1. Extraction 2020，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 267072, ID: 8936646 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Extraction is a high-octane action thriller that showcases Chris Hemsworth’s physical prowess and acting skills. The film’s plot revolves around a mercenary named Tyler Rake, who embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue a kidnapped boy. The film’s intense action sequences and Hemsworth’s compelling performance make it a must-watch.
2. Extraction 2 2023，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 152476, ID: 12263384 Photo by dotcomstories.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Extraction 2 sees the return of Chris Hemsworth as Tyler Rake, the gun-for-hire who pulls you completely in. The sequel is bolder, more violent, and surprisingly hilarious compared to its predecessor. Hemsworth’s performance is commendable, and the film’s action sequences are pure cinematic adrenaline.
3. John Wick 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 747672, ID: 2911666 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 John Wick is a stylish action film that introduces us to the world of a retired assassin seeking vengeance. Keanu Reeves delivers a vintage anti-hero performance, bringing life to the character with his physicality and emotional depth. The film’s action choreography and stylish visuals are truly breathtaking.
4. John Wick: Chapter 2 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 518185, ID: 4425200 Photo by bfoliver.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 John Wick: Chapter 2 takes the franchise to new heights with its audacious action sequences and intriguing expansion of the underworld lore. Keanu Reeves reprises his role as the legendary assassin, delivering a performance that blends cool confidence with precise action.
5. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 432021, ID: 6146586 Photo by olivian.ro, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum is a thrilling continuation of the franchise, offering new twists and returning to its roots. The film is filled with over-the-top action set-pieces and provides fresh information about Wick’s backstory. Keanu Reeves’ performance is as compelling as ever.
6. John Wick: Chapter 4 2023，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 344196, ID: 10366206 Photo by gwigwi.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 John Wick: Chapter 4 is a thrilling ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The film is a perfect blend of mythology and action, with a final hour that stands among the best of the genre. The plot is refreshingly focused, making it a must-watch for action lovers. The film’s epic runtime doesn’t overshadow the brilliantly choreographed action sequences.
7. The Bourne Identity 2002，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 580973, ID: 0258463 Photo by newsfilter.gr, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 The Bourne Identity is an action-packed thriller that revolves around a man’s quest to uncover his true identity. The film is a skillful blend of martial arts, chases, and spy tricks, making it a captivating watch. Despite its focus on action, the film doesn’t lose sight of its characters, making it a well-rounded cinematic experience.
8. The Bourne Ultimatum 2007，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 661600, ID: 0440963 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 The Bourne Ultimatum is a gripping spy thriller that keeps you engaged throughout. The film’s plot involves Bourne trying to survive the shadowy forces against him by using his awesome skills in spycraft, the martial arts, and running real fast. The film’s brutally cynical happy ending reveals that it doesn’t take itself seriously.
9. The Bourne Legacy 2012，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 317317, ID: 1194173 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 The Bourne Legacy is an entertaining action picture, featuring sharper dialogue and better performances than most movies of the genre. The film’s frenetic pacing can be exhausting, making it hard to catch your breath. However, the plot, while intriguing, feels a bit convoluted at times, leaving you scratching your head instead of fully immersed in the story.
10. Jason Bourne 2016，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 244182, ID: 4196776 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY 2.0 The return of Jason Bourne in 2016 was a thrilling ride, filled with the intense action sequences we’ve come to expect from the franchise. However, it lacked the depth and character development seen in ‘Extraction 2’. While Bourne’s stoic nature and nearly dialogue-less performance were intriguing, they didn’t quite pull me in the way Chris Hemsworth’s character did in ‘Extraction 2’.
11. Rambo III 1988，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 141288, ID: 0095956 Photo by exotica.org.uk, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 While ‘Rambo III’ offered plenty of action, it lacked the memorable set pieces of its predecessor. The film’s over-the-top violence was more nauseating than entertaining, a stark contrast to ‘Extraction 2’ which managed to balance intense action with a gripping storyline.
12. Rambo 2008，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 246156, ID: 0462499 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 The 2008 ‘Rambo’ film saw a more emotional and reflective John Rambo, which added a new layer to the character. However, despite its attempts at deeper storytelling, it didn’t quite reach the narrative heights of ‘Extraction 2’, which seamlessly blended high-octane action with emotional depth.
13. Commando 1985，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 176503, ID: 0088944 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under by 2.0 Commando is an action-packed film that features Arnold Schwarzenegger in one of his most iconic roles. The film’s plot, which involves Schwarzenegger’s character rescuing his kidnapped daughter, is simple yet engaging. Critics praised the film for its non-stop action and Schwarzenegger’s charismatic performance. As a fan of action films, I found Commando to be an exhilarating experience that showcases Schwarzenegger’s undeniable star power.
14. Taken 2008，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 639613, ID: 0936501 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY 2.0 Taken is a high-octane thriller that follows a former CIA operative’s mission to rescue his kidnapped daughter. Liam Neeson delivers a compelling performance as the film’s protagonist, and the film’s action sequences are both slick and intense. Critics praised the film for its engaging plot and Neeson’s commanding presence. As a viewer, I found Taken to be a gripping film that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
16. Taken 2 2012，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 324751, ID: 1397280 Photo by bfoliver.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Taken 2 continues the thrilling saga of former CIA operative Bryan Mills. This time, Mills and his ex-wife are the ones who are kidnapped, leading to a tense and action-packed rescue mission. While the film was criticized for its lack of originality and over-reliance on the formula of the first film, I found it to be an enjoyable sequel that delivers plenty of adrenaline-fueled action.
16. Taken 3 2014，IMDB Rating: 6.0, IMDB Votes: 205614, ID: 2446042 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Taken 3 concludes the action-packed trilogy with a shift in formula – this time, Mills is framed for murder and must work to clear his name. Critics were less favorable towards this installment, citing a lack of originality and over-the-top action sequences. However, as a viewer, I appreciated the film’s attempt to bring a fresh perspective to the franchise, and Neeson’s performance remained as engaging as ever.
From John Wick to Extraction: Your Must-Watch List of Action-Packed Thriller Movies
