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Summary
Themost influential action movies from each decadehave had distinctive impacts on cinema history . Their influence typically transcend the action genre , impart to filmmaking technique , visual effects , and storytelling vogue at the time of their release . These movies not only challenge writing style boundary , but also promote groundbreaking new approaches to filmmaking itself .
Many of thebest action motion picture of all timeare also commonly considered to be themost influential action at law pic of their respective eras . FromKing Kongjumpstarting creature lineament and the optical effects backwash , toThe Matrixelevating action motion-picture show storytelling with sci - fi and philosophic theme , these movies have had utter influence on directors in the last one C . Whether it ’s through their choreography , ocular effects , stunts , or lineament , the most influential action pic from each decade lay substantial foundations for the continuing development of modern cinema . While they might not always be the most popular film of their era , the overall influence of these action movies can not be denied .
10King Kong (1933)
The classic creature feature started withKing Kong.
The first of theKing Kongmoviesstands as the most influential action movie of the 1930s due to its groundbreaking economic consumption of hold on - movement effects . create acolossal and iconic monster that put the monetary standard for puppet features , the film pioneered the monster music genre . Indeed , King Kong ’s cinematic wallop extended beyond the ' 30s , tempt generations of filmmakers . Its legacy lies in the innovational techniques employ for its time , mold the action mechanism , adventure , horror , and sci - fi literary genre in the succeeding tenner . The celluloid ’s success marked a turn point in the way action was portrayed on cover , setting the stage for the evolution of the kaiju genre today .
9The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
This is the Western that heralded character-driven action adventures.
Directed by John Huston , The Treasure of the Sierra Madreis a Western and action - adventure flick that masterfully blendscharacter - driven dramatic event with intense natural action sequences . It explore the unraveling of humanity and the psychological toll of the pursuit of fabled wealth . The pic ’s impact lie down in its groundbreaking overture to military action , transcending conventional gunfight and stunt to delve into the complexness of human nature . Humphrey Bogart ’s performance as Fred C. Dobbs remains iconic , contributing to the film ’s enduring influence on the action musical style by showcasing the potency of character ontogeny and moral dilemmas within the framework of intense , activeness - packed storytelling .
touch : The 15 Best Treasure Hunt Movies
8Seven Samurai (1954)
This epic adventure jumpstarted the action ensemble trope.
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Akira Kurosawa’sSeven Samuraiis among the most influential action movies ever , shaping storytelling in the Golden Age of Hollywood and beyond . The celluloid ’s epic tale of samurai defending a settlement against bandit overturn action cinema , introducing complex characters and strategical action chronological succession . Kurosawa ’s advanced purpose of multiple protagonist influenced Hollywood ’s narrative construction . The Magnificent Seven , a direct adaptation , furthered this impact , instance the film ’s cross - ethnic resonance . Among the famous picture influenced bySeven Samuraiinclude classics likeThe Dirty Dozenand modern epos such asThe Avengers . Kurosawa ’s action at law - drive masterpiece transcends cultural boundaries , serve as ablueprint for assembling divers groups of heroes to face redoubtable challenges .
7Goldfinger (1964)
Goldfingeris the most influentialBondfilm ever.
Arguably themost of import James Bond movie , Goldfingerintroduced many of the key trope thatsolidified theBondfilms as the authoritative spy - action enfranchisement of the 20th 100 . Apart from Sean Connery ’s suave portrayal of the British secret agent , Q ’s entry of cutting - edge gadgets inGoldfinger -like the Aston Martin DB5 - note a defining import in action cinema . compound elements of espionage with beatify action set pieces , Goldfinger ’s encroachment resonate throughout the musical genre , mold not only subsequentBondfilms but also the broader landscape of spy and action film . Even the classicBondfilm pre - credits scene was introduce inGoldfinger .
6Enter the Dragon (1973)
Enter the Dragonis considered by many to be the greatest martial arts movie in history.
Thanks to Bruce Lee ’s groundbreaking contribution to martial arts cinema , Enter theDragonis easy the most influential natural action film from the ' 70s . Lee ’s iconic performance redefine the genre , and the moving-picture show ’s success marked a crucial mo in bringing authentic martial arts to mainstream audiences worldwide . Lee ’s dynamic fighting style and on - screen presence inspire a generation of action mavin and film maker . recruit the Dragonnot only kick upstairs Lee to international stardom , but alsopaved the mode for martial arts to become a dominant force in action cinema . Its enduring impact can be seen in film ’s lasting influence on how warriorlike arts are portrayed and lionize in global pappa civilisation .
Related:10 reason Enter The Dragon Is Still The Definitive Martial Arts Movie 50 Years Later
5Die Hard (1988)
Die Hardbroke the action hero mold and created a better one.
The definitive ' 80s action mechanism movieDie Hardmay also be themost influential American action film of all time . Apart from how it deconstructed one-time action genre tropes , Die Hardintroduced unexampled 1 that persist relevant to this day . Bruce Willis ’s portrayal of John McClane as a relatable , vulnerable submarine sandwich break away from the traditional unvanquishable action star archetype . The film ’s confined scope , intricate plot , and suspenseful pacing challenged the genre ’s conventionality , ushering in a new era of intelligent and character - driven action films . From the boron - motion picture that the movie influenced to the bestDie Hardripoffs , it ’s clean howDie Hardredefined storytelling in action at law .
Related:10 Die Hard Ripoffs ( That Are Actually Pretty unspoilt )
4The Matrix (1999)
The turn of the century’s greatest and most influential sci-fi action movie.
aim by the Wachowskis , The Matrixintroduced bullet time and other revolutionary techniques , determine new standards for natural process choreography and CGI . Its profoundly philosophical narrative , blending dystopian cyberpunk elements with martial arts , raise the natural action literary genre ’s modal intellectual astuteness . Keanu Reeves ’s portrayal of Neo became iconic , shaping the archetype of the forward-looking action hero at the crook of the century . The Matrix notonly redefined action filmmaking , but also interpenetrate popular refinement , influence fashion , engineering , and cinematic storytelling . Its innovative coming continues to inspire filmmakers , fix it a pivotal and digest force in the evolution of both action mechanism and philosophical cinema .
3The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knightcreated the contemporary superhero film.
Apart from being the most influential action movie of the 2000s , Christopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knightis also largely consider to be the expectant superhero movie ever . The pic ’s gritty and complex storytelling reshaped the action mechanism musical genre by overstep traditional risible book narratives . know for the compelling performance ofHeath Ledger and Aaron Eckhart as the Joker and Harvey Dent , The Dark Knightnot only set a bench mark for Batman villains , but also inspired a wave of mature and nuanced superhero storytelling . Its impact is unmistakable in the overall shift towards darker and more character - drive narratives within superhero movies in the 21st century .
2John Wick (2014)
Keanu Reeves was the new messiah of gun-fu.
Continuing the Hong Kong - born cinematic tradition of gun - fuwhile give birth a massive franchise , John Wickis an extremely influential action flick . Keanu Reeves ’s relentless public presentation , copulate with Chad Stahelski ’s skilful direction , introduce a alone portmanteau word of martial art and shootout , raise the bar for choreography and loudness in like cinema . Its winner led to a franchise that further expanded the mankind of assassins , solidifying its impact on contemporary action picture palace . John Wicknot only redefined the modern action at law hero , but also showcased a punctilious and stylized approach to fight down sequence , inspiring a wafture of imitators and setting a new standard for visually striking activeness filmmaking in the 2010s .
Related : John Wick Full Timeline Explained : When Each Movie & Spinoff Takes Place
1Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
The Oscar-winning A24 film revitalized martial arts-driven philosophical drama.
Not unlikeThe Matrix , Everything Everywhere All At Onceseamlessly blends multiple genres , combining action , science fiction , and experiential themes . Its wild merger of innovative ocular effects , martial humanistic discipline , ridiculous humour , and sept drama challenge traditional genre boundaries , achieving raw height for creative and innovative action cinema . The film ’s ability to transcend arithmetic mean and offer a unique screening experience has spark off conversation about thepotential for action films to be as intellectually exhilarating as they are visually captivating . As show by the film winning 7 out the 11 Academy Award it was nominated for - including Best Picture and Best Director -Everything Everywhere All At Oncehas become a trailblazer .
