2023 has been a sensational year for movies. From critically acclaimed comedies, dramas and horror movies, to the unforgettable Barbenheimer double bill, we, as cinephiles, have been blessed with one of the best years of film in recent memory. But one genre in particular has been killing it (no pun intended) all year round. Whether its John Wick taking out swarms of bad guys, Ethan Hunt cliff diving onto a movie train, or Godzilla returning to the big screen in one of his best outings ever, few years have delivered a heap of excellent action movies like 2023. So with that in mind here are the best action movies of 2023.
15. Fast X
The latest entry into the increasingly ridiculous, but continuously thrilling Fast and Furious franchise, Fast X is simply a ton of fun. Its action is high octane, and its story is as thin as ever, but as always, its films the cast that help Fast X drift its way onto the list.
While the entire cast have great chemistry – despite some shoddy performances – its Jason Mamoa who effortlessly stole the show. His portrayal of the sociopathic villain Dante is easily one of the most intoxicating performances of the year.
14. Plane
Kicking the year off right was the explosive action movie, Plane, starring Gerald Butler and Mike Colter. Its story is simple, and so is its action, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the years most entertaining movies. Gerald Butler and Mike Colter were engaging as the two leads, both selling the action with the physicality and their on screen prowess. For those 80s action movie fans out there, Plane is the film for you.
13. The Equalizer 3
Concluding the beloved Equalizer trilogy, The Equalizer 3 is another visceral and captivating entry into the franchise, that reunites Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning. Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) is as deadly as ever, nonchalantly butchering waves of the Italian Mafia by plunging revolver’s into their eyes, and breaking their bones in ways that shouldn’t even be possible. While it may not be as great as the first, Washington’s badass performance topped with some awesome action sequences make for a great action movie experience.
12. Kill Boksoon
Kill Boksoon is a stylish, grizzly, and captivating martial arts movie. Its action is fast, brutal, and expertly crafted, but what excels this Korean action movie high above the rest, is its heartwarming mother-daughter storyline. With blood pumping music, compelling characters, and some of the best action scenes of the year, Kill Boksoon is an action movie not to miss.
11. Fist of the Condor
Harkening back to classic martial arts movies like Drunken Master, and Fists of Fury, Fist of the Condor is an underrated modern martial arts movie gem. Starring underapreciated martial artist, Marko Zaror – who many will recognise from this years John Wick: Chapter 4 Fist of the Condor is packed with jaw-dropping fight sequences that see’s the martial artist at his best. The story is familiar and a little silly in places, but what classic martial arts movie isn’t. At least by todays standards. Fist of the Condor is the perfect film for all the martial arts movie fans out there.
10. Silent Night
Legendary action movie filmmaker John Woo, returns after a 20 year hiatus with the relentless festive action movie, Silent Night. In true John Woo style, the action is explosive. From the movies numerous shoot outs, exhilarating car chases, and gnarly brawls, audiences will be hurled into a blood-pumping action movie that once again proves why John Woo is a master when it comes to action filmmaking. Joel Kinnaman delivers an enthralling performance, enhancing the impact and authenticity of the action with his impressive physicality.
Deriving its name from the films lack of dialogue – a gimmick that works surprisingly well – Silent Night is an explosive action movie from one of the leading masters in action filmmaking.
Silent Night is now in cinemas, and will begin streaming on Sky December 23rd.
9. The Killer
Not to be confused with the David Fincher action thriller of the same name – which also released the same year – the Korean action movie The Killer is a criminally underrated action film that demands your attention. The Killer mixes the poetic action of John Wick, with a story very similar to the Liam Neeson thriller, Taken, to deliver one of the best action movie experiences of the year. Jang Hyuk is ferocious as the films lead effortlessly tearing through waves of bad guys in some of the years best action sequences.
Whilst it technically released in 2022 in South Korea, the film later hit American, and European screens in early 2023.
8. Extraction 2
The first Extraction movie starring Chris Hemsworth is one of Netflix’s best action movies, and since it dropped on the platform in 2020, audiences have been clambering for a sequel. Thankfully, in 2023 our wish was answered with its outstanding sequel – aptly named – Extraction 2.
The sequel is bigger, better, and bolder than the first, with Chris Hemsworth turning up his performance and physicality to eleven in the films many action sequences. The almost 30 minute long ‘oner’ is a feast for action movie fans which effortlessly flows from a prison riot, to an explosive car chase before culminating into an epic train sequence. Its a brilliant piece of action cinema, and Sam Hargrave – the films director – has proven himself as one of the best modern day action movie directors around.
7. Sisu
Theres nothing more rewarding then seeing Nazi’s getting their arses handed to them. Whether its Indiana Jones punching his way through a plethora of Nazi soldiers, or the Inglorious Bastards gleefully setting a blaze to a theatre full them in the Quentin Tarantino classic. However, no where is it more satisfying than in 2023s Sisu.
Few movies this year top the gloriously gory violence of Sisu, nor does any movie revel in its carnage more than this World War II action epic. Nazi’s get mines thrown at their faces, slaughtered underwater, and get dropped out of the sky strapped to a bomb. Sisu is wild.
6. Polite Society
Oozing with the style and flair of an Edgar Wright film, Polite Society kicks a ton of ass. Not just with its action, but also how the film tackles its heartwarming tale of sisterhood, the importance of never giving up on your childhood dreams, as well as its beautifully poignant representation of South Asian culture.
Deriving a lot from classic martial arts flicks – which is surprisingly important to the narrative – the films action is simply stunning. Its full of effective humour, and the chemistry between the entire cast is deeply infectious.
5. The Three Musketeers Part 1: D’Artangan
As the first of an upcoming trilogy, The Three Musketeers: Part 1: D’Artangan is a jaw-dropping adaptation of the classic novel. Sporting a plethora of expertly crafted one takes, with very fast sword play, audiences will be fully immersed into the films stellar action. But thanks to its cast, D’Artangan similarly excels at being a charming flick, capturing the magic of novel and the Musketeers relationship, and unloading it onto the big screen. D’Artangan is hands down the best Three Musketeers movie ever made. Not forgetting the animated Disnet classic starring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy.
4. Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
Despite being a hilarious action-packed fantasy adventure elevated by a fantastic cast, Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves was criminally one of the most underrated movies of the year. Its packed with gut-busting humour – as one might expect from the writer/director behind Game Night – as well as many thrilling action sequences. Some of the best the year had to offer. Chris Pine, Rege-Jean Page, Justice Smith and Sophia Lillis all gave great performances, but it was Michelle Rodriguez who stole the show with her comedic timing, and action hero presence.
3. Godzilla: Minus One
Smashing its way into the tail end of the year (get it?) is the surprising blockbuster hit everyones talking about, Godzilla: Minus One. This Japanese flick – with an impressive budget below $15 million dollars – is the best Godzilla film… perhaps ever. Seperate from Warner Bros. successful Monsterverse franchise, Godzilla: Minus One sports colossal action, stunning CG – especially considering its budget – and human characters, who, unlike the Warner Bros. Monsterverse, aren’t irritating. Its a spectacle that has to be witnessed on the big screen.
Godzilla Minus One is now in cinemas.
2. Mission: Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One
The Mission: Impossible franchise continues its recent streak of outstanding action movies with Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1. The film – much like every entry in the franchise – boasts thrilling action sequences, jaw-dropping stunts, as well as the franchises synonymous blood-pumping score. Hayley Attwell makes a brilliant addition to the cast, enhancing the already brilliant roster of female characters, and Tom Cruise as always impresses with his physicality and stunt work.
1. John Wick Chapter 4
Taking the cake for Coastal House Media’s best action movie of 2023… is John Wick Chapter 4. As the best film in a franchise full of equally phenomenal action movies, John Wick Chapter 4 takes the franchises already stellar action to a whole new level. By throwing in nunchucks, a Dragon Breath shotgun, an endless staircase, and a blind Donnie Yen, John Wick Chapter 4 puts other action movies to shame.
Keanu Reeves is a relentless as ever, with Ian McShane and Laurence Fishburne returning to their beloved roles. Action movie legends Donnie Yen, Scott Adkins, Hiroyuki Sanada, Marko Zuror and Shamier Anderson enhance the already rich assassin underworld of John Wick, and Bill Skaarsgard offers a captivating performance as the films antagonist. This nearly 3 hr movie is a breathtaking action extravaganza, with an emotional finale that beautifully caps of this collection of astonishing action movies.