Top 10 Action Movies of the 1990s

1. Léon: The Professional (1994)

Director: Luc Besson

In the realm of action cinema from the 1990s, 'Léon: The Professional' emerges as a captivating tale that blends style with intense violence. Despite its controversies, this Luc Besson creation shines with a stellar performance by a young Natalie Portman and a memorable portrayal by Gary Oldman. 'Léon: The Professional' showcases the art of action filmmaking at its finest.

Natalie Portman as Mathilda in Léon: The Professional - Directed by Luc Besson - Léon: The Professional (1994)

Background:

• 'Léon: The Professional' is a French action thriller that gained international acclaim for its unique blend of violence and emotion.
• The film tells the story of Léon, a professional hitman, who forms an unlikely bond with Mathilda, a 12-year-old girl seeking revenge for her family's murder.
• Directed by Luc Besson, the film sparked controversy due to its depiction of a romantic relationship between Léon and Mathilda, but it also received critical praise for its performances, direction, and stylish cinematography.

2. Independence Day (1996)

Director: Roland Emmerich

Reviving the disaster movie genre, 'Independence Day' soared to success with its gripping portrayal of an alien invasion. Will Smith's performance solidified his status as an action star, while the film's special effects and iconic scenes captivated audiences worldwide.

Captain Steve standing next David Levinson in Independence Day - Directed by Roland Emmerich - Independence Day (1996)

Background:

• 'Independence Day' was a groundbreaking disaster movie that revitalized the genre with its large-scale special effects and patriotic themes.
• The film takes place on July 2nd and 3rd, when a massive alien mothership arrives on Earth and begins destroying major cities. The survivors, including Captain Steven Hiller (Will Smith) and David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum), must come together to save humanity.
• Directed by Roland Emmerich, 'Independence Day' became a cultural phenomenon, with its iconic scenes, such as the destruction of the White House and the alien mothership, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

3. Mission: Impossible (1996)

Director: Brian De Palma

Launching a legendary franchise, 'Mission: Impossible' introduced Tom Cruise as a daring action hero. With its thrilling spy plot and memorable sequences, the film set the stage for a series that continues to enthrall audiences with its high-octane adventures.

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) scaling into a vault in Mission: Impossible (1996) - Directed by Brian De Palma - Mission: Impossible (1996)

Background:

• 'Mission: Impossible' was the first installment in the long-running 'Mission: Impossible' franchise, based on the popular TV series.
• The film follows Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise), a skilled secret agent who must uncover a mole within his own organization and prevent the theft of a classified list of undercover agents.
• Directed by Brian De Palma, 'Mission: Impossible' showcased Cruise's physicality and commitment to performing his own stunts, setting the tone for future installments in the series.

4. Con Air (1997)

Director: Simon West

'Con Air' embraces over-the-top action with Nicolas Cage at the helm of a high-stakes plane hijacking. Director Simon West's debut film delivers a fast-paced, witty script that pushes the boundaries of action cinema, making it a standout from the era.

Cameron Poe (Nicolas Cage) talking to someone on the plane in Con Air - Directed by Simon West - Con Air (1997)

Background:

• 'Con Air' is a high-octane action thriller that takes place on a prison transport plane carrying some of the deadliest criminals in the country.
• The film follows Cameron Poe (Nicolas Cage), a former Army Ranger, who finds himself caught in a hijacking orchestrated by the inmates, led by Cyrus "The Virus" Grissom (John Malkovich).
• Directed by Simon West, 'Con Air' stands out for its over-the-top action sequences, witty dialogue, and memorable performances by an ensemble cast.

5. GoldenEye (1995)

Director: Martin Campbell

Pierce Brosnan's debut as James Bond in 'GoldenEye' revitalized the iconic spy franchise with modern flair. The film's gadgetry and gripping narrative set a new standard for 007 adventures, cementing its place as a beloved classic.

Pierce Brosnan poses in front of a flaming background while holding his Walther PPK in GoldenEye - Directed by Martin Campbell - GoldenEye (1995)

Background:

• 'GoldenEye' marked Pierce Brosnan's first appearance as James Bond, following a six-year hiatus for the franchise.
• The film takes Bond on a mission to stop a rogue agent, Alec Trevelyan (Sean Bean), from using a stolen satellite weapon to cause a global financial meltdown.
• Directed by Martin Campbell, 'GoldenEye' introduced modern gadgets and a more action-oriented approach to the character, revitalizing the Bond franchise and paving the way for future installments.

6. Speed (1994)

Director: Jan de Bont

'Speed' races into action with Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves in a high-octane thriller aboard a bus rigged to explode. The film's tension-packed premise, coupled with Dennis Hopper's compelling villain, guarantees an adrenaline-fueled cinematic experience.

Speed 1994 sandra bullock - Directed by Jan de Bont - Speed (1994)

Background:

• 'Speed' is a high-concept action thriller that follows LAPD SWAT officer Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves) as he tries to stop a madman (Dennis Hopper) who has rigged a city bus to explode if its speed drops below 50 miles per hour.
• The film also stars Sandra Bullock as Annie, a passenger who must take the wheel when the bus driver is injured.
• Directed by Jan de Bont, 'Speed' is known for its intense action sequences, suspenseful plot, and the chemistry between Reeves and Bullock.

7. Face/Off (1997)

Director: John Woo

John Travolta and Nicolas Cage shine in 'Face/Off,' a mind-bending action spectacle that defies expectations. Through surgical transformations, the film crafts a gripping tale of identity and rivalry, showcasing director John Woo's signature style.

Face/Off poster with John Travolta and Nic Cage - Directed by John Woo - Face/Off (1997)

Background:

• 'Face/Off' is a psychological action thriller that explores the concept of identity through a surgical face transplant between FBI agent Sean Archer (John Travolta) and terrorist Castor Troy (Nicolas Cage).
• The film delves into the complex relationship between the two characters as they assume each other's identities.
• Directed by John Woo, 'Face/Off' is known for its stylish action sequences, intense performances by Travolta and Cage, and its exploration of themes of identity and rivalry.

8. Heat (1995)

Director: Michael Mann

Al Pacino and Robert De Niro deliver powerhouse performances in 'Heat,' a gripping heist thriller that delves deep into the world of crime and law enforcement. Director Michael Mann's masterful storytelling elevates 'Heat' to iconic status within the action genre.

Robert De Niro and Val Kilmer with guns in the street in Heat (1995) - Directed by Michael Mann - Heat (1995)

Background:

• 'Heat' is a crime thriller that follows the lives of a skilled bank robber, Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro), and the dedicated LAPD detective, Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino), who is determined to bring him down.
• The film explores the complex dynamics between the two characters and their pursuit of their respective goals.
• Directed by Michael Mann, 'Heat' is known for its realistic portrayal of crime and law enforcement, intense action sequences, and the powerhouse performances by De Niro and Pacino.

9. The Matrix (1999)

Directors: The Wachowskis

'The Matrix' revolutionized action cinema with its groundbreaking visual effects and philosophical narrative. This dystopian tale of virtual reality captivated audiences with its innovative approach to storytelling, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.

Keanu Reeves as Neo Wearing Sunglasses and Holding Two Guns in The Matrix - Directed by The Wachowskis - The Matrix (1999)

Background:

• 'The Matrix' is a science fiction action film that takes place in a dystopian future where humanity is unknowingly trapped in a simulated reality called the Matrix.
• The film follows Neo (Keanu Reeves), a computer hacker who discovers the truth about the Matrix and joins a group of rebels fighting against the machines.
• Directed by the Wachowskis, 'The Matrix' is known for its groundbreaking visual effects, innovative storytelling, and philosophical themes, challenging the conventions of action cinema.

10. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Director: James Cameron

'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' redefined action filmmaking with its cutting-edge CGI and iconic characters. Arnold Schwarzenegger's portrayal of the T-800 remains a standout in cinematic history, solidifying the film as a pinnacle of 1990s action cinema.

Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator on the poster of Terminator 2: Judgment Day. - Directed by James Cameron - Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Background:

• 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' is a sequel to the 1984 film 'The Terminator' and takes place in a post-apocalyptic future where machines have taken over the world.
• The film follows Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) and her son John (Edward Furlong) as they try to prevent a nuclear war that will wipe out humanity.
• Directed by James Cameron, 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' introduced groundbreaking CGI effects, iconic characters like the T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger), and intense action sequences, making it one of the most influential action films of all time.