10 Action Movies That Deserve to Be in the Criterion Collection, Ranked
The Criterion Collection is known for taking the greatest films from around the world and restoring them to their greatest quality. Thus, cinematic works are preserved for future generations — and enjoyed by those who can afford to splurge on a physical box set. While there are plenty of excellent works that have already received the Criterion treatment over the years, there are several action movies that we’d love to see highlighted by the platform.
Since Criterion chooses its newest catalog additions based on a film’s overall cultural significance, artistic merit, and historical importance, we’ve put together a list of action flicks we think deserve the preferential treatment. Sure, these aren’t indie or arthouse works, nor are they of the “lesser known” quality, but these Hollywood action pictures are highly regarded by viewers and certainly could benefit from the Criterion preservation.
10
‘Logan’ (2017)
Although Logan only hit theaters a decade ago, the masterful neo-Western superhero flick has already been considered a genuine classic for its efforts in concluding Hugh Jackman‘s Wolverine saga. While recent Marvel films have undone some of James Mangold‘s hard work here, that doesn’t take away from Logan‘s exceptional style, elevating the comic book film to the high quality of a Hollywood Western that pulls from Old West pictures to make a novel comparison between costumed heroes and Old West gunfighters.
Aside from the fact that the action itself is stupendous, Logan meditates on the weight of such violence with an intentionality not generally seen in superhero movies — especially not of the Marvel kind. While Mangold’s previous entry paid homage to Japanese samurai pictures, it devolved into the typical superhero third-act by the end. In contrast, Logan takes a stand against such endings and plays the whole thing with the flair of a horse opera as the title hero wrestles against his nature, hoping his daughter won’t do the same.
9
‘The Fugitive’ (1993)
This one is considered one of the most important action thrillers of the ’90s. The Fugitive may be based on a ’60s television series, but director Andrew Davis elevates the concept with a pulse-pounding chase through the Windy City as U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones) is hot on the trail of vascular surgeon Dr. Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford). The film not only offers viewers some excellent action to chew on, but top-notch performances that truly enhance the material.
The Fugitive has some of the best pacing you’ll find in an action flick, and, combined with the impressive suspense, delivers firmly on its title promise. It’s not often that action movies are nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, but this film blew everyone out of the water. Ford and Jones are at their best here, and the film did so well that Warner Bros. pursued a sequel following the latter.
8
‘First Blood’ (1982)
Based on the novel by David Morrell, First Blood was the first official appearance of John Rambo in pop culture, with Sylvester Stallone proving himself once more beyond his previous success with the Rocky series. As Rambo, Stallone offered a complex and nuanced portrayal of Vietnam vets who were rejected by society after the war, and as a psychologically-driven action thriller, First Blood is far more than your simple shoot-’em-up. It’s a genuine masterwork.
Although the sequels were quite mixed in quality, no one denies the brilliance of director Ted Kotcheff‘s original First Blood. It’s simultaneously muscular and vulnerable in a way that never undermines its hero or oversimplifies the concepts at play. Even beyond the U.S., audiences adored Stallone’s red-blooded warrior. First Blood also received international success as one of the first American films released in China.
7
‘Drive’ (2011)
Those who have called Drive a cinematic masterpiece understand that it’s not your typical action movie. Although director Nicolas Winding Refn certainly knows how to put well-thought-out action onto the big screen, this arthouse-style drama is notable for its anti-action ideas and Ryan Gosling-sized protagonist who we simply can’t take our eyes off. It’s a great time.
Filmed in Los Angeles before all the warm streetlights were replaced with repulsive LEDs, Drive is a visual feast that is as breathtaking visually as it is narratively. The film may not be your standard action fare, full of large muscles and even bigger guns, but its critiques of the genre (and Gosling’s breakout performance) are quite interesting. It may be based on the novel of the same name by James Sallis, but as a film, Drive truly takes on a life of its own.
6
‘Speed Racer’ (2008)
Speaking of non-traditional action movies, Speed Racer has seen a much-needed wave of critical re-evaluation over the years as folks have gone back to look at what the Wachowskis were trying to do when reinventing the world of the original Japanese manga/cartoon. As the title hero (Emile Hirsch) jumps behind the wheel of the Mach Five to save his family’s business, we are treated to a visual feast that looks like nothing we’ve seen on the screen either before or since. The technological experimentation alone is worth the Criterion upgrade.
Perhaps the most innovative action movie on this list, Speed Racer looks and feels like a cartoon brought to life in vibrant, colorful live-action. It’s a bit outlandish and certainly explorative, but we have to hand it to the Wachowskis, they certainly knew what they were doing. This one will have you singing the “Speed Racer” theme all the way through the credits…
5
‘Die Hard’ (1988)
As far as cultural significance goes, Die Hard is up there as among the most beloved action movies for a reason. Even if you don’t engage with the “is it a Christmas movie” argument (it is), there’s no doubt that Bruce Willis‘ entire career as an action star is founded on this motion picture. From the almost perfect three-act structure to the riveting action sequences and standout characters, it’s a joy to revisit even without the Criterion treatment.
Die Hard spawned several sequels, but the original has always been where it’s at. Director John McTiernan‘s commentary on the film alone is enough evidence that the Criterion overhaul would be well-worth the effort. John McClane remains one of Hollywood’s most important action heroes, and it’s about time he’s recognized as such by such an important film preservation institution.
4
‘Last Action Hero’ (1993)
While most of the films on this list probably weren’t unexpected, Last Action Hero is likely not the first (or even the last) action flick you thought would be included here. Also directed by John McTiernan from a screenplay by Shane Black and David Arnott, Last Action Hero is more of a parody of the Hollywood action genre, it’s an intelligent piece of satire that emphasizes the overall magic and wonder of film in general while mercilessly critiquing action clichés. If that isn’t Criterion material, we don’t know what is.
While not the only Arnold Schwarzenegger movie on this list (he headlined plenty of essential action flicks), Last Action Hero is a brilliant piece of work that, of all the films listed here, is certainly the most underrated and forgotten. With novel references to films like The Seventh Seal and compelling meditations on the overall death of cinema, it’s the perfect sort of action movie to find its way to the Criterion Collection. It’s one that certainly benefits from a rewatch.
3
‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)
Although there’s something to be said about the original Mel Gibson Mad Max making its way to the Criterion Collection, the truth is that George Miller‘s most recent sequel, Mad Max: Fury Road, really lends itself to the treatment. For one thing, Fury Road looked like a joke when it was first being promoted, only to erupt into a cultural movement that garnered its own strong following and proved that practical effects still go a long way. It’s explosive in all the best ways.
With a fast-pace that almost never seems to slow down, Fury Road is innovative in the way that it blends practical vehicle action sequences with CGI to composite and enhance the world. Tom Hardy stars as Max opposite Charlize Theron‘s Furiosa, who are both just great on the screen, offering a reminder that action heroes ought to be as emotionally complex as they are tough. Miller outdid himself here, and not even the Furiosa prequel could fully measure up.
2
‘Heat’ (1995)
After failing with his first attempt to tell the tale on television, director Michael Mann reworked his original screenplay into Heat. Known as one of the greatest crime movies ever made, one might have a hard time considering Heat an action movie, but there’s enough physical suspense and gunplay at work here to put those thoughts to rest. The heist scene alone is worth the upgrade, provided Criterion could get the licensing from Warner Bros. to re-distribute.
Heat not only offers audiences Al Pacino and Robert De Niro‘s arguably greatest performances, but the film is a masterclass in how a “cops and robbers” crime thriller ought to be made. Sure, it’s not your traditional action movie, but it qualifies as one based on the level and intent of the action sequences alone. No wonder Mann has been working so hard on bringing a sequel to life…
1
‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)
Arguably the greatest action movie ever made, Terminator 2: Judgment Day elevated James Cameron‘s original Terminator in ways nobody anticipated. The technological innovations and action choreography mixed with the intricate character development and overall blockbuster work together to make T2 not only the franchise’s best, but possibly Cameron at his most efficient and effective. Schwarzenegger is at his A-game here, as is Linda Hamilton, who turns Sarah Connor into a warrior the likes of which Hollywood hadn’t yet seen.
Cameron couldn’t even make Terminator 2 without first making The Abyss to pioneer the CGI he aimed to utilize for the liquid T-1000 (Robert Patrick). So, when it comes to universally-loved films that are technologically invaluable and culturally significant, there is not a better example of an action movie that fits the standard. T2 gets better with every watch, and a Criterion edition jam-packed with bonus features, commentaries, and behind-the-scenes material sounds like an absolute dream.
