The Best 2000s Action Movies, Ranked By Fans
- 1Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart
Arguably one of the best superhero films ever made, this flick features a truly iconic performance by Heath Ledger as the Joker. Director Christopher Nolan crafts an intense, thrilling story that delves deep into the psyche of Batman and his nemeses. The stunning visuals coupled with Hans Zimmer's pulsating score make for a legendary piece of action cinema.
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- #30 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- 2Robert Downey, Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow
A movie that laid the foundation for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it catapulted Robert Downey Jr.'s career as Tony Stark to superstardom. With its snarky humor, cutting-edge special effects, and a gripping origin story, this film managed to keep audiences on the edge of their seats while setting a high standard for all subsequent superhero movies.
More Iron Man - 3Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Chris Cooper
A fast-paced and visceral spy thriller that introduced us to Jason Bourne, played expertly by Matt Damon. Combining amnesia with ruthless combat skills makes for an intriguing protagonist who must dodge assassins and unravel his mysterious past. This film set the benchmark for modern espionage filmmaking with its raw intensity and mind-bending twists.
More The Bourne Identity- #130 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #49 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #85 of 149 onMovies That Should Never Be Remade
- 4Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler
The crowning jewel of Peter Jackson's epic adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece, this film not only delivers stunning battle scenes but also brings emotional closure to the characters we've grown to love throughout the trilogy. With exquisite cinematography and compelling storytelling, it's no wonder this movie bagged 11 Oscars, including Best Picture.
- 5Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler
Our first taste of Middle-earth and its beloved characters comes through this extraordinary adaptation that captures the grandiosity of Tolkien's world. The film features a great ensemble cast and meticulously crafted visuals, creating an engaging adventure that quickly made it an instant classic.
- #51 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #1 of 113 onThe Best Movies Of 2001
- #14 of 149 onMovies That Should Never Be Remade
- 6Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen
This epic historical drama boasts incredible fight scenes and a heart-wrenching story of a fallen hero seeking vengeance. Russell Crowe's astonishing performance as Maximus Decimus Meridius is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Ridley Scott's magnificent direction truly transports viewers into the brutal world of ancient Rome.
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- #19 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- 7Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom
Showcasing Johnny Depp's unforgettable performance as Captain Jack Sparrow, this swashbuckling tale offers a perfect blend of action, adventure, and humor. Mixing supernatural elements with witty dialogue, this film instantaneously became a fan-favorite and spawned multiple sequels.
- #19 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #26 of 149 onMovies That Should Never Be Remade
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- 8Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen
Liam Neeson's iconic portrayal of Bryan Mills, an ex-CIA operative on a mission to save his kidnapped daughter, made this film an instant action classic. With adrenaline-pumping fight scenes and a ticking clock narrative, viewers are left with bated breath as they follow Mills on his relentless pursuit.
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- 9Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore
Based on true events, this gritty war film presents a relentless depiction of modern warfare during the Battle of Mogadishu. With gripping portrayals by Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, and Eric Bana, among others, this movie never pulls any punches in showing the horrors and heroism experienced by soldiers in conflict zones.
More Black Hawk Down- #3 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #49 of 125 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
- #419 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- 10Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen
Giving us a fresh start to the James Bond franchise, Daniel Craig's first outing as 007 is both gritty and exciting. Featuring thrilling action set-pieces and an engaging narrative that dives deep into Bond's character, this film successfully rebooted the long-running saga for the modern age.
More Casino Royale- #436 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #101 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #73 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- 11Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson
Christopher Nolan's brooding reboot of the Caped Crusader changed the landscape for superhero films. Showcasing a more grounded and darker approach to the character's origin, Christian Bale delivers a phenomenal performance as Bruce Wayne. Backed by an exceptional supporting cast and a thrilling narrative, this film paved the way for one of the most successful movie trilogies in history.
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- #114 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- 12Heath Ledger, Mark Addy, Rufus Sewell
This unconventional medieval film mixed historical settings with modern music for a delightful anachronistic romp. Heath Ledger stars as William Thatcher, a peasant-turned-knight who takes on jousting tournaments armed with wit, charm, and more than a few tricks up his sleeve.
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- #12 of 113 onThe Best Movies Of 2001
- 13Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Brian Cox
The second installment of the highly acclaimed Bourne franchise sees Jason Bourne in possession of more answers but facing even deadlier consequences. Matt Damon's iconic portrayal of the rogue agent continues to captivate audiences, while the film delivers on pulse-pounding action sequences and an engrossing storyline.
More The Bourne Supremacy- #224 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #106 of 149 onMovies That Should Never Be Remade
- #22 of 164 onThe Best Movie Sequels Ever Made
- 14Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen
This high-stakes spy thriller brings Jason Bourne back for another intense roller-coaster ride filled with assassins, car chases, and shocking revelations. Matt Damon delivers a remarkable performance, while Paul Greengrass' visceral direction keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the entire film.
More The Bourne Ultimatum- #360 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #101 of 149 onMovies That Should Never Be Remade
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- 15Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen
Bryan Singer's groundbreaking superhero film breathed life into the comic book genre and introduced the world to Hugh Jackman's iconic Wolverine. Exploring themes of prejudice and discrimination through an extraordinary cast of mutants, it proved that superhero films could be more than just mindless entertainment.
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- 16Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst
Sam Raimi's interpretation of the beloved wall-crawler captured the essence of what made Spider-Man such an endearing character: he was relatable, flawed, and heroic all at once. With Tobey Maguire's earnest performance as Peter Parker and thrilling web-slinging action, this film marked a true turning point for superhero cinema.
- 17Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Leonard Nimoy
J.J. Abrams' masterful reboot of the iconic sci-fi franchise both delighted longstanding fans and brought a new generation on board the USS Enterprise. With its stellar cast, exhilarating story, and dazzling visuals, it boldly went where no Star Trek movie had gone before.
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- 18Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha
An adventurous blend of history, mystery, and fast-paced action, this adventure sees Nicolas Cage as Benjamin Franklin Gates hunting down a legendary treasure hidden by America's founding fathers. Delightfully implausible and thoroughly entertaining, it's a wild ride filled with jaw-dropping stunts and intriguing puzzles.
- 19Bruce Willis, Justin Long, Timothy Olyphant
Bruce Willis returns as John McClane in the fourth installment of this beloved action franchise. Facing off against cyberterrorists who threaten the United States, audiences are treated to high-octane action sequences, explosive set pieces, and Willis' trademark wisecracks.
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- 20Jason Statham, Shu Qi, François Berléand
Jason Statham's breakout role as Frank Martin cemented his status as one of the biggest action stars of the 2000s. Filled with gravity-defying stunts and bone-crunching fight scenes, this film delivers non-stop thrills to satisfy even the most demanding adrenaline junkie.
More The Transporter- #132 of 191 onThe Best Movies For Men
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- #27 of 152 onThe Best Movies of 2002
- 21Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen
In this sequel to the groundbreaking superhero film, our favorite mutants face an even greater threat from both within and without. With an emotionally gripping story and eye-popping special effects, it remains one of the best installments in the X-Men franchise.
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- 22Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham
A visually striking and wildly stylized retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae, this film follows King Leonidas and his Spartan warriors as they face insurmountable odds against Xerxes’ Persian army. Its intense battle sequences and unique visual style make it a memorable addition to the action genre.
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- #119 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- 23Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, Christopher Walken
Denzel Washington shines as John Creasy, a burned-out bodyguard who seeks revenge against those responsible for kidnapping his young charge. The movie combines relentless action with a poignant exploration of redemption in the face of unspeakable cruelty.
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- 24Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn
This gritty crime thriller follows rookie cop Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) as he navigates the moral complexities of working with corrupt narcotics officer Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington). Boasting powerful performances and high-stakes action, it's a gripping exploration of just how far people will go for power.
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- #6 of 113 onThe Best Movies Of 2001
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- 25Ron Perlman, John Hurt, Selma Blair
This dark and stylish comic book adaptation introduced audiences to a unique new superhero – a demon turned paranormal investigator played superbly by Ron Perlman. Mixing supernatural elements with thrilling action, director Guillermo del Toro successfully brought Mike Mignola's beloved character to life on the big screen.
More Hellboy- #34 of 186 onThe Greatest Comic Book Movies Of All Time
- #22 of 99 onThe Best Movies Of 2004, Ranked
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- 26Robert Downey, Jude Law, Rachel McAdams
Guy Ritchie's stylish reimagining of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved detective boasts riveting performances by Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes and Jude Law as Dr. Watson. Injecting the story with modern sensibilities and explosive action, this film is a fresh and enthralling interpretation of the classic literary figure.
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- 27Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, John Lone
Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker are back as mismatched crime-fighters in this action-comedy sequel, which delivers even more laughs and exciting stunt work than its predecessor. The duo's incredible chemistry and hilarious banter make this one of the most memorable buddy cop movies of the 2000s.
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- 28Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco
Widely regarded as one of the best superhero sequels ever made, this follow-up pits Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man against one of his most iconic foes – Doctor Octopus, played brilliantly by Alfred Molina. With its emotionally charged storyline and spectacular action sequences, it remains a shining example of superhero filmmaking.
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- 29Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss
The highly anticipated sequel to the groundbreaking sci-fi classic dove deeper into the war between humans and machines in a virtual world. Featuring dazzling visuals, thought-provoking themes, and adrenaline-fueled action, it expanded on its predecessor's already rich mythology while pushing the boundaries of what was possible in cinema.
- 30Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, David Carradine
Quentin Tarantino's two-part revenge epic showcases Uma Thurman as "The Bride," a former assassin seeking vengeance against her former comrades. Blending influences from classic martial arts films with Tarantino's trademark wit and style, these movies provide an exhilarating, ultra-violent ride that only he could deliver.
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