Our Favorite Action Movies of 2024

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Summary

  • Deadpool & Wolverine featured iconic action sequences with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman finally entering the MCU.
  • Furiosa had impressive action scenes, starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth in a Mad Max prequel.
  • Monkey Man, directed by Dev Patel, delivered original action with John Wick vibes.

As a film enthusiast who’s spent countless hours lost in the world of cinematic masterpieces, I must say that 2024 was truly a golden year for action movies! From the multiverse-jumping heroics of “Civil War” to the gripping revenge tale of “Monkey Man”, each film offered something unique and captivating.

One film that particularly stood out for me was “Gladiator 2”. As someone who grew up with the original, I must admit that I was initially skeptical about a sequel. However, the film managed to capture the epic scale and brutal action of the first while adding its own twist with beasts and boats! It’s like they took my childhood dreams and put them on screen!

But let’s not forget “Monkey Man”, a film that finally gave us an action hero who represents a culture that has been long overlooked in Hollywood. Dev Patel’s passion for this project is evident, and the result is a film that’s as thrilling as it is important. It’s like they took John Wick, sprinkled some Bollywood flair, and served up a fresh take on the action genre!

Lastly, I can’t help but chuckle at the irony of A24, a company not typically known for action movies, releasing “Civil War”. It’s like they decided to shake things up a bit and said, “Why not give our audiences a dystopian war film? Let’s see them try to make sense of that!”

In conclusion, 2024 was the year of the action movie. Whether you were in the mood for revenge, epic battles, or a mind-bending journey across a divided country, there was something for everyone. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to be entertained! Because as we all know, the show must go on… unless it’s a civil war, then maybe not so much.

2024 saw the emergence of some exceptional action films, which continue to be a crowd favorite and lucrative genre in cinema.

2024 saw fewer superhero films compared to other years, yet some left a lasting impression. A handful of legacy sequels were also unveiled in 2024, delivering epic action scenes worth remembering. Action movies in 2024 offered a wealth of entertainment, and here are Game Rant’s top picks for the year.

Deadpool & Wolverine

In 2024, the sole Marvel cinematic production was the highly anticipated film titled Deadpool & Wolverine. This movie was significant as it was the first time Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool character officially fell under the Marvel Studios banner following Disney’s acquisition of Fox. This acquisition also paved the way for Hugh Jackman to reprise his role as Wolverine from the X-Men series, and the two iconic characters joined forces in a multiversal action-adventure destined to become legendary.

Just like previous Deadpool movies, Deadpool & Wolverine featured memorable action scenes and unforgettable guest appearances. This movie served as a farewell tribute to the Fox era of superhero flicks, paving the way for a fresh chapter of Deadpool within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

20215 saw the release of “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga”, a film facing immense pressure after the phenomenal success of “Mad Max: Fury Road”. Despite not outshining its predecessor, it offered an exhilarating cinematic experience in 2024. Although the iconic character Max was absent, Anya Taylor-Joy delivered a captivating performance as a young Furiosa navigating her role in the harsh wasteland. Chris Hemsworth impressed as the ruthless warlord Dementus, showcasing a surprising darker side for the action hero actor. The prequel to the Mad Max series did not disappoint on the action front, featuring an astounding 15-minute long road train sequence that is arguably one of the most impressive practical stunt feats in film history to date.

Monkey Man

After not finding an action protagonist from his culture in movies, Dev Patel took it upon himself to create change with his 2024 film “Monkey Man,” where he served as producer, director, and lead actor. The movie has been likened to the popular “John Wick” series, and rightfully so. “Monkey Man” offers intense action sequences, innovative fast-paced choreography, and a pulse-racing tone that keeps you on edge. The narrative revolves around Patel’s character, Kid, who seeks vengeance against the corrupt police officer responsible for his mother’s death. “Monkey Man” stands out as one of the best action films in recent years by introducing an entirely fresh action hero worthy of a franchise.

Civil War

2024 saw A24 breaking its norm of distributing less action-oriented films with the release of Alex Garland’s “Civil War,” a gripping dystopian war film set in an alternate USA ravaged by a modern civil conflict. In this fractured nation, a band of journalists endeavor to cross a divided country and interview the president. Kirsten Dunst delivers a powerful performance as the disillusioned photographer Lee, whose perspective gradually shifts due to the ambition of a budding war photographer Jessie (Cailee Spaeny). Despite steering clear of overt political bias, “Civil War” skillfully presented thought-provoking imagery and boasted numerous suspenseful action sequences.

Gladiator 2

In 2024, Gladiator 2, a follow-up to the original, was another sequel that didn’t quite reach the greatness of its predecessor, but still delivered impressive action scenes on a grand scale like before. Set after the demise of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, Gladiator 2 presents a new Rome ruled by two ruthless twins. Marcus’ long-lost son, Lucius (played by Paul Mescal), seeks vengeance in the arena as their army strips him of everything he once owned.

In the sequel, Gladiator 2, the stakes are raised through grandiose battles, incorporating creatures and sea vessels in an exhilarating underwater sequence teeming with sharks, which truly lives up to cinematic standards. The film marked a revival of the grand epic action genre of sword-and-sandals, not witnessed on such a grand scale in quite some time.

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2024-12-31 00:34