Action movies are often packed with adrenaline-fueled sequences, but some gems slip through the cracks over time. This list highlights forgotten action films that deliver hard-hitting thrills but have fallen out of the mainstream spotlight. From classic shootouts to intense hand-to-hand combat, these offer a perfect mix of excitement, suspense, and engaging storylines.
Deep Rising (1998)
Deep Rising is an often-overlooked sci-fi action film directed by Stephen Sommers. The movie stars Treat Williams as John Finnegan, the captain of a ship hired to transport a group of mercenaries to a luxury ocean liner, only to find it overrun by a massive, monstrous sea creature. Combining elements of horror and action, it features intense gunfights with the added suspense of surviving the creature’s attacks. The ensemble cast, including Famke Janssen and Kevin J. O’Connor, delivers strong performances that help elevate the film above typical B-movie fare. Although it didn’t fare well at the box office, it has since earned a cult following for its mix of action, humor, and monster mayhem.
The Phantom (1996)
The Phantom, starring Billy Zane, brings to life one of the earliest comic book heroes in a pulp-style adventure. Set in the 1930s, the film follows the Phantom as he tries to stop a powerful villain from obtaining mystical skulls that could give him control over the world. The action sequences are full of classic stunts, with Zane donning the iconic purple suit to deliver fast-paced chases and swashbuckling fights. While it didn’t make a significant splash upon its release, it has become a nostalgic favorite for fans of comic book adaptations.
The Warriors (1979)
The Warriors, directed by Walter Hill, is a cult classic that blends street gangs, action, and a stylized depiction of New York City. The plot follows a gang called the Warriors, who must fight their way back to their home turf of Coney Island after being framed for a murder during a gang summit. Known for its gritty atmosphere and fast-paced action, it features intense chase scenes and street brawls, all set against a vibrant, chaotic city backdrop. Though initially controversial for inciting real-world gang violence, the movie has since gained a dedicated following for its inventive premise and memorable characters.
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Directed by Joseph Sargent, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is a tense, fast-paced action film about a group of criminals who hijack a New York City subway train, demanding a ransom. Walter Matthau plays the gritty transit cop who negotiates with the hijackers, while Robert Shaw leads the criminals with cold precision. It is a masterclass in building tension, with suspenseful action sequences set in the claustrophobic subway tunnels. Its blend of action, sharp dialogue, and New York grit has helped it remain a classic in the action-thriller genre.
Sorcerer (1977)
Directed by William Friedkin, Sorcerer is an intense action thriller that follows four men transporting volatile explosives through treacherous South American terrain. Starring Roy Scheider, it is a remake of the French classic The Wages of Fear, but Friedkin adds a gritty, visceral style that elevates the tension. Its centerpiece is a nerve-wracking sequence where the men drive trucks carrying nitroglycerin across a rickety bridge during a storm. It is also known for its haunting score by Tangerine Dream and its relentless suspense, keeping viewers on edge from start to finish. Though it was overshadowed by Star Wars upon its release, it has since been praised as one of Friedkin’s most ambitious films.
Kelly’s Heroes (1970)
Kelly’s Heroes blends action, comedy, and war drama in an unforgettable heist movie set during World War II. Directed by Brian G. Hutton, it stars Clint Eastwood as Kelly, a disillusioned soldier who leads a group of misfits on a mission to steal Nazi gold. The ensemble cast, including Donald Sutherland and Telly Savalas, adds humor and charm to its explosive action sequences. The movie strikes a perfect balance between light-hearted moments and intense war action, making it a unique entry in the war film genre.
The Guns of Navarone (1961)
Based on the Alistair MacLean novel, The Guns of Navarone is a World War II action-adventure film that follows a group of Allied commandos on a mission to destroy a massive Nazi gun emplacement. Starring Gregory Peck, David Niven, and Anthony Quinn, it blends suspenseful action with strong character dynamics. The climactic assault on the fortress is tense and filled with impressive practical effects. Directed by J. Lee Thompson, this received critical acclaim and has remained one of the most beloved war action films of the era.
Enter the Dragon (1973)
Enter the Dragon is a martial arts action classic that made Bruce Lee an international superstar. The film blends martial arts with spy-thriller elements, as his character infiltrates a criminal syndicate by participating in a martial arts tournament. His extraordinary skills are on full display, with fast-paced, impeccably choreographed fight sequences that set a new standard for action films. Directed by Robert Clouse, this remains a must-watch for action fans, showcasing Lee’s talents and leaving a lasting impact on the genre.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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