Exciting movies I've seen
These are basically any films which are thrilling in nature (Action, thriller, war etc.) ranked with a short review each. Enjoy!
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1.
Apocalypse Now
(1979)
During the Vietnam War, Captain Willard is sent on a dangerous mission into Cambodia to assassinate a renegade colonel who has set himself up as a god among a local tribe. (153 mins.)
Director: Francis Coppola
“ Haunting, horrifying and truly insane, this is mad, audacious filmmaking of the best kind which takes you right into its story and never lets you go. Jaws will drop. ” - Rickting
2.
Seven Samurai
(1954)
A poor village under attack by bandits recruits seven unemployed samurai to help them defend themselves. (207 mins.)
Director: Akira Kurosawa
“ With its great characters, amazing direction and superb story, this is a mind blowing piece of art and the best foreign language film of all time. ” - Rickting
3.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
(1981)
Archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis. (115 mins.)
Director: Steven Spielberg
“ One of my favourite ever movies, this is exhilarating, enthralling, perfectly paced and wonderfully executed adventure heaven, which is more thrilling than a roller coaster and one of the most rewatchable films ever. ” - Rickting
4.
Heat
(1995)
A group of professional bank robbers start to feel the heat from police when they unknowingly leave a clue at their latest heist, while both sides attempt to find balance between their personal lives with their professional lives. (170 mins.)
Director: Michael Mann
“ Deeply human, ferociously intense and utterly compelling, this virtually flawless crime drama is a powerful, thrilling character study. If you looked up 'masterpiece' in a dictionary you'd find this film under it. Despite all of those positives, the most jaw dropping part of the film isn't a shootout. It's De Niro and Pacino having coffee. ” - Rickting
5.
Ran
(1985)
In Medieval Japan, an elderly warlord retires, handing over his empire to his three sons. However, he vastly underestimates how the new-found power will corrupt them and cause them to turn on each other...and him. (162 mins.)
Director: Akira Kurosawa
“ Not so much an epic as an epic, haunting, magnificent work of art outshining everything else in the national art gallery, this turns its source material into a sober, haunting and powerful meditation on loyalty and chaos complete with brilliant acting and amazing battle scenes. ” - Rickting
6.
Blue Velvet
(1986)
The discovery of a severed human ear found in a field leads a young man on an investigation related to a beautiful, mysterious nightclub singer and a group of psychopathic criminals who have kidnapped her child. (120 mins.)
Director: David Lynch
“ The most terrifying film ever- ever- makes every single other horror film ever made look like an episode of Thomas the Tank Engine in comparison. David Lynch's perfect direction, Dennis Hopper's terrifying performance and a frightfully chilling screenplay make this the real definition of cinematic fear. ” - Rickting
7.
Memento
(2000)
A man juggles searching for his wife's murderer and keeping his short-term memory loss from being an obstacle. (113 mins.)
Director: Christopher Nolan
“ Memorable, monumental and masterful, this incredible film is confusing but unlike certain other films (Donnie Darko I'm looking at you) this is a powerful and relentlessly thrilling movie which will thrill and move its audience. ” - Rickting
8.
Die Hard
(1988)
John McClane, officer of the NYPD, tries to save his wife Holly Gennaro and several others that were taken hostage by German terrorist Hans Gruber during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles. (131 mins.)
Director: John McTiernan
“ The perfect action film. In other words, the perfect combo of amazing set pieces, great direction, a smart script, claustrophobia, a great hero, an even better villain, humour and genuine character. 26 years on it hasn't aged at all. ” - Rickting
9.
The Third Man
(1949)
Pulp novelist Holly Martins travels to shadowy, postwar Vienna, only to find himself investigating the mysterious death of an old friend, Harry Lime. (104 mins.)
Director: Carol Reed
“ With its amazing music, flawless acting, stunning direction, jaw dropping cinematography and great script, this is a British gem that has to be seen to be believed. ” - Rickting
10.
Oldboy
(2003)
After being kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years, Oh Dae-Su is released, only to find that he must find his captor in five days. (120 mins.)
Director: Chan-wook Park
“ Oldboy is a devastating, pulse pounding revenge movie that defies every convention, strips the depths of emotion bare, traps its enthralled, riveted audience into a beautifully bleak nightmare and also shows how to eat a live octopus. ” - Rickting
11.
Saving Private Ryan
(1998)
Following the Normandy Landings, a group of U.S. soldiers go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action. (169 mins.)
Director: Steven Spielberg
“ Again, a bit too long, but Spielberg creates some of the most harrowing and terrifying battle sequences ever filmed and also creates a moving, sobering story with great acting. How could it have been more intense? Only if we were actually there. Should have won best picture 1998. ” - Rickting
12.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
(1966)
A bounty hunting scam joins two men in an uneasy alliance against a third in a race to find a fortune in gold buried in a remote cemetery. (161 mins.)
Director: Sergio Leone
“ Not wasting a moment of its huge length, this is complex, thrilling and spellbinding cinema with the best soundtrack of all time, a great storyline and stunning direction. One of the few movies of Netflix you absolutely have to see. ” - Rickting
13.
North by Northwest
(1959)
A hapless New York advertising executive is mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies, and is pursued across the country while he looks for a way to survive. (136 mins.)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
“ Another masterpiece from Alfred Hitchcock, this is a first rate thriller which gets pretty much everything right in a way few other adventure movies have. ” - Rickting
14.
Rear Window
(1954)
A wheelchair-bound photographer spies on his neighbours from his apartment window and becomes convinced one of them has committed murder. (112 mins.)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
“ This film shows off edge of the seat suspense, a compelling mystery, great dialogue and some excellent acting and it only takes place in one room! ” - Rickting
15.
Mulholland Dr.
(2001)
After a car wreck on the winding Mulholland Drive renders a woman amnesiac, she and a perky Hollywood-hopeful search for clues and answers across Los Angeles in a twisting venture beyond dreams and reality. (147 mins.)
Director: David Lynch
“ A maddeningly brilliant cinematic mystery which justifies confusing its audience and driving them insane through a brilliant story filled with thought-provoking themes, mesmerizing visuals and a serious emotional core. If this movie was linear with a coherent plot it'd be a brilliant drama about Hollywood, but it's better not knowing and having the spell this movie casts ruined with explanations. ” - Rickting
16.
Skyfall
(2012)
Bond's loyalty to M is tested when her past comes back to haunt her. Whilst MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost. (143 mins.)
Director: Sam Mendes
“ The best Bond movie ever. Forget Casino Royale, this is perfect. Combining the modern day action film with the James Bond action film with ease, and featuring endless entertainment and surprise emotional power, this is one film where there literally isn't a dull moment. And it's 2 and a half hours long. ” - Rickting
17.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(1984)
After arriving in India, Indiana Jones is asked by a desperate village to find a mystical stone. He agrees, and stumbles upon a secret cult plotting a terrible plan in the catacombs of an ancient palace. (118 mins.)
Director: Steven Spielberg
“ It may be overly dark but in terms of nail biting thrills, fun characters and great sets it can't really be beat and it's got more speed and thrill than the mine carts racing through the mine in one of cinema's best chase scenes. ” - Rickting
18.
Hard Boiled
(1992)
A tough-as-nails cop teams up with an undercover agent to shut down a sinister mobster and his crew. (128 mins.)
Director: John Woo
“ Endless, adrenaline fuelled insanity and jaw dropping set pieces that have to be seen to be believed leave nearly every other action movie ever made lying in the mud. ” - Rickting
19.
Se7en
(1995)
Two detectives, a rookie and a veteran, hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives. (127 mins.)
Director: David Fincher
“ Visually stunning, emotionally devastating and ultimately unforgettable, this is the murder mystery to rule them all and is a harrowing journey into the abyss you'll never forget. A masterpiece. ” - Rickting
20.
Get Carter
(1971)
When his brother dies under mysterious circumstances in a car accident, London gangster Jack Carter travels to Newcastle to investigate. (112 mins.)
Director: Mike Hodges
“ This amazing British thriller is a relentlessly gritty, hauntingly bleak and utterly captivating masterpiece with Michael Caine giving one of the best performances in film history. With its bleak portrayal of Newcastle you'll never look at Geordie Shore the same way again, but it's a near unbeatable example of how to make a depressing movie thrilling. ” - Rickting
21.
Hero
(2002)
A defense officer, Nameless, was summoned by the King of Qin regarding his success of terminating three warriors. (107 mins.)
Director: Yimou Zhang
“ With emotion, character, thrills and visual splendour in every frame, Hero is a masterful work of art to rival Van Gough. ” - Rickting
22.
Mad Max: Fury Road
(2015)
A woman rebels against a tyrannical ruler in postapocalyptic Australia in search for her home-land with the help of a group of female prisoners, a psychotic worshipper, and a drifter named Max. (120 mins.)
Director: George Miller
“ A mind blowing atom bomb of an action movie complete with jaw dropping action scenes, brilliant visuals and superb production design, yet also a well told and feminist post apocalyptic drama. This kind of thing should win Best Picture, not all of those tedious Oscar baiting dramas. ” - Rickting
23.
Witness
(1985)
A young Amish boy is sole witness to a murder; policeman John Book goes into hiding in Amish country to protect him until the trial. (112 mins.)
Director: Peter Weir
“ With Harrison Ford in a surprisingly effective dramatic role and an interesting fish out of water premise combined with tense thrills this underrated thriller is both moving and thrilling. ” - Rickting
24.
Sin City
(2005)
A film that explores the dark and miserable town, Basin City, and tells the story of three different people, all caught up in violent corruption. (124 mins.)
Director: Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez
“ An explosion of amazing style with unexpected substance and brilliant acting, Sin City brings Frank Miller's comic book world to visually awe inspiring life and never loses its grip. ” - Rickting
25.
Speed
(1994)
A young police officer must prevent a bomb exploding aboard a city bus by keeping its speed above 50 mph. (116 mins.)
Director: Jan de Bont
“ This film is so much fun it's almost absurd. It's one of the best action movies of the 90s and a joy to watch. Although some may feel it's just 3 action sequences stuck together, it's 3 brilliant action sequences stuck together. Likable characters but no unnecessary backstories, no sentimentality. Just pure fun. ” - Rickting
26.
M
(1931)
When the police in a German city are unable to catch a child-murderer, other criminals join in the manhunt. (117 mins.)
Director: Fritz Lang
“ I have never seen a more ferociously chilling and masterful detective movie before, nor one with such interesting social commentary and brilliant visuals. M is for masterpiece. ” - Rickting
27.
Goldfinger
(1964)
Investigating a gold magnate's smuggling, James Bond uncovers a plot to contaminate the Fort Knox gold reserve. (110 mins.)
Director: Guy Hamilton
“ The best of the classic Bond movies and the one which introduced the formula we know and love. It's still the best example, and it is simply some of the best escapism one can have. ” - Rickting
28.
Reservoir Dogs
(1992)
After a simple jewelry heist goes terribly wrong, the surviving criminals begin to suspect that one of them is a police informant. (99 mins.)
Director: Quentin Tarantino
“ With more energy than a powerhouse, this is a riveting, ferociously tense drama filled with some of the best dialogue ever written. ” - Rickting
29.
No Country for Old Men
(2007)
Violence and mayhem ensue after a hunter stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and more than two million dollars in cash near the Rio Grande. (122 mins.)
Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
“ Not all best picture winners deserve the prize, but this certainly did. This combination of thought provoking themes and a palm sweating cat and mouse chase will thrill, provoke thought and make its audience terrified of bowl cuts, coin tosses and motels in the best motel set scenes since Psycho. ” - Rickting
30.
Drive
(2011)
A mysterious Hollywood stuntman and mechanic moonlights as a getaway driver and finds himself in trouble when he helps out his neighbor. (100 mins.)
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
“ A subtle, powerful and strangely beautiful explosion of art-house action which speaks volumes with its minimalist script and triumphs as a work of modern art. ” - Rickting
31.
Glory
(1989)
Robert Gould Shaw leads the U.S. Civil War's first all-black volunteer company, fighting prejudices from both his own Union Army, and the Confederates. (122 mins.)
Director: Edward Zwick
“ The outstanding performances, sublime script and wonderful production values combine in a thrilling and moving historical epic that will thrill, move and blow away its audience. ” - Rickting
32.
Argo
(2012)
Acting under the cover of a Hollywood producer scouting a location for a science fiction film, a CIA agent launches a dangerous operation to rescue six Americans in Tehran during the U.S. hostage crisis in Iran in 1980. (120 mins.)
Director: Ben Affleck
“ It seems to have faced some backlash for its best picture win, but what was going to win? Zero Dark Thirty? This brilliantly directed and splendidly written thriller is so tense it's more stressful than rush hour on the tube, but more importantly it's got a script crackling with dark humour and developed characters. ” - Rickting
33.
Duel
(1971 TV Movie)
A business commuter is pursued and terrorized by the malevolent driver of a massive tractor-trailer. (90 mins.)
Director: Steven Spielberg
“ Truly astonishing. The best TV movie ever made. Hands down. Delightfully ambiguous, wonderfully tense and brilliantly directed, this will do for driving what Jaws did for swimming. ” - Rickting
34.
Vertigo
(1958)
A San Francisco detective suffering from acrophobia investigates the strange activities of an old friend's wife, all the while becoming dangerously obsessed with her. (128 mins.)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
“ It's not the greatest movie ever made but it's an excellent film. A brilliantly acted and visually striking masterwork which is less a film, more a terrifying drop ride into obsession, fear and multi-coloured spirals. ” - Rickting
35.
From Russia with Love
(1963)
James Bond willingly falls into an assassination ploy involving a naive Russian beauty in order to retrieve a Soviet encryption device that was stolen by SPECTRE. (115 mins.)
Director: Terence Young
“ One of the very best 007 films, this is an electrifying cold war thriller with a very interesting plot, memorable characters and suspenseful action. Utterly thrilling and Sean Connery simply is the best. ” - Rickting
36.
The Spy Who Loved Me
(1977)
James Bond investigates the hijacking of British and Russian submarines carrying nuclear warheads with the help of a KGB agent whose lover he killed. (125 mins.)
Director: Lewis Gilbert
“ While the Roger Moore era was pretty weak, this is big dumb and fun escapism so entertaining it's almost surreal. While it's totally silly, the amazing (everything) make this a joy to watch. ” - Rickting
37.
Lost Highway
(1997)
After a bizarre encounter at a party, a jazz saxophonist is framed for the murder of his wife and sent to prison, where he inexplicably morphs into a young mechanic and begins leading a new life. (134 mins.)
Director: David Lynch
“ I don't care what anyone says. I love this mind-bending Rubix Cube of a movie. I doubt David Lynch will ever reveal the answer to this cinematic puzzle, but it's a brilliantly made mystery you'll always be happy to try and unravel. ” - Rickting
38.
Strangers on a Train
(1951)
A psychotic socialite confronts a pro tennis star with a theory on how two complete strangers can get away with murder - a theory that he plans to implement. (101 mins.)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
“ Chilling, suspenseful and visually stunning, this is yet another must see movie from Alfred Hitchcock. Utterly brilliant. ” - Rickting
39.
Collateral
(2004)
A cab driver finds himself the hostage of an engaging contract killer as he makes his rounds from hit to hit during one night in Los Angeles. (115 mins.)
Director: Michael Mann
“ A hauntingly brilliant action thriller which is another effortless fusion of emotion and action from Michael Mann. ” - Rickting
40.
Rashomon
(1950)
A heinous crime and its aftermath are recalled from differing points of view. (88 mins.)
Director: Akira Kurosawa
“ Although it can be repetitive, incredible acting, innovative structure and Akira Kurosawa's great direction make this a well crafted and deep masterwork. ” - Rickting
41.
Yojimbo
(1961)
A crafty ronin comes to a town divided by two criminal gangs and decides to play them against each other to free the town. (110 mins.)
Director: Akira Kurosawa
“ An endlessly cool movie despite being over 50 years old, this sees Kurosawa on amazing form as always and it's no surprise so many other directors wanted to copy this movie, even if the finale is a little too short. ” - Rickting
42.
Gone Baby Gone
(2007)
Two Boston area detectives investigate a little girl's kidnapping, which ultimately turns into a crisis both professionally and personally. (114 mins.)
Director: Ben Affleck
“ Sobering and achingly suspenseful, this fascinating thriller is a brilliant directional debut and excuses all of Ben Affleck's past mistakes. ” - Rickting
43.
The Raid 2
(2014)
Only a short time after the first raid, Rama goes undercover with the thugs of Jakarta and plans to bring down the syndicate and uncover the corruption within his police force. (150 mins.)
Director: Gareth Evans
“ An intense, mind blowing thrill ride with the subtlety of a car smashing through a wall, it is overlong but it stands tall as one of the best action movies of all time. ” - Rickting
44.
GoldenEye
(1995)
James Bond teams up with the lone survivor of a destroyed Russian research center to stop the hijacking of a nuclear space weapon by a fellow agent formerly believed to be dead. (130 mins.)
Director: Martin Campbell
“ This fantastic Bond film brings Bond into the modern era with swagger and style, and the result is yet another ridiculously enjoyable movie which provides ace escapism. ” - Rickting
45.
Prisoners
(2013)
When Keller Dover's daughter and her friend go missing, he takes matters into his own hands as the police pursue multiple leads and the pressure mounts. (153 mins.)
Director: Denis Villeneuve
“ Although it's a bit overlong, this ferociously tense and deeply haunting movie was criminally overlooked and if you want to be on the edge of your seat for 2 and a half hours, watch this film. ” - Rickting
46.
The Fugitive
(1993)
Dr. Richard Kimble, unjustly accused of murdering his wife, must find the real killer while being the target of a nationwide manhunt lead by a seasoned US Marshall. (130 mins.)
Director: Andrew Davis
“ The rare action movie that gets nominated for best picture, this is an intense, relentless and genuinely thrilling knockout with top performances and memorable set pieces. ” - Rickting
47.
Tell No One
(2006)
After eight long years since his beloved wife's hideous murder, unexpectedly, an accidental discovery of two bodies near a Doctor's estate will stir things again in a long-forgotten buried case that nothing is as it appears. (131 mins.)
Director: Guillaume Canet
“ An underappreciated and masterful French thriller which combines emotional depth and realistic, suspenseful action scenes to great effect. Tell everyone about this movie. ” - Rickting
48.
Laura
(1944)
A police detective falls in love with the woman whose murder he is investigating. (88 mins.)
Director: Otto Preminger
“ Wonderfully written, twisty and overall super smart, this is a hugely entertaining and unpredictable noir which emphasizes why film noir was so popular. ” - Rickting
49.
Captain Phillips
(2013)
The true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the U.S.-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years. (134 mins.)
Director: Paul Greengrass
“ Although the pace drops a little during the middle, this is a truly fantastic movie and a smart showcase for Paul Greengrass' brilliant use of handheld cameras and Tom Hanks' flawless acting. ” - Rickting
50.
Gladiator
(2000)
When a Roman general is betrayed and his family murdered by an emperor's corrupt son, he comes to Rome as a gladiator to seek revenge. (155 mins.)
Director: Ridley Scott
“ Like most historical films it's too long but the great action, convincing performances, powerful storyline and skilled direction make this probably the coolest history lesson of all time. ” - Rickting
51.
Unstoppable
(2010)
With an unmanned, half-mile-long freight train barreling toward a city, a veteran engineer and a young conductor race against the clock to prevent a catastrophe. (98 mins.)
Director: Tony Scott
“ Powering along like the train in the centre of its story, this perfect slice of popcorn entertainment is some of the most fun you can have in 98 minutes. ” - Rickting
52.
Live Free or Die Hard
(2007)
John McClane and a young hacker join forces to take down master cyber-terrorist Thomas Gabriel in Washington D.C. (128 mins.)
Director: Len Wiseman
“ Although this got a lot of backlash, it's an extremely enjoyable movie which is bigger than the others and features some great characters and stunts, although it does sometimes feel like a superhero movie (not in a good way). ” - Rickting
53.
Die Hard with a Vengeance
(1995)
John McClane and a Harlem store owner are targeted by German terrorist Simon Gruber in New York City, where he plans to rob the Federal Reserve Building. (128 mins.)
Director: John McTiernan
“ At times it feels more like a game of Simon Says than a film, but it's still endlessly fun and full of humour, and Samuel L Jackson steals the show. ” - Rickting
54.
Natural Born Killers
(1994)
Two victims of traumatized childhoods become lovers and psychopathic serial murderers irresponsibly glorified by the mass media. (118 mins.)
Director: Oliver Stone
“ Over-the-top and frenzied, this is arguably flawed in some ways but its twisted, insane nature only makes it even more effective and psychologically complex. A ferociously intense classic that speaks an unmistakable truth. ” - Rickting
55.
Death on the Nile
(1978)
As Hercule Poirot enjoys a luxurious cruise down the Nile, a newlywed heiress is found murdered on board. Can Poirot identify the killer before the ship reaches the end of its journey? (140 mins.)
Director: John Guillermin
“ Like many things it's a bit too long, but this all star, vastly entertaining murder mystery is one of the most fun detective movies ever made. ” - Rickting
56.
The Usual Suspects
(1995)
A sole survivor tells of the twisty events leading up to a horrific gun battle on a boat, which began when five criminals met at a seemingly random police lineup. (106 mins.)
Director: Bryan Singer
“ It's a bit hollow, but it's one of the smartest films you'll ever see and has the best rug pull in movie history. You'll never see it coming. ” - Rickting
57.
The Revenant
(2015)
A frontiersman on a fur trading expedition in the 1820s fights for survival after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team. (156 mins.)
Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu
“ Certainly not a cheerful or easy watch, but as a devastating, utterly harrowing and visually stunning survival story featuring a brilliant performance from Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant is a triumph. ” - Rickting
58.
True Grit
(2010)
A stubborn teenager enlists the help of a tough U.S. Marshal to track down her father's murderer. (110 mins.)
Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
“ The movie could have been better paced, but it's a visually stunning and entertaining Western with Jeff Bridges redeeming himself after Tron Legacy and rare good Matt Damon and child actor performances. ” - Rickting
59.
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
(1974)
In New York, armed men hijack a subway car and demand a ransom for the passengers. Even if it's paid, how could they get away? (104 mins.)
Director: Joseph Sargent
“ Far better than the remake, this light but also genuinely tense thriller is an under seen 70s gem and a palm sweating, completely enjoyable movie. ” - Rickting
60.
Dial M for Murder
(1954)
An ex-tennis pro carries out a plot to murder his wife. When things go wrong, he improvises a brilliant plan B. (105 mins.)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
“ It's not Hitchcock's most well known film, but it's an excellent, intelligently minimalistic and effective mystery thriller which, as usual, has some palm sweating suspense. ” - Rickting
61.
Notorious
(1946)
A woman is asked to spy on a group of Nazi friends in South America. How far will she have to go to ingratiate herself with them? (101 mins.)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
“ Another triumph for the master of suspense, this showcases some of Hitchcock's most interesting direction and is full of fine performances and great writing. ” - Rickting
62.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
(1989)
When Dr. Henry Jones, Sr. suddenly goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, eminent archaeologist. Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr. must follow in his father's footsteps to stop the Nazis from getting their hands on the Holy Grail first. (127 mins.)
Director: Steven Spielberg
“ Although the last 20 minutes dissolve into anti-climax and silliness, this is yet another ridiculously fun blockbuster with enough entertainment to blow most modern action movies out of the water. ” - Rickting
63.
Casino Royale
(2006)
Armed with a license to kill, Secret Agent James Bond sets out on his first mission as 007 and must defeat a private banker to terrorists in a high stakes game of poker at Casino Royale, Montenegro but things are not what they seem. (144 mins.)
Director: Martin Campbell
“ It's too long and sometimes needs to realize there's a difference between James Bond and Jason Bourne, but it's explosive, gritty and more importantly human, and this class thrill ride, with more ace than a pack of cards, is what we needed after Die Another Day. ” - Rickting
64.
Fight Club
(1999)
An insomniac office worker, looking for a way to change his life, crosses paths with a devil-may-care soap maker, forming an underground fight club that evolves into something much, much more. (139 mins.)
Director: David Fincher
“ With an incredible screenplay, amazing direction and deft performances, Fight Club is a truly incredible movie, and however you interpret it, it's a masterpiece. How did this not get nominated for best picture?! ” - Rickting
65.
“ Despite it's occasional detours into generic territory, the amazing racing sequences and powerfully written, well acted screenplay add up to an excellent sports movie where you don't need to like F1 to enjoy it. ” - Rickting
66.
The Raid: Redemption
(2011)
A S.W.A.T. team becomes trapped in a tenement run by a ruthless mobster and his army of killers and thugs. (101 mins.)
Director: Gareth Huw Evans
“ Watching this film is like being in the hammer fight scene from Oldboy, and after a while it becomes overwhelming. It's a 90 minute action scene (Literally) but it's one of the most thrilling of the 21st century, and it leaves other modern action flicks (The Expendables anyone?) in the dust. ” - Rickting
67.
Air Force One
(1997)
Hijackers seize the plane carrying the President of the United States and his family, but he - an ex-soldier - works from hiding to defeat them. (124 mins.)
Director: Wolfgang Petersen
“ Air Force One may be preposterous but it takes off and soars thanks to its thrilling and delightful mix of great acting, claustrophobic fight scenes and sky high mayhem. ” - Rickting
68.
Run Lola Run
(1998)
After a botched money delivery, Lola has 20 minutes to come up with 100,000 Deutschmarks. (81 mins.)
Director: Tom Tykwer
“ It may be more a running montage than a film, but it's visually stunning, vastly enjoyable and manages to find humanity within the thrills. ” - Rickting
69.
The Thin Red Line
(1998)
Adaptation of James Jones' autobiographical 1962 novel, focusing on the conflict at Guadalcanal during the second World War. (170 mins.)
Director: Terrence Malick
“ It has its wanderings and aimless moments, but this mixture of nature photography which would make the national geographic channel green with envy and intense war sequences is one of the greatest war poems (in cinematic form) of all time. ” - Rickting
70.
You Only Live Twice
(1967)
Agent 007 and the Japanese secret service ninja force must find and stop the true culprit of a series of spacejackings before nuclear war is provoked. (117 mins.)
Director: Lewis Gilbert
“ It hints for the first time the absurdity to come in later movies, but messy story aside YOLT is a kinetic, energetic and delightful Bond outing with the first- and still the best- evil lair. ” - Rickting
71.
The Last of the Mohicans
(1992)
Three trappers protect a British Colonel's daughters in the midst of the French and Indian War. (112 mins.)
Director: Michael Mann
“ A blazing war movie led by commanding direction from Michael Mann and a strong Daniel Day Lewis performance which transports viewers right into the action, although it's not as impressive as Heat. ” - Rickting
72.
Braveheart
(1995)
When his secret bride is executed for assaulting an English soldier who tried to rape her, Sir William Wallace begins a revolt against King Edward I of England. (178 mins.)
Director: Mel Gibson
“ It certainly wasn't made by historians and follows the best picture guidebook (Historical, too long, indulgent, it has to be emotional, it can't be the best movie of the year) with great enthusiasm but it's brilliantly made and does affect you on an emotional level. A silly movie, but don't let that make you forget it's also a very good one. ” - Rickting
73.
Full Metal Jacket
(1987)
A pragmatic U.S. Marine observes the dehumanizing effects the Vietnam War has on his fellow recruits from their brutal boot camp training to the bloody street fighting in Hue. (116 mins.)
Director: Stanley Kubrick
“ The first half is perfection and when we get to the actual war it's virtually a relief. Although the later scenes lack the power of the earlier ones, it still has some awesome improvisation, suspenseful moments, and cinema's greatest insults. ” - Rickting
74.
Fast Five
(2011)
Dominic Toretto and his crew of street racers plan a massive heist to buy their freedom while in the sights of a powerful Brazilian drug lord and a dangerous federal agent. (131 mins.)
Director: Justin Lin
“ Far better than it had any right to be, this is action at its most thrilling, likable, engaging, moronic and enjoyably written. It's the rare movie where stupidity is a good thing, and it just doesn't care. Ironically, that improves everything. ” - Rickting
75.
The Wages of Fear
(1953)
In a decrepit South American village, four men are hired to transport an urgent nitroglycerine shipment without the equipment that would make it safe. (131 mins.)
Director: Henri-Georges Clouzot
“ So tense it's somewhat sadistic yet also thematically strong and emotionally powerful (despite the excessive length), this is the kind of suspense thriller that will make movie producers jealous they didn't make it. ” - Rickting
76.
Battle Royale
(2000)
In the future, the Japanese government captures a class of ninth-grade students and forces them to kill each other under the revolutionary "Battle Royale" act. (114 mins.)
Director: Kinji Fukasaku
“ A brutal and breathless Hunger Games for adults. While The Hunger Games is the superior of the two thanks to a better plot, this ferocious and kinetic controversy magnet is well worth seeing. ” - Rickting
77.
L.A. Confidential
(1997)
As corruption grows in 1950s LA, three policemen - one strait-laced, one brutal, and one sleazy - investigate a series of murders with their own brand of justice. (138 mins.)
Director: Curtis Hanson
“ Despite somewhat workmanlike direction at times, this is a highly successful love letter to film noir featuring superb period detail, a great plot, awesome performances across the board and a sharp, punchy and beautifully written script. ” - Rickting
78.
The 39 Steps
(1935)
A man in London tries to help a counterespionage agent. But when the agent is killed and the man stands accused, he must go on the run to both save himself and also stop a spy ring which is trying to steal top secret information. (86 mins.)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
“ Although not Hitchcock at his absolute best, this twisty and tense thriller hints at his future brilliance and it's a great mystery story. ” - Rickting
79.
Crimson Tide
(1995)
On a U.S. nuclear missile sub, a young First Officer stages a mutiny, to prevent his trigger happy Captain from launching his missiles, before confirming his orders to do so. (116 mins.)
Director: Tony Scott
“ While a bit long, great acting and neverending tension will keep you on the edge of your seat for most of the runtime. ” - Rickting
80.
Face/Off
(1997)
In order to foil an extortion plot, an FBI agent undergoes a facial transplant surgery and assumes the identity and physical appearance of a terrorist, but the plan turns from bad to worse when the same terrorist impersonates the FBI agent. (138 mins.)
Director: John Woo
“ It may be a bit too weird for some, but few people will be unable to enjoy 2 of Hollywood's most OTT actors blowing everything up in John Woo's typically amazing action sequences filled with slow motion, Mexican stand-offs and doves. Very difficult not to enjoy. ” - Rickting
81.
The Towering Inferno
(1974)
At the opening party of a colossal, but poorly constructed, office building, a massive fire breaks out that threatens to destroy the tower and everyone in it. (165 mins.)
Director: John Guillermin
“ It shouldn't have been nominated for best picture but while many disaster movies are stupid affairs, this got most things right and is one of those rare movies that blows stuff up with grace and style. ” - Rickting
82.
Furious 7
(2015)
Deckard Shaw seeks revenge against Dominic Toretto and his family for his comatose brother. (137 mins.)
Director: James Wan
“ This one broke box office records, the speedometer and our hearts with its touching tribute to Paul Walker. It's a mess in many ways but it's a miracle a coherent product got out of the gate at all. This will make you punch the air. ” - Rickting
83.
For Your Eyes Only
(1981)
Agent 007 is assigned to hunt for a lost British encryption device and prevent it from falling into enemy hands. (127 mins.)
Director: John Glen
“ It's not the most memorable or well known entry in the series, but despite some very annoying characters, the lack of silliness, strong Roger Moore performance and great action make this the second best of the Moore era. ” - Rickting
84.
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol
(2011)
The IMF is shut down when it's implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, causing Ethan Hunt and his new team to go rogue to clear their organization's name. (132 mins.)
Director: Brad Bird
“ It doesn't exactly reinvent anything or offer anything new but it's an inventive, swaggering action epic with heart pounding action scenes and a genuine sense of tension with one of the best action sequences of recent years. ” - Rickting
85.
The Poseidon Adventure
(1972)
A group of passengers struggle to survive and escape when their ocean liner completely capsizes at sea. (117 mins.)
Director: Ronald Neame
“ While it has its flaws, this 70s disaster flick never sinks thanks to its great cast, genuine tension and good characters, making this one of the better disaster movies out there. ” - Rickting
86.
Point Break
(1991)
An FBI agent goes undercover to catch a gang of surfers who may be bank robbers. (122 mins.)
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
“ A well oiled and ludicrous adrenaline machine filled with high octane fuel and daring set pieces, this is how you do an action film. Don't bother with the remake. ” - Rickting
87.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
(1969)
Two Western bank/train robbers flee to Bolivia when the law gets too close. (110 mins.)
Director: George Roy Hill
“ One of the most likable Westerns in cinema history thanks to its star power and mixture of comic and tragic elements. Marred only by its slightly slow pace, it succeeds thanks to William Goldman's excellent script. ” - Rickting
88.
Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation
(2015)
Ethan and team take on their most impossible mission yet, eradicating the Syndicate - an International rogue organization as highly skilled as they are, committed to destroying the IMF. (131 mins.)
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
“ The franchise continues going from strength to strength with this monumentally fun popcorn action epic. ” - Rickting
89.
The Killer
(1989)
A disillusioned assassin accepts one last hit in hopes of using his earnings to restore vision to a singer he accidentally blinded, only to be double-crossed by his boss. (111 mins.)
Director: John Woo
“ A flawed but overall excellent fusion of action and art, and one of John Woo's best films. ” - Rickting
90.
Victoria
(2015)
A young Spanish woman who has recently moved to Berlin finds her flirtation with a local guy turn potentially deadly as their night out with his friends reveals a dangerous secret. (138 mins.)
Director: Sebastian Schipper
“ A 2 and a half hour technical marvel, Victoria's USP is obviously the single take format but there's enough drama and tension here to make the film very worthwhile as a whole, even if it is overlong. ” - Rickting
91.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
(2011)
Journalist Mikael Blomkvist is aided in his search for a woman who has been missing for forty years by Lisbeth Salander, a young computer hacker. (158 mins.)
Director: David Fincher
“ A well-acted and atmospheric adaptation with Fincher's always outstanding direction and a clever plot making this highly watchable despite a couple of very unpleasant scenes and an overlong length. ” - Rickting
92.
Fargo
(1996)
Jerry Lundegaard's inept crime falls apart due to his and his henchmen's bungling and the persistent police work of the quite pregnant Marge Gunderson. (98 mins.)
Director: Joel Coen
“ If it's not quite a masterpiece, it's certainly a highly impressive combination of a tense, brutal crime story and dark comedy with Shakespearean levels of depth. ” - Rickting
93.
The Limey
(1999)
An extremely volatile and dangerous Englishman goes to Los Angeles to find the man he considers responsible for his daughter's death. (89 mins.)
Director: Steven Soderbergh
“ Although it's slightly uneven, Steven Soderbergh's crime thriller is a gripping fusion of commercial and arthouse cinema. It's got a unique and clever aesthetic that represents human thought very well and a compelling and violent revenge story anchored by a great performance from Terrence Stamp, although Peter Fonda is weak as the villain. ” - Rickting
94.
Kingsman: The Secret Service
(2014)
A spy organization recruits an unrefined, but promising street kid into the agency's ultra-competitive training program, just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius. (129 mins.)
Director: Matthew Vaughn
“ Suave, stylish, subversive and hugely entertaining, this doesn't reach the heights of Kick-Ass but it's one of the best straight forward good times you'll have at the movies this year. ” - Rickting
95.
A Better Tomorrow
(1986)
A reforming ex-gangster tries to reconcile with his estranged policeman brother, but the ties to his former gang are difficult to break. (95 mins.)
Director: John Woo
“ One of John Woo's earlier movies, this comes up slightly short on action but still delivers on some excellent set pieces and combines them with a heartfelt story. ” - Rickting
96.
Sherlock Holmes
(2009)
Detective Sherlock Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson engage in a battle of wits and brawn with a nemesis whose plot is a threat to all of England. (128 mins.)
Director: Guy Ritchie
“ Although Benedict Cumberbatch is the one we'd rather be watching, the fabulous set pieces, strong direction and genuine charm make this a very enjoyable adaptation. ” - Rickting
97.
Contagion
(2011)
Healthcare professionals, government officials and everyday people find themselves in the midst of a worldwide epidemic as the CDC works to find a cure. (106 mins.)
Director: Steven Soderbergh
“ Although mismarketed and slow, it's a very chilling and realistic movie which may lack big thrills but it's probably the best disaster movie of recent times and far more chilling than most recent horror flicks. ” - Rickting
98.
Bridge of Spies
(2015)
During the Cold War, an American lawyer is recruited to defend an arrested Soviet spy in court, and then help the CIA facilitate an exchange of the spy for the Soviet captured American U2 spy plane pilot, Francis Gary Powers. (142 mins.)
Director: Steven Spielberg
“ Not one of Spielberg's absolute best movies, but a very good one and superior to Lincoln. A very well crafted Cold War thriller, this manages to keep the tension and interest levels up throughout successfully and features a great performance from Mark Rylance. ” - Rickting
99.
The World Is Not Enough
(1999)
James Bond uncovers a nuclear plot when he protects an oil heiress from her former kidnapper, an international terrorist who can't feel pain. (128 mins.)
Director: Michael Apted
“ If you try and ignore the flat humour and Dr Christmas Jones who is more annoying than Jar Jar Binks and you have a gripping, interesting and explosive Bond movie and the most underrated of the franchise. ” - Rickting
100.
A Lonely Place to Die
(2011)
A group of mountaineers in the Scottish Highlands discover a kidnapped girl and are pursued by her captors. (99 mins.)
Director: Julian Gilbey
“ A tense, gripping thriller where the tension is brutal, the direction is spot on and despite the totally irritating characters, you're still on the edge of your seat whenever they're in danger thanks to the ferocious suspense. ” - Rickting
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