10 Underrated Action Movies
When we think of action movies, big blockbusters like Die Hard, Mad Max: Fury Road, and The Dark Knight often come to mind. However, there’s a treasure trove of underrated action films that may not have received the same fanfare but are equally deserving of your time. These hidden gems combine pulse-pounding stunts, gripping plots, and unforgettable characters, proving that you don’t need a massive budget or an A-list star to create a great action movie. Here are 10 underrated action movies you need to watch.
Dredd (2012)
A gritty, ultra-violent reboot of the Judge Dredd comic series, Dredd is set in a dystopian future where law enforcement officers known as Judges act as judge, jury, and executioner. Karl Urban stars as the stoic, helmeted Judge Dredd, tasked with taking down a ruthless drug lord within a massive apartment block. With its visually stunning slow-motion sequences, intense gunfights, and a gripping narrative, Dredd is a top-tier action film that was criminally overlooked at the box office.
Why It’s Underrated: Released at the same time as more family-friendly superhero fare, Dredd struggled to find its audience despite its tight script and excellent action sequences.
The Raid: Redemption (2011)
An Indonesian action masterpiece, The Raid: Redemption delivers some of the most exhilarating fight choreography ever put to screen. Directed by Gareth Evans, the film follows an elite SWAT team trapped inside a criminal-run high-rise, forced to fight their way to survival floor by floor. Iko Uwais’s jaw-dropping martial arts skills, combined with the film’s relentless pace and brutal realism, make The Raid a must-watch for any action fan.
Why It’s Underrated: While it has a cult following among martial arts aficionados, mainstream audiences may have missed this international gem.
Haywire (2011)
Directed by Steven Soderbergh, Haywire stars real-life mixed martial artist Gina Carano as Mallory Kane, a highly skilled black-ops operative betrayed by her own agency. The film boasts incredible hand-to-hand combat sequences that feel raw and visceral, and Carano’s athleticism adds a level of authenticity rarely seen in Hollywood fight scenes. With a stellar supporting cast that includes Michael Fassbender, Ewan McGregor, and Channing Tatum, Haywire is a tight, stylish action thriller.
Why It’s Underrated: Released without much fanfare, Haywire flew under the radar despite its talented cast and top-tier fight choreography.
Hardcore Henry (2015)
Hardcore Henry is a first-person action film that plays like a video game come to life. The story follows Henry, a man who wakes up with no memory and must rescue his wife from a psychotic warlord with a telekinetic army. Shot entirely from Henry’s perspective, the film creates a visceral, immersive experience with non-stop action and inventive stunts. While the plot may be light, the relentless pacing and unique style make Hardcore Henry a thrilling ride.
Why It’s Underrated: The first-person perspective was a polarizing choice for many viewers, leading to mixed reviews despite the film’s innovative action scenes.
Equilibrium (2002)
Equilibrium is a dystopian sci-fi action film starring Christian Bale as a high-ranking government enforcer in a future where emotions are outlawed. Trained in the martial art of “Gun Kata,” Bale’s character begins to question his allegiance to the emotionless regime, leading to an action-packed rebellion. The film’s stylistic gunfights, which blend martial arts with gunplay, are a highlight, and Bale delivers a strong performance in this hidden gem.
Why It’s Underrated: Overshadowed by The Matrix and other more successful sci-fi action films of the early 2000s, Equilibrium didn’t get the attention it deserved.
13 Assassins (2010)
Directed by Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike, 13 Assassins is an epic samurai action film with a slow-burning plot that builds to a breathtaking 45-minute battle sequence. Set in feudal Japan, the film follows a group of samurai tasked with assassinating a sadistic warlord. With stunning cinematography, well-drawn characters, and expertly choreographed swordplay, 13 Assassins is a brilliant fusion of historical drama and action.
Why It’s Underrated: While critically acclaimed, 13 Assassins didn’t receive widespread attention outside of international cinema circles.
Outlander (2008)
Outlander is a genre-blending film that combines Viking lore with sci-fi elements. Starring Jim Caviezel as Kainan, a warrior from space who crash-lands on Earth during the time of the Vikings, the film sees him join forces with the Norsemen to defeat an alien creature called the Moorwen. With its unique premise, impressive visuals, and epic battles, Outlander is a fun and inventive take on the action genre.
Why It’s Underrated: The film’s strange mix of sci-fi and Viking mythology made it hard to market, and it slipped under the radar for many viewers.
Smokin’ Aces (2006)
Smokin’ Aces is a frenetic action thriller with a star-studded ensemble cast including Ryan Reynolds, Ray Liotta, and Jeremy Piven. The plot revolves around a Las Vegas magician-turned-mob informant who becomes the target of multiple assassins. With its over-the-top action, eccentric characters, and explosive shootouts, Smokin’ Aces delivers non-stop thrills and dark humor.
Why It’s Underrated: While it has gained a cult following, Smokin’ Aces was initially dismissed by critics for its chaotic style and plot, but it’s a wild ride for those who appreciate fast-paced action.
Unleashed (2005)
Unleashed, also known as Danny the Dog, stars Jet Li as Danny, a man raised as a human attack dog by a ruthless gangster (Bob Hoskins). When Danny escapes, he forms a bond with a blind pianist (Morgan Freeman) and tries to start a new life. The film mixes brutal martial arts sequences with heartfelt drama, showcasing both Jet Li’s incredible fighting skills and his surprisingly tender acting.
Why It’s Underrated: Despite its unique blend of action and drama, Unleashed was overshadowed by other martial arts films of the time, but it’s one of Jet Li’s most emotionally resonant performances.
The Way of the Gun (2000)
The Way of the Gun is a gritty action-crime thriller directed by Christopher McQuarrie, known for his work on The Usual Suspects. The film stars Ryan Phillippe and Benicio del Toro as two small-time criminals who kidnap a surrogate mother, only to find themselves hunted by a group of ruthless killers. With its sharp dialogue, intense shootouts, and a standout car chase sequence, The Way of the Gun delivers a gripping, character-driven action experience.
Why It’s Underrated: Released with little fanfare, The Way of the Gun struggled to find its audience, but it has since become a cult favorite for fans of gritty action films.
