Ready to take a trip down memory lane and relive the thrill of the 90s? Action movies of this era were nothing short of epic, with heart-pumping chases, explosive fight scenes, and unforgettable one-liners that have become a part of pop culture.
We've compiled a list of the top 10 best action movies of the 1990s that will take you back to the glory days of action cinema, starting with number 10.
10
INDEPENDENCE DAY
1996 - 7.0 IMDb rating
Independence Day was a box office smash when it was released in 1996, and has since become a beloved classic that is watched and rewatched by fans all over the world. It’s a movie that will take you on an unforgettable adventure and leave you feeling inspired and uplifted, with its powerful themes of unity, bravery, and sacrifice.
What really sets Independence Day apart is its groundbreaking special effects and thrilling action sequences. The movie set a new standard for blockbuster movies with its massive scale and high-stakes action, culminating in a climactic battle that remains one of the most memorable scenes in cinematic history.
9
SPEED
1994 - 7.3 IMDb rating
Speed is an action-packed thrill ride that will leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It has become a beloved classic of the action genre, praised for its fast-paced excitement and thrilling performances.
From a daring freeway jump to a nail-biting bus jump, the movie delivers one heart-pumping scene after another, guaranteed to keep you at the edge of your seat from start to finish. And with a talented cast that includes Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock at their absolute best, the movie is an unforgettable cinematic experience.
8
THE ROCK
1996 - 7.4 IMDb rating
Are you ready for a high-octane thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat? Look no further than The Rock – a pulse-pounding action movie that delivers non-stop excitement from start to finish.
With legendary actors like Nicolas Cage, Sean Connery, and Ed Harris, the movie boasts a level of star power that few action movies can match. And with thrilling car chases, intense shootouts, and jaw-dropping explosions, The Rock delivers on the promise of adrenaline-fueled action in spades. If you're ready for a movie that will leave you breathless and wanting more, The Rock is a true action masterpiece that you won't want to miss!
7
TOTAL RECALL
1990 - 7.5 IMDb rating
Get ready for a mind-bending trip through the world of Total Recall, a movie that blurs the line between reality and fantasy in the best way possible. Total Recall is a beloved classic that has stood the test of time, loved by fans of sci-fi and action movies for its thrilling plot, imaginative world, and unforgettable performances.
And with Arnold Schwarzenegger at his action-packed best, this movie delivers on the promise of pulse-pounding adventure and heart-stopping suspense. So if you're ready for a movie that will keep you guessing until the very end, look no further than Total Recall. It's a true sci-fi masterpiece that you won't want to miss!
6
THE BOONDOCK SAINTS
1999 - 7.7 IMDb rating
The Boondock Saints is a movie that blends over-the-top action with dark comedy and unforgettable characters. This movie is a fast-paced and often hilarious thrill ride that doesn't shy away from violence or dark subject matter but still manages to be fun and entertaining throughout.
The Boondock Saints has gained a cult following over the years, praised for its unconventional style, memorable characters, and quotable dialogue. And with standout performances from its main cast, as well as supporting roles from Willem Dafoe and Billy Connolly, The Boondock Saints is a movie that leaves a lasting impression on its viewers.
5
JURASSIC PARK
1993 - 8.2 IMDb rating
Welcome to Jurassic Park, where the dinosaurs are real, and the danger is palpable. Jurassic Park is a groundbreaking movie that transports audiences to a world where science and nature collide, and the consequences are catastrophic.
But what really sets Jurassic Park apart is its groundbreaking special effects, which still hold up to this day. The movie features some of the most realistic and awe-inspiring depictions of dinosaurs ever seen on screen, bringing them to life in a way that captivates the imagination.
And with a talented cast that includes Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum, Jurassic Park is a movie that balances thrills and adventure with deeper themes about the power of science and the dangers of playing God.
4
HEAT
1995 - 8.3 IMDb rating
Heat is a crime thriller that sizzles with intensity and delivers some of the most memorable performances in cinematic history. The movie was directed by Michael Mann, known for his meticulous approach to filmmaking, and features some of the most realistic and gripping action scenes ever put to film.
And with outstanding performances from a star-studded cast that includes Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Val Kilmer, and Jon Voight, Heat is a movie that raises the bar for crime thrillers and leaves a lasting impression on its viewers.
Heat has gained a reputation as one of the greatest crime movies ever made, praised for its unforgettable characters, thrilling action, and powerful themes about the nature of crime and the human condition.
3
LEON: THE PROFESSIONAL
1994 - 8.5 IMDb rating
Léon: The Professional is a movie that blends action and drama with unforgettable performances and a haunting score, giving you a cinematic experience that will leave you breathless.
What makes Léon: The Professional an outstanding movie is its powerful emotional core. The movie is as much a character study as it is an action movie, exploring the complex relationship between Léon and Mathilda and the toll that violence takes on their lives.
And with outstanding performances from Jean Reno and a young Natalie Portman, Léon: The Professional is a movie that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Add to that a haunting score by composer Eric Serra, and you have a movie that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
2
TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY
1991 - 8.6 IMDb rating
Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a timeless action classic that continues to captivate audiences to this day. This movie has it all – thrilling chase scenes, heart-stopping action, and an unforgettable cast of characters, including the iconic T-800 and Sarah Connor.
But what really sets Terminator 2 apart is its groundbreaking special effects. This movie pushed the boundaries of what was possible in filmmaking at the time, with revolutionary CGI that still holds up to this day. And let's not forget about the incredible performances from Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton, who bring their A-game to every scene.
1
THE MATRIX
1999 - 8.7 IMDb rating
Red pill or blue pill? The Matrix is not just a movie – it's a cultural phenomenon that revolutionized the way we think about science fiction and action cinema. It’s a breathtaking journey through a dystopian future where humanity is enslaved by sentient machines.
With its groundbreaking special effects and action choreography, this movie features some of the most iconic and memorable fight scenes in cinematic history, including the infamous bullet time sequence. And with a talented cast that includes Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, and Carrie-Anne Moss, The Matrix is a movie that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
There you have it – the top 10 best 1990s action movies that have stood the test of time and continue to captivate audiences to this day. Whether you're in the mood for pulse-pounding action, mind-bending sci-fi, or thought-provoking drama, the 1990s had it all when it came to action movies. And even decades later, these movies continue to inspire and entertain audiences with their unforgettable characters, thrilling set pieces, and powerful themes.
