Top 20 Underrated Action Movies

This list features twenty exciting action movies that didn’t get the attention they deserved. They all stand out with creative action sequences, talented actors, and unique locations. You’ll find a variety of films from around the world – including crime thrillers, samurai adventures, sci-fi mixes, and historical stories. This guide will help you find movies that are fast-paced and showcase impressive filmmaking details.

‘Dredd’ (2012)

Pete Travis directed and Alex Garland wrote this version of Judge Dredd, placing the story in Mega City One. Karl Urban starred as Judge Dredd, and Olivia Thirlby played the new recruit, Anderson. The filmmakers used 3D cameras and lots of slow-motion shots, connected to a drug called Slo Mo. Most of the filming happened in South Africa, and they built huge sets to create the indoor locations. While the movie didn’t make a lot of money in theaters, it became more popular after it was released for home viewing.

‘The Raid’ (2011)

Gareth Evans, an Indonesian director, created a thrilling story set entirely within a single Jakarta high-rise building, focusing on a police raid. The film’s star, Iko Uwais, performed incredible martial arts, specifically pencak silat, which heavily influenced the action choreography. Despite being made on a limited budget, the film prioritized practical, on-location fight sequences. It gained international attention through film festivals and specialized distribution channels.

‘Upgrade’ (2018)

This futuristic thriller, written and directed by Leigh Whannell, centers on a man with a groundbreaking implant called STEM. Actor Logan Marshall-Green underwent extensive training to perform long, complex scenes blending robotic and hand-to-hand combat. Filmed in Melbourne on a modest budget, the production prioritized practical effects and camera work. Blumhouse Tilt distributed the film, releasing it in a limited number of theaters before making it available on digital platforms.

‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ (2015)

I was really excited to see Guy Ritchie tackle ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’! He set it during the Cold War and the cast – Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, and Alicia Vikander – was perfect. What I loved most was how much attention to detail they put into everything – the clothes, the cars, even the gadgets really felt like they were straight out of the 60s. They filmed all over Europe, which looked amazing. It did really well overseas, though it didn’t quite have the same impact here in the States. And the music! The soundtrack was full of songs from the era, plus some cool original scores. It all added up to a really stylish and fun movie.

‘Haywire’ (2011)

Steven Soderbergh directed a film featuring Gina Carano, Ewan McGregor, Channing Tatum, and Michael Fassbender. The fight scenes were filmed simply, with a focus on hand-to-hand combat and clear views of the action, avoiding excessive special effects. The music, composed by David Holmes, used a jazz style to build tension during scenes of spying and chases. Filming took place in various locations throughout Ireland and the United States.

‘Ronin’ (1998)

Director John Frankenheimer filmed thrilling, lengthy car chases through the streets of Paris and Nice, relying on real driving and various camera angles. The film stars Robert De Niro and Jean Reno as members of a heist crew chasing a puzzling briefcase all over Europe. The filmmakers kept computer-generated effects to a minimum, instead using skilled stunt professionals. Composer Elia Cmiral created a subtle score that perfectly complements the film’s scenes of planning and pursuit.

‘The Long Kiss Goodnight’ (1996)

In the action thriller directed by Renny Harlin, Geena Davis plays a teacher from a small town who has lost her memory, but her past comes back to haunt her when she gets caught up in a dangerous conspiracy. Samuel L. Jackson appears as a private investigator assisting her in finding the people who controlled her life before. The film, written by Shane Black, uniquely combines the festive atmosphere of the holidays with the world of covert government operations. Scenes were filmed throughout the United States and Canada.

’13 Assassins’ (2010)

Takashi Miike’s film is a remake of a classic samurai story from 1963, centering on battles and strategy during the Edo period. Kōji Yakusho plays a leader who gathers samurai to set a trap for the cruel son of a powerful lord. The filmmakers built a whole village specifically for a long, unbroken battle sequence. The costumes and weapons are carefully designed to be historically accurate for late feudal Japan.

‘Hardcore Henry’ (2015)

Director Ilya Naishuller filmed the entire story as if you were seeing it through the character’s eyes, using cameras worn on the head. To make this seamless, the production team carefully planned intense parkour, car chases, and wire work. Sharlto Copley plays several different characters who cross paths during action-packed chases and gunfights. The film was initially funded by fans through crowdfunding and was later shown in theaters around the world.

‘The Night Comes for Us’ (2018)

Indonesian director Timo Tjahjanto’s film follows a triad member struggling to stay alive while torn between his obligations and his own survival. Starring Joe Taslim and Iko Uwais, the movie features intense fight scenes with blades, machetes, and whatever else the characters can find. The filmmakers used real blood effects and impressive practical sets during filming. It was released worldwide on Netflix.

‘The Villainess’ (2017)

Jung Byung gil’s new film starts with an intense, close-quarters fight before expanding to showcase impressive motorcycle chases and large-scale battles. Starring Kim Ok vin as a highly-trained government assassin, the story blends action with a personal journey. The film gained recognition at the Cannes Film Festival for its innovative technical execution, and was filmed on location in South Korea, utilizing unique rehearsal spaces designed for extended, uninterrupted action sequences.

‘Ong-Bak’ (2003)

Tony Jaa showcases authentic Muay Thai skills—no wires or stunt doubles are used—under the direction of Prachya Pinkaew. The story centers on a villager’s quest to recover a stolen Buddha statue from criminals in Bangkok. The film features exciting chases with impressive footwork through bustling markets and acrobatic maneuvers. It played a key role in bringing Thai stunt work to a wider global audience.

‘The Way of the Gun’ (2000)

Christopher McQuarrie’s film depicts a kidnapping in the Southwest that quickly escalates into a dangerous confrontation across the border. Ryan Phillippe and Benicio del Toro navigate small towns and remote desert locations, focusing on strategic maneuvers and staying hidden. The film culminates in a tense standoff with carefully planned positioning and overlapping lines of fire. Filmed in New Mexico, the production used practical effects like squibs and blank ammunition to create a realistic feel.

‘Shoot ‘Em Up’ (2007)

Michael Davis directed a film featuring impressive action sequences and comedic moments involving props and gunplay. The story follows a mysterious man, played by Clive Owen, who must protect an infant while being chased by Paul Giamatti. Most of the filming took place in Toronto, utilizing both practical locations and soundstage sets for complex scenes like aerial stunts and warehouse chases. New Line Cinema released the movie in theaters and for home viewing.

‘Safe’ (2012)

In this action thriller, Jason Statham plays a former police officer tasked with safeguarding a young girl who possesses a vital code that various criminal gangs are desperate to obtain. Director Boaz Yakin delivers fast-paced chases through the streets and subway stations of New York City, as the story unfolds, revealing conflicts between Chinese triads, the Russian mafia, and corrupt authorities. The film was released in theaters by Lionsgate.

‘Brotherhood of the Wolf’ (2001)

Christophe Gans’ film dramatically retells the story of the Beast of Gévaudan, featuring detailed costumes, martial arts action, and historical firearms. Starring Samuel Le Bihan and Mark Dacascos, the movie follows the investigation of attacks in the French countryside, set against a backdrop of royal court politics. The filmmakers used impressive sets and real outdoor locations – forests and castles – to create a visually stunning experience. The film was a big hit in France and was also successful internationally.

‘Deep Rising’ (1998)

In Stephen Sommers’ film, a team of mercenaries and thieves face off against a monster on a high-end cruise ship in the South China Sea. Starring Treat Williams and Famke Janssen, the movie features action sequences in flooded areas of the ship, with special effects bringing the creature’s attacks to life. Disney’s Hollywood Pictures distributed the film, which blends physical sets with computer-generated imagery from the late 1990s.

‘John Carter’ (2012)

Andrew Stanton directed a film based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ science fiction stories, starring Taylor Kitsch and Lynn Collins. Filming took place in Utah’s deserts and on British soundstages to bring the world of Barsoom to life. The movie used a mix of real actors and a lot of computer-generated imagery for both characters and creatures. While the film earned money globally, its production and marketing expenses were very high.

‘Reign of Fire’ (2002)

In Rob Bowman’s film, dragon attacks have devastated a futuristic United Kingdom, forcing people to seek refuge in places like castles and quarries. Christian Bale plays the leader of one surviving community, and Matthew McConaughey appears as the commander of a heavily armed group. Filmed in Ireland, the movie used extensive, real-life sets and large-scale props. The dragons themselves came to life through a combination of animatronics and digital visual effects, bringing their flight and fiery breath to the screen.

‘Ninja Assassin’ (2009)

James McTeigue’s film, Rain, follows a former trainee who becomes a target after turning against a group of professional assassins. The movie is packed with intense knife fights, close-up combat, and fast-paced chases through the streets of Europe. Filmed in Berlin, the production received backing from the Wachowskis and producer Joel Silver, and its action sequences are set to a modern pop and electronic soundtrack.

Share your own overlooked favorites in the comments so everyone can discover more high energy gems.

2025-11-15 16:46