Hello and welcome to Blog about Movies! Today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 best action movies of 2023 that every fan of the genre should see. From major streaming service premieres to big-screen blockbusters, and including one standout foreign-language film.
Let’s begin the countdown.
Number 10: Kill Boksoon
This film serves as a superb female-led counterpart to stories like John Wick. The narrative follows Gil Boksoon, a master assassin betrayed by her agency just as her contract is up for renewal. This forces her to navigate the dangerous intersection of her professional and personal life during a critical mission. The fight choreography is exceptional, featuring numerous brilliantly insane sequences. Beyond the action, the compelling mother-daughter dynamic adds a layer of emotional depth, making the story resonate.
Number 9: Operation Fortune
Directed by Guy Ritchie, this 2023 spy action-comedy pairs Jason Statham with high-octane set pieces—a combination that rarely disappoints. The plot revolves around spy Orson Fortune and his team of elite operatives tasked with retrieving stolen cutting-edge technology before it is sold on the black market. Their mission is complicated by a rival group with the same goal. While the storyline may feel familiar, the film delivers solid spy action and a consistent sprinkle of humor, making it a fun, if not groundbreaking, watch.
Number 8: Sisu
This 2022 historical action thriller from Jalmari Helander generated significant buzz, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. Set in the waning days of World War II, it follows a legendary ex-soldier and prospector who discovers gold, only to have it stolen by a brutal Nazi patrol. What follows is a savage and relentless campaign of revenge. The premise is simple yet effective, enhanced by its gritty WWII atmosphere. The action is brutal and visceral, offering a level of intensity that will satisfy any fan of hard-hitting cinema.
Number 7: The Roundup: No Way Out
This 2023 action crime film is the sequel to the highly-regarded “The Roundup.” The story finds detective Ma Seok-do joining a new unit to investigate a murder case connected to a new synthetic drug, drawing him into a conflict involving gangsters, the Yakuza, and corrupt cops. Each action sequence is crafted with high intensity, and the inclusion of Yakuza fighters introduces a fresh dynamic. While the plot may be more predictable than its predecessors, it more than compensates with a thrilling mix of hand-to-hand combat and weapon-based fights, cementing its place as a top-tier action entry.
Number 6: Extraction 2
Chris Hemsworth returns as Tyler Rake in this sequel that greenlights an even more ambitious third installment. The strength of the “Extraction” series lies in its raw, grounded action style, featuring brutal close-quarters combat and realistic gunplay. In this chapter, Rake is pulled out of retirement for a dangerous mission: to rescue the imprisoned family of a ruthless crime lord. When the mission goes awry, he must protect them from the crime lord’s vengeful brother. If you’re looking for top-notch, relentless action, this is a must-watch.
Number 5: The Equalizer 3
The final chapter in Antoine Fuqua’s trilogy sees Denzel Washington reprise his role as Robert McCall, a former Marine who can’t help but seek justice for the oppressed. Now in southern Italy, he finds new friends under the thumb of local crime bosses, forcing him to intervene. While the action is more measured compared to the first two films, it still features Washington’s signature calculated and intense style. The villain may not feel like a major threat, but the film’s straightforward, tense narrative provides a fitting conclusion to McCall’s journey.
Number 4: Jawan
This 2023 Indian action thriller, directed by Atlee, centers on a mysterious man with a personal vendetta who embarks on a mission to correct societal injustices. His path puts him on a collision course with a dangerous weapons dealer from his past, all while a sharp police officer tracks his movements. The plot is complex, filled with twists, side stories, and surprises. Shah Rukh Khan delivers a powerful performance, elevated by an electrifying soundtrack. The action is plentiful, with a particular standout sequence featuring the protagonist in a warrior costume.
Honorable Mentions
Before our top three, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Fast X: While it may not meet the high standards of earlier franchise entries, it still delivers the over-the-top car chases and action fans expect, driven by Jason Momoa’s performance.
- AKA: A tense action thriller about an undercover agent who infiltrates a crime syndicate, only to have his mission complicated when he forms a bond with the crime boss’s young son.
- Plane: This thriller relies more on suspense than constant action, following a pilot who must emergency-land his aircraft on a war-torn island and save his passengers from rebel soldiers.
Number 3: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Ethan Hunt returns in what is arguably the biggest action movie of the year. The story is so expansive it requires two parts. Hunt and his IMF team must track down a rogue AI known as “The Entity” before it falls into the wrong hands, all while a ghost from Ethan’s past returns to challenge him. The film’s global scale is visually stunning, and Tom Cruise’s commitment to practical stunts results in phenomenal action, from a breathtaking motorcycle jump to an extended sequence on a train.
Number 2: Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant
This film stands out as a terrific and gripping war drama. The story focuses on Master Sergeant John Kinley, who, after being injured, relies on his interpreter, Ahmed, to guide him across hostile territory. The movie prioritizes thrilling tension and suspense over non-stop combat, making the action feel more intense and satisfying. Jake Gyllenhaal gives a standout performance in what is a powerful and resonant take on the war genre.
Number 1: John Wick: Chapter 4
A strong contender for one of the best action films of all time, this chapter cements the franchise’s reign over the genre. It excels in world-building, character depth, and delivering mind-boggling, creative action. The story continues John’s war against the High Table, facing evermore dangerous assassins. The film features meticulously staged fight scenes across beautiful global locations, proving that a straightforward narrative can still produce heart-pounding, epic thrills. It is an instant classic that has left a permanent mark on action film history.
That’s all for today! Thank you for reading.
We’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below.
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