John Malkovich, Steve Buscemi Directed By: Simon West #124 The Expendables 2 (2012) 67% #124 Adjusted Score: 71691% Critics Consensus: Taut, violent, and suitably self-deprecating, The Expendables 2 gives classic action fans everything they can reasonably expect from a star-studded shoot-'em-up -- for better and for worse. Synopsis: Mercenary leader Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), Lee Christmas (Jason Statham) and the rest of the Expendables team reunite when Mr.... [More] Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren Directed By: Simon West #123 The Mummy (1999) 60% #123 Adjusted Score: 63712% Critics Consensus: It's difficult to make a persuasive argument for The Mummy as any kind of meaningful cinematic achievement, but it's undeniably fun to watch. Synopsis: The Mummy is a rousing, suspenseful and horrifying epic about an expedition of treasure-seeking explorers in the Sahara Desert in... [More] Starring: Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo Directed By: Stephen Sommers #122 Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) 59% #122 Adjusted Score: 66711% Critics Consensus: Although this action-romance suffers from weak writing and one too many explosions, the chemistry generated by onscreen couple Pitt and Jolie is palpable enough to make this a thoroughly enjoyable summer action flick. Synopsis: John (Brad Pitt) and Jane Smith (Angelina Jolie), a couple in a stagnating marriage, live a deceptively mundane existence. However,... [More] Starring: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Vince Vaughn, Adam Brody Directed By: Doug Liman #121 Rush Hour (1998) 61% #121 Adjusted Score: 64207% Critics Consensus: A kick-ass addition to the cop-buddy film genre. Synopsis: When a Chinese diplomat's daughter is kidnapped in Los Angeles, he calls in Hong Kong Detective Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan)... [More] Starring: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Tom Wilkinson, Elizabeth Peña Directed By: Brett Ratner #120 The Equalizer (2014) 60% #120 Adjusted Score: 67528% Critics Consensus: The Equalizer is more stylishly violent than meaningful, but with Antoine Fuqua behind the cameras and Denzel Washington dispensing justice, it delivers. Synopsis: Robert McCall (Denzel Washington), a man of mysterious origin who believes he has put the past behind him, dedicates himself... [More] Starring: Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour Directed By: Antoine Fuqua #119 Captain America: Civil War (2016) 90% #119 Adjusted Score: 114261% Critics Consensus: Captain America: Civil War begins the next wave of Marvel movies with an action-packed superhero blockbuster boasting a decidedly non-cartoonish plot and the courage to explore thought-provoking themes. Synopsis: Political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability when the actions of the Avengers lead to collateral damage. The... [More] Starring: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan Directed By: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo #118 Air Force One (1997) 78% #118 Adjusted Score: 81086% Critics Consensus: This late-period Harrison Ford actioner is full of palpable, if not entirely seamless, thrills. Synopsis: After making a speech in Moscow vowing to never negotiate with terrorists, President James Marshall (Harrison Ford) boards Air Force... [More] Starring: Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, Glenn Close, Wendy Crewson Directed By: Wolfgang Petersen #117 Bloodsport (1988) 46% #117 Adjusted Score: 46168% Critics Consensus: This is where it all began for the Muscles from Brussels, but beyond Van Damme's athleticism, Bloodsport is a cliched, virtually plotless exercise in action movie recycling. Synopsis: U.S. soldier Frank Dux (Jean-Claude Van Damme) has come to Hong Kong to be accepted into the Kumite, a highly... [More] Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Donald Gibb, Leah Ayres, Norman Burton Directed By: Newt Arnold #116 Blade (1998) 57% #116 Adjusted Score: 62079% Critics Consensus: Though some may find the plot a bit lacking, Blade's action is fierce, plentiful, and appropriately stylish for a comic book adaptation. Synopsis: A half-mortal, half-immortal is out to avenge his mother's death and rid the world of vampires. The modern-day technologically advanced... [More] Starring: Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson, N'Bushe Wright Directed By: Stephen Norrington #115 Bad Boys (1995) 43% #115 Adjusted Score: 46582% Critics Consensus: Bad Boys stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have enjoyable chemistry; unfortunately, director Michael Bay too often drowns it out with set pieces and explosions in place of an actual story. Synopsis: Miami-Dade detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) blow a fuse when $100 million worth of heroin... [More] Starring: Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Tea Leoni, Tcheky Karyo Directed By: Michael Bay #114 Die Hard With a Vengeance (1995) 58% #114 Adjusted Score: 62259% Critics Consensus: Die Hard with a Vengeance benefits from Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson's barbed interplay, but clatters to a bombastic finish in a vain effort to cover for an overall lack of fresh ideas. Synopsis: Detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) is now divorced, alcoholic and jobless after getting fired for his reckless behavior and bad... [More] Starring: Bruce Willis, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson, Graham Greene Directed By: John McTiernan #113 The Running Man (1987) 67% #113 Adjusted Score: 69907% Critics Consensus: The Running Man is winking sci-fi satire with ridiculous clothes and workmanlike direction. Synopsis: In the year 2019, America is a totalitarian state where the favorite television program is "The Running Man" -- a... [More] Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Conchita Alonso, Richard Dawson, Yaphet Kotto Directed By: Paul Michael Glaser #112 Code of Silence (1985) 70% #112 Adjusted Score: 70760% Critics Consensus: No consensus yet. Synopsis: In Chicago, honor-driven Sgt. Eddie Cusack (Chuck Norris) and his team stake out a drug exchange involving notorious drug czar... [More] Starring: Chuck Norris, Henry Silva, Bert Remsen, Mike Genovese Directed By: Andrew Davis #111 Shoot 'Em Up (2007) 67% #111 Adjusted Score: 72695% Critics Consensus: As preposterous and over-the-top as Shoot 'Em Up may be, its humor and non-stop action make for a very enjoyable film. Synopsis: After saving a newborn infant from assassins, carrot-crunching gunman Mr. Smith (Clive Owen) teams up with a prostitute named DQ... [More] Starring: Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti, Monica Bellucci, Daniel Pilon Directed By: Michael Davis #110 Crank (2006) 62% #110 Adjusted Score: 64956% Critics Consensus: Crank's assaultive style and gleeful depravity may turn off casual action fans, but audiences seeking a strong dose of adrenaline will be thrilled by Jason Statham's raucous race against mortality. Synopsis: Chev Chelios (Jason Statham), a hit man wanting to go straight, lets his latest target slip away, then he awakes... [More] Starring: Jason Statham, Amy Smart, Jose Pablo Cantillo, Efren Ramirez Directed By: Mark Neveldine, Brian Taylor #109 Machete (2010) 71% #109 Adjusted Score: 77718% Critics Consensus: Machete is messy, violent, shallow, and tasteless -- and that's precisely the point of one of the summer's most cartoonishly enjoyable films. Synopsis: After nearly being killed during a violent fight with a powerful drug lord, a former Mexican Federale known as Machete... [More] Starring: Danny Trejo, Robert De Niro, Jessica Alba, Steven Seagal Directed By: Robert Rodriguez, Ethan Maniquis #108 Drive (2011) 93% #108 Adjusted Score: 102828% Critics Consensus: With its hyper-stylized blend of violence, music, and striking imagery, Drive represents a fully realized vision of arthouse action. Synopsis: Driver is a skilled Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver for criminals. Though he projects an icy exterior,... [More] Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks Directed By: Nicolas Winding Refn #107 Batman (1989) 73% #107 Adjusted Score: 78769% Critics Consensus: An eerie, haunting spectacle, Batman succeeds as dark entertainment, even if Jack Nicholson's Joker too often overshadows the title character. Synopsis: Having witnessed his parents' brutal murder as a child, millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton) fights crime in Gotham City... [More] Starring: Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl Directed By: Tim Burton #106 Under Siege (1992) 79% #106 Adjusted Score: 80524% Critics Consensus: A well-directed action thriller that makes the most of its confined setting, Under Siege marks a high point for early '90s action -- and its star's spotty filmography. Synopsis: A heroic loner takes on a group of nuclear terrorists in this seagoing tale. Posing as a rock band, the... [More] Starring: Steven Seagal, Tommy Lee Jones, Gary Busey, Erika Eleniak Directed By: Andrew Davis #105 Independence Day (1996) 67% #105 Adjusted Score: 71059% Critics Consensus: The plot is thin and so is character development, but as a thrilling, spectacle-filled summer movie, Independence Day delivers. Synopsis: In the epic adventure film "Independence Day," strange phenomena surface around the globe. The skies ignite. Terror races through the... [More] Starring: Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell Directed By: Roland Emmerich #104 Bullitt (1968) 98% #104 Adjusted Score: 102140% Critics Consensus: Steve McQueen is cool as ice in this thrilling police procedural that also happens to contain arguably the greatest movie car chase ever. Synopsis: Senator Walter Chalmers (Robert Vaughn) is aiming to take down mob boss Pete Ross (Vic Tayback) with the help of... [More] Starring: Steve McQueen, Robert Vaughn, Jacqueline Bisset, Don Gordon Directed By: Peter Yates #103 Wanted (2008) 71% #103 Adjusted Score: 78624% Critics Consensus: Wanted is stylish, energetic popcorn fare with witty performances from Angelina Jolie (playing an expert assassin), James McAvoy, and Morgan Freeman that help to distract from its absurdly over-the-top plot. Synopsis: Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy) is an office worker whose life is going nowhere. After his estranged father is murdered, he... [More] Starring: James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Angelina Jolie, Terence Stamp Directed By: Timur Bekmambetov #102 Superman: The Movie (1978) 93% #102 Adjusted Score: 99766% Critics Consensus: Superman deftly blends humor and gravitas, taking advantage of the perfectly cast Christopher Reeve to craft a loving, nostalgic tribute to an American pop culture icon. Synopsis: Just before the destruction of the planet Krypton, scientist Jor-El (Marlon Brando) sends his infant son Kal-El on a spaceship... [More] Starring: Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando, Margot Kidder Directed By: Richard Donner #101 Ronin (1998) 70% #101 Adjusted Score: 73169% Critics Consensus: Ronin earns comparisons to The French Connection with strong action, dynamic road chase scenes, and solid performances. Synopsis: Deirdre (Natascha McElhone) puts together a team of experts that she tasks with stealing a valuable briefcase, the contents of... [More] Starring: Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, Stellan Skarsgard Directed By: John Frankenheimer #100 They Live (1988) 85% #100 Adjusted Score: 89303% Critics Consensus: A politically subversive blend of horror and sci fi, They Live is an underrated genre film from John Carpenter. Synopsis: Nada (Roddy Piper), a wanderer without meaning in his life, discovers a pair of sunglasses capable of showing the world... [More] Starring: Roddy Piper, Keith David, Meg Foster, George "Buck" Flower Directed By: John Carpenter #99 Cliffhanger (1993) 67% #99 Adjusted Score: 70836% Critics Consensus: While it can't escape comparisons to the movies it borrows from, Cliffhanger is a tense, action-packed thriller and a showcase for the talents that made Sylvester Stallone a star. Synopsis: Outdoor thriller in which a former mountain rescuer is pitted against a group of criminals who have lost their $100... [More] Starring: Sylvester Stallone, John Lithgow, Michael Rooker, Janine Turner Directed By: Renny Harlin #98 Marvel's the Avengers (2012) 91% #98 Adjusted Score: 105476% Critics Consensus: Thanks to a script that emphasizes its heroes' humanity and a wealth of superpowered set pieces, The Avengers lives up to its hype and raises the bar for Marvel at the movies. Synopsis: When Thor's evil brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston), gains access to the unlimited power of the energy cube called the Tesseract,... [More] Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth Directed By: Joss Whedon #97 Hot Fuzz (2007) 91% #97 Adjusted Score: 98430% Critics Consensus: The brilliant minds behind Shaun of the Dead successfully take a shot at the buddy cop genre with Hot Fuzz. The result is a bitingly satiric and hugely entertaining parody. Synopsis: As a former London constable, Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) finds if difficult to adapt to his new assignment in the... [More] Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent, Paddy Considine Directed By: Edgar Wright #96 The Warriors (1979) 88% #96 Adjusted Score: 91560% Critics Consensus: As violent as it is stylish, The Warriors is a thrilling piece of pulp filmmaking. Synopsis: A turf battle between New York City street gangs that rages from Coney Island to the Bronx. The Warriors are... [More] Starring: Michael Beck, James Remar, Dorsey Wright, Brian Tyler Directed By: Walter Hill #95 Starship Troopers (1997) 69% #95 Adjusted Score: 72800% Critics Consensus: A fun movie...if you can accept the excessive gore and wooden acting. Synopsis: In the distant future, the Earth is at war with a race of giant alien insects. Little is known about... [More] Starring: Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, Denise Richards, Jake Busey Directed By: Paul Verhoeven #94 Elite Squad 2 (2010) 91% #94 Adjusted Score: 91813% Critics Consensus: Elite Squad: The Enemy Within is a bleak, violent descent into the Brazilian underbelly, ripping into the favelas with unstoppable and kinetic force. Synopsis: Dirty cops and corrupt, powerful politicians threaten Nascimento (Wagner Moura).... [More] Starring: Wagner Moura, Irandhir Santos, André Ramiro, Pedro Van-Held Directed By: José Padilha #93 Point Break (1991) 71% #93 Adjusted Score: 75567% Critics Consensus: Absurd, over-the-top, and often wildly entertaining, Point Break is here to show you that the human spirit is still alive. Synopsis: After a string of bizarre bank robberies in Southern California, with the crooks donning masks of various former presidents, a... [More] Starring: Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, Gary Busey, Lori Petty Directed By: Kathryn Bigelow #92 The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996) 68% #92 Adjusted Score: 69194% Critics Consensus: Smart, sharp-witted, and fueled by enjoyably over-the-top action, The Long Kiss Goodnight makes up in impact what it lacks in consistent aim. Synopsis: Schoolteacher and single mother Samantha Caine (Geena Davis) lives an average suburban life -- until she begins having strange memories... [More] Starring: Geena Davis, Samuel L. Jackson, Patrick Malahide, Craig Bierko Directed By: Renny Harlin #91 The Guest (2014) 92% #91 Adjusted Score: 96075% Critics Consensus: Boasting enough intelligence to bolster its darkly violent thrills, The Guest offers another treat for genre fans from director Adam Wingard. Synopsis: A string of mysterious deaths leads a teenager to become suspicious of a soldier (Dan Stevens) who showed up on... [More] Starring: Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe, Leland Orser, Sheila Kelley Directed By: Adam Wingard #90 Taken (2008) 59% #90 Adjusted Score: 65364% Critics Consensus: Taken is undeniably fun with slick action, but is largely a brainless exercise. Synopsis: Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson), a former government operative, is trying to reconnect with his daughter, Kim (Maggie Grace). Then his... [More] Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Leland Orser Directed By: Pierre Morel #89 300 (2006) 61% #89 Adjusted Score: 69793% Critics Consensus: A simple-minded but visually exciting experience, full of blood, violence, and ready-made movie quotes. Synopsis: In 480 B.C. a state of war exists between Persia, led by King Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro), and Greece. At the... [More] Starring: Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham, Dominic West Directed By: Zack Snyder #88 True Lies (1994) 70% #88 Adjusted Score: 72702% Critics Consensus: If it doesn't reach the heights of director James Cameron's and star Arnold Schwarzenegger's previous collaborations, True Lies still packs enough action and humor into its sometimes absurd plot to entertain. Synopsis: Secretly a spy but thought by his family to be a dull salesman, Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is tracking down... [More] Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Arnold, Bill Paxton Directed By: James Cameron #87 Demolition Man (1993) 62% #87 Adjusted Score: 62690% Critics Consensus: A better-than-average sci-fi shoot-em-up with a satirical undercurrent, Demolition Man is bolstered by strong performances by Sylvester Stallone, Wesley Snipes, and Sandra Bullock. Synopsis: With innocent victims caught in the crossfire in Los Angeles' intensifying war on crime, both cop John Spartan (Sylvester Stallone)... [More] Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Wesley Snipes, Sandra Bullock, Nigel Hawthorne Directed By: Marco Brambilla #86 Hardcore Henry (2015) 51% #86 Adjusted Score: 58707% Critics Consensus: Hardcore Henry seems poised to reinvent the action flick, but without a story or characters worth caring about, its first-person gimmick quickly loses its thrill. Synopsis: A man wakes up in a Moscow laboratory to learn that he's been brought back from the dead as a... [More] Starring: Sharlto Copley, Danila Kozlovsky, Haley Bennett, Dasha Charusha Directed By: Ilya Naishuller #85 Police Story (1985) 93% #85 Adjusted Score: 93037% Critics Consensus: Blending brilliant physical comedy with thrillingly choreographed set pieces, Police Story makes a persuasive case for Jackie Chan as one of the all-time genre greats. Synopsis: A kung-fu policeman (Jackie Chan) must protect a female witness (Brigitte Lin) from a Hong Kong drug lord for whom... [More] Starring: Jackie Chan, Brigitte Lin, Maggie Cheung, Bill Tung Directed By: Jackie Chan, Chi-Hwa Chen #84 Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001) 73% #84 Adjusted Score: 76389% Critics Consensus: Brotherhood of the Wolf mixes its genres with little logic, but the end result is wildly entertaining. Synopsis: In a rural province of France, a mysterious creature is laying waste to the countryside, savagely killing scores of women... [More] Starring: Samuel Le Bihan, Mark Dacascos, Émilie Dequenne, Vincent Cassel Directed By: Christophe Gans #83 Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014) 75% #83 Adjusted Score: 84666% Critics Consensus: Stylish, subversive, and above all fun, Kingsman: The Secret Service finds director Matthew Vaughn sending up the spy genre with gleeful abandon. Synopsis: Gary "Eggsy" Unwin (Taron Egerton), whose late father secretly worked for a spy organization, lives in a South London housing... [More] Starring: Colin Firth, Michael Caine, Taron Egerton, Samuel L. Jackson Directed By: Matthew Vaughn #82 The Fifth Element (1997) 71% #82 Adjusted Score: 74423% Critics Consensus: Visually inventive and gleefully over the top, Luc Besson's The Fifth Element is a fantastic piece of pop sci-fi that never takes itself too seriously. Synopsis: In the 23rd century, a New York City cabbie, Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis), finds the fate of the world in... [More] Starring: Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, Ian Holm, Milla Jovovich Directed By: Luc Besson #81 Big Trouble in Little China (1986) 74% #81 Adjusted Score: 79208% Critics Consensus: Brimming with energy and packed with humor, Big Trouble in Little China distills kung fu B-movies as affectionately as it subverts them. Synopsis: Kurt Russell plays hard-boiled truck driver Jack Burton, who gets caught in a bizarre conflict within, and underneath, San Francisco's... [More] Starring: Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun, James Hong Directed By: John Carpenter #80 Atomic Blonde (2017) 79% #80 Adjusted Score: 104320% Critics Consensus: Atomic Blonde gets enough mileage out of its stylish action sequences -- and ever-magnetic star -- to make up for a narrative that's somewhat less hard-hitting than its protagonist. Synopsis: Sensual and savage, Lorraine Broughton is the most elite spy in MI6, an agent who's willing to use all of... [More] Starring: Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, Eddie Marsan, John Goodman Directed By: David Leitch #79 Rumble in the Bronx (1995) 80% #79 Adjusted Score: 81209% Critics Consensus: An entertaining Jackie Chan stunt-fest in which the impressive action sequences overcome the low production value and by-the-numbers plot. Synopsis: Hong Kong policeman Keung (Jackie Chan) arrives in New York for the wedding of his uncle Bill (Bill Tung), a... [More] Starring: Jackie Chan, Anita Mui, Bill Tung, Françoise Yip Directed By: Stanley Tong #78 District B13 (2004) 80% #78 Adjusted Score: 83639% Critics Consensus: A nonstop thrill ride, District B13's dizzying action sequences more than make up for any expository flaws. Synopsis: In 21st-century Paris, a member (Cyril Raffaelli) of an elite police squad must enter a crime-ridden ghetto to defuse a... [More] Starring: Cyril Raffaelli, David Belle, Tony D'Amario, Larbi Naceri Directed By: Pierre Morel #77 Beverly Hills Cop (1984) 83% #77 Adjusted Score: 86133% Critics Consensus: The buddy cop movie continues its evolution unabated with this Eddie Murphy vehicle that's fast, furious, and funny. Synopsis: After his childhood buddy is murdered while visiting Detroit, rebellious cop Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) follows the leads to Beverly... [More] Starring: Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Lisa Eilbacher Directed By: Martin Brest #76 Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003) 85% #76 Adjusted Score: 88522% Critics Consensus: While Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior may be no great shakes as a movie, critics are hailing the emergence of a new star in Tony Jaa, whose athletic performance is drawing comparisons with Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li. Synopsis: In Thailand, the impoverished village of Ban Nong Pradu has its most precious Buddha statue stolen from the temple. Luckily... [More] Starring: Tony Jaa, Pumwaree Yodkamol, Petchtai Wongkamlao, Suchao Pongwilai Directed By: Prachya Pinkaew #75 Collateral (2004) 86% #75 Adjusted Score: 94305% Critics Consensus: Driven by director Michael Mann's trademark visuals and a lean, villainous performance from Tom Cruise, Collateral is a stylish and compelling noir thriller. Synopsis: A cab driver realizes his current fare is a hit man that has been having him drive around from mark... [More] Starring: Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Ruffalo Directed By: Michael Mann #74 Iron Monkey (1993) 91% #74 Adjusted Score: 94098% Critics Consensus: Iron Monkey may not have the poetic lyricism of Crouching Tiger, it makes up for it in fun and energy. Synopsis: In a desperate and unjust land, where government corruption rules the day, only one man has the courage to challenge... [More] Starring: Rongguang Yu, Donnie Yen, Sze-Man Tsang, Jean Wang Directed By: Woo-Ping Yuen #73 Escape From New York (1981) 86% #73 Adjusted Score: 90542% Critics Consensus: Featuring an atmospherically grimy futuristic metropolis, Escape from New York is a strange, entertaining jumble of thrilling action and oddball weirdness. Synopsis: In 1997, a major war between the United States and the Soviet Union is concluding, and the entire island of... [More] Starring: Kurt Russell, Ernest Borgnine, Adrienne Barbeau, Lee Van Cleef Directed By: John Carpenter #72 Battle Royale (2000) 88% #72 Adjusted Score: 88928% Critics Consensus: Battle Royale is a controversial and violent parable of adolescence, heightening teenage melodrama with life-or-death stakes. Synopsis: 42 9th graders are sent to a deserted island. They are given a map, food, and various weapons. An explosive... [More] Starring: Tatsuya Fujiwara, Aki Maeda, Taro Yamamoto, Masanobu Andô Directed By: Kinji Fukasaku #71 Spider-Man 2 (2004) 93% #71 Adjusted Score: 102782% Critics Consensus: Boasting an entertaining villain and deeper emotional focus, this is a nimble sequel that improves upon the original. Synopsis: When a failed nuclear fusion experiment results in an explosion that kills his wife, Dr. Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina) is... [More] Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Alfred Molina Directed By: Sam Raimi #70 13 Assassins (2010) 95% #70 Adjusted Score: 99198% Critics Consensus: Takashi Miike's electric remake of Eiichi Kudo's 1963 period action film is a wild spectacle executed with killer, dizzying panache. Synopsis: In this remake of a 1963 film based on historical events, Shinzaemon Shimada leads a team of assassins in 19th-century... [More] Starring: Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yusuke Iseya, Goro Inagaki Directed By: Takashi Miike #69 Full Contact (1992) 89% #69 Adjusted Score: 69713% Critics Consensus: No consensus yet. Synopsis: Jeff (Chow Yun-Fat), who works as a nightclub bouncer in Bangkok, saves his friend Sam (Wong Chow-Sang) from a beating... [More] Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Simon Yam, Bonnie Fu, Wong Chow-Sang Directed By: Ringo Lam #68 Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) 88% #68 Adjusted Score: 93599% Critics Consensus: Lighter and more comedic than its predecessor, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade returns the series to the brisk serial adventure of Raiders, while adding a dynamite double act between Harrison Ford and Sean Connery. Synopsis: An art collector appeals to Jones to embark on a search for the Holy Grail. He learns that another archaeologist... [More] Starring: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Denholm Elliott, Alison Doody Directed By: Steven Spielberg #67 Kung Fu Hustle (2004) 90% #67 Adjusted Score: 96753% Critics Consensus: Kung Fu Hustle blends special effects, martial arts, and the Looney Toons to hilarious effect. Synopsis: When the hapless Sing and his dim-witted pal Bone try to scam the residents of Pig Sty Alley into thinking... [More] Starring: Stephen Chow, Yuen Wah, Yuen Qiu, Siu-Lung Leung Directed By: Stephen Chow #66 A Better Tomorrow (1986) 93% #66 Adjusted Score: 93337% Critics Consensus: No consensus yet. Synopsis: A Hong Kong policeman (Leslie Cheung) blames his reformed-gangster brother (Chow Yun-Fat) for the death of their father.... [More] Starring: Ti Lung, Chow Yun-Fat, Leslie Cheung, Emily Chu Directed By: John Woo #65 Iron Man (2008) 94% #65 Adjusted Score: 104692% Critics Consensus: Powered by Robert Downey Jr.'s vibrant charm, Iron Man turbo-charges the superhero genre with a deft intelligence and infectious sense of fun. Synopsis: A billionaire industrialist and genius inventor, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), is conducting weapons tests overseas, but terrorists kidnap him... [More] Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges Directed By: Jon Favreau #64 The Night Comes for Us (2018) 91% #64 Adjusted Score: 91681% Critics Consensus: A bloody thrill ride designed to test the limits of more squeamish viewers, The Night Comes for Us wields a stylishly violent, action-packed punch. Synopsis: Ito, a gangland enforcer, is caught amidst a treacherous and violent insurrection within his Triad crime family.... [More] Starring: Joe Taslim, Iko Uwais, Julie Estelle, Sunny Pang Directed By: Timo Tjahjanto #63 Logan (2017) 94% #63 Adjusted Score: 123778% Critics Consensus: Hugh Jackman makes the most of his final outing as Wolverine with a gritty, nuanced performance in a violent but surprisingly thoughtful superhero action film that defies genre conventions. Synopsis: In the near future, a weary Logan (Hugh Jackman) cares for an ailing Professor X (Patrick Stewart) at a remote... [More] Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen, Richard E. Grant Directed By: James Mangold #62 Goldfinger (1964) 99% #62 Adjusted Score: 105089% Critics Consensus: Goldfinger is where James Bond as we know him comes into focus - it features one of 007's most famous lines ("A martini. Shaken, not stirred.") and a wide range of gadgets that would become the series' trademark. Synopsis: Special agent 007 (Sean Connery) comes face to face with one of the most notorious villains of all time, and... [More] Starring: Sean Connery, Gert Frobe, Honor Blackman, Shirley Eaton Directed By: Guy Hamilton #61 Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) 96% #61 Adjusted Score: 99986% Critics Consensus: Lean, taut and compellingly gritty, John Carpenter's loose update of Rio Bravo ranks as a cult action classic and one of the filmmaker's best. Synopsis: When the LAPD kills several members of the South Central gang Street Thunder, the remaining members avenge themselves by way... [More] Starring: Austin Stoker, Darwin Joston, Laurie Zimmer, Martin West Directed By: John Carpenter #60 Wonder Woman (2017) 93% #60 Adjusted Score: 126334% Critics Consensus: Thrilling, earnest, and buoyed by Gal Gadot's charismatic performance, Wonder Woman succeeds in spectacular fashion. Synopsis: Before she was Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior.... [More] Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright Directed By: Patty Jenkins #59 The Chinese Connection (1972) 83% #59 Adjusted Score: 83168% Critics Consensus: No consensus yet. Synopsis: Chen Zhen (Bruce Lee) has left his homeland of China and relocated to stay with family in Thailand. Chen, who... [More] Starring: Bruce Lee, Miao Ker Hsiu, James Tien, Robert Baker Directed By: Lo Wei #58 Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) 90% #58 Adjusted Score: 102081% Critics Consensus: Suspenseful and politically astute, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a superior entry in the Avengers canon and is sure to thrill Marvel diehards. Synopsis: After the cataclysmic events in New York with his fellow Avengers, Steve Rogers, aka Captain America (Chris Evans), lives in... [More] Starring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Sebastian Stan Directed By: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo #57 Oldboy (2003) 82% #57 Adjusted Score: 87186% Critics Consensus: Violent and definitely not for the squeamish, Park Chan-Wook's visceral Oldboy is a strange, powerful tale of revenge. Synopsis: Dae-Su is an obnoxious drunk bailed from the police station yet again by a friend. However, he's abducted from the... [More] Starring: Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jung, Ji Dae-han Directed By: Park Chan-wook #56 The French Connection (1971) 96% #56 Adjusted Score: 104634% Critics Consensus: Realistic, fast-paced and uncommonly smart, The French Connection is bolstered by stellar performances by Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider, not to mention William Friedkin's thrilling production. Synopsis: New York Detective "Popeye" Doyle (Gene Hackman) and his partner (Roy Scheider) chase a French heroin smuggler.... [More] Starring: Gene Hackman, Fernando Rey, Roy Scheider, Tony Lo Bianco Directed By: William Friedkin #55 Furious 7 (2015) 81% #55 Adjusted Score: 91320% Critics Consensus: Serving up a fresh round of over-the-top thrills while adding unexpected dramatic heft, Furious 7 keeps the franchise moving in more ways than one. Synopsis: After defeating international terrorist Owen Shaw, Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) and the rest of the crew... [More] Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez Directed By: James Wan #54 La Femme Nikita (1990) 89% #54 Adjusted Score: 91475% Critics Consensus: A zany out-of-control thriller that gives lead Anne Parillaud a big character arc and plenty of emotional room to work within. Synopsis: Convicted felon Nikita (Anne Parillaud), instead of going to jail, is given a new identity and trained to be a... [More] Starring: Anne Parillaud, Jean-Hugues Anglade, Tcheky Karyo, Jeanne Moreau Directed By: Luc Besson #53 Supercop (1992) 92% #53 Adjusted Score: 95612% Critics Consensus: Blending hand-to-hand combat with breathtaking stunts and slapstick comedy, Supercop reminds us why Jackie Chan is one of the world's great entertainers. Synopsis: To infiltrate a drug cartel, police Inspector Chan Ka Kui (Jackie Chan) goes undercover in a Chinese prison. There, he... [More] Starring: Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeaoh, Maggie Cheung, Ken Tsang Directed By: Stanley Tong #52 Dirty Harry (1971) 89% #52 Adjusted Score: 93839% Critics Consensus: As tough and taciturn as its no-nonsense hero, Dirty Harry delivers a deceptively layered message without sacrificing an ounce of its solid action impact. Synopsis: Cop Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) attempts to track down a psychopathic rooftop killer before a kidnapped girl dies. When he... [More] Starring: Clint Eastwood, Harry Guardino, Reni Santoni, John Larch Directed By: Don Siegel #51 Edge of Tomorrow (2014) 91% #51 Adjusted Score: 104043% Critics Consensus: Gripping, well-acted, funny, and clever, Edge of Tomorrow offers entertaining proof that Tom Cruise is still more than capable of shouldering the weight of a blockbuster action thriller. Synopsis: When Earth falls under attack from invincible aliens, no military unit in the world is able to beat them. Maj.... [More] Starring: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Brendan Gleeson, Bill Paxton Directed By: Doug Liman #50 X2 (2003) 85% #50 Adjusted Score: 93179% Critics Consensus: Tightly scripted, solidly acted, and impressively ambitious, X2: X-Men United is bigger and better than its predecessor -- and a benchmark for comic sequels in general. Synopsis: Stryker (Brian Cox), a villianous former Army commander, holds the key to Wolverine's (Hugh Jackman) past and the future of... [More] Starring: Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry Directed By: Bryan Singer #49 The Fugitive (1993) 96% #49 Adjusted Score: 102123% Critics Consensus: Exhilarating and intense, this high-impact chase thriller is a model of taut and efficient formula filmmaking, and it features Harrison Ford at his frantic best. Synopsis: Wrongfully accused of murdering his wife, Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford) escapes from the law in an attempt to find her... [More] Starring: Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward, Julianne Moore Directed By: Andrew Davis #48 Black Panther (2018) 96% #48 Adjusted Score: 122060% Critics Consensus: Black Panther elevates superhero cinema to thrilling new heights while telling one of the MCU's most absorbing stories -- and introducing some of its most fully realized characters. Synopsis: After the death of his father, T'Challa returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place... [More] Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira Directed By: Ryan Coogler #47 Inception (2010) 87% #47 Adjusted Score: 100572% Critics Consensus: Smart, innovative, and thrilling, Inception is that rare summer blockbuster that succeeds viscerally as well as intellectually. Synopsis: Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a thief with the rare ability to enter people's dreams and steal their secrets from... [More] Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy Directed By: Christopher Nolan #46 Braveheart (1995) 75% #46 Adjusted Score: 82514% Critics Consensus: Distractingly violent and historically dodgy, Mel Gibson's Braveheart justifies its epic length by delivering enough sweeping action, drama, and romance to match its ambition. Synopsis: Tells the story of the legendary thirteenth century Scottish hero named William Wallace (Mel Gibson). Wallace rallies the Scottish against... [More] Starring: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Catherine McCormack Directed By: Mel Gibson #45 Minority Report (2002) 90% #45 Adjusted Score: 98309% Critics Consensus: Thought-provoking and visceral, Steven Spielberg successfully combines high concept ideas and high octane action in this fast and febrile sci-fi thriller. Synopsis: Based on a story by famed science fiction writer Philip K. Dick, "Minority Report" is an action-detective thriller set in... [More] Starring: Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton, Max von Sydow Directed By: Steven Spielberg #44 Avengers: Endgame (2019) 94% #44 Adjusted Score: 124745% Critics Consensus: Exciting, entertaining, and emotionally impactful, Avengers: Endgame does whatever it takes to deliver a satisfying finale to Marvel's epic Infinity Saga. Synopsis: Adrift in space with no food or water, Tony Stark sends a message to Pepper Potts as his oxygen supply... [More] Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth Directed By: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo #43 Dredd (2012) 79% #43 Adjusted Score: 85108% Critics Consensus: Fueled by bombastic violence and impressive special effects, rooted in self-satire and deadpan humor, Dredd 3D does a remarkable job of capturing its source material's gritty spirit. Synopsis: Mega City One is a vast, violent metropolis where felons rule the streets. The only law lies with cops called... [More] Starring: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey, Wood Harris Directed By: Pete Travis #42 The Bourne Identity (2002) 84% #42 Adjusted Score: 89914% Critics Consensus: Expertly blending genre formula with bursts of unexpected wit, The Bourne Identity is an action thriller that delivers -- and then some. Synopsis: The story of a man (Matt Damon), salvaged, near death, from the ocean by an Italian fishing boat. When he... [More] Starring: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen Directed By: Doug Liman #41 Ip Man (2008) 86% #41 Adjusted Score: 86206% Critics Consensus: At once beholden to the established conventions of the genre and delightfully subversive of them, Ip Man is one of the most exciting -- and refreshingly character-driven -- martial arts films in years. Synopsis: The life story of Yip Man, the first person to teach the Chinese martial art of Wing Chun.... [More] Starring: Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, Siu-wong Fan, Ka Tung Lam Directed By: Wilson Yip #40 Face/Off (1997) 92% #40 Adjusted Score: 96894% Critics Consensus: John Travolta and Nicolas Cage play cat-and-mouse (and literally play each other) against a beautifully stylized backdrop of typically elegant, over-the-top John Woo violence. Synopsis: Obsessed with bringing terrorist Castor Troy (Nicolas Cage) to justice, FBI agent Sean Archer (John Travolta) tracks down Troy, who... [More] Starring: John Travolta, Nicolas Cage, Joan Allen, Alessandro Nivola Directed By: John Woo #39 To Live and Die in L.A. (1985) 86% #39 Adjusted Score: 89312% Critics Consensus: With coke fiends, car chases, and Wang Chung galore, To Live and Die in L.A. is perhaps the ultimate '80s action/thriller. Synopsis: When his longtime partner on the force is killed, reckless U.S. Secret Service agent Richard Chance (William L. Petersen) vows... [More] Starring: William L. Petersen, Willem Dafoe, John Pankow, Debra Feuer Directed By: William Friedkin #38 The Dark Knight (2008) 94% #38 Adjusted Score: 107309% Critics Consensus: Dark, complex, and unforgettable, The Dark Knight succeeds not just as an entertaining comic book film, but as a richly thrilling crime saga. Synopsis: With the help of allies Lt. Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and DA Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman (Christian Bale) has... [More] Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine Directed By: Christopher Nolan #37 Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol (2011) 93% #37 Adjusted Score: 101972% Critics Consensus: Stylish, fast-paced, and loaded with gripping set pieces, the fourth Mission: Impossible is big-budget popcorn entertainment that really works. Synopsis: Blamed for a terrorist attack on the Kremlin, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and the entire IMF agency are disavowed by... [More] Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton Directed By: Brad Bird #36 Fast Five (2011) 78% #36 Adjusted Score: 85065% Critics Consensus: Sleek, loud, and over the top, Fast Five proudly embraces its brainless action thrills and injects new life into the franchise. Synopsis: Ever since ex-cop Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) and Mia Torretto (Jordana Brewster) broke her brother Dom (Vin Diesel) out of... [More] Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson Directed By: Justin Lin #35 Lethal Weapon (1987) 80% #35 Adjusted Score: 83672% Critics Consensus: The most successful installment in a phenomenally successful series, Lethal Weapon helped redefine action movies for the 1980s and 1990s. Synopsis: Following the death of his wife, Los Angeles police detective Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) becomes reckless and suicidal. When he... [More] Starring: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey, Mitchell Ryan Directed By: Richard Donner #34 The Rock (1996) 67% #34 Adjusted Score: 70611% Critics Consensus: For visceral thrills, it can't be beat. Just don't expect The Rock to engage your brain. Synopsis: FBI chemical warfare expert Stanley Goodspeed (Nicolas Cage) is sent on an urgent mission with a former British spy, John... [More] Starring: Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris, Michael Biehn Directed By: Michael Bay #33 RoboCop (1987) 91% #33 Adjusted Score: 96796% Critics Consensus: While over-the-top and gory, Robocop is also a surprisingly smart sci-fi flick that uses ultraviolence to disguise its satire of American culture. Synopsis: In a violent, near-apocalyptic Detroit, evil corporation Omni Consumer Products wins a contract from the city government to privatize the... [More] Starring: Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Ronny Cox, Daniel O'Herlihy Directed By: Paul Verhoeven #32 John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017) 89% #32 Adjusted Score: 107941% Critics Consensus: John Wick: Chapter 2 does what a sequel should -- which in this case means doubling down on the non-stop, thrillingly choreographed action that made its predecessor so much fun. Synopsis: Retired super-assassin John Wick's plans to resume a quiet civilian life are cut short when Italian gangster Santino D'Antonio shows... [More] Starring: Keanu Reeves, Common, Laurence Fishburne, Riccardo Scamarcio Directed By: Chad Stahelski #31 Casino Royale (2006) 94% #31 Adjusted Score: 103608% Critics Consensus: Casino Royale disposes of the silliness and gadgetry that plagued recent James Bond outings, and Daniel Craig delivers what fans and critics have been waiting for: a caustic, haunted, intense reinvention of 007. Synopsis: After receiving a license to kill, British Secret Service agent James Bond (Daniel Craig) heads to Madagascar, where he uncovers... [More] Starring: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Judi Dench Directed By: Martin Campbell #30 Baby Driver (2017) 92% #30 Adjusted Score: 119528% Critics Consensus: Stylish, exciting, and fueled by a killer soundtrack, Baby Driver hits the road and it's gone -- proving fast-paced action movies can be smartly written without sacrificing thrills. Synopsis: Talented getaway driver Baby (Ansel Elgort) relies on the beat of his personal soundtrack to be the best in the... [More] Starring: Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Jon Bernthal Directed By: Edgar Wright #29 Fist of Legend (1994) 100% #29 Adjusted Score: 68556% Critics Consensus: No consensus yet. Synopsis: Chinese martial arts student Chen Zhen (Jet Li) is studying in Kyoto, Japan, when he learns his mentor has died... [More] Starring: Jet Li, Chin Siu Ho, Billy Chow, Yasuaki Kurata Directed By: Gordon Chan #28 The Killer (1989) 98% #28 Adjusted Score: 100514% Critics Consensus: The Killer is another hard-boiled action flick from John Woo featuring eye-popping balletic violence and philosophical underpinnings. Synopsis: Mob assassin Jeffrey (Chow Yun-Fat) is no ordinary hired gun; the best in his business, he views his chosen profession... [More] Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Danny Lee, Sally Yeh, Kenneth Tsang Directed By: John Woo #27 The Raid 2 (2014) 82% #27 Adjusted Score: 88278% Critics Consensus: Although its high-energy plot and over-the-top violence may play better with genre aficionados, The Raid 2 definitely delivers more of everything audiences loved about its predecessor. Synopsis: After surviving a bloody fight with powerful gangsters, rookie Jakarta cop Rama (Iko Uwais) thinks he can resume a normal... [More] Starring: Iko Uwais, Yayan Ruhian, Arifin Putra, Oka Antara Directed By: Gareth Evans #26 Enter the Dragon (1973) 95% #26 Adjusted Score: 99300% Critics Consensus: Badass to the max, Enter the Dragon is the ultimate kung-fu movie and fitting (if untimely) Bruce Lee swan song. Synopsis: Bruce Lee plays a martial-arts expert determined to help capture the narcotics dealer whose gang was responsible for the death... [More] Starring: Bruce Lee, John Saxon, Jim Kelly, Ahna Capri Directed By: Robert Clouse #25 Commando (1985) 67% #25 Adjusted Score: 69166% Critics Consensus: The ultimate '80s Schwarzenegger movie, replete with a threadbare plot, outsized action, and endless one-liners. Synopsis: Retired Special Forces soldier John Matrix (Arnold Schwarzenegger) lives with daughter Jenny (Alyssa Milano) in isolation, but his privacy is... [More] Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rae Dawn Chong, Dan Hedaya, Vernon Wells Directed By: Mark L. Lester #24 First Blood (1982) 86% #24 Adjusted Score: 86921% Critics Consensus: Much darker and more sensitive than the sequels it spawned, First Blood is a thrilling survival adventure that takes full advantage of Sylvester Stallone's acting skills. Synopsis: Vietnam veteran and drifter John J. Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) wanders into a small Washington town in search of an old... [More] Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Brian Dennehy, David Caruso Directed By: Ted Kotcheff #23 Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation (2015) 94% #23 Adjusted Score: 106161% Critics Consensus: Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation continues the franchise's thrilling resurgence -- and proves that Tom Cruise remains an action star without equal. Synopsis: With the IMF now disbanded and Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) out in the cold, a new threat -- called the... [More] Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson Directed By: Christopher McQuarrie #22 The Terminator (1984) 100% #22 Adjusted Score: 104127% Critics Consensus: With its impressive action sequences, taut economic direction, and relentlessly fast pace, it's clear why The Terminator continues to be an influence on sci-fi and action flicks. Synopsis: Disguised as a human, a cyborg assassin known as a Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) travels from 2029 to 1984 to kill... [More] Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Paul Winfield Directed By: James Cameron #21 Gladiator (2000) 79% #21 Adjusted Score: 88161% Critics Consensus: While not everyone will be entertained by Gladiator's glum revenge story, Russell Crowe thunderously wins the crowd with a star-making turn that provides Ridley Scott's opulent resurrection of Rome its bruised heart. Synopsis: Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) takes power and strips rank from Maximus (Russell Crowe), one of the favored generals of his predecessor... [More] Starring: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed Directed By: Ridley Scott #20 Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) 85% #20 Adjusted Score: 92855% Critics Consensus: Kill Bill is admittedly little more than a stylish revenge thriller -- albeit one that benefits from a wildly inventive surfeit of style. Synopsis: A former assassin, known simply as The Bride (Uma Thurman), wakes from a coma four years after her jealous ex-lover... [More] Starring: Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox, Michael Madsen Directed By: Quentin Tarantino #19 The Professional (1994) 74% #19 Adjusted Score: 77456% Critics Consensus: Pivoting on the unusual relationship between seasoned hitman and his 12-year-old apprentice -- a breakout turn by young Natalie Portman -- Luc Besson's Léon is a stylish and oddly affecting thriller. Synopsis: Mathilda (Natalie Portman) is only 12 years old, but is already familiar with the dark side of life: her abusive... [More] Starring: Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman, Danny Aiello Directed By: Luc Besson #18 Speed (1994) 94% #18 Adjusted Score: 97936% Critics Consensus: A terrific popcorn thriller, Speed is taut, tense, and energetic, with outstanding performances from Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, and Sandra Bullock. Synopsis: Los Angeles police officer Jack (Keanu Reeves) angers retired bomb squad member Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper) by foiling his attempt... [More] Starring: Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock, Joe Morton Directed By: Jan de Bont #17 Drunken Master II (1994) 84% #17 Adjusted Score: 86218% Critics Consensus: Jackie Chan sends up some amazing and entertaining fight sequences in The Legend of Drunken Master. Synopsis: From a land where honor and tradition reign, comes the legend of a martial-arts hero unlike any other -- the... [More] Starring: Jackie Chan, Ti Lung, Anita Mui, Kar-leung Lau Directed By: Chia-Liang Liu #16 John Wick (2014) 86% #16 Adjusted Score: 94278% Critics Consensus: Stylish, thrilling, and giddily kinetic, John Wick serves as a satisfying return to action for Keanu Reeves -- and what looks like it could be the first of a franchise. Synopsis: Legendary assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) retired from his violent career after marrying the love of his life. Her sudden... [More] Starring: Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen, Willem Dafoe Directed By: Chad Stahelski #15 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) 97% #15 Adjusted Score: 102356% Critics Consensus: The movie that catapulted Ang Lee into the ranks of upper echelon Hollywood filmmakers, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon features a deft mix of amazing martial arts battles, beautiful scenery, and tasteful drama. Synopsis: In 19th century Qing Dynasty China, a warrior (Chow Yun-Fat) gives his sword, Green Destiny, to his lover (Michelle Yeoh)... [More] Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, Chen Chang Directed By: Ang Lee #14 Predator (1987) 80% #14 Adjusted Score: 83775% Critics Consensus: Predator: Part sci-fi, part horror, part action -- all muscle. Synopsis: Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a soldier of fortune, is hired by the U.S. government to secretly rescue a group of politicians... [More] Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Elpidia Carrillo Directed By: John McTiernan #13 The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) 92% #13 Adjusted Score: 102233% Critics Consensus: The Bourne Ultimatum is an intelligent, finely tuned non-stop thrill ride. Another strong performance from Matt Damon and sharp camerawork from Paul Greengrass make this the finest installment of the Bourne trilogy. Synopsis: Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) continues his international quest to uncover his true identity. From Russia to Europe to northern Africa... [More] Starring: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen, David Strathairn Directed By: Paul Greengrass #12 Total Recall (1990) 83% #12 Adjusted Score: 87730% Critics Consensus: Under Paul Verhoeven's frenetic direction, Total Recall is a fast-paced rush of violence, gore, and humor that never slacks. Synopsis: Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is a bored construction worker in the year 2084 who dreams of visiting the colonized Mars.... [More] Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rachel Ticotin, Sharon Stone, Ronny Cox Directed By: Paul Verhoeven #11 Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981) 95% #11 Adjusted Score: 98433% Critics Consensus: The Road Warrior is everything a bigger-budgeted Mad Max sequel with should be: bigger, faster, louder, but definitely not dumber. Synopsis: After avenging the death of his wife and young son at the hands of a vicious gang leader, Max (Mel... [More] Starring: Mel Gibson, Bruce Spence, Emil Minty, Vernon Wells Directed By: George Miller #10 Heat (1995) 88% #10 Adjusted Score: 93146% Critics Consensus: Though Al Pacino and Robert De Niro share but a handful of screen minutes together, Heat is an engrossing crime drama that draws compelling performances from its stars -- and confirms Michael Mann's mastery of the genre. Synopsis: Master criminal Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) is trying to control the rogue actions of one of his men, while... [More] Starring: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight Directed By: Michael Mann #9 The Raid: Redemption (2011) 87% #9 Adjusted Score: 93295% Critics Consensus: No frills and all thrills, The Raid: Redemption is an inventive action film expertly paced and edited for maximum entertainment. Synopsis: A rookie member of an elite team of commandos, Rama (Iko Uwais) is instructed to hang back while his comrades-in-arms... [More] Starring: Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim, Doni Alamsyah, Yayan Ruhian Directed By: Gareth Huw Evans #8 Mission: Impossible -- Fallout (2018) 97% #8 Adjusted Score: 118547% Critics Consensus: Fast, sleek, and fun, Mission: Impossible - Fallout lives up to the "impossible" part of its name by setting yet another high mark for insane set pieces in a franchise full of them. Synopsis: Ethan Hunt and the IMF team join forces with CIA assassin August Walker to prevent a disaster of epic proportions.... [More] Starring: Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg Directed By: Christopher McQuarrie #7 Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) 96% #7 Adjusted Score: 102203% Critics Consensus: Featuring bravura set pieces, sly humor, and white-knuckle action, Raiders of the Lost Ark is one of the most consummately entertaining adventure pictures of all time. Synopsis: Dr. Indiana Jones, a renowned archeologist and expert in the occult, is hired by the U.S. Government to find the... [More] Starring: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Wolf Kahler Directed By: Steven Spielberg #6 Aliens (1986) 98% #6 Adjusted Score: 104832% Critics Consensus: While Alien was a marvel of slow-building, atmospheric tension, Aliens packs a much more visceral punch, and features a typically strong performance from Sigourney Weaver. Synopsis: After floating in space for 57 years, Lt. Ripley's (Sigourney Weaver) shuttle is found by a deep space salvage team.... [More] Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Carrie Henn, Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser Directed By: James Cameron #5 Hard-Boiled (1992) 94% #5 Adjusted Score: 96133% Critics Consensus: Boasting impactful action as well as surprising emotional resonance, Hard Boiled is a powerful thriller that hits hard in more ways than one. Synopsis: A cop who loses his partner in a shoot-out with gun smugglers goes on a mission to catch them. In... [More] Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Bowie Lam, Philip Chan, Tony Leung Chiu Wai Directed By: John Woo #4 The Matrix (1999) 88% #4 Adjusted Score: 94511% Critics Consensus: Thanks to the Wachowskis' imaginative vision, The Matrix is a smartly crafted combination of spectacular action and groundbreaking special effects. Synopsis: Neo (Keanu Reeves) believes that Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), an elusive figure considered to be the most dangerous man alive, can... [More] Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving Directed By: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski #3 Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) 92% #3 Adjusted Score: 97473% Critics Consensus: T2 features thrilling action sequences and eye-popping visual effects, but what takes this sci-fi/ action landmark to the next level is the depth of the human (and cyborg) characters. Synopsis: In this sequel set eleven years after "The Terminator," young John Connor (Edward Furlong), the key to civilization's victory over... [More] Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick Directed By: James Cameron #2 Die Hard (1988) 94% #2 Adjusted Score: 99785% Critics Consensus: Its many imitators (and sequels) have never come close to matching the taut thrills of the definitive holiday action classic. Synopsis: New York City policeman John McClane (Bruce Willis) is visiting his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) on Christmas Eve. He joins... [More] Starring: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson Directed By: John McTiernan #1 Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) 97% #1 Adjusted Score: 113579% Critics Consensus: With exhilarating action and a surprising amount of narrative heft, Mad Max: Fury Road brings George Miller's post-apocalyptic franchise roaring vigorously back to life. Synopsis: Years after the collapse of civilization, the tyrannical Immortan Joe enslaves apocalypse survivors inside the desert fortress the Citadel. When... [More] Starring: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne Directed By: George Miller 2ff7e9595c
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