Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of action movies from the past decade! The 2010s have been a game-changer for action cinema, with filmmakers pushing the boundaries of stunts, special effects, and camera tricks to create heart-pounding sequences that will leave you on the edge of your seat. These movies have taken the genre to new heights, making it more vibrant and exciting than ever before.
When it comes to action films of the 2010s, there is something for everyone. From classic spy and secret agent flicks like the Mission: Impossible series and Skyfall, to the incredible superhero adventures of The Avengers, Logan, and Black Panther, these movies have captured our imaginations and brought our favorite characters to life. But it doesn’t stop there! Some films have taken the traditional action formula and elevated it to new levels, like the jaw-dropping John Wick trilogy. And then there are the true game-changers, the movies that defy expectations and leave a lasting impact. Mad Max: Fury Road, hailed as the pinnacle of 2010s action movies, stands in a league of its own.
Now it’s your turn to be a part of the action! Take a moment to explore this list of incredible 2010s action movies and discover your favorites. Keep an eye on the rankings to see how your picks are doing and don’t hesitate to share any other action movies that you feel deserve a spot on this list.
(Note: One movie that has sparked debate among fans is White House Down. Love it or hate it, it’s definitely a talking point!)
1. John Wick
Step into the world of John Wick, played by Keanu Reeves, a retired hitman who is trying to live a quiet life after the death of his wife. Unfortunately, his peaceful existence is shattered when a mobster’s son steals his beloved car and kills his puppy. This puppy was the last gift from his late wife, making the situation even more devastating. This incident becomes the turning point that forces Wick to come out of retirement and return to his old life.
John Wick is an action-packed thriller that immerses you into the hidden underworld of New York City. Keanu Reeves delivers an outstanding performance, showcasing his exceptional martial arts skills in expertly choreographed sequences that will leave you breathless. This film is a tale of revenge, and it has become a standout example in its genre.
John Wick has been recognized for its stunning cinematography and its gripping storytelling. It has received numerous awards for its impressive visual style and tightly woven narrative.
Released: 2014
Directed by: Chad Stahelski
Actors: Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen
2. Deadpool
In the action-comedy Deadpool, we follow the story of Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds), a former Special Forces operative who now works as a mercenary. However, his life takes a drastic turn when he becomes the subject of a dangerous experiment that grants him the power of accelerated healing. Embracing his new persona as Deadpool, Wade embarks on a mission to seek revenge against the man responsible for his suffering. Get ready for a wild ride filled with genre-bending moments and a unique blend of humor and action.
The movie also introduces us to Vanessa, played by Morena Baccarin, who becomes Wade’s love interest. Alongside her, we have Ed Skrein as Ajax, the villain who becomes the target of Deadpool’s wrath. Prepare for an unforgettable showdown between the two.
Deadpool has achieved great recognition in the film industry, earning multiple awards, including two Critics’ Choice Awards and a Golden Trailer award. It’s no surprise that this movie has captivated audiences with its unexpected twists and turns, seamlessly blending intense action sequences with sharp wit. Get ready to be entertained like never before.
Released: 2016
Directed by: Tim Miller
Actors: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein
3. Guardians of the Galaxy
Welcome to the heart of Marvel’s cinematic universe! Get ready to meet a whole new crew of heroes in Guardians of the Galaxy. Our main protagonist, Peter Quill, played by the talented Chris Pratt, starts off as a rogue adventurer but soon finds himself in an unexpected position as an unlikely hero. How did this happen, you ask? Well, it all centers around a highly sought-after orb that falls into Peter’s possession. This seemingly innocent orb sets off a wild intergalactic manhunt, and our heroes are at the center of it all.
Leading the charge against our ragtag group of misfits is the sinister Ronan, played by the talented Lee Pace. He’s one villain you don’t want to mess with! To stand a chance against Ronan, Peter enlists the help of some truly unique and eccentric individuals. First up, we have Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon portrayed by the amazing Bradley Cooper. Yes, you read that right, a raccoon with a gun! Then we have Groot, a humanoid creature who resembles a tree, and is voiced by the one and only Vin Diesel. Talk about an unusual team!
But the fun doesn’t stop there. We also have the deadly Gamora, played by the stunning Zoe Saldana, and Drax the Destroyer, portrayed by the powerful Dave Bautista. Together, they form an unlikely alliance to thwart Ronan’s evil plan and save the day. This film is a perfect blend of comedy, action, and space opera. It’s got something for everyone!
It’s no wonder Guardians of the Galaxy received two Academy Award nominations. This film truly launched an epic franchise that has captivated audiences worldwide. So, buckle up and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
Released: 2014
Directed by: James Gunn
Actors: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista
4. Avengers: Infinity War
Avengers: Infinity War is an action-packed superhero film that brings together Marvel’s finest heroes to confront a formidable adversary. The star-studded cast includes Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and the rest of the Avengers. Their mission? To take on their most powerful enemy yet – Thanos (Josh Brolin).
Thanos, a despot known for his intergalactic infamy, is hell-bent on acquiring all six Infinity Stones. Why, you ask? Well, he intends to use them to impose his twisted will on reality itself. As you can imagine, this puts the survival of Earth and existence as we know it in grave danger. The stakes have never been higher, and sacrifices will need to be made.
It’s worth noting that Avengers: Infinity War is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a vast interconnected web of superhero stories. The film even received a nomination for Best Visual Effects at the 91st Academy Awards, which speaks volumes about its stunning visual spectacle.
So, if you’re in the mood for non-stop action, epic battles, and a nail-biting storyline, this is the movie for you. Brace yourself for an adrenaline-fueled ride that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Get ready to witness the Avengers face their greatest challenge yet in Avengers: Infinity War.
Released: 2018
Directed by: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Actors: Robert Downey, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin
5. The Avengers
The Avengers is an epic movie where the world is facing an unprecedented threat. It brings together iconic superheroes like Iron Man, Captain America, The Hulk, and Thor, who are assembled by S.H.I.E.L.D., led by Nick Fury. Joining them are Black Widow and Hawkeye, forming a team that you wouldn’t expect. This action-packed superhero flick is filled with intense moments and conflicts among the characters themselves as they battle against the villain Loki to save humanity. Directed by Joss Whedon, it’s a thrilling combination of adventure and humor that received praise from critics and won numerous awards.
Released: 2012
Directed by: Joss Whedon
Actors: Robert Downey, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo
6. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
In Captain America: The Winter Soldier, we see Steve Rogers, played by Chris Evans, trying to navigate his way through a modern world that is a far cry from the 1940s he once knew. As a member of the covert agency S.H.I.E.L.D., Rogers finds himself caught up in a global conspiracy. To tackle this challenge, he joins forces with Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, portrayed by Scarlett Johansson, and Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, who takes on the persona of the Falcon. Together, they embark on a mission to unravel the sinister plot brewing, all while a powerful adversary named the Winter Soldier, portrayed by Sebastian Stan, emerges from the shadows. This action-packed and thrilling film is an integral part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it was brought to life under the direction of Anthony and Joe Russo. Notably, the film received a nomination for an Academy Award in the category of Best Visual Effects.
Released: 2014
Directed by: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Actors: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson
7. Thor: Ragnarok
The Marvel movie Thor: Ragnarok is one action-packed ride. It’s all about Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, getting caught up in a deadly gladiatorial contest with his old buddy Hulk, played by Mark Ruffalo. They go head to head on the alien planet Sakaar, and Thor is in some serious trouble. He’s without his trusty hammer and has to find a way back to Asgard before it gets destroyed. Hela, played by Cate Blanchett, is the big bad in this story, and she’s out to wreck everything.
Directed by Taika Waititi, this movie is a thrilling adventure. Thor has to fight for his life and try to save his world from certain doom. Along the way, he meets some unexpected allies and there’s plenty of that classic Marvel humor we all love. The film’s visual effects are absolutely stunning, so it’s no wonder it got an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects.
Released: 2017
Directed by: Taika Waititi
Actors: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett
8. Avengers: Endgame
Avengers: Endgame is the epic conclusion to Marvel’s 22-film saga. The movie brings together our favorite heroes like Iron Man (played by Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (played by Chris Evans), and Thor (played by Chris Hemsworth), along with the other surviving Avengers. They are faced with the aftermath of Thanos’s devastating snap, which has caused immense destruction.
Feeling overwhelmed by despair, our heroes come up with a daring plan to undo the damage and bring back their fallen comrades. This superhero adventure, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, is a thrilling spectacle that combines intricate storytelling with mind-blowing visual effects. The film received widespread critical acclaim and achieved remarkable commercial success, making it the highest-grossing film of all time.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Actors: Robert Downey, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo
9. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum
In John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is on the run, with a huge price on his head. He’s being relentlessly pursued by the world’s most ruthless assassins. This film is a thrilling and action-packed ride, filled with intense and adrenaline-pumping sequences as Wick fights for his life. Halle Berry joins the cast as Sofia, an old ally who has her own personal scores to settle. Laurence Fishburne also returns as the Bowery King, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the story. It’s worth mentioning that this third installment in the series won the Saturn Award for Best Action or Adventure Film, solidifying its place in the genre.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Chad Stahelski
Actors: Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry, Ian McShane
10. The Dark Knight Rises
In The Dark Knight Rises, the last chapter of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, we see a more mature and vulnerable Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) stepping out of seclusion to defend Gotham City. This time, the city is facing a grave threat from the merciless terrorist Bane (Tom Hardy), whose past remains shrouded in mystery. Adding to the mix, we meet Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway), a clever cat burglar who joins the fray. Meanwhile, Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) grapples with the pervasive corruption in the city. It’s an action-packed superhero film that received numerous accolades for its stunning visual effects and impressive sound editing.
Released: 2012
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Actors: Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy
11. Logan
In the gritty drama Logan, we see Hugh Jackman once again taking on the role of the weary and aging Wolverine. The story is set in a dystopian future, where our protagonist is given the responsibility of protecting a young mutant girl named Laura, played by Dafne Keen, from some really dark and dangerous forces. And guess who else is back? Patrick Stewart returns as Charles Xavier, who is struggling with his health but still manages to offer some guidance to Logan.
This film, under the direction of James Mangold, takes a departure from the usual superhero narratives that we’re used to seeing. It goes deeper, exploring themes of mortality and legacy. And it seems like the Academy Awards took notice, as Logan received a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 90th Academy Awards. This is actually the first time a superhero movie has been recognized in this category. Quite the achievement!
Released: 2017
Directed by: James Mangold
Actors: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen
