Redditors recently got together onr/movies, the largest film subreddit, to discuss which movies have the best non-stop action sequences. They’re talking about the big set pieces that go on for several minutes (and sometimes multiple locations), continually upping the ante and often filmed in a single long shot.
Few cinematic pleasures can top a well-constructed action sequence. Featuring shootouts to, explosions,car chases, to swordfights, these films are the best at delivering high-octane entertainment.
10’Kill Bill: Volume 1' (2003)
Drawing on both Eastern and Western influences,Tarantino’s two-part masterpiece weaves a tale of revenge, bloodshed, and relentless determination. So much ofKill Billis iconic, fromBruce Lee’s yellow jumpsuit to the Bride’s razor-sharp katana. The dialogue is memorable, and the nonlinear narrative is intriguing, but the real highlights are the big action fight scenes. Breathtakingly choreographed, they showcase Tarantino’s dedication to the craft - not to mention his love for visceral violence.
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The Redditor who kicked off the thread praised the Crazy 88 fight in particular. “[The scene] goes for several minutes without letting up, and [it] left me speechless in the theater. I routinely watch [it] multiple times,” saidRedditor chalklitt.
9’Hard Boiled' (1992)
Hard Boiledis a gritty masterpiece directed byJohn Woo. It’sthe defining Hong Kong action film, with intense gunfights, bravura storytelling, and unforgettable characters.Chow Yun-fatdelivers a powerhouse performance as Tequila, a tough-as-nails cop caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a crime syndicate. Woo’s signature style is on full display, including his trademark slow-motion sequences, dual-wielding gunplay, and balletic choreography.
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It’s a testament to the film that three Redditors named three different action scenes as the best one. “The ending sequence [was] bonkers,” saiduser Entrancemperium, whileRedditor ELIE41praised “the whole hospital scene,” anduser fightyMcfookyou’s favorite was the “opening shootout.”
8’Kingsman: The Secret Service' (2014)
This tongue-in-cheek spy film follows Eggsy (Taron Egerton), a young man recruited into the world of espionage and trained to become a gentleman spy. With its humor and over-the-top action sequences,Kingsmanstrikes the perfect balance between homage and reinvention.
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“The church massacre to “Free Bird” fromKingsman. Easily one of the best-choreographed fight sequences I’ve ever seen,” saiduser LeviTheArtist22. “Free Birdwas perfect there,” agreedRedditor Jl4233. “Apparently that scene was originally 7 minutes long, and I’d love to think it exists out there somewhere,” addeduser Traditional_Book_883.
7’The Protector' (2005)
This Thaimartial arts extravaganzastarsTony Jaaas Kham, a young man who takes on a notorious criminal organization that has stolen his beloved elephants. Jaa’s acrobatics, lightning-fast strikes, and bone-crunching kicks are truly spectacular.
“Tony Jaa on the stairs inThe Protector” wasuser NicCageCompletionist’s pick for the best action sequence ever. “I can’t even imagine how long that Jaa sequence took to shoot,” saiduser hanshotfirst_1138. “If I remember right, it was [eight] full takes for Jaa on the stairs,” saidthe user NeonPredatorEnt.
6’Aliens' (1986)
James Cameron’s follow-up toRidley Scott’sAlienkept the tension of the original but doubled down on the action, this time with guns.Aliensimmerse the audience in a claustrophobic fight for survival, from the suspense of the initial encounter to the heart-pumping intensity of the final battle.
“The last hour ofAliens,” saiduser wwe24fan. “The movie really does take its time getting to know the characters, setting up the tension to be had, and then the last hour is just non-stop,” saidRedditor Maverick916.
5’Terminator 2: Judgment Day' (1991)
Another James Cameron classic,Terminator 2: Judgment DayseesArnold Schwarzeneggerreprising his role, but this time as a protector. He’s joined byLinda Hamilton, who shines as Sarah Connor, a fierce and determined warrior fighting for the future of humanity. Cameron orchestrates some truly impressive set pieces, like the chase scene on the freeway.
“The shootout bike chase scene is insane and still holds up,” saiduser loco11b. “The music/sound is also memorable in that scene,” addedRedditor Funkytadualexhaust.
4’Mission Impossible: Fallout' (2018)
While not the most original in terms of story,Fallouttook theMission Impossiblefranchise to new heights of action with a seemingly endless lineup of wild stunts. The most impressive wasTom Cruiseparachuting from a plane at over 30 000 feet.
“The entirety ofMission Impossible: Falloutis basically one non-stop action sequence, and it’s all incredible,” saidRedditor Bellikron. “Christopher McQuarrieis amazing at directing action! The climax of bothRogue NationandFalloutare excellent, as is the climax ofWay of the Gun,” saiduser UgatzStugots.
3’Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom' (1984)
The secondIndiana Jonesfollows the whip-wielding archaeologist (Harrison Ford) on a journey in search of a sacred stone and the kidnapped children of a remote village. It’s pure entertainment in the best way, with relentless pacing, impressive action, and daring escapades aplenty.
“The first 20 or so minutes ofIndiana Jones and the Temple of Doomhas always been one of my faves,” saiduser guariemma. “It’s not all action, but it’s so wonderfully paced — from the opening musical number, through the search for the diamond/antidote, through the Shanghai car chase, and then the plane crash/river rapids. The rise and fall of the action/no-action sequences is just perfect.”
2’Saving Private Ryan' (1998)
Among the finest war films ever made,Saving Private Ryancenters on a group of soldiers led by Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) as they embark on a mission to find and bring home Private James Ryan (Matt Damon), the last surviving brother of four servicemen during World War II. It’s become legendary thanks to the authentic performances, inventive cinematography, and brutal, realistic combat.
Several Redditors praised the beach landing scenes in particular. “After this scene ended I was exhausted and my mind was blown to thousands of pieces. Completely unexpected. And yet so satisfying — for scenes/films like this the cinemas are made,” saidone Redditor.
1’Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' (1989)
In this one, Indy is searching for his father (Sean Connery), a Holy Grail scholar who has fallen into the clutches of the Nazis. Once again,Stephen Spielbergserves up pure cinematic delight: adventure, humor, and ancient mysteries. If anything, the shootouts and escapes are more finely-tuned here than in the two films that preceded it.
The user YoungBeeof03said the tank battle scene was the best: “Indiana has to rescue Henry and Marcus from the inside of a tank, which itself is part of a military convoy. All he has is a horse and a revolver, and the following 8-minute action spectacle is one of the best ever put to film.”
