Summary
Arguably the most celebrated and popular genre of film ever produced,action moviesare, and always will be, a bedrock of cinema. Utilizing explosive visual set-pieces depicting electrifying fights, adrenaline-infused chase sequences, and death-defying stunts, this thrilling genre has spawned some of the most enduring and wildly successful film franchises of all time.
The perfect action franchise blends longevity, lasting cultural impact, and acclaim from fans and critics alike to produce a masterpiece of a premise, the success and appeal of which is so great that it’s impossible to limit the subject matter to just one film. While commercial success also factors into the equation, it has never been an indispensable attribute forthe greatest action franchisesto be considered “great.”
5Jason Bourne
Laying The Foundations For The Genre’s Evolution
While the series may not match its peers in terms of longevity, theBournefranchisechanged the landscape of action films forever. Based on Robert Ludlum’s character of the same name, Matt Damon portrays a CIA assassin suffering from amnesia in a deadly game of cat and mouse with his former employers, withAvengersstar Jeremy Rennerturning in a one-and-done lead performance as Aaron Cross in 2012’sThe Bourne Legacy.
TheBournefranchise is renowned for its ruthless realism, brutal action sequences, and a unique style of run-and-gun cinematography, establishing a new blueprint for action films that followed in its wake. Despite a mixed critical reaction to the series' latest installment in 2016’sJason Bourne, a sixth film is in early development, with Damon in talks to return as the iconic lead character once again.
4John Wick
The Purest Action Franchise Ever Conceived
John Wickis an action franchise like no other, laying claim to some of the most intricate combat sequences ever seen on the silver screen. The stunning choreography of the franchise’sbrutal signature fight scenescoupled with Keanu Reeves' stoically compelling take on the eponymous legendary hit man have combined to produce four critically acclaimed blockbuster offerings, with many critics labelingJohn Wickas one of the greatest action franchises of all time.
The wildfire success of the first four films has already spawned the prequel television seriesThe Continental,based on Wick’s universe. The Ana De Armas-led spin-off movieJohn Wick Presents: Ballerinais set to follow in 2025, with a fifth chapter in the series and an untitled production based on Donnie Yen’s blind assassin Caine also in the works. Simply put, this seminal action franchise appears to just be getting started.
3Mission: Impossible
Blockbuster Sequences Led By Tom Cruise’s Indetractable Star Power
Depicting the exploits of the infamousImpossible Missions Forceand spearheaded by the inimitable movie star aura of Tom Cruise, theMission: Impossiblefranchise has carved out a niche as one of the most exciting and lauded action series of all time. From scaling the Burj Khalifa to driving a motorcycle off a cliff to land on a moving train,Mission: Impossibleis notorious for the spectacular nature of itsstunt sequences— not to mention the legitimate danger they posed to Cruise while shooting them, as he performs as many of his own stunts as possible.
However, unlike action laden contemporaries in the vein ofFast & Furious,Mission: Impossiblebears the rare distinction of a franchise that keeps getting better with age. The wave of critical acclaim in response to the Cruise-led enterprise just keeps on growing; a status quo that fans will be anxiously monitoring when the as-yet unnamed eighth entry lands in 2025.
2Indiana Jones
An Action-Adventure Icon Of The Highest Order
A series of incredible and thrilling adventures helmed by one of the greatest action stars of all time in Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg’sIndiana Jonesseries began with the wildfire success ofRaiders of the Lost Ark. Acclaimed as one of the finest films ever made, the 1981 introduction to the whip-toting “Dr. Jones” spawned one of themost iconic charactersin the history of cinema, in addition to four further movies that expanded upon him.
Ford’s fedora-wearing charge and hisendlessly entertaining adventuresprovided inspiration for virtually every action-adventure outing post-1981. While the series' quality regrettably fell off as it entered the 21st Century, the inimitable quality and lasting cultural impact of the first three films in the franchise is such that no list in this vein would be complete without “Indy” making an appearance.
1James Bond
Cinema’s Most Celebrated Secret Agent
The most famous spy in cinematic history,James Bondhas appeared in 25 official live-action films as of 2021, in addition to two more offerings independent of Eon Productions. Based on Ian Fleming’s literary character of the same name, Bond’s electrifying exploits have provided the gold standard for action films since the first live-action version of the character debuted in 1962’sDr. No, with no fewer than six actors stepping into the legendary role of"007"in the decades since.
An iconic blend of physical prowess, inherent vice, and suave magnetism, Bond and his movies have had an unmistakable influence on popular culture. The stylish MI6 operative’s jaw-dropping stunt sequences have inspired countless imitations, while the franchise’s villains have arguably provided the archetypes for the majority of cinematic bad guys. From commercial success to lasting impact, James Bond stands alone at the top of the action franchise mountain.
