Die Hard: The ultimate action classic that set the standard for 'Die-Hard-on-a-blank' movies. McTiernan's crowd-pleaser and Willis' iconic performance still reigns
Schwarzenegger: The ultimate dreamer turned action star. Cameron's heart-pumping sequel, Terminator 2, stands as a sci-fi classic.
They Live: Carpenter's scathing social commentary camouflaged in an action-packed vehicle. Roddy Piper shines in this indictment of Reaganomics.
First Blood: Stallone's troubled antihero in an excellent action drama. Rambo, rejected by society, clashes with a small-town sheriff. Gripping and intense.
Dirty Harry: Politically conservative film challenging due process. Infamous sniper villain, criticism of counterculture. Controversial portrayal of police
Point Break: Bigelow's action masterpiece. Keanu Reeves infiltrates thrill-seeking bank robbers, forming a bond with leader Bodhi. Kinetic and fun.
Fast Five: Diverse representation in action series. Justin Lin unites cast members, adds Dwayne Johnson. A powerful installment by a multicultural team.
Woo's artistic tragedy in leaving Hong Kong. Unique collision of style with Van Damme's action in a once-in-a-lifetime film
Cleopatra Jones: Blaxploitation great. Tamara Dobson shines as larger-than-life special agent. Action, style, and Shelley Winters' hilarious performance
Steven Seagal's best: Out for Justice, a rock solid action-drama. But his directorial work On Deadly Ground is a laughable yet admirable favorite.