The Best Action Movie Franchises

Key Takeaways

Action movies have created iconic and enduring film franchises with explosive visuals and thrilling stories.
Top action franchises like
Jason Bourne, John Wick, Mission: Impossible, Indiana Jones,
and
James Bond
define the genre.
James Bond
sets the standard for action films with iconic characters, thrilling stunts, and lasting cultural impact.

As a lifelong movie enthusiast who has spent countless hours in darkened theaters, I can confidently say that these three action franchises – Fast & Furious, Indiana Jones, and James Bond – are nothing short of cinematic gold. Each one holds a special place in my heart for different reasons, but if I were to choose just one as my all-time favorite, it would have to be the legendary James Bond.

Without a doubt, action movies have long been hailed as one of the most cherished and widely appreciated genres in cinema history. Action films continue to serve as a cornerstone of cinematic art, captivating audiences with their dynamic visual effects, heart-stopping combat scenes, pulse-pounding chase sequences, and death-defying stunts. This exhilarating genre has given birth to some of the most iconic and financially successful film series ever made.

One way to rephrase this in a more natural and easy-to-read manner is: The best action series combine longevity, enduring cultural significance, and praise from both fans and critics to create a remarkable concept. This idea’s success and broad appeal are so significant that it can’t be confined to a single movie. Although commercial success plays a role, it isn’t an essential factor for the most outstanding action franchises to be deemed “great.

5 Jason Bourne

Laying The Foundations For The Genre’s Evolution

First release: The Bourne Identity (2002)
Latest release: Jason Bourne (2016)
Lead actor(s): Matt Damon, Jeremy Renner

Although the Bourne series might not have the same long-lasting impact as other action film franchises, it has undeniably revolutionized the genre. Based on Robert Ludlum’s character, the series features Matt Damon as a CIA assassin struggling with amnesia, engaged in a high-stakes game of chase with his former employers. In 2012’s The Bourne Legacy, Jeremy Renner, known for his role in the Avengers, stepped into the lead role for a single film as Aaron Cross.

The Bourne movie series is known for its uncompromising realism, intense action scenes, and distinctive run-and-gun cinematography, which set a fresh standard for action movies that came after it. While the most recent film, Jason Bourne (2016), received mixed reviews from critics, plans are underway for a sixth movie, with Damon potentially reprising his role as the famous protagonist.

4 John Wick

The Purest Action Franchise Ever Conceived

First release: John Wick (2014)
Latest release: John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
Lead actor(s): Keanu Reeves

The John Wick series stands out in the world of action films, boasting some of the most intricately designed fight sequences ever presented on screen. The franchise’s distinctive combat scenes, filled with brutal precision and Keanu Reeves’ captivating portrayal of the iconic character, have resulted in four highly praised blockbusters. Many critics even go as far as to call John Wick one of the best action franchises ever made.

The initial four John Wick movies have ignited a blaze of success, leading to the creation of a prequel TV series titled The Continental, set within Wick’s universe. In 2025, the spin-off film John Wick Presents: Ballerina, starring Ana De Armas, is expected to continue the storyline. Additionally, a fifth John Wick movie and an upcoming project focusing on Donnie Yen’s character Caine are in development. In essence, it seems that this iconic action franchise is only expanding further.

3 Mission: Impossible

Blockbuster Sequences Led By Tom Cruise’s Indetractable Star Power

First release: Mission: Impossible (1996)
Latest release: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
Lead actor(s): Tom Cruise

Showcasing the thrilling escapades of the renowned Impossible Missions Force and led by the unparalleled charisma of Tom Cruise, the Mission: Impossible series has established itself as one of the most exhilarating and critically acclaimed action franchises ever made. From climbing the Burj Khalifa to driving a motorcycle off a cliff onto a moving train, Mission: Impossible is known for the jaw-dropping spectacle of its stunt scenes – and it’s important to note that these death-defying feats posed real risks to Cruise during filming, as he often performs his own stunts.

Instead of fast-paced series like Fast & Furious or Mission: Impossible, this franchise is unique because it continues to improve over time. The praise for Tom Cruise’s productions just seems to escalate; a trend that fans are eagerly anticipating when the untitled eighth installment arrives in 2025.

2 Indiana Jones

An Action-Adventure Icon Of The Highest Order

First release: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Latest release: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
Lead actor(s): Harrison Ford

The Indiana Jones series, starring Harrison Ford and directed by Steven Spielberg, kicked off with the blockbuster success of Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981. This film, often praised as one of the greatest ever made, brought the character of Dr. Jones, known for his whip-wielding antics, to life. The popular success of this initial installment led to the creation of four more movies that further developed this iconic cinematic figure.

The daring escapades and hat-wearing hero portrayed by Ford served as a muse for almost every action-adventure film produced after 1981. Although the series’ quality declined as it moved into the 21st Century, the unique charm and lasting cultural influence of the initial three movies in the franchise ensures that any such list would be incomplete without including “Indy.

1 James Bond

Cinema’s Most Celebrated Secret Agent

First release: Dr. No (1962)
Latest release: No Time to Die (2021)
Lead actor(s): Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the iconic status of James Bond, the most renowned cinematic spy, who has graced our screens in an impressive 25 official live-action films as of 2021. Apart from these, two more adventures, independent of Eon Productions, have also been added to his repertoire. This legendary character was birthed from the literary mind of Ian Fleming and has set the benchmark for action films since 1962’s “Dr. No,” with no less than six actors embodying the charisma and skill of “007” over the decades that followed.

In a unique mix of athletic ability, inherent flaws, and charismatic charm, Bond’s films have left an undeniable mark on mainstream entertainment. The thrilling stunts performed by this dapper MI6 agent have sparked countless imitations, while the villains from the series are often considered the blueprint for movie villainy. When it comes to action franchises, James Bond stands unrivaled at the summit.

2024-09-22 05:33