The 7 Best Action Movies of the 2020s (So Far)

From 'Furiosa' to 'John Wick 4', these are the top action films of the decade

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The 2020s have already delivered a slew of thrilling action movies, from the 'Mad Max' prequel 'Furiosa' to the latest installment of the 'John Wick' franchise. This list ranks the 7 best action films of the decade so far, including 'The Northman', 'Prey', and 'Top Gun: Maverick'.

Why it matters

Action movies have remained a popular and profitable genre in the 2020s, with audiences flocking to theaters for high-octane thrills. These 7 films have set a new standard for the genre, delivering stunning stunts, gripping stories, and unforgettable characters.

The details

The list is led by 'John Wick: Chapter 4', which sees Keanu Reeves reprise his role as the legendary assassin in what may be the final chapter of his story. Other highlights include the 'Mad Max' prequel 'Furiosa', starring Anya Taylor-Joy, and Robert Eggers' Viking epic 'The Northman'. The list also includes the Predator prequel 'Prey', the latest James Bond film 'No Time to Die', and the long-awaited 'Top Gun' sequel 'Maverick'.

  • The 2020s are already half over.
  • Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga was released in 2024.
  • The Northman was released in 2022.
  • Prey was released in 2022.
  • No Time to Die was released in 2021.
  • Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning was released in 2023.
  • Top Gun: Maverick was released in 2022.
  • John Wick: Chapter 4 was released in 2023.

The players

Anya Taylor-Joy

The actress who plays the title role in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.

Chris Hemsworth

The actor who plays the villain Dementus in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.

Alexander Skarsgård

The actor who plays the Viking prince Amleth in The Northman.

Amber Midthunder

The actress who plays the lead role of Naru in Prey.

Daniel Craig

The actor who plays James Bond in No Time to Die, his final outing as 007.

Tom Cruise

The actor who reprises his role as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning and as Maverick in Top Gun: Maverick.

Keanu Reeves

The actor who stars as the title character in the John Wick franchise, including the latest installment, John Wick: Chapter 4.

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What they’re saying

“Furiosa is really good too, and Anya Taylor-Joy embraces her action hero moment as Charlize Theron did a decade earlier.”

— Blair Marnell, Author (usmagazine.com)

“There's not a lot separating the action and sci-fi movie genres anymore, especially when one of the top action flicks of the year had a sci-fi story about a sentient AI.”

— Blair Marnell, Author (usmagazine.com)

“Ethan recognizes The Entity as a threat to humanity, and it notices him as well. The Entity may not have a body, but it can send Ethan's old enemy, Gabriel Martinelli (Esai Morales), to do its dirty work.”

— Blair Marnell, Author (usmagazine.com)

What’s next

Fans eagerly await the release of John Wick: Chapter 5, which is rumored to be the final installment in the acclaimed action franchise.

The takeaway

The 2020s have already cemented their place as a golden era for action movies, with a diverse array of thrilling, high-stakes films that have captivated audiences worldwide. These 7 standout titles have raised the bar for the genre, setting a new standard for breathtaking stunts, complex characters, and gripping storytelling.