1
First Blood (1982)
Sunset Boulevard//Getty Images
John Rambo would become increasingly cartoonish as the sequels went on, but in the original, he was just a scared veteran trying to survive out in the real world.
2
The Raid 2: Redemption (2014)
Sony Classics
The Raid was more frenzied, but the sequel (also written and directed by Gareth Evans) got grand, introducing an intricate crime-drama plot. Didn’t matter: Redemption is brilliantly violent, a ballet of broken bones, perfect punches and crazy car chases.
3
Ong-Bak (2003)
Sahamongkol Film International
The film marked the breakout moment for Muy Thai martial artist Tony Jaa and the beginning of one of the best action franchises ever. There’s not a lot of fakery in Jaa’s fight scenes. Dudes are getting punched for real.
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4
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
©Miramax/Everett Collection
The second film is more dialogue-heavy, but the first half is essentially nonstop action … and it’s a good thing the Crazy 88 fight is in black and white, because it’d almost be too bloody to watch otherwise.
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5
The Bourne Ultimatum (2006)
Everett Collection//Everett
What should have been Jason Bourne’s final adventure is a thrilling, satisfying conclusion to this kinetic trilogy. Director Paul Greengrass and star Matt Damon permanently reshaped how we think of the globetrotting espionage thriller. James Bond is still playing catch-up.
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6
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)
David James
You can’t go wrong with any in this series – though it has only gotten better as the years have gone along – but the introduction of Rebecca Ferguson to this series just amped up the emotional stakes.
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7
John Wick (2014)
Everett Collection
Keanu Reeves’ first of two masterful franchises on this list, John Wick gave us a mournful 21st-century assassin who won’t let his grief get in the way of shooting every bad guy in the head at point-blank range.
Watch John Wick for thrilling action now
8
Enter the Dragon (1973)
Bettmann//Getty Images
Don’t miss the legendary Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon – Watch now
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