The Best New Action Movies Of The Last Few Years

Action movies are currently enjoying a big comeback, combining cutting-edge effects with impressive real-life stunts. Both established franchises and brand new, fast-paced stories are pushing the limits of what’s possible in the genre. Filmmakers are using clever camera work and detailed fight choreography to create exciting and realistic worlds, whether they’re set in tough city streets or futuristic landscapes. This collection showcases the most important and influential action films released during this exciting time.

‘Land of Bad’ (2024)

The film centers on a dangerous mission in the Philippines where a special forces team is ambushed and must fight their way to safety. They rely on aerial support from a drone pilot, while on the ground, a new attack controller guides them. Starring Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth, the story highlights the crucial communication and teamwork needed between soldiers on the ground and those providing remote assistance.

‘The Killer’ (2023)

After a crucial mission fails, a highly skilled assassin embarks on a challenging physical and emotional journey. The film, directed by David Fincher, delves into the precise and calculated world of contract killing, revealed through the assassin’s own thoughts. The story takes him to cities like Paris and New York as he seeks revenge on those who have wronged him. Michael Fassbender delivers a compelling performance as the lead, highlighting the character’s intense discipline and detached approach to his work.

‘Sisu’ (2022)

Near the end of World War II, a lone gold prospector in northern Finland comes face-to-face with a fleeing group of Nazi soldiers. When the soldiers try to steal his gold, they realize he’s a tough, almost mythical ex-commando who won’t go down easily. The movie is filled with brutal, visually striking fight scenes, as the prospector uses clever ambush tactics to take down his enemies. It’s known for having very little dialogue and relying heavily on strong visuals and realistic special effects to tell the story.

‘Monkey Man’ (2024)

A young man, driven by the murder of his mother and the suffering of others, sets out to get revenge on the powerful and corrupt figures controlling the city. He’s inspired by the story of Hanuman and trains in secret underground fight clubs, hoping to become strong enough to take them down. The film is a fast-paced action thriller with realistic fight scenes and a raw depiction of city life. It’s also the first time Dev Patel has directed a movie, and he stars as the main character.

‘The Fall Guy’ (2024)

A veteran stuntman, known for his toughness, is pulled back into action when a famous actor goes missing from a movie set. He quickly discovers a dangerous conspiracy and must use all his skills to survive. The film itself broke a world record for the most car rolls performed in one shot. Ultimately, it’s a story that honors the dedication and bravery of stunt performers and the world of practical filmmaking.

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

Long after Caesar’s time, apes have built thriving communities, while humans have become wild and primitive. A young ape named Noa sets out on a dangerous quest to save his clan from a ruthless leader who wants to use old human weapons. The movie features incredible visual effects, bringing the ape characters and their world to life with stunning detail. It also delves deeper into the history of the apes, showing how their society has developed and the different beliefs that divide them.

‘The Northman’ (2022)

This film tells the story of Amleth, a Viking prince driven by a lifelong mission to avenge his father’s death and take back his kingdom from his deceitful uncle. It’s a raw and realistic take on the ancient Scandinavian tale that inspired Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet.’ The movie showcases brutal, authentic combat and massive raids, all filmed in the stunning landscapes of Iceland. Director Robert Eggers focuses on creating a strong atmosphere and weaving in elements of Norse mythology.

‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ (2024)

Detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett in Miami are forced to go rogue when their deceased captain is wrongly accused of being corrupt. While dodging both criminals and the police, they work outside the law to uncover the truth and restore their captain’s reputation. The movie delivers the over-the-top action the series is known for, with thrilling car chases and massive gun battles. Expect spectacular scenes, including a final showdown involving an old military plane and a cutting-edge lab.

‘Extraction 2’ (2023)

Tyler Rake, a seasoned mercenary, is back in action after barely surviving a dangerous mission. This time, he’s hired to rescue the family of a powerful crime boss from a heavily guarded prison in Georgia. The film is famous for its incredible, unbroken action scene – a thrilling twenty-minute sequence featuring a prison riot and a high-speed train chase. Beyond the intense fighting and tactical maneuvers, the movie also delves deeper into Rake’s past.

‘Civil War’ (2024)

Set in a not-too-distant future, this film follows a group of journalists racing across a divided America to reach Washington, D.C. before it falls to rebel groups. Told through the eyes of photographers on the ground, the story shows a nation torn apart by conflict, with gritty and realistic scenes of urban warfare culminating in a dramatic siege of the White House. The film explores the emotional impact of reporting from a war zone and the breakdown of society as a whole.

‘Twisters’ (2024)

In Oklahoma, a seasoned storm chaser teams up with a popular social media influencer to put a new storm-protection system to the test. They quickly find themselves battling an unprecedented outbreak of powerful and dangerous tornadoes. This movie continues the story begun in the 1996 film, but with updated weather science and impressive visual effects. The film focuses on thrilling chases and desperate attempts to survive as they navigate the most dangerous parts of the storms.

‘Prey’ (2022)

In 1719, within the lands of the Comanche Nation, a young woman named Naru finds herself defending her people from a powerful alien hunter. Using her deep understanding of the terrain and her skills as a tracker, she pursues the creature, which is far stronger and more technologically advanced. The film focuses on resourceful survival strategies and traditional weapons used against this otherworldly enemy. This is a new take on the ‘Predator’ story, being the first film in the series to take place in the past with a mostly Native American cast.

‘No Time to Die’ (2021)

I was thrilled to see Bond back in action, pulled out of retirement to save a scientist who’d been taken hostage. It quickly became clear he was up against a seriously dangerous enemy with some terrifying new tech. The mission took him all over the world – from the icy landscapes of Norway and the beautiful cities of Italy, to a hidden base on a remote island. What made this film especially emotional for me was knowing it was Daniel Craig’s last time playing Bond, bringing his fifteen-year journey with the character to a close. And the action was incredible – so many real stunts with amazing cars and breathtaking high-altitude sequences. It was a fantastic way to say goodbye to this era of Bond.

‘Bullet Train’ (2022)

A group of five assassins unexpectedly find their assignments linked when they all end up on the same fast-moving train in Japan. Ladybug, one of the assassins, is sent to collect a briefcase, but quickly realizes he’s trapped in a deadly battle against the other killers onboard. The movie is visually striking with exciting, quick-cut fight scenes that incorporate ordinary items as weapons. The story unfolds in a fragmented way, gradually revealing each assassin’s history and reasons for being on the train.

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

Shang-Chi, a skilled martial artist, is pulled back into his family’s dangerous world when his father, the head of the powerful Ten Rings organization, reignites an old conflict. This leads Shang-Chi to a secret, legendary village, which he must defend from his father’s desire for power. The movie blends classic Chinese martial arts fighting styles with exciting superhero action, and includes memorable scenes like a fight on a speeding bus and a battle with enormous mythical beasts.

‘Nobody’ (2021)

Okay, so I just finished watching this movie and it totally blew me away. It centers around this seemingly ordinary guy, Hutch, who you quickly learn has a seriously hidden past. When his family is targeted in a home invasion, something snaps, and his old skills come roaring back. That initial incident spirals out of control, attracting the attention of a dangerous Russian mob boss, and suddenly his family is in real danger. What really stood out was how realistic and intense the action was – it wasn’t flashy, but incredibly brutal and often took place in really tight spaces, like a bus! Apparently, Bob Odenkirk did a ton of martial arts training so he could do most of his own stunts, which is insane and really adds to the film’s impact.

‘Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant’ (2023)

A film follows the incredible story of an Afghan interpreter who bravely helped an injured American sergeant escape dangerous territory during the war. When the sergeant discovers his friend was denied safe passage to the U.S., he risks everything to return to Afghanistan and rescue him. The movie realistically portrays the difficulties of modern combat and the strong connection that develops between the two men, highlighting the tension and challenges of operating in enemy territory.

‘Kill’ (2024)

Amrit, a trained commando, is on a train to New Delhi to prevent a forced marriage when the train is attacked by a large group of armed bandits. The entire movie unfolds within the train’s tight spaces, creating thrilling and brutal hand-to-hand fighting. The story follows Amrit as he increasingly uses force to defend the passengers and someone close to him. The film is praised for its creative action sequences and how it turns the train itself into a weapon.

‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ (2024)

This movie tells the story of Furiosa, starting with her childhood when she’s kidnapped and left to fight for survival in a harsh, lawless desert ruled by gangs and warlords. Over fifteen years, we see her evolve into the tough warrior we meet in ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’. Expect exciting car chases and massive battles with crazy, custom-built vehicles. The film also reveals the history of the Citadel and the complicated relationships between the different groups struggling to survive in the wasteland.

‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ (2024)

When Wade Wilson is unexpectedly recruited by the Time Variance Authority, he’s thrust into a mission to protect his universe from being destroyed. He reluctantly teams up with a Wolverine from another reality and together they face perilous challenges across different dimensions. The movie is packed with exciting action scenes that showcase the incredible healing powers of both characters. This is the first time these heroes have appeared within the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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

Ethan Hunt and his team at the IMF are on a mission to stop a dangerous artificial intelligence that can control information worldwide. Their pursuit takes them to exciting locations like Abu Dhabi, Venice, and the Austrian Alps, where they compete with other groups to find a vital key. The movie is well-known for a thrilling motorcycle stunt – a jump off a mountain followed by a base jump. The story explores how technology is becoming a bigger threat and the difficult choices IMF agents must make.

‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ (2023)

A famed assassin attempts to win his freedom by challenging a powerful figure from the High Table to a duel. His journey to become a free man takes him across Osaka, Berlin, and Paris, all while a growing bounty is placed on his head. The film is known for its incredibly detailed and lengthy action scenes, including a huge fight at the Arc de Triomphe. It stands out visually with its combination of vibrant neon lights and expertly choreographed gunfights and swordplay.

‘RRR’ (2022)

This film, set in 1920s India under British rule, tells the story of two soon-to-be-famous revolutionaries and their unlikely friendship. We follow their individual journeys, which ultimately lead to a large-scale attack on a British military base. Known for its spectacular action – including a daring rescue from a burning bridge and a thrilling attack with wild animals – the movie became a worldwide success thanks to its impressive visuals and unique blend of music and action.

‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022)

Evelyn, a laundromat owner, unexpectedly finds herself in a battle to save the multiverse. She has to team up with versions of herself from other realities, using the unique skills each of them possesses. The movie features creative and visually stunning fight scenes that take place in ever-changing worlds, all while exploring themes of family. Critics have praised its fresh idea and the impressive way the complicated story is told.

‘The Batman’ (2022)

In his second year fighting crime, Batman investigates the murders of Gotham’s leading politicians. His investigation into the Riddler’s crimes uncovers widespread corruption reaching the city’s wealthiest and most influential families. The film highlights Batman’s skills as a detective, with realistic and intense fight scenes. A key moment features a thrilling, high-speed chase with a powerful, customized Batmobile designed like a muscle car.

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

The Guardians of the Galaxy face one last challenge: protecting Rocket from a dangerous enemy called the High Evolutionary. The movie reveals Rocket’s difficult past and follows the team as they fight to save his life in epic space battles. It’s packed with action and uses impressive makeup and special effects. This film marks the end of this version of the Guardians team in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022)

I’m so excited about the new Top Gun movie! It’s amazing to see Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell back at the Top Gun program, now as the instructor. He’s tasked with training a whole new generation of elite pilots for a seriously dangerous mission. What’s really cool is the movie doesn’t shy away from the emotional side of things – Maverick has to deal with his own history while getting these young pilots ready for the intense physical and mental challenges of flying. And the aerial footage is unbelievable! They actually used real F/A-18s and custom cameras, so everything you see is the real deal – no CGI doubles! It’s a really great story about the strong connections between pilots and the incredible skill it takes to be a modern naval aviator.

‘Godzilla Minus One’ (2023)

Right after World War II, Japan faced a new crisis: the appearance of a massive monster from prehistoric times. A former pilot, once destined for a suicide mission, teams up with fellow veterans and engineers to find a way to stop the creature as it rampages through Tokyo. The film tackles difficult issues like the emotional scars of war and the challenges of rebuilding a nation, all set against a backdrop of widespread destruction. It was created by Toho Studios as a celebration of 70 years of ‘Godzilla’ movies.

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

Miles Morales travels across different universes and discovers a huge network of Spider-People working to keep those worlds safe. When a new danger appears, Miles clashes with the group over how to deal with an event that deeply affects his life. The movie is visually striking, with each universe having its own unique style – some look like punk-rock art, while others are inspired by watercolor paintings. The film ends with an exciting chase scene featuring hundreds of different Spider-People.

‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

Paul Atreides teams up with Chani and the Fremen people to seek revenge on those who destroyed his family. The story shows his transformation into a legendary leader as he gets ready for a climactic battle on the desert planet Arrakis. Expect spectacular action, including battles with enormous sandworms and large armies fighting against the Harkonnen. This film is the second of two based on Frank Herbert’s beloved 1965 science fiction novel.

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

2026-02-10 07:48