Many genres have their own “golden age” that is often viewed as more valuable than others. For horror fans, the 1980s are held in high regard due to notable works such as The thing, Space, evil deadFor example, for science fiction fans, the 1960s are often popularized by films like 2001: Space Odyssey and Planet of the ApesWhen it comes to an actIt's hard to ignore. 1990s With the reinvention of this genre of hit songs like Terminator 2: Judgment Day, matrixand The fugitive.
However, aside from the massive action hits of the 90s, fans have also witnessed countless great B-movies due to the direct-to-video market, the bizarre blending of genres, and some of the most daring action films ever made. There’s no doubt that these films have some daring, whether it’s realistic violence or dealing with themes that show the dark side of society. Some are classics, others have cult followings, but all of these daring films deserve a second look.
10 The Alternative (1996)
Veteran mercenary Jonathan Schell returns to Miami after a failed operation that saw three of his comrades killed. Here, he reconnects with his girlfriend, Jane Hetzko, a teacher at the troubled and violent Columbus High School. When the leader of the brutal street gang known as the Destruction Kings, Juan Lacasse, assaults Jane and breaks her legs, Schell is forced to flee. He decides to investigate by going undercover as a substitute teacher..
An overlooked action movie series in the 90s.
alternative This is an action movie that has a clear line between good and evil; it even relies on numbers in its approach. However, Vision of a man taking revenge on drug dealers and violent thugs It will always be a cathartic experience. Tom Berenger is an underrated action star, with many scenes in alternative It is characterized by its brutality and realism.The action thriller was so popular that it spawned four sequels. With Beringer in the lead. Three of them are also from the 90s for fans of that era.
flow alternative On Prime or Plex
9 Desperado (1995)
Mariachi (Antonio Banderas) is a Former musician turned gunman seeks revenge on drug dealer His name is Buchou, who killed his lover. Desperado The film takes place in a small Mexican border town, where El Mariachi attacks a drug lord and his men. Complicated when he falls in love with Carolina (Salma Hayek) who decides to help Mariachi take revenge.
Action masterpiece by director Robert Rodriguez
Robert Rodriguez Desperado Is it The perfect blend of bravery and ingenuity, a visual feast that still manages to get dirty.The opening bar scene is unforgettable even decades after the film's release. Antonio Banderas' portrayal of El Mariachi is exceptional, and his pairing with Salma Hayek is a throwback to the 90s. The film's dark humor also helped cement its place as one of the most important films.When revisiting Desperado, it's clear to see why it was such a hit with films like from dusk till dawn and The cleaver.
8 Dead or Alive (1999)
Ryuichi, a yakuza leader of Chinese descent, He leads a small gang to the Shinjuku area of Tokyo in order to control the drug trade.This puts him in the path of Detective Jojima, a police officer assigned to investigate the rise in violent crime. The two constantly engage in violent conflicts as Ryuichi and his gang begin to drive out the Chinese-led triad gangs.
It sparked renewed interest in yakuza films.
Much of the interest in Japanese yakuza films can be traced back to director Takashi Miike, with his various films throughout the 1990s that focused on the exciting lives of Japanese criminals. Of course, the genre goes back much further than that, but The gritty action films of the 2000s owe a lot to Mickey and his like. alive or dead.
A movie full of extreme violence with many horrific scenes. More than anything else on this listBut it captures a very specific era of cinema in such a brilliant way that it's worth rewatching. alive or dead This led to two more parts as well.
flow alive or dead On Fandor, Arrow, Midnight Pulp, or Asian Crush
7 Motive (1996)
The events unfold over the course of a desperate week in the life of a small-time drug dealer, pushy It starts with Frank getting… Caught up in a heroin deal gone wrong Where he loses money and drugs. This puts him in the sights of drug lord Milo and his men, who are watching him closely. Pressuring Frank to pay off his debts From the failed deal. Frank takes to the streets of Copenhagen, hiding from the gang that is chasing him while trying to collect the money.
One man pushed to the edge
With a documentary approach to visuals and storytelling, pushy He considers himself One of the most realistic crime/action movies released in the 90s.It can get uncomfortable even for director Nicolas Winding Refn.Deals with extreme aspects of crime in Denmark with uncompromising brutality.The film also sees a previous appearance by prominent Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen before he gained international fame.
the pushy It's meant to be viewed as a trilogy, so if you enjoyed the first movie, be sure to check out the sequel as well. Drive 2 and 3You can skip the new 2012 version.
You can broadcast pushy On Fubo, Kanopy, or Plex
6 Assault (1992)
Two firefighters, Vince and Don, think they might be… They hit the jackpot when they found a treasure map in a burning building.pointing to a large amount of stolen gold. This takes them to an abandoned factory in St. Louis, but when they arrive they find themselves He is cornered by a street gang who are also looking for stolen goods.Trapped in the factory and in unfamiliar territory, the two firefighters engage in a violent battle against the gang in order to secure the reward that will change their lives.
deadly confrontation
encroachment Proud Exceptional performance in all areasincluding highlights from Bill Paxton's career. Furthermore, the film offers insight into race relations in the 1990s, while also maintaining a grounded, An exciting pace in the extended confrontation. Between Vince and Don and the street gang after them.
encroachment It is a real hidden gem, originally. The film received lukewarm reviews and performed well at the box office, but gained huge popularity years later.An enjoyable mix of action, drama and crime and definitely worth a rewatch or viewing for the first time.
5 Con Air (1997)
Cameron Poe (Nicolas Cage) is a former American ranger who is About to get a second chance at life after being released from prison after serving time for accidentally killing a man. In self-defense. However, the flight he was on, which was filled with other convicts, ends up being kidnapped by a gang led by Cyrus “The Virus” Grissom. Now We look forward to bringing some of the most dangerous criminals in the United States to a country that does not accept extradition.Cameron must hide his identity while trying to thwart Cyrus' plans so he can return to normal life.
One of the best action movie casts of the 90s.
Despite being a box office failure, you will be It's hard to find an action movie fan who hasn't watched it. Con AirHere fans got to see Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, John Malkovich, Steve Buscemi, and Ving Rhames, to name a few, share the screen in a film full of action and drama. Sure, it's kind of silly and funny.But this was the height of Nicolas Cage in the 90s, and Explosive action and a compelling story of redemption. This was the basis of most action movies in the 90s.
You can broadcast Con Air On Hulu
4 King of New York (1990)
Frank White (Christopher Walken) He was once a drug kingpin in New York before his arrest.After being released from prison, Frank returns to the streets of New York looking to reclaim his title. This puts Frank in an awkward position. Against corrupt police forces and other gangsnot wanting to divide their lands with the former “King of New York”.
The head that wears the crown is disturbed.
King of New York A fascinating character study of the brutal drug lord reborn in Christopher Walken's Frank White, Franks's violent return to reclaim his territory is matched by his desire to improve his community through philanthropy. King of New YorkExplores themes of morality within the world of crime. In a very attractive way.
Add in Stylish neo-noir aesthetics and outstanding performances from the likes of Christopher Walken and Laurence Fishburne. And you have a crime/action/thriller novel worth revisiting.
You can broadcast King of New York On Prime or The Criterion Channel
3 Ronin (1998)
The struggles A group of mercenaries were hired to steal a bag. The film follows former intelligence agent Sam, played by Robert De Niro, who, alongside others, must navigate a complex web of deception on missions that see shifting alliances and rising tensions. Betrayal, intense car chases, and violent confrontations. With others looking to get the contents of the mysterious bag.
Car chases in the streets of Paris
Bold, adventurous and realistic in its presentation of violence.John Frankenheimer Ronin This film left a clear mark on the action genre in the 90s. Fans also enjoy seeing Robert De Niro at his best, alongside the underrated Jean Reno (Leon: The Professional, Mission Impossible). Paris place, and Multiple car chase scenes on its streetsIt also serves as a perfect backdrop for stylized cinematography. Ronin It will keep the audience guessing until the last moment, making for an engaging action experience.
2 Hard Boiled (1992)
Tequila Yuen (Chow Yun Fat) is An undercover police officer's life changes when a major arms deal goes wrong and a shootout erupts.During the event, Tequila's partner is killed, putting the cop on a personal vendetta. At the same time, conflicted gangster Alan (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) takes on a mission of his own. Revenge on the gangs for killing his brotherThe two eventually cross paths as they approach their goal, and form an unlikely alliance.
Determine the criteria for the sequence of actions.
It would be wrong to discuss 90s action movies without mentioning the work of John Woo. While Woo impressed us with his first English-language directorial debut Broken Arrow (followed by face/stop After one year, boiled He is A perfect example of Hong Kong action cinema at its best.The film contains innovative action scenes, including: The famous hospital shooting scenewhich set the gold standard for the genre. In addition to Woo's distinctive style (often imitated and rarely replicated), the film has the emotional depth and great performances to keep viewers engaged.
1 True Romance (1993)
Lonely comic book writer Clarence Worley (Christian Slater) falls in love with night girl Alabama Whitman (Patricia Arquette). Two begin a passionate love story.But when Clarence learns that Alabama is being hounded by its former president, He steals a bag of cocaine from a pimp and books it to Hollywood. To sell their stock and start a new life. This crime gets them involved with gangsters and corrupt policemen, leading to a series of violent confrontations.
The perfect duo for heavyweight action movies.
the A duo of Quentin Tarantino as writer and Tony Scott as director.It was a brilliant and daring action experiment that went largely unnoticed; it was a moderate critical and financial success, but it gained cult status years later. It contains the dark humor and dynamic characters one would expect from a Tarantino project.But it excels under the sharp visual direction of Tony Scott, and if you add a little romance, you have an engaging and deep action movie that is worth watching again.
