As World War Z, one of this summer's most action-packed movies, hits DVD and Blu-ray, we look back at 30 summer action movies of the last 30 years. Read on...and have a blast!
Grab your cigars and man your panels as Tony Scott's tense thriller kicks off our list of the top 30 action movies of the past 30 years. Featuring excellent back-and-forth dialogue between Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman (some scripted by Quentin Tarantino), the movie earned three Oscar nominations.
Legendary Hong Kong action director John Woo brought his unique touch to the Mission: Impossible franchise. The second installment in the Tom Cruise-starring franchise found the special agent in Australia trying to destroy a genetically modified disease.
If it's a list of action movies, you know Arnold is going to be in there. Teaming up with Carl Weathers, Arnold leads a team of special force ops to hunt down some ugly mother-effers.
Staying with the Arnold theme, the action star joined forces here with James Cameron for the blockbuster True Lies. Co-starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Arnold and a very young Eliza Dushku, the film features Arnie taking down a bunch of terrorists no matter what it takes... including a missile.
Interestingly enough, out of all the Fast & Furious movies, fans voted Tokyo Drift into the Top 30. Perhaps this means we'll be seeing more drifting in the next two Fast movies...
How do you make the ultimate action movie? Well, start off by casting a bunch of action movie icons, add in a rescue mission and kick back and watch the good guys blow stuff up and shoot down the bad guys real good.
Four years ago, hardly anybody knew who Sharlto Copley was...then Neill Blomkamp's District 9 happened and put the actor on the map. Drawing on sociological themes, the sci-fi thriller about a government agent and extraterrestrial creatures captivated audiences worldwide.
The Asgardian God earns a solid spot on the Top 30 list. Before he teamed up with The Avengers or prepared to enter The Dark World, the son of Odin was banished to Earth, fell in love with Natalie Portman and took down a giant walking incinerating robot aptly named Destroyer.
The Joes returned to theaters earlier this year in full force, but four years ago the comic book/toy franchise made the leap to the big screen with big names playing famous (toy) characters.
Well, he did say he'd be back. Sure enough Arnold and that pesky T-1000 played by Robert Patrick make our top action movie list. James Cameron's sci-fi action flick deployed some breakthrough computer technology to animate the metallic T-1000.
If the world is coming to an end, Roland Emmerich is probably behind the camera. Famous for destroying the White House in Independence Day, Emmerich took a much more global approach to mass destruction in this movie as Dennis Quaid and Jake Gyllenhaal were left to figure out how to save us all.
We searched every warehouse, farmhouse, henhouse, outhouse and doghouse in the area and sure enough, Andrew Davis' action adventure and one of Harrison Ford's best thrillers was a fan favorite.
How do you revive a franchise that left a sour taste in fans' mouths? Start from the beginning. Matthew Vaughn brought us all the way back to the beginning of the X-Men story and interlaced real world events in a superhero movie that both fans and critics loved.
Speaking of superheroes and starting from the beginning, Marc Webb and the folks at Sony decided to start over fresh with the story of Peter Parker. Co-starring Emma Stone and Denis Leary, the superhero flick performed so well, we're getting two more installments over the next few years!
Yippie-kai, oh, you know the rest. In the late '80s John McTiernan helmed one of the most influential and entertaining movies ever made. While there was no indication of how the franchise would devolve over the years, the original Die Hard still stands as one of the smartest and best action movies ever made.
Is Christopher Nolan's mind-warping sci-fi flick really at number 15... or is it all a dream? Quick, grab your tops and give them a spin! Nolan steps outside the Batman franchise to weave this trippy tale of dream invasions that earned $800 million worldwide to become one of the highest grossing movies of all-time.
If you don't know his name, you're probably living under a rock. Just don't tell that to Tony Stark; you might bruise that massive ego of his. Marvel's run-up to one of the highest grossing movies of all-time *cough* Avengers, began here, with Tony escaping from a cave in Afghanistan and being forced to stop his business partner Obadiah Stane.The rest, as they say, is history.
Ah yes, Men in Black. Back in the late '90s when summer blockbusters starring Will Smith were accompanied by hit rap songs, Barry Sonnefeld's extraterrestrial busting flick was cleaning up at the box office, much to fans' delight. The unforgettable one-liners and characters are proof that Neurolyzers don't work on movie audiences.
Very few directors could bring Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck and Billy Bob Thornton together in the same movie and yet, Michael Bay did just that. While the premise of the movie is quite action-packed, the movie did earn Bruce Willis a Razzie Award for Worst Actor and left us with a terribly annoying Aerosmith song.
He may be the king of sci-fi nowadays, but just a few years ago, J.J. Abrams was rebooting the Star Trek franchise much to the nervous anticipation of Trekkies everywhere. Their concerns were for naught as Abrams delivered a solid movie worthy of a sequel and a ticket to prolonging the Star Wars franchise.
Of Christopher Nolan's three Batman movies, the second one remains the most beloved. Featuring an Oscar-winning turn by the late Heath Ledger as The Joker, The Dark Knight raised the level of drama and chaos in the Caped Crusader's life up to a whole new level.
“I feel the need. The need for speed!” Tom Cruise stars as ace fighter pilot Maverick in this glorified commercial for the US Navy. In fact, the US Navy set up recruiting booths in major cinemas to try and catch some of the adrenaline charged guys leaving the screenings. They had their highest applications rates for years as a result!
Action director Michael Bay was tasked with turning a 20-year-old toy franchise into a super, action-filled mega movie and he did it with Transformers, the 2007 film starring Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox. Giant robots that turn into cool cars and back again to fight each other -- What’s not to love?!
Ewoks aside, 1983’s Return of the Jedi was a great action movie and the culmination of George Lucas’s original trilogy of Star Wars films at the time. Space battles, Jabba’s barge and, ok, the Ewok battle of Endor all make this movie an action-filled, fun ride.
One of director Roland Emmerich’s first big budget action/destruction films was this 1996 spectacle that had Will Smith fighting off an alien invasion, of course, on July 4th, Independence Day!
The Bourne franchise started with a young Matt Damon playing the secret spy trying to figure out his identity in the 2002 film that started it all, The Bourne Identity. Damon starred in two more sequels before handing the torch off to Jeremy Renner in 2012’s The Bourne Legacy.
“Welcome to Jurassic Park!” Although the iconic Steven Spielberg film came out 20 years ago, it is back in the theaters in a modified 3D format for a whole new generation to enjoy. And, although the dinosaurs are mostly CG, we dare you not to be adrenalized when the T-Rex chases the jeep!
Christian Bale's Batman shows up again in his last outing directed by Christopher Nolan and going up against a menacing Bane, played by Tom Hardy. The summer action flick was a huge success at the box office taking in over 1 billion dollars worldwide. That’s billion with a ‘B.'
Who can turn a theme park ride into a billion-dollar franchise? Johnny Depp can! And he did with the Pirates of the Caribbean movies as lovable pirate Jack Sparrow. The 2003 movie started it all and it’s had 3 sequels to follow, with a fifth planned for 2015.
"The Best Superhero Movie Of All Time" is the quote on the box art (and yes, it's our own)...and we still believe it. Joss Whedon’s A-list collection of Marvel superheros was an action lover's dream come true, the Star Wars for the new generation, and our favorite summer action movie of the last 30 years.
Buy a ticket to Dune: Part Three and be the first to receive Paul Atreides’ Throne and a Navigator Sarcophagus item in Dune: Awakening, available this December.
Limited time offer. Log in to your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app between 9:00am PT on 10/20/26 and 11:59pm PT on 1/31/27 and purchase at least one (1) ticket to see Dune: Part Three at a participating Fandango theater. Purchaser will receive a post-purchase email (deliveries begin mid-to-late December) containing one (1) Dune: Awakening promotional code (“Code”) that is good for one (1) Paul’s Throne item and one (1) Navigator Sarcophagus item. Code expires and must be redeemed by 11:59pm PT on 7/31/27. Code is one-time-use only. Code is non-transferable and has no cash value. Code is not redeemable until 12/10/26. You must have a Dune: Awakening account to redeem Code. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer is subject to Fandango's terms and policies, at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies. Redemption of the Code is subject to Dune: Awakening’s terms and policies at https://www.funcom.com/da-eula/.
Get $5 off your RealD 3D or 4DX ticket with code DISNEYSHEXED.
Limited time offer. While supplies last. There is a limited quantity of Code redemptions allowed in this promotion. Log in to your Fandango account on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app between 10/20/26 and 12/6/26, purchase one or more RealD 3D, 4DX, or RealD 3D 4DX tickets to see Disney’s Hexed at a participating Fandango theater, and enter the Fandango promotional code DISNEYSHEXED ("Code") to receive up to $5 off your purchase. Code expires, and can no longer be used, if not redeemed by 11:59pm on 12/6/26, or when the limit of Code redemptions is reached, or when Disney’s Hexed is no longer available in RealD 3D, 4DX, or RealD 3D 4DX theaters, whichever comes first. Code must be entered at checkout. Only valid for purchase of movie tickets made at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and cannot be redeemed directly at any theater box office. You must have, and be logged into, a Fandango account to redeem the Code on Fandango. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. If cost of movie ticket and associated fees and charges is more than Code’s maximum discount, then user must pay the difference. Any price difference between total transaction price and Code’s maximum discount will not be refunded. One-time use only. Void where prohibited. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value, except as required by law. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). You may have to pay taxes additionally. Limit 1 Code redemption per person. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango's Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Get 1 FREE ticket instantly when you join FanClub with any ticket purchase to see Disney’s Hexed.
The ‘Hexed – 1 free ticket FanClub Promotion' offer (the “Offer”) begins 10/20/26 and will run for a limited time. Offer valid for new FanClub members only. To be eligible, you must subscribe to a 1-month paid FanClub membership ($9.99 per month + tax) when purchasing tickets for Hexed on the Fandango website or mobile app, and the Offer will be automatically applied at checkout. To redeem the Offer, you must complete checkout while an eligible FanClub membership is in your cart and Offer is applied. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law); void where prohibited. Adjustments to prior purchases not permitted. Taxes may apply. Offer may only be redeemed once per person. Fandango reserves the right to withdraw or modify this Offer at any time, in its sole discretion, and without notice. Additional terms and conditions apply, including Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Get The Cat in the Hat Popcorn Bucket Bundle and receive one movie ticket to The Cat in the Hat plus a Fishbowl Popcorn Bucket!
*The Cat in the Hat Popcorn Bucket Bundle is non-refundable. Domestic shipping will be added at checkout. Limited time offer. While supplies last. Movie ticket is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. Popcorn not included. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a bundle. The Fishbowl Popcorn Bucket will begin shipping in October. Please use a physical U.S. address where the Fishbowl Popcorn Bucket shipment can be delivered. Once carrier confirms delivery, Fandango is not responsible for lost or stolen deliveries. See full terms and conditions at https://store.fandango.com/products/the-cat-in-the-hat-popcorn-bucket-bundle
Get the Street Fighter Collector's Pack for one movie ticket to Street Fighter, plus an Arcade Machine Tin Popcorn Bucket and a Lenticular Collectible.
*Street Fighter Collector's Pack is non-refundable. Domestic shipping will be added at checkout. Limited time offer. While supplies last. Movie ticket is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. Popcorn not included. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a bundle. The Arcade Machine Tin Popcorn Bucket and a Lenticular Collectible will begin shipping in October. Please use a physical U.S. address where the Arcade Machine Tin Popcorn Bucket and Lenticular Collectible shipment can be delivered. Once carrier confirms delivery, Fandango is not responsible for lost or stolen deliveries. See full terms and conditions at https://store.fandango.com/products/street-fighter-collectors-pack
Get the Whalebucket Bundle and receive one movie ticket to Whalefall, a Whale Popcorn Bucket, plus the first chapter of the bestselling book Whalefall!
*The Whalebucket Bundle is non-refundable. Domestic shipping will be added at checkout. Limited time offer. While supplies last. Movie ticket is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. Popcorn not included. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a bundle. The Whalebucket will begin shipping in October. Please use a physical U.S. address where the Whalefall Popcorn Bucket shipment can be delivered. Once carrier confirms delivery, Fandango is not responsible for lost or stolen deliveries. See full terms and conditions https://redeem.fandango.com/products/the-whalebucket-bundle
Buy one ticket to Klara and the Sun, get one free (up to $15 off ticket price and fees) with code KLARABOGO
Limited time offer. While supplies last. There is a limited quantity of Code redemptions allowed in this promotion. Log in to your Fandango account on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app between 10/9/26 and 11/30/26, buy at least one (1) ticket to see Klara and the Sun at a participating Fandango theater, and use Fandango Promotional Code KLARABOGO (“Code”) to get up to $15 off (total ticket price and associated fees and charges) one (1) additional ticket for the same showtime. Code expires, and can no longer be used, upon the earlier of 11:59PM PT on 11/30/26, the limit of Code redemptions being reached, or when Klara and the Sun is no longer available in theaters. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to redeem a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. Code must be entered at checkout. Only valid for purchase of movie ticket(s) made at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and cannot be redeemed directly at any theater box office. If cost of movie ticket(s) and associated fees and charges are more than Code’s maximum discount, then user must pay the difference. Any price difference between total transaction price and Code’s maximum discount will not be refunded. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. No cash value, except as required by law. Void where prohibited. Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid in U.S. only, excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law. Limit one (1) Code redemption per person. You may have to pay taxes additionally. Non-transferable. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time without notice. This offer and the redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Get Da Booyakasha Bundle an' receive one movie ticket to Ali G: Who Iz I? plus an Ali G Koozie! Respek!
*Da Booyakasha Bundle is non-refundable. Domestic shipping will be added at checkout. Limited time offer. While supplies last. Movie ticket is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a bundle. The Booyakasha Koozie will begin shipping in November. Please use a physical U.S. address where the Booyakasha Koozie shipment can be delivered. Once carrier confirms delivery, Fandango is not responsible for lost or stolen deliveries. See full terms and conditions at https://redeem.fandango.com/products/da-booyakasha-bundle
Buy a ticket to Clayface and get a 30-Day Free Trial to DC Universe Infinite Ultra!
Limited time offer. Log in to your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app between 9:00am PT on 10/7/26 and 11:59pm PT on 11/1/26 and purchase at least one (1) ticket to see ‘Clayface’ at a participating Fandango theater. Purchaser will receive a post purchase email containing one (1) DC Universe Infinite Promotional Code (“Code”) that is good for one (1) 30-day free trial to DC Universe Infinite Ultra (“DCUI”) with sign-up for a paid DCUI Ultra Monthly subscription. Code expires, and must be redeemed by, 11:59pm PT on 5/1/27. Code is one-time-use only. Free trial offer may be redeemed only once per person and cannot be combined with any other promotional or free trial offer for DCUI. After the free trial period ends, your paid membership will begin at the then-current rate (currently $12.99/month), plus applicable taxes, unless you cancel before the end of the free trial period, and your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current rate plus applicable taxes on a recurring basis, unless you cancel before the applicable renewal. Subscription fees are non-refundable. To cancel or prevent the automatic renewal of your subscription, log in to your DCUI account, go to Settings and click “Cancel” under the Subscription tab. DCUI is not intended for children. Code has no cash value and is non-transferable. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer is subject to Fandango's terms and policies, at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies. Redemption of the Code and DCUI subscription are subject to DC Universe Infinite’s Terms of Service, at https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/terms.
Buy a ticket to the 10/19 Wildwood Fan First Screening and get a limited edition concept art postcard set!
Limited time offer. Postcards will begin shipping on 10/20/26. Shipping will be added at checkout for the postcard set. Log in to your Fandango account on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app between 9/14/26 and 10/19/26 and buy one (1) or more tickets to see the 10/19/26 Wildwood Fan First Screening at a participating Fandango theater. You will receive a post-purchase email containing a LAIKA promotional code ("Code") that is good for one (1) Wildwood postcard set. The Code expires and must be redeemed by 11:59pm PT on 3/19/27. Shipping is only available to valid addresses within the United States. You are responsible for $2.00 USD for shipping. The Code is valid for one-time use only and is limited to one (1) redemption per person. The Code is non-transferable, has no cash value, and cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. The Code is valid only at shop.laika.com and may only be redeemed by qualifying participants in this offer. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer is subject to Fandango's terms and policies, available at https://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies. Redemption of the Code and use of any LAIKA services are subject to LAIKA's terms and policies, available at https://www.laika.com/terms-and-conditions/.
