10 Action Movies Critics Loved That You Probably Haven't Seen

The action genre is known for its intense fight sequences and bloody violence, but this isn’t the only reason to recommend these movies. Many underrated action films that fewer audiences are aware of incorporate fast-paced action choreography and incredible stunts that hold viewers’ attention while adding innovative storytelling techniques and emotional journeys for the characters. While high-octane action movies typically do well at the box office even if the reviews aren’t as strong, there are rare cases when critics adore action films, and they don’t reach the widest possible audience.

While critical and audience opinions can be very different, these films are favorites among reviewers for a reason. These projects don’t skimp on violence but understand how to balance gore with intricate storytelling. There were many underrated action movies in 2024 that audiences will have a chance to revisit as they get added to streaming services. However, it’s not just recent additions to the genre that should get their due. Films from every decade have made their mark on action cinema and deserve to be recognized for their contributions to film and the stylization of action and fight scenes.

10

The Night Comes For Us (2018)

Directed by Timo Tjahjanto

The Indonesian thriller The Night Comes for Us is a terrifically violent addition to the action genre, pushing the boundaries of what can be shown on film and leaving a mark on everyone who watches it. Thanks to the extreme level of violence, the graphic details of The Night Comes for Us almost immediately desensitized the viewer to the gore, allowing them to view it as outlandish and thrilling fiction. Though the plot can be a little thin, the fun of The Night Comes for Us is how the story is crafted in order to elevate the action.

Joe Taslim stars as Ito, a man who defects from his participation in organized crime and spends the rest of the movie fighting off the people coming after him. As Ito carves his way across the film, his nemesis and former friend, Arian (Iko Uwais), is in hot pursuit, and the two actors are well-matched in terms of fighting skills. Watching Ito fearlessly fight against the men who would cut him down and prevent his escape keeps the audience enthralled from start to finish.

9

RRR (2022)

Directed by S. S. Rajamouli

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Directed by S.S. Tajamouli, the Telugu epic RRR tells the fictional story of two real-life figures, Alluri Sitarama Raju (Charan) and Komaram Bheem (Rama Rao), who become friends while fighting the governing forces as Indian revolutionaries during the British Raj.

Release Date

March 24, 2022

Runtime

185 Minutes

Cast

S.S. Rajamouli
, Ram Charan
, N.T. Rama Rao Jr.
, Ajay Devgn
, Alia Bhatt
, Ray Stevenson

Director

S.S. Rajamouli

Writers

S.S. Rajamouli
, Vijayendra Prasad

The emotionally impactful and action-packed historical epic RRR was immediately heralded as one of the most innovative action movies of the decade upon its release. Telling the sweeping story of a pair of friends and revolutionaries, Raju (Ram Charan) and Bheem (N. T. Rama Rao Jr.), RRR is a fictionalized version of the real lives of Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, who fought against British oppression and colonialism in India. Everything from the visual effects to the heart-pounding score completely immerses the viewer in this tale of triumph over subjugation.

One of the most famous parts of the movie, the musical sequences featuring the award-winning song “Naatu Naatu,” showcases what RRR does best. Though it grapples with real and harrowing historical subjects, the movie and its characters never lose their hope and commitment to their cause. Since RRR was added to Netflix, the film has grown in popularity on the international stage. Every action fan deserves to lose themselves in the inspirational and brilliantly choreographed tale of RRR.

8

Sisu (2022)

Directed by Jalmari Helander

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Sisu is a World War II action film directed by Jalmari Helander. The film centers on an ex-commando who finds gold in the Lapland wilderness. But as he tries to smuggle it into the city, an SS officer and his band of Nazis hunt him down. The film stars Finnish actor Jorma Tommila as the main character Aatami. 

Release Date

April 28, 2023

Runtime

91 Minutes

Cast

Jorma Tommila
, Aksel Hennie
, Jack Doolan
, Mimosa Willamo
, Onni Tommila

Director

Jalmari Helander

Writers

Jalmari Helander

Budget

$6.5 Million

Studio(s)

Stage 6 Films

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Set during World War II, the Finnish action movie Sisu pokes fun at some of the over-the-top dramas within the genre. Similar in tone to movies like Inglourious Basterds, Sisu is so bloody and packed with gore that it’s almost impossible to see through the carnage during the outlandish battle sequences. However, this is the fun of a film like Sisu, which revels in its extremities and pulp influences, creating a world where the biggest moments in history are as cinematic as possible.

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Of all the historical epics to come out in the 2020s, Sisu stands apart and will likely be remembered as a worthy successor to the films that influenced it. Jorma Tommila stars as Aatami Korpi, the one-man army who takes on a legion of SS soldiers invading Lapland and attempting to rob him of the gold he discovers. As the action escalates and Aatmai faces increasingly outlandish threats, Sisu only leans into its intensity, leaving audiences breathless by the time the credits roll.

7

Lady Snowblood (1973)

Directed by Toshiya Fujita

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Lady Snowblood is a Japanese film released in 1973, directed by Toshiya Fujita. The narrative follows Yuki, a woman born in prison whose life is dedicated to avenging the brutal crimes committed against her family. Raised solely to execute a vendetta, Yuki embodies a relentless pursuit of revenge.

Release Date

March 22, 1974

Runtime

97 Minutes

Cast

Meiko Kaji
, Toshio Kurosawa
, Masaaki Daimon
, Miyoko Akaza
, Shinichi Uchida
, Takeo Chii
, Noboru Nakaya
, Yoshiko Nakada

Director

Toshiya Fujita

Writers

Kazuo Kamimura
, Kazuo Koike
, Norio Osada

One of the most influential action movies of the 1970s, Lady Snowblood, is a must-watch film for fans of Quentin Tarantino or any modern director who draws from the Martial Arts genre. One of the best female-led Martial Arts movies, Lady Snowblood, is largely considered the pinnacle of the action-revenge genre, with the unforgettable Meiko Kaji leading the cast as the titular Lady Snowblood. Not only are the fight sequences bloody, but they’re also gorgeously composed and look as much like a dance as they do a battle.

With time, Lady Snowblood has reached viewers on an international scale and is still remembered thanks to the many films that it inspired. While Kill Bill is the most famous film that references Lady Snowblood, it’s well worth viewing the original to see the skill and precision that went into making this unforgettable project. The sequel, Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance, is a strong return to form for both the lead actress and director, continuing the epic tale with panache.

6

Polite Society (2023)

Directed by Nida Manzoor

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Polite Society (2023) is a British action-comedy film directed by Nida Manzoor. The film follows aspiring stuntwoman Ria Khan, played by Priya Kansara, as she plans to save her older sister Lena from an impending marriage. Navigating a blend of martial arts and sisterly bonds, Ria enlists the help of her friends to execute an elaborate and bold rescue mission.

Release Date

January 21, 2023

Runtime

103 minutes

Cast

Ritu Arya
, Priya Kansara
, Nimra Bucha
, Akshay Khanna
, Seraphina Beh
, Ella Bruccoleri

Director

Nida Manzoor

Writers

Nida Manzoor

Without the work of the cast of Polite Society, this recent action movie wouldn’t have been possible. They bring to life the writer-director Nida Manzoor’s work faithfully, breathing life into the close family dynamic that’s essential to the plot. The story revolves around Ria (Priya Kansara) as she becomes obsessed with preventing her sister Lena (Ritu Arya) from getting married to a suspicious man and giving up her dreams. Ria is defined by her love of stunt work and obsession with becoming a stuntwoman like her hero, Eunice Huthart.

Polite Society is in conversation with many different niches of cinema, from Martial Arts films to classic Bollywood musicals. Though Polite Society had a limited release, it connected deeply with the audiences who saw it and received positive reviews from critics who praised the tight script and feminist themes. Manzoor cemented herself as a filmmaker to watch in the coming years, as her TV show Lady Parts has also garnered attention from fans of her work.

5

The Day Of The Jackal (1973)

Directed by Fred Zinnemann

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The Day of the Jackal is a political thriller directed by Fred Zinnemann. The film follows an anonymous British assassin known as “The Jackal,” who is hired to kill French President Charles de Gaulle. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and meticulous planning, the story showcases the relentless cat-and-mouse chase between the elusive assassin and the determined authorities working to thwart his deadly mission.

Release Date

July 30, 1973

Runtime

143 Minutes

Cast

Edward Fox
, Terence Alexander
, Michel Auclair
, Alan Badel
, Tony Britton
, Denis Carey
, Adrien Cayla-Legrand
, Cyril Cusack

Director

Fred Zinnemann

Writers

Frederick Forsyth
, Kenneth Ross

The Day of the Jackal has recently re-entered the cultural conversation thanks to the popularity of the new Peacock TV show of the same name that modernizes the story. While Eddie Redmayne plays the mysterious and brutal Jackal in the new series, Edward Fox was the first to portray the elusive assassin. The French action thriller is not quite as high-octane as some of the other entries, but its slow build of tension and fantastic characters keep the audience enthralled from beginning to end.

The differences between The Day of the Jackal show and the movie are numerous, as the older film is of its time, lacking the technologies and innovations that have altered crime and investigations forever. However, this is part of the charm of the 1973 movie, as it’s reminiscent of a time when espionage and political intrigue seemed even more possible, and gentleman spies and assassins could be around every corner. The Day of the Jackal deserves to go down in history as a classic addition to the genre.

4

The Man From Nowhere (2010)

Directed by Lee Jeong-beom

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The Man from Nowhere (2010) is a South Korean action-thriller that follows a reclusive pawnshop owner with a dark past as he embarks on a relentless mission to rescue a kidnapped child. The film captures intense emotions and gripping action sequences, presenting a gripping narrative of redemption and vengeance.

Release Date

August 4, 2010

Runtime

119 Minutes

Cast

Won Bin
, Kim Sae-ron
, Kim Tae-hun
, Kim Hee-won
, Kim Sung-oh
, Lee Jong-pil
, Thanayong Wongtrakul
, Kim Hyo-seo
, Song Young-chang
, Baek Su-ryeon
, Nam Kyung-eup
, Jeong Do-won
, Kwak Do-won
, Jo Hyun-wu
, Son Sang-kyung
, Lee Jae-won
, Hwang Min-Ho
, Han Chul-woo
, Kwon Seong-deok
, Jo Jae-yun
, Jeong Min-sung
, Sun Ho-jin
, Kim Hyo-min

Director

Lee Jeong-beom

Writers

Lee Jeong-beom

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Though The Man From Nowhere made waves in South Korea, it didn’t make as big an impact internationally. However, those who did watch this violent project were swept away by the incredible story and the lead performance by Won Bin. His character, Cha Tae-sik, is a man who ends up on a harrowing odyssey while protecting a young girl. Though little is known about Tae-sik, his abilities and decisive wins in battle make him a compelling protagonist to watch.

The violence and gore inherent to the story of The Man From Nowhere aren’t for the faint of heart, but for those who like a decent amount of blood in their action films, it’s the perfect project. Touching upon drug trafficking, organ harvesting, and a conspiracy that goes further than the audience would believe, The Man From Nowhere balances its intensity with a soft sensitivity. The relationship between Tae-sik and So-mi (Kim Sae-ron), the child he cares for, strikingly juxtaposes the brutality of the movie’s world.

3

True Romance (1993)

Directed by Tony Scott

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True Romance is a romantic crime drama by Tony Scott and Quentin Tarantino that follows two lovers, a kindly nerdy man and a prostitute, who decide to elope after a series of events. When a murder and an accidental theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars of cocaine from a mafia occur leading up to their engagement, the couple goes on the run, realizing no amount of talking will fix their mistake.

Release Date

September 10, 1993

Runtime

119 minutes

Director

Tony Scott

Budget

$13 million

Studio(s)

Warner Bros. Pictures

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Unfortunately, the rave reviews that True Romance received in 1993 didn’t save the action movie from flopping at the box office. The star-studded project barely broke even at the worldwide box office, making a little over $13 million against a budget of $12.2 million (via Box Office Mojo). Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette lead the project as young lovers who accidentally find themselves on the wrong side of a mob boss and on the run with a bag full of illegal drugs.

Since True Romance was released, it’s developed a cult following. Written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott, True Romance combines the best parts of both filmmakers’ talents. While many fans of Tarantino and action film buffs are well aware of the movie, it has yet to connect with a wider mainstream audience. This is a shame since it’s likely that most viewers would instantly see why critics were such big fans of the ensemble drama.

2

Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003)

Directed by Prachya Pinkaew

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Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior follows a young martial artist from a rural Thai village as he embarks on a perilous journey to retrieve the stolen head of their sacred Buddha statue, facing dangerous adversaries and showcasing remarkable Muay Thai skills.

Release Date

October 17, 2004

Runtime

106 minutes

Cast

Petchtai Wongkamlao
, tony jaa
, Patrarin Punyanutatam
, Suchao Pongwilai
, Choomporn Theppitak
, Cheathavuth Watcharakhun
, Wannakit Sirioput
, Rungrawee Barijindakul
, Chatthapong Phantana-Angkul
, Nudhapol Asavabhakhin
, Pornpimol Chookanthong
, Udom Songsaeng
, Boonsri Yindee
, Arirat Ratanakaitkosol
, Woravit Tangchitsirikul
, Chalongsak Sirimahasal
, Sawang Rodnuch
, Sutin Rodnuch
, Voranart Tantipidok
, Somjai Chanmoontree
, Somchai Moonma
, Taworn Tonapan
, Chupong Changprung
, Chaiyaporn Junmoontree
, Don Ferguson

Director

Prachya Pinkaew

Writers

Panna Rittikrai
, Suphachai Sittiaumponpan

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Considered one of the best Thai Martial Arts films of all time, Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior has the kind of innovative fight choreography and skilled performances that most action movies can only dream of. Using no CGI or wires, the performers execute mind-bending stunts and immerse the viewer in the world of Ong-Bak. Tony Jaa is the heart and soul of the Ong-Bak movies, anchoring the projects through his unmatched abilities.

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Featuring non-stop action, incredible stunts, and talented real-life fighters, some of the best martial arts movies ever came from Thailand.

Though the Ong-Bak trilogy is Jaa’s most famous work, he’s been part of many stellar action movies that showcase his skill as a martial artist. The chase scenes are one of the most memorable parts of Ong-Bak, as watching Jaa race down twisting streets and dodge impossible obstacles will get the audience’s heart pounding. It’s no surprise that critics immediately connected with Jaa as a protagonist and recognized the longevity of Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior.

1

Riders Of Justice (2021)

Directed by Anders Thomas Jensen

Mads Mikkelsen stars in Riders of Justice, the Danish action-comedy that flew under the radar due to its pandemic-era release. However, this doesn’t change the fact that Riders of Justice immediately connected with critics thanks to the darkly comic tone and Mikkelsen’s incredible performance. Though most American audiences associate Mikkelsen with his work in the TV show Hannibal, he’s an effective action star who commands attention onscreen. Every move Mikkelsen makes as the fearsome Markus in this classic tale of vengeance is utterly believable.

Mikkelsen isn’t the only reason that audiences should be more aware of Riders of Justice. The fight scenes are compelling, and it’s easy to connect to the emotional thrust of the story. Throughout the film, Markus attempts to reconcile with his daughter, Mathilde (Andrea Heick Gadeberg). Some viewers might be hesitant to watch Riders of Justice because it’s in Danish. However, as an action movie, it’s easy to understand the fight sequences and big emotional beats of Riders of Justice without understanding the language.