The Best Action Movie From Every Year of the 2020s, So Far

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The early 2020s have been a fantastic period for action movies. Since 2020, we’ve seen incredible blockbuster hits, exciting independent films, and entries that have really shaped major action franchises. The action movie scene is currently stronger than ever, making it a truly great time to be a fan.

Despite many great action movies coming out each year since 2020, six films truly stand out as the best of the decade. These are must-sees for action fans, and they’re likely to influence the genre for years to come.

2020’s Best Action Movie Is Tenet

2020 was an unusual year for films. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread lockdowns, fewer big movies came out compared to normal. However, one standout film from 2020 is a must-see for fans of the genre. Even without the circumstances of that year, Tenet would likely still be considered the best action movie of its kind.

Tenet is a spectacular action movie that truly needs to be experienced. It’s packed with amazing practical stunts and visual effects, making it a standout film. While some consider it not Christopher Nolan’s best work, Tenet remains one of the most impressive action movies of the past twenty years. Nolan is a hugely influential director, and even a less-perfect film from him is still exceptional.

2021’s Best Action Movie Is The Suicide Squad

James Gunn’s 2021 film, The Suicide Squad, is often considered one of the best comic book movies made this century. It’s both a fun tribute to comics and a completely original movie. This action-packed film, which continues and reimagines previous stories, is full of wild, over-the-top action. It features characters like Harley Quinn, Peacemaker, and King Shark, and takes the idea of a team of obscure DC villains on dangerous missions to the absolute limit.

James Gunn’s unique style shines throughout The Suicide Squad, and he delivers the over-the-top action with incredible skill. It’s not only a fantastic comic book movie, but a truly impressive action film. While 2021 offered plenty of action blockbusters like No Time to Die, Nobody, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and The King’s Man, The Suicide Squad stands out as an action masterpiece.

2022’s Best Action Movie Is Top Gun: Maverick

Thankfully, director Joseph Kosinski’s Top Gun: Maverick is a fantastic sequel. Tom Cruise reprises his famous role, and his performance is just one of the many reasons why Maverick is even better than the original 1986 film.

Top Gun: Maverick is a truly spectacular action film – the kind we don’t often get these days. What makes it so amazing is its commitment to practical effects, real flying, and breathtaking aerial sequences. The entire supporting cast is excellent, and the movie skillfully builds upon the original while delivering a thrilling experience for today’s viewers. It’s a remarkable achievement in action filmmaking and easily the best action movie of 2022.

2023’s Best Action Movie Is John Wick: Chapter 4

While the original John Wick from 2014 remains a classic, John Wick: Chapter 4 released in 2023 may be the best film in the series yet. It’s bigger, longer, and more intense than any previous installment, delivering the kind of thrilling action that makes going to the movies worthwhile. Chapter 4 is a spectacular, non-stop thrill ride packed with incredible action sequences, and it’s truly unforgettable.

With incredible close combat, thrilling gun battles, and amazing car chases, John Wick: Chapter 4 is a must-see for action movie lovers. While films like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, and Creed III delivered great action, John Wick: Chapter 4 truly stands out as a benchmark in the genre.

2024’s Best Action Movie Is Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Released in 2015, Mad Max: Fury Road is widely considered one of the best action movies of the last three decades, and possibly one of the greatest action films ever made. This set very high expectations for its 2024 prequel, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Fortunately, the new film lives up to the original. Furiosa delivers action sequences that are just as impressive as those in Fury Road, a captivating performance from Anya Taylor-Joy, and incredibly detailed and immersive world-building, making it a truly remarkable cinematic experience.

While it may not have reached the same cultural heights as Fury Road, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is still one of the best action movies in recent years, proving how complex and well-crafted the genre can be. It’s a fantastic blend of sci-fi storytelling and thrilling action, and truly delivers on its promise. Currently, it stands out as the best action film of 2024, and one of the year’s best movies overall.

2025’s Best Action Movie Is One Battle After Another

Wow, 2025 was a great year for action movies! We had some really solid entries like Sinners, Superman, the latest Mission: Impossible, and Predator: Badlands. But for me, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another really blew them all away. It’s not a genre PTA usually tackles, and that’s exactly what makes the film so fresh and exciting – it feels completely different from anything else out there.

With thrilling sequences like the intense town siege, the daring prison rescue, and a spectacular car chase finale, One Battle After Another is a non-stop action thrill ride. Despite its 162-minute length, the movie maintains a relentless pace, constantly delivering expertly crafted action and solidifying its place as the best action film of 2025.

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2026-05-12 16:07