The Best New Action Movies Of The Last Few Years

Action cinema has experienced a significant resurgence in recent years, characterized by a blend of technical innovation and a return to practical stunt work. From the continuation of storied franchises to the emergence of original high-octane stories, filmmakers have pushed the physical and visual boundaries of the genre. These films utilize advanced cinematography and intricate choreography to deliver immersive experiences across various settings, from gritty urban landscapes to expansive science-fiction worlds. This selection highlights the most impactful action releases that have defined the genre during this productive period.

‘Land of Bad’ (2024)

A rookie joint terminal attack controller and a veteran drone pilot must work together to support a special forces extraction in the Philippines. The story follows the ground team as they are ambushed and forced to navigate hostile territory with only aerial surveillance for assistance. Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth star as the primary characters operating in different tactical environments. The film focuses on the communication and coordination required between ground troops and remote support.

‘The Killer’ (2023)

An elite assassin undergoes a psychological and physical journey after a high-stakes hit goes wrong. Directed by David Fincher, the movie explores the methodical nature of contract killing through the protagonist’s strict internal monologue. The plot takes the character across various international locations, including Paris and New York, as he pursues those responsible for a personal attack. Michael Fassbender portrays the lead role, emphasizing the discipline and cold calculation of his profession.

‘Sisu’ (2022)

During the final days of World War II, a solitary gold prospector in northern Finland encounters a retreating Nazi death squad. When the soldiers attempt to seize his gold, they discover he is a legendary former commando who refuses to die. The film features visceral, stylized combat as the protagonist utilizes guerilla tactics to dismantle his enemies. It is noted for its minimal dialogue and high reliance on visual storytelling and practical effects.

‘Monkey Man’ (2024)

An anonymous young man embarks on a campaign of vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to victimize the poor. Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, the protagonist enters underground fight clubs to hone his skills and infiltrate the city’s elite. The film features kinetic martial arts choreography and gritty urban environments. It marks the directorial debut of Dev Patel, who also portrays the central character.

‘The Fall Guy’ (2024)

A battle-scarred stuntman is drafted back into service to find a missing movie star and solve a conspiracy on a major film set. While navigating the dangers of a real-life criminal plot, he utilizes his professional stunt skills to survive high-stakes encounters. The production broke a Guinness World Record for the most cannon rolls performed in a car during a single take. The story serves as a tribute to the practical filmmaking community and the risks involved in stunt work.

‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ (2024)

Many generations after the reign of Caesar, apes have established diverse clans while humans have regressed into a feral state. A young ape named Noa embarks on a perilous journey to rescue his people from a tyrannical leader who seeks to weaponize ancient human technology. The film utilizes advanced motion-capture technology to create highly detailed primate characters and environments. It expands the lore of the franchise by exploring the evolution of ape society and their conflicting ideologies.

‘The Northman’ (2022)

A Viking prince named Amleth embarks on a lifelong quest to avenge his father’s murder and reclaim his kingdom from his treacherous uncle. The narrative is a gritty reimagining of the Scandinavian legend that provided the foundation for William Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’. The film features visceral, historically grounded combat and large-scale raids set against the landscapes of Iceland. Directed by Robert Eggers, the production emphasizes atmospheric detail and Norse mythological elements.

‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ (2024)

Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett find themselves on the run when their late captain is falsely accused of corruption. They must operate outside the law to expose the conspiracy and clear the captain’s name while being hunted by both criminals and the police. The film maintains the franchise’s signature blend of high-speed vehicular action and large-scale shootouts. It features several elaborate set pieces, including a climax involving a vintage military aircraft and a high-tech laboratory.

‘Extraction 2’ (2023)

Mercenary Tyler Rake returns for another high-stakes mission after narrowly surviving his previous assignment in Bangladesh. He is tasked with breaking into a high-security Georgian prison to rescue the family of a ruthless gangster. The film is recognized for a complex, continuous action sequence that lasts over twenty minutes and involves a prison riot and a train chase. The story explores more of the protagonist’s personal history while delivering intense hand-to-hand and tactical combat.

‘Civil War’ (2024)

In a near-future United States, a team of journalists travels across the country to reach Washington, D.C. before rebel factions seize the capital. The narrative depicts a nation fractured by internal conflict through the perspective of frontline photographers documenting the violence. The film features realistic urban warfare sequences and a climactic siege on the White House. It focuses on the psychological toll of war correspondence and the collapse of societal structures.

‘Twisters’ (2024)

A former storm chaser and a social media personality join forces to test a groundbreaking weather-mitigation system in Oklahoma. They find themselves caught in the middle of a historic storm outbreak, facing multiple catastrophic tornadoes simultaneously. The film serves as a standalone sequel to the 1996 original, utilizing modern meteorological science and advanced visual effects. The action is centered on high-stakes driving and survival maneuvers within the path of extreme weather events.

‘Prey’ (2022)

Set in the Comanche Nation in 1719, a young woman named Naru must protect her tribe from a highly evolved alien predator. She utilizes her knowledge of the land and her tracking skills to hunt a creature that possesses superior technology and strength. The film emphasizes survivalist tactics and the use of primitive weaponry against an extraterrestrial threat. It is the first entry in the ‘Predator’ franchise to feature a historical setting and a predominantly Indigenous cast.

‘No Time to Die’ (2021)

James Bond is recruited out of retirement to rescue a kidnapped scientist, leading him to a villain armed with a lethal new biological technology. The mission takes the protagonist across various global locations, including Norway, Italy, and a secret island base. This film represents the final performance of Daniel Craig as the character, concluding a narrative arc that began in 2006. The production features large-scale practical action sequences involving custom vehicles and high-altitude stunts.

‘Bullet Train’ (2022)

Five assassins find themselves on a high-speed train in Japan, only to discover that their individual missions are interconnected. An operative named Ladybug attempts to complete a simple retrieval job but is forced to fight multiple lethal adversaries across the different cars of the train. The film features a stylized visual approach and fast-paced martial arts choreography using everyday objects. The narrative utilizes a non-linear structure to reveal the background and motivations of the various killers.

‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ (2021)

A trained martial artist named Shang-Chi is forced to confront his past when his father, the leader of the Ten Rings organization, draws him back into a family conflict. The story leads the protagonist to a hidden mythical village where he must protect ancient secrets from his father’s ambition. The film incorporates traditional wuxia-inspired choreography alongside modern superhero action set pieces. It features several notable sequences, including a fight on a moving city bus and a battle involving giant mythical creatures.

‘Nobody’ (2021)

An unassuming family man named Hutch Mansell reverts to his secret, lethal past after a home invasion triggers a long-simmering rage. His actions draw the attention of a Russian crime lord, leading to a violent confrontation that endangers his family. The film is noted for its grounded and brutal fight sequences, often taking place in cramped environments like a public bus. Bob Odenkirk trained extensively in martial arts to perform the majority of his own stunts for the role.

‘Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant’ (2023)

During the war in Afghanistan, a local interpreter risks his life to carry an injured American sergeant across miles of hostile terrain. When the sergeant returns home and learns the interpreter was not granted the promised safe passage to the United States, he returns to the war zone for a private rescue mission. The film depicts the logistical and emotional challenges of modern warfare and the bond formed between the two men. It emphasizes tactical realism and the tension of operating behind enemy lines.

‘Kill’ (2024)

A commando named Amrit boards a train to New Delhi to stop an arranged marriage, only to find the passengers under siege by a large gang of armed bandits. The film takes place almost entirely within the confined spaces of the train cars, leading to intense close-quarters combat. The narrative is driven by the protagonist’s escalating use of force to protect the civilians and his partner. It has gained recognition for its innovative choreography and the use of the environment as a weapon.

‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ (2024)

Young Furiosa is taken from her home and forced to survive in a wasteland controlled by rival warlords and biker hordes. The story spans fifteen years, documenting her transformation into the formidable warrior seen in ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’. The film features elaborate desert car chases and large-scale vehicular combat involving unique post-apocalyptic machines. It explores the origins of the Citadel and the complex political dynamics between the different settlements of the wasteland.

‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ (2024)

Wade Wilson is pulled from his quiet civilian life by the Time Variance Authority to save his home universe from total destruction. He forms an uneasy alliance with an alternate-reality version of Wolverine to navigate a dangerous multidimensional void. The film features high-energy combat sequences that capitalize on the unique regenerative abilities of both protagonists. It marks the first time these characters have been integrated into the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe.

‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ (2023)

Ethan Hunt and his IMF team track a rogue artificial intelligence that has the power to manipulate global information systems. The mission takes the team to Abu Dhabi, Venice, and the Austrian Alps as they race against multiple factions to secure a physical key. The film is famous for a practical stunt involving a motorcycle jump off a mountain into a base jump. The story focuses on the evolving threat of technology and the personal sacrifices required of the IMF agents.

‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ (2023)

The legendary assassin finds a way to earn his freedom by challenging a high-ranking member of the High Table to a duel. His quest for liberty takes him through Osaka, Berlin, and Paris while facing an ever-increasing bounty on his head. The film features some of the longest and most complex action sequences in the franchise, including a massive battle at the Arc de Triomphe. It is noted for its visual style, blending neon lighting with intricate gun-fu and swordplay choreography.

‘RRR’ (2022)

Set in 1920s colonial India, two legendary revolutionaries form a deep friendship before they become famous for their fight against British rule. The story follows their separate missions that eventually converge in a massive assault on a British military outpost. The film features high-concept action set pieces, including a rescue from a burning bridge and an attack involving wild animals. It became a global phenomenon for its large-scale production values and synchronized musical-action sequences.

‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022)

A laundromat owner named Evelyn is thrust into a multiversal war where she must connect with alternate versions of herself to save reality. By tapping into the skills of her other lives, she engages in inventive martial arts battles across shifting dimensions. The film blends family drama with surreal action choreography that utilizes various props and environmental hazards. It received widespread acclaim for its original concept and the technical execution of its complex narrative.

‘The Batman’ (2022)

During his second year of fighting crime, Batman investigates a series of murders targeting Gotham’s political elite. The pursuit of the Riddler leads him into a web of systemic corruption involving the city’s most powerful families. The film emphasizes Batman’s role as a detective and features grounded, visceral combat sequences. One of the central set pieces is a high-speed chase involving a heavily modified, muscle-car-inspired Batmobile.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ (2023)

The Guardians must embark on a final mission to protect Rocket Raccoon from a powerful figure known as the High Evolutionary. The story delves into Rocket’s traumatic origins while the team navigates a series of cosmic battles to save his life. The film features ensemble action sequences and a heavy reliance on practical makeup and creature effects. It serves as the concluding chapter for the original iteration of the team within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022)

Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell returns to the Top Gun program to train a group of elite pilots for a near-impossible mission into enemy territory. He must confront the ghosts of his past while preparing the aviators for the physical and psychological demands of high-speed low-altitude flight. The production utilized real F/A-18 fighter jets and specially designed cameras to capture authentic aerial maneuvers without digital doubles. The story focuses on the bond between pilots and the technical expertise required for modern naval aviation.

‘Godzilla Minus One’ (2023)

In the immediate aftermath of World War II, a devastated Japan must deal with the emergence of a giant prehistoric monster. A former kamikaze pilot joins a group of veterans and engineers to devise a plan to stop the creature’s destructive path across Tokyo. The film explores themes of survivor’s guilt and national recovery alongside large-scale urban destruction. It was produced by Toho Studios to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the ‘Godzilla’ franchise.

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023)

Miles Morales journeys through the multiverse and encounters a massive organization of Spider-People dedicated to preserving the stability of various dimensions. When a new threat emerges, Miles finds himself at odds with the group over how to handle a canon event that threatens his personal life. The animation features several distinct visual styles for the different universes, ranging from punk-rock aesthetics to watercolor inspirations. The film concludes with a high-stakes chase involving hundreds of different versions of the titular hero.

‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

Paul Atreides joins forces with Chani and the Fremen to wage a war of revenge against those who destroyed his family. The narrative follows his rise as a messianic figure as he prepares for a final confrontation on the desert planet Arrakis. The film features massive action sequences involving giant sandworms and large-scale infantry battles against the Harkonnen forces. It is the second part of a two-film adaptation of the classic 1965 science fiction novel by Frank Herbert.

Share your favorite high-octane moments from these recent action hits in the comments.