Action dominated 2023 and there’s an argument to be made that it was as good as horror was in 2022. This year offered so many different types of action films, that it was honestly pretty difficult trying to decide what should and shouldn’t be on this list. But after some hard thought, these are the ones that we think represented the best the action genre had to offer in 2023. Now strap in and check out our countdown of the top five action movies of 2023 (along with some honorable mentions).
Sisu (Honourable Mention #1)
Sisu was essentially advertised as an older John Wick set in World War II and instead of taking on a group of assassins, the main character is wiping out Nazis (both were coincidentally distributed by Lionsgate). While the film doesn’t entirely live up to the potential of that premise, as its middle act tends to drag and the action never quite reaches its potential, there’s still no denying that it’s is a fun time at the movies for action junkies and features some pretty brutal and effective kills and fights. It might not offer much on a character or story level, but Jorma Tommila makes for a solid silent protagonist and there’s a little more satisfaction seeing these horrible villains being taken out. It might not be great, but it deserved a spot on this list.
Blue Beetle (Honourable Mention #2)
The final two honorable mentions might not technically qualify as straight up action films, but they are definitely close enough to deserve a special shoutout on this list. One could make an argument that pretty well every superhero release from this past year could qualify for this list, but Blue Beetle feels the most fitting because of how small scaled and personal it is compared to the globe and space trotting scales of the others. The fights are against human beings on planet earth and are mostly hand-to-hand combat, and all of it impresses. It might not be the best superhero film of the year but it is absolutely the most surprising and outside of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (which is in a league of its own), it’s the one 2023 film with the best and most memorable action.
Gran Turismo (Honourable Mention #3)
Again, this might not be what one would consider to be a stereotypical action film, and that fact that this is actually based on a true story doesn’t help its case either, but the racing sequences in Gran Turismo are undeniably immersive and absolutely thrilling to watch, producing some of the most adrenaline pumping action sequences of the entire year. Though focused on story and character first and foremost, Neill Blomkamp directs the living hell out of racing sequences that will have audiences on the edge of their seats and holding their breath. The film is not only well performed, surprisingly emotional, and deeply heartfelt, but it also tells an uplifting true underdog story. In the end, it is far more than just an action film. Boasting some of the best action sequences of the entire year, it deserves a spot on our list.
5. Plane
Remember when the trailer for this came out and it along with its title were openly mocked? The second weekend of January release date certainly didn’t help its case, but Plane ended up as one of the bigger surprises of the year as far as action genre was concerned. The plane crash sequence is pretty terrifying to watch, and its action is very entertaining. It takes a while to get going but once the action begins, it basically becomes a live action version of the Far Cry video game series in the best sense. It gives Gerard Butler one of his best action roles in years (he’s just an everyman who wants to save his fellow passengers) and Mike Colter is a major standout as a convict being transported on the same plane. It doesn’t win any points for originality but it’s a solid watch that was thankfully given good reviews and a successful box office run in return. This is the type of movie your dad would love especially on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
4. The Equalizer 3
Speaking of dad movies, are there any better to recommend than the ones where Denzel Washington brutality massacres the mafia? The Equalizer 3 is a funny one because it seems like the general consensus from the public is that it was the weakest in the trilogy despite achieving the highest grossing opening weekend at the box office and getting far and away the best reviews of the franchise. It definitely has the least action of the three films which could be due to Washington’s age, but the action that the film does have is awesome. Starting with a terrific opening scene, the sequences later on where audiences get to see Robert McCall finally get revenge on these horrible mobsters terrorizing a tight-knit Italian oceanside town is unbelievably satisfying and borderline horrific to watch. Washington is almost a straight up Michael Myers level serial killer here but thankfully; he’s dispatching people who deserve it and have done far worse than him earlier in the film. Though it leaves the door open for a return, at the same time, if this is the so-called final installment, it’s a solid note to go out on. Also, the reunion between Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning is sweet to see on screen.
3. Extraction 2
Extraction was a pretty solid action thriller from 2020 that offered a nice escape from the early days of the pandemic. It wasn’t overly memorable, but it worked and set itself up nicely for a sequel. Extraction 2 is the rare action sequel (and sequel in general) that was way better than its predecessor, and in any other year would’ve been at the very top of this list. If memory serves correctly, there are only 3 or 4 action sequences in this entire 2-hour film and yet, every one of them is absolutely massive in scale and length without ever going too far. The much talked about 20-minute “oner” is absolutely exhilarating to watch and thankfully everything that comes after hold its own against it. It’s got some terrific fight choreography, intense shootouts, and a badass Chris Hemsworth who is perfectly suited to take out all the various bad guys. The film is an absolute achievement in action filmmaking, and it’s beyond exciting to find out a third film is already on the way. Hopefully, this sequel sees improved writing and dialogue. There are a lot of cliches and tropes here but they are a minor gripe and don’t take away from the rest of the experience. The franchise has produced some of the best Netflix original, and arguably one of their best current franchises.
2. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
By far the most satisfying “Part One” of 2023 in a year that has seen many, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is arguably the weakest installment in the franchise in 15 years and yet, even one of the lesser entries in this series still ranks among the greatest action movies of the past several years and one of the best films of all of 2023. While the film was never going to reach the same level as Fallout, but wow does it ever come close at following it up. Christopher McQuarrie pays tribute to Brain De Palma’s classic original in a lot of ways and the plot is very dialogue driven this time around. Once again McQuarrie proves to be a master at action filmmaking and Tom Cruise absolutely commits himself as always. He obviously deserves a ton of praise for the insane stunts he continuously performs (with his bike stunt in this being no exception), but he constantly gives his all to Ethan Hunt and I’m so glad this film further develops the character and gives Cruise an opportunity to show off more of his range. The near 3-hour runtime just flies by, and leaves audiences off in a satisfying enough place that concludes the first part of the story while leaving them hungry for more. Meanwhile, Hayley Atwell is a wonderful addition to the cast, and it’ll be exciting to see where they take her character in the future.
1. John Wick: Chapter 4
Not only is this film the best action film of the year, it is also one of the best movies of the year in general. What else is there left to say about John Wick: Chapter 4 that hasn’t already been said in the months since it’s release. It’s an action masterpiece and one of the best action films ever made hence why it easily finds itself at the top of our list. Every single action set piece is beyond remarkable and exhilarating to watch, with each one better than the last. From intense shootouts, to wicked hand to hand combat, all the way to sword fights, and gun duels right out of a western, the film delivers everything an action junkie could possibly want and then some. Keanu Reeves only says a few hundred words in this near 3-hour film and somehow gives one of his best performances as the titular assassin. He’ll always be known for The Matrix but when it’s all said and done, John Wick will likely be his most famous and well known role. If this really is the end for Mr. Wick, then the franchise has gone out on the highest possible note it could’ve. Every John Wick has been better than the last and Chapter 4 was an absolutely brilliant conclusion to one of the best modern action franchises today. Chad Stahelski should get a blank check to do whatever he wants.
That concludes our countdown of the top 5 action films of 2023. Let us know what you think about our picks, do you agree? This year is already off to a good start for action with The Beekeeper releasing in theatres this weekend. Hopefully, that’s a good sign for the rest of the year.
still courtesy of Lionsgate
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter or Instagram or like us on Facebook.
You must be logged in to post a comment.