The 1990s were a golden age for action movies, delivering some of the most memorable and exciting films in the genre’s history. These movies were packed with intense stunts, groundbreaking special effects, and unforgettable heroes. Whether you’re a fan of high-speed chases or epic shootouts, the 90s had it all.
Some of the best 90s movies include timeless classics like Terminator 2: Judgment Day and The Matrix. These films not only set new standards for action but also introduced innovative storytelling and special effects. From the bullet-dodging scenes in The Matrix to the relentless pursuit in Terminator 2, these movies kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
Exploring best 90s action movies also means appreciating the diversity of the genre. You can dive into the heist thrills of Heat or enjoy the adrenaline-pumping speed of Speed. For lovers of martial arts, films like Drunken Master II offer breathtaking fight scenes. With actors like Stallone, Snipes, and Gibson leading the charge, the 90s action movies continue to be celebrated for their thrilling performances and enduring appeal.
41 Best 90s Action Movies of All Time
The 90s were packed with thrilling action films that left a lasting impression. These movies featured iconic characters, groundbreaking special effects, and unforgettable plots.
1. Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Terminator 2: Judgment Day stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as a reprogrammed cyborg sent to protect John Connor. Directed by James Cameron, the movie follows epic battles with a new, advanced Terminator.
The film won multiple awards for its groundbreaking special effects and action sequences. It remains a fan favorite for its thrilling chase scenes and deep storyline.
IMDb Rating 8.6/10
2. The Matrix
The Matrix, directed by the Wachowskis, features Keanu Reeves as Neo. He discovers a dystopian reality controlled by machines. Famous for its “bullet-dodging” scenes, it redefined action cinema with its blend of martial arts and sci-fi elements. The film’s innovative use of special effects and a deep, philosophical plot set it apart.
IMDb Rating 8.7/10
3. Heat
Directed by Michael Mann, Heat stars Robert De Niro and Al Pacino in a gripping tale of cops and robbers. The cat-and-mouse chase and intense shootouts make it one of the most compelling crime dramas. The movie is acclaimed for its realistic portrayal of heists and the deep characterization of its lead roles.
IMDb Rating 8.3/10
4. Total Recall
In Total Recall, Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a construction worker who discovers he’s a secret agent. Set in a futuristic world, the film combines action with thought-provoking themes about reality and memory. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, its special effects were ahead of their time, making it a classic of the genre.
IMDb Rating 7.5/10
5. The Rock
Directed by Michael Bay, The Rock stars Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage. The film focuses on a mission to stop a rogue general threatening San Francisco with chemical weapons from Alcatraz Island. Known for its explosive action sequences and charismatic performances, it’s a must-watch for action fans.
IMDb Rating 7.4/10
6. Face/Off
Face/Off, directed by John Woo, is a unique story of identity swap starring John Travolta and Nicolas Cage. The two play a cop and a criminal who undergo a face transplant to impersonate each other. The film is renowned for its dramatic story and well-executed action scenes.
IMDb Rating 7.3/10
7. Blade
Blade, starring Wesley Snipes, is a vampire hunter film based on the Marvel Comics character. Directed by Stephen Norrington, it mixes martial arts and supernatural elements, making it a standout action movie. Its stylish fight scenes and Snipes’ performance have made it a cult classic.
IMDb Rating 7.1/10
8. Speed
Speed features Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock in a high-stakes scenario where a bus must maintain a speed above 50 mph to avoid exploding. Directed by Jan de Bont, it’s known for its intense, relentless pace. The film’s real-time tension and engaging plot make it a memorable action thriller.
IMDb Rating 7.3/10
9. GoldenEye
Pierce Brosnan stars as James Bond in GoldenEye, directed by Martin Campbell. The movie features a plot involving a rogue MI6 agent and a satellite weapon. Its thrilling action sequences and Brosnan’s charming take on Bond revived the franchise in the 90s.
IMDb Rating 7.2/10
10. True Lies
True Lies is an action-comedy directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The film follows a secret agent who balances his high-stakes work with domestic life. It’s praised for its mix of humor and breathtaking action scenes.
IMDb Rating 7.3/10
11. Mission: Impossible
Tom Cruise stars in Mission: Impossible, which kicks off a long-running series. Directed by Brian De Palma, the movie follows Ethan Hunt as he clears his name after being framed. The film’s complex plot and suspenseful action scenes, especially the famous wire drop scene, stand out.
IMDb Rating 7.2/10
12. Die Hard with a Vengeance
Die Hard with a Vengeance sees Bruce Willis return as John McClane. Directed by John McTiernan, the movie pairs him with Samuel L. Jackson as they race to stop a series of bomb threats in New York City. The film is known for its high energy and engaging dialogue.
IMDb Rating 7.6/10
13. Con Air
Con Air, directed by Simon West, stars Nicolas Cage as a former Army Ranger on a hijacked prisoner transport plane. The film is packed with over-the-top action and dramatic moments. It’s remembered for its unique premise and intense sequences.
IMDb Rating 6.9/10
14. Clear and Present Danger
Harrison Ford stars in Clear and Present Danger, directed by Phillip Noyce. The film follows CIA analyst Jack Ryan uncovering a covert war against Colombian drug cartels. The movie is well-regarded for its political intrigue mixed with action.
IMDb Rating 6.9/10
15. Die Hard 2
In Die Hard 2, Bruce Willis returns as John McClane, this time battling terrorists at a snow-covered airport. Directed by Renny Harlin, it continues the series’ tradition of high-stakes action. The film’s blend of suspense and explosive action made it a box office hit.
IMDb Rating 7.1/10
16. Bad Boys
Bad Boys, directed by Michael Bay, features Martin Lawrence and Will Smith as Miami detectives. The movie is known for its comedic elements combined with action-packed scenes. It launched a successful franchise and is notable for its chemistry between the lead actors.
IMDb Rating 6.8/10
17. Air Force One
Air Force One, starring Harrison Ford, is about a hijacking of the President’s plane. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, Ford plays a commanding and heroic President fighting to save his family and passengers. The movie’s blend of patriotism and action made it very popular.
IMDb Rating 6.5/10
18. Enemy of the State
Directed by Tony Scott, Enemy of the State stars Will Smith as a lawyer who becomes a target of government surveillance. Gene Hackman plays a former NSA agent helping him. The film is praised for its intense storyline and timely themes.
IMDb Rating 7.3/10
19. Patriot Games
Patriot Games, directed by Phillip Noyce, features Harrison Ford as Jack Ryan. The story involves Ryan thwarting an IRA attack and dealing with the consequences. The movie’s mix of espionage and action is gripping.
IMDb Rating 6.8/10
20. Demolition Man
Demolition Man, starring Sylvester Stallone and Wesley Snipes, is a sci-fi action film set in a utopian future. Directed by Marco Brambilla, the movie balances humor with action. Its creative vision of the future and fight scenes between Stallone and Snipes are highlights.
IMDb Rating 6.7/10
21. Twister
Directed by Jan de Bont, Twister is about storm chasers tracking massive tornadoes. It stars Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. The movie’s special effects and realistic depiction of natural disasters captivated audiences.
IMDb Rating 6.5/10
22. Independence Day
Independence Day, directed by Roland Emmerich, stars Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum. The movie involves a global response to an alien invasion. Known for its spectacular visual effects and patriotic themes, it became a blockbuster hit.
IMDb Rating 7.0/10
23. Men in Black
Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, Men in Black stars Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as agents handling extraterrestrial threats. The film mixes sci-fi with comedy. Its unique concept and chemistry between the leads made it popular.
IMDb Rating 7.3/10
24. The Fugitive
The Fugitive, directed by Andrew Davis, stars Harrison Ford as a man wrongfully accused of murder. Tommy Lee Jones plays the determined U.S. Marshal chasing him. The movie’s suspense and strong performances make it a standout.
IMDb Rating 7.8/10
25. Rush Hour
Rush Hour, directed by Brett Ratner, features Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. The film is a mix of martial arts action and comedy. The duo’s chemistry and comedic timing made it a hit.
IMDb Rating 7.0/10
26. Lethal Weapon 3
Directed by Richard Donner, Lethal Weapon 3 stars Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as mismatched detectives. The movie continues their action-packed adventures. Known for its blend of humor and high-energy action, it’s beloved by fans.
IMDb Rating 6.7/10
27. U.S. Marshals
U.S. Marshals, directed by Stuart Baird, stars Tommy Lee Jones as a U.S. Marshal hunting a fugitive. The movie is a spin-off of The Fugitive. Notable for its suspense and Jones’ performance, it’s a thrilling watch.
IMDb Rating 6.6/10
28. Cliffhanger
Cliffhanger, directed by Renny Harlin, stars Sylvester Stallone as a mountain climber caught in a heist. The movie features daring stunts and breathtaking scenery. Its high-altitude action sequences make it memorable.
IMDb Rating 6.5/10
29. Predator 2
Predator 2, directed by Stephen Hopkins, is the sequel to the sci-fi action hit. Set in Los Angeles, it stars Danny Glover facing off against the alien predator. The urban setting and intense action distinguish it from the original.
IMDb Rating 6.3/10
30. Under Siege
Directed by Andrew Davis, Under Siege stars Steven Seagal as a cook who thwarts a naval ship hijacking. The movie combines suspense with martial arts action. It’s praised for its tight plot and Seagal’s performance.
IMDb Rating 6.5/10
31. Desperado
Desperado, directed by Robert Rodriguez, stars Antonio Banderas as a guitarist seeking revenge. The film blends stylish action with a strong storyline. Its unique visual style and intense action scenes stand out.
IMDb Rating 7.1/10
32. Broken Arrow
Directed by John Woo, Broken Arrow stars John Travolta and Christian Slater in a story about stolen nuclear weapons. The film is notable for its action-packed sequences. The dynamic between Travolta and Slater adds to the excitement.
IMDb Rating 6.1/10
33. Three Kings
Three Kings, directed by David O. Russell, stars George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, and Ice Cube. The movie is set during the Gulf War and involves a mission to steal gold. It combines action with satire, creating a unique film experience.
IMDb Rating 7.1/10
34. The Last Boy Scout
Directed by Tony Scott, The Last Boy Scout stars Bruce Willis and Damon Wayans. The movie involves a detective and a former football player teaming up to solve a murder. Its sharp dialogue and intense action scenes are highlights.
IMDb Rating 7.0/10
35. Universal Soldier
Universal Soldier, directed by Roland Emmerich, stars Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren as soldiers turned into cyborgs. The movie mixes sci-fi and action elements. Its fight scenes and the rivalry between the leads are memorable.
IMDb Rating 6.1/10
36. The Jackal
Directed by Michael Caton-Jones, The Jackal features Bruce Willis and Richard Gere. The movie follows an assassin known as “The Jackal” and the efforts to stop him. Its suspenseful plot and the performances of the leads stand out.
IMDb Rating 6.4/10
37. Last Action Hero
Last Action Hero, directed by John McTiernan, stars Arnold Schwarzenegger in a self-aware action movie. The film involves a boy who enters the world of his favorite action hero. Its blend of action and meta-commentary makes it unique.
IMDb Rating 6.5/10
38. Timecop
Timecop, directed by Peter Hyams, stars Jean-Claude Van Damme as a time-traveling cop. The film pairs action with a science fiction plot. Its time travel concept and Van Damme’s martial arts skills are central features.
IMDb Rating 5.9/10
39. Assassins
Assassins, directed by Richard Donner, stars Sylvester Stallone and Antonio Banderas as rival hitmen. The movie is filled with tense moments and action scenes. The dynamic between Stallone and Banderas drives the film.
IMDb Rating 6.3/10
40. Blown Away
Directed by Stephen Hopkins, Blown Away stars Jeff Bridges and Tommy Lee Jones. It’s a suspense-filled story about a terrorist bomber and the bomb squad expert trying to stop him. The film’s tension and explosive scenes are highlights.
IMDb Rating 5.1/10
41. Chain Reaction
Chain Reaction, directed by Andrew Davis, stars Keanu Reeves and Morgan Freeman. The movie involves a scientist caught in a conspiracy. Its blend of science fiction and action keeps viewers engaged.
IMDb Rating 8.9/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some top action movies from the 90s that are considered classics?
Some of the top 90s action movies include The Matrix, which revolutionized special effects, and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, known for its groundbreaking CGI and thrilling sequences.
Which action films from the 90s were the most influential in the genre?
Influential 90s action films include Die Hard with a Vengeance, which set a high bar for action-thriller movies, and Point Break, famous for its unique blend of action and extreme sports.
Can you list memorable action blockbusters from the 90s that had significant cultural impact?
Memorable 90s action blockbusters with a large cultural impact include The Mummy, known for its mix of horror and adventure, and Independence Day, which became a summer blockbuster phenomenon.
What are the highest-rated action movies of the 90s on IMDb?
According to IMDb ratings, some of the highest-rated 90s action movies are The Matrix and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, both praised for their innovative storytelling and special effects.
Which 90s action movies have the best action sequences and stunts?
Movies with some of the best action sequences and stunts include Speed, known for its intense bus chase scenes, and Mission: Impossible, which featured thrilling and suspenseful stunts.
What are some 90s action movies that have strong cult followings?
90s action movies with strong cult followings include Fight Club, known for its gritty realism and philosophical themes, and The Fifth Element, celebrated for its unique visual style and sci-fi elements.
