10 Best Action Movie Scenes of the Past 40 Years, Ranked

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Action movies have changed a lot in the past 40 years. While some have become timeless classics, others have been far more innovative. When considering the best action films of the last four decades, it’s important to look at how well exciting action sequences are combined with strong characters, suspense, and a compelling story. A truly great action movie is made up of memorable scenes, but even movies with fantastic individual moments can still be disappointing overall.

Picking the best action scenes from the past four decades is tough – everyone will have different favorites! This list focuses on scenes that aren’t just exciting, but also well-crafted. We looked for scenes with strong characters, memorable music, effective settings, impressive fight choreography, grand scale, and a meaningful impact on the story. Each scene should be thrilling even if you haven’t seen the movie.

Sherlock Holmes’ Robert Downey Jr. Showed Off His Martial Arts Skills

As a film fan, I’ve always thought it’s really tough to introduce a character with just an action sequence. But the 2009 Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr. pulled it off brilliantly! They found a smart way to show off a key skill – Holmes’ incredible fighting ability – while also establishing how physically capable this version of the detective was. It happens in this amazing scene set in an underground fight club, where Holmes actually steps into the ring and takes on a tough opponent.

I’ve seen a lot of Sherlock Holmes adaptations, and some show him as a really forceful character, but this one takes it to a whole new level when it comes to action. What’s so cool is how Holmes mentally walks through a situation, considering every angle before he even moves. It’s incredibly detailed and subtle. Then, boom – a few seconds of pure chaos as his plan unfolds exactly as he figured it would. This fight scene is iconic; I’ve seen it copied and referenced countless times. Honestly, when I think back on these movies, this is the sequence that always jumps to mind – it just made such a strong impression on me and, I think, on everyone who saw it.

Tom Cruise Still Hasn’t Topped This Mission: Impossible Stunt

Tom Cruise is famous for doing his own daring stunts, and the recent Mission: Impossible films are a great example of that. But if you look back to the 2011 film, you’ll see the foundation for all the impressive action scenes we see today. Many believe the iconic Burj Khalifa climb was key to revitalizing the franchise and setting it on its current path to success.

Tom Cruise’s character, Ethan Hunt, performs a daring climb up the Burj Khalifa, using special equipment to grip the glass. As the world’s tallest building and a symbol of Dubai, the Burj Khalifa was a truly frightening place to film. True to form, Cruise insisted on performing the stunt himself. The resulting scene is incredibly suspenseful – the building’s immense height is genuinely terrifying, even for those who seek adventure. Using computer-generated imagery likely wouldn’t have created the same powerful effect, so the risks taken by the filmmakers were well worth it.

Obi-Wan and Anakin’s Duel on Mustafar is Historic

Though it doesn’t quite reach the realistic heights of Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol or the fresh approach of Sherlock Holmes, the final chapter of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith remains an important action movie moment, and one that heavily influences what comes next in the Star Wars story. The relationship between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker reaches a breaking point, culminating in a brutal showdown on the volcanic world of Mustafar. This planet is unique within the Star Wars universe, and its impact on this film – and particularly on Anakin Skywalker’s story – has made it a lasting favorite with fans.

The scene is visually stunning, but it’s the music that truly elevates it. It builds tension seamlessly, making each clash feel impactful. At its core, this scene is about the conversation between Obi-Wan and his former friend, and his reluctance to fight him until he has no other choice. This is where the story of Darth Vader begins, and it lives up to the hype. While many Star Wars battles have referenced this moment, the impressive lightsaber fighting often gets lost in the overall action.

Kingsman: The Secret Service’s Church Scene Still Leaves Fans in Shock

Sometimes, a movie scene is truly impressive because it catches you by surprise. In the case of Kingsman: The Secret Service, one particular scene almost guarantees the film’s success. The church fight scene is pivotal, giving the experienced actor Colin Firth a chance to showcase his action skills. He fully committed to the physical performance, and it elevates the entire sequence. It’s a fantastic scene to rewatch simply because Firth infuses every move with personality and depth.

This scene perfectly captures the unique style and refined behavior of the Kingsman agents. It’s surprisingly intense and feels like one continuous, unbroken shot. Clever visual effects and impressive fight choreography build the energy, making it incredibly fast-paced. Other movies tried to imitate its slickness, but this scene remains iconic, especially because of what happens next – the apparent defeat of Harry. The Kingsman series has always been good at subverting expectations, and this moment is a prime example.

John Wick’s Stair Climb is Exhausting

It’s impossible to showcase every amazing scene from the John Wick films, so let’s focus on one from John Wick: Chapter 4. This scene perfectly captures what makes these movies so great: action that feels personal to the characters, combined with humor and compelling storytelling. Specifically, the fight John Wick has while climbing the stairs is incredibly tense and captivating for the audience. Notice how the scene is filmed – the camera consistently looks up, emphasizing the immense height he has to overcome.

The audience understands he needs to succeed, and for a moment, it looks like he does. But then, just when he’s about to win, he’s knocked back down to square one. This isn’t just funny—it’s something viewers can connect with, recognizing Wick’s exhaustion and the fact he has to keep fighting even as the movie nears its end. It’s a brilliantly executed moment that brings Caine into the action, adding another dynamic fighting style to the mix. The scene perfectly displays the character’s incredible willpower, their shared humanity despite being opponents, and their mastery of combat. Every punch and kick speaks volumes.

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2025-10-25 03:40