Hey there, buddy! It’s me again, your good ol’ friend who just can’t stop rummaging through the movie world, always digging up something new. You know that feeling, right? When you just crave something that’ll make your soul expand, and then, like, BAM, shrink from pure adrenaline? Like, not just a bunch of shoot-em-up scenes, but a real plot, characters you actually care about, something that makes you go, you know, wow! Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about with crime action movies, for sure.
So, I was just chilling the other day, going through all the movies I’ve ever seen in my head, and I thought: I gotta do something for all you fellow movie fanatics out there. Not just some “top-rated” list, no, no, no. Something with soul, something that feels like someone actually watched every single one, and makes you think, “Whoa, I totally missed this one!” You know? Long story short, here’s my personal top picks – there’s some fresh stuff, some classics, and maybe even a few that people either totally love or just absolutely despise. But hey, we’re not afraid to, like, experiment, are we? No way!
Crime Action Movies That’ll Make You Totally Forget Everything Else
Man, these crime action movies! They’re just so different, yet at the same time, so similar in their desire to pull you right into a world where law and lawlessness are, like, totally intertwined, where every single step could be your last, and revenge? Oh, revenge is just as sweet as candy, trust me. I’ve gathered here what I personally think everyone who loves that little shiver from danger hanging in the air, and enjoys a well-choreographed fight or shootout, totally needs to watch. Ready to dive in?
The Beekeeper (2024)
- Director: David Ayer
- Stars: Jason Statham, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Josh Hutcherson
- Genre: Action, Thriller
- Runtime: 1h 45m
- IMDb: 6.8/10
- Author’s Rating: 7.5/10
Quick Take: Statham, seriously, how could we forget him?! Here, he plays this ex-secret agent who’s all about, like, bees and stuff, totally retired. But then, these scammers, they just totally screw over his friend, and what happens? He jumps right back into action to, you know, set things straight. And oh boy, he does it so, so convincingly! It’s wild.
Mind-Blowing Scene: Okay, so he just walks into an office, and everyone there already, like, instantly knows it’s about to be a total bloodbath. It’s classic, right? But seriously, it’s just so beautifully executed! You gotta see it.
My Two Cents: You know, this is the kind of movie you just watch to, like, totally chill out and see Statham kicking some serious butt. No fuss, no deep philosophy, nothing like that. Pure entertainment. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need after, like, a really long, tough day, right?
Silent Night (2023)
- Directors: Corin Hardy, Javier Calvo, Marcel Cardoso (series)
- Stars: Sope Dirisu, Joe Cole, Narges Rashidi
- Genre: Action, Drama, Crime
- Runtime: 1h 30m (one episode)
- IMDb: 8.1/10 (series)
- Author’s Rating: 9/10
Quick Take: Okay, so this is a series, but I just could NOT leave it out, seriously. It’s a real, like, deep dive into London’s criminal underworld, where after this mafia boss dies, a total bloodbath for power just, like, explodes. It’s gritty, no compromises, and packed with, like, a HUGE amount of action. You’ll be hooked.
Mind-Blowing Scene: There’s this one bar fight… Oh, man, you guys, it’s just a pure work of art! So realistic, it, like, hurts, it gives you actual goosebumps. Seriously.
My Two Cents: If you’re into series that totally keep you on the edge of your seat, and you’re not, like, squeamish about a bit of blood and violence, then this is, like, totally your pick. Me, for one, I just absolutely loved it. I literally sat there forgetting to even breathe. That’s how good it is.
AKA (2023)
- Director: Morgan S. Dalibert
- Stars: Alban Lenoir, Eric Cantona, Thibault de Montalembert
- Genre: Action, Thriller, Drama
- Runtime: 2h 0m
- IMDb: 6.6/10
- Author’s Rating: 7/10
Quick Take: A French action flick about this special ops guy who goes, like, totally undercover in a gang to prevent some kind of terrorist attack. Everything would be simple, right? If he hadn’t, you know, gotten kinda attached to the mafia boss’s son. It’s like, a drama with shootouts and, like, total moral dilemmas. Deep stuff.
Mind-Blowing Scene: When the main character, like, seriously doesn’t even know whose side he’s on anymore. That internal struggle – that’s something else, for real!
My Two Cents: Don’t expect anything, like, totally mind-blowing here, but the movie is, like, pretty solid enough for an evening watch, you know? The French, they just know how to do atmosphere, and you can totally feel it here too. Not John Wick, but it, like, totally has its own charm.
Ambulance (2022)
- Director: Michael Bay
- Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Eiza González
- Genre: Action, Thriller, Drama
- Runtime: 2h 16m
- IMDb: 6.1/10
- Author’s Rating: 6.5/10
Quick Take: So, these bank robber brothers, they totally hijack an ambulance after their bank heist goes, like, horribly wrong. And inside the ambulance? A wounded cop and a paramedic. And, of course, Michael Bay wouldn’t be Michael Bay without, like, explosions and, you know, epic chases. It’s his signature!
Mind-Blowing Scene: The chase through the city in the ambulance – that’s just, like, total chaos on wheels! Sometimes you just sit there and wonder, “How on earth did they even film that?!” It’s just, like, a bomb!
My Two Cents: This is, like, totally classic Michael Bay – a whole lot of noise, a whole lot of action, a dynamic that’ll just make your head spin, seriously. The plot, maybe it’s not super deep, but for, like, an evening with popcorn – it’s just perfect! If you’re into his style, you’ll, like, totally dig it, for sure.
Nobody (2021)
- Director: Ilya Naishuller
- Stars: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, Aleksey Serebryakov
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
- Runtime: 1h 32m
- IMDb: 7.4/10
- Author’s Rating: 8.5/10
Quick Take: So, this, like, seemingly meek guy, who everyone totally thinks is a loser, turns out to be this, like, former professional “cleaner.” And then, when his family is, like, totally in danger, he shows everyone who “nobody” really is. It’s kinda like John Wick, but, you know, with Odenkirk. And it’s awesome.
Mind-Blowing Scene: The bus fight! That’s just, like, incredible. He totally takes everyone down so brutally, it’s, like, painful to watch, but, like, oh so cool! Seriously, you gotta see it.
My Two Cents: This movie, it just, like, totally blew me away, for real. Bob Odenkirk is just, like, a pure genius. You sit there and you just can’t believe it’s the same Saul Goodman, you know? It’s dynamic, with humor, with hardcore action – definitely, like, **definitely** recommend! Honestly, it’s, like, my favorite in this genre in recent years, no kidding.
Lost Bullet (2020) & Lost Bullet 2 (2022)
- Director: Morgan S. Dalibert (1), Guillaume Pierret (2)
- Stars: Alban Lenoir, Nicolas Duvauchelle, Ramzy Bedia (1), Alban Lenoir, Stéfi Celma, Diego Martín (2)
- Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime
- Runtime: 1h 32m (1), 1h 38m (2)
- IMDb: 6.2/10 (1), 6.3/10 (2)
- Author’s Rating: 7/10 (both)
Quick Take: Okay, so the first one is about this mechanic guy who’s, like, really good at ramming cars into stuff, and he gets caught up in a murder and needs to, like, clear his name by finding this lost bullet. Total high stakes, right? And the sequel? It, like, totally brings back the car wizard on a mission to avenge his mentor. More intense chases, more brutal fights, and a deeper dive into this, like, really corrupt world he’s stuck in. It’s a worthy follow-up, no doubt, like, seriously.
Mind-Blowing Scene: In the first one, that final car chase? Absolutely insane, cars just get wrecked in, like, the most satisfying ways, you know? So much real, practical action! And in the second, the pursuit through the tunnel and city streets? Even more chaotic and inventive. Just awesome.
My Two Cents: If you enjoyed the first one, the sequel won’t, like, totally disappoint you. It just amps up everything, and the action sequences are still, like, top-notch. Sometimes a sequel actually gets it right, believe it or not!
End of Watch (2012)
- Director: David Ayer
- Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Peña
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Runtime: 1h 49m
- IMDb: 7.6/10
- Author’s Rating: 8.5/10
Quick Take: This isn’t just, like, an action movie, no. It’s a raw, real drama about the lives of these two police officers in the most dangerous parts of Los Angeles. Shot in that “found footage” style, which just, like, adds to the realism, you know? Super emotional, super believable, for real.
Mind-Blowing Scene: The moments where they just, like, sit in the car and talk about life. That’s pure honesty, pure emotion. And then, like, BAM – you’re in a shootout. The contrast is just incredible.
My Two Cents: This is one of those movies that just, like, totally sticks with you for a long time. It shows the realities of police work without any, like, sugarcoating whatsoever. Highly recommended if you want something deeper than just, you know, shooting. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña are just flawless here, seriously.
Triple Frontier (2019)
- Director: J.C. Chandor
- Stars: Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Garrett Hedlund, Pedro Pascal
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime
- Runtime: 2h 5m
- IMDb: 6.4/10
- Author’s Rating: 7.0/10
Quick Take: Five former Special Forces guys, they, like, team up to rob a drug lord. But, you know, as always happens, nothing goes to plan, and greed just, like, starts to totally take over. It’s a film about how, you know, money can just seriously change people.
Mind-Blowing Scene: The plane scene, when they’re trying to get the money out, and everything just, like, totally goes sideways. You genuinely, like, actually worry for every single one of them here. It’s tense.
My Two Cents: A decent movie to watch with friends, you know? Stellar cast, a pretty good plot, but nothing, like, over the top. To be honest, I felt like it was, like, missing something special, a little sparkle, but overall – a solid mid-ranger, for sure.
The Informer (2019)
- Director: Andrea Di Stefano
- Stars: Joel Kinnaman, Rosamund Pike, Common
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Runtime: 1h 53m
- IMDb: 6.6/10
- Author’s Rating: 7.5/10
Quick Take: So, this former soldier, who’s working as an FBI informant, he just, like, totally ends up in prison to expose some crime syndicate. But his “handlers” aren’t exactly honest agents, and he just, like, finds himself between a total rock and a hard place. It’s rough.
Mind-Blowing Scene: When he, like, seriously realizes he’s been set up and just starts fighting for his life and freedom. That moment of despair and determination – that’s just powerful, man.
My Two Cents: This is the kind of movie that just, like, totally keeps you on edge. It doesn’t let you relax, because you’re constantly, like, expecting something to go wrong, you know? If you love stories about, like, double-crossing and survival, you’ll, like, totally dig this one.
The Debt Collector (2018) & Debt Collectors (2020)
- Director: Jesse V. Johnson (both films)
- Stars: Scott Adkins, Louis Mandylor (both films)
- Genre: Action, Crime
- Runtime: 1h 35m (The Debt Collector), 1h 37m (Debt Collectors)
- IMDb: 6.1/10 (The Debt Collector), 5.7/10 (Debt Collectors)
- Author’s Rating: 6.5/10 (both)
Quick Take: Scott Adkins is always, always about the fights. Always. Here, he plays this “debt collector” guy who, like, collects debts for the mafia. And, of course, he just, like, totally gets into trouble, from which he gets out using his fists and feet. You know the drill. The first part is better, the second one is, well, just, like, okay, whatever.
Mind-Blowing Scene: Any fight scene, period. Adkins is, like, a total master. He just, like, hands out beatdowns, and it just looks, like, totally awesome. No kidding.
My Two Cents: These are kind of, like, B-movies, but with Adkins, you know? If you, like, totally love martial arts and don’t care much for a deep plot, then they’re, like, totally fine. For an evening when you just want to see someone get, like, totally beaten up – just perfect, honestly.
Dragged Across Concrete (2018)
- Director: S. Craig Zahler
- Stars: Mel Gibson, Vince Vaughn
- Genre: Crime, Thriller
- Runtime: 2h 39m
- IMDb: 7.0/10
- Author’s Rating: 8.0/10
Quick Take: So, these two police officers, they get, like, totally suspended from work, and they decide to rob a gang. It’s a very slow, very brutal, and just, like, very stylish film. Don’t expect quick shootouts here; everything is, like, really drawn out, but with, like, a ton of meaning, you know? It’s intense.
Mind-Blowing Scene: Some of the violence scenes are just, like, shown so detachedly that they just give you actual chills. Like, seriously realistic.
My Two Cents: This isn’t, like, for everyone, for sure. The movie is long, the dialogues are, like, really drawn out, the violence is just brutal. But if you’re ready for that, you’ll just, like, totally enjoy the atmosphere and Mel Gibson’s performance. One of those movies you either, like, totally love or just, like, can’t stand.
Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017)
- Director: S. Craig Zahler
- Stars: Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Carpenter
- Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
- Runtime: 2h 12m
- IMDb: 7.1/10
- Author’s Rating: 8.0/10
Quick Take: Another film from Zahler. Vince Vaughn plays this former boxer who, like, totally ends up in prison, and there he just has to survive by facing, like, incredible brutality. Also very slow, very brutal, but with Vince Vaughn who just, like, seriously breaks all molds here. You won’t believe it’s him.
Mind-Blowing Scene: All the fights! They’re so… well, just, like, really painful. Not choreography, but just, like, pure, raw brawling. Sometimes you just, like, actually have to close your eyes. It’s gnarly.
My Two Cents: If you’re prepared for Vince Vaughn not to be funny, but, like, really serious and brutal, then this movie will, like, seriously surprise you. Very atmospheric, very dark. Not for everyone, but if it clicks – it’ll, like, totally stay with you for a long, long time.
Live by Night (2016)
- Director: Ben Affleck
- Stars: Ben Affleck, Zoe Saldana, Sienna Miller
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 2h 8m
- IMDb: 6.4/10
- Author’s Rating: 6.5/10
Quick Take: Ben Affleck directed and starred in this film set during the Prohibition era, you know? His character becomes a bootlegger and then moves to Florida to, like, totally build his empire. Atmospheric, but just, like, a bit drawn out, unfortunately.
Mind-Blowing Scene: The shootouts and fights, which, unfortunately, don’t always, like, totally live up to expectations. But the 1920s atmosphere is, like, really well conveyed. That’s cool.
My Two Cents: Well, I expected more, honestly, I really did. But as a historical crime drama – it’s, like, totally okay. If you like gangster movies from that era, you can, like, totally watch it. But, like, there are definitely better ones out there, just saying.
Free Fire (2016)
- Director: Ben Wheatley
- Stars: Brie Larson, Armie Hammer, Cillian Murphy
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- IMDb: 6.3/10
- Author’s Rating: 7.0/10
Quick Take: The whole movie – it’s just, like, one big, continuous shootout in a warehouse, where two gangs meet for a deal. And, of course, everything just, like, totally goes wrong. Loads of black humor, loads of bullets, loads of just, like, totally absurd situations. It’s a trip.
Mind-Blowing Scene: Dude, the whole movie is one big, like, mind-blowing scene! Just constant gunfire, total chaos, and you just sit there and, like, totally laugh at the absurdity of it all, for real.
My Two Cents: This is a very, very specific film. If you love black humor and, like, total chaos, you’ll totally enjoy it. It’s not a serious action movie, but more of an absurd comedy with shootouts, you know? I personally just had, like, a really good laugh.
Run All Night (2015)
- Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
- Stars: Liam Neeson, Joel Kinnaman, Common
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 54m
- IMDb: 6.6/10
- Author’s Rating: 7.0/10
Quick Take: Liam Neeson in his usual, like, total go-to role: a former hitman who’s forced to protect his son from the mafia. The whole action, it just, like, totally happens over one night in New York. Dynamic and, like, full of nerve. You feel it.
Mind-Blowing Scene: Neeson’s chase through the night city, where he tries to, like, totally outrun both the mafia and the police. The tension is so palpable, you can almost, like, actually feel it, for real.
My Two Cents: If you like Liam Neeson in those “old wolf who can still kick butt” roles, then this is, like, totally your movie. Not a masterpiece, but a solid and, like, really well-made action film. One of those you just, like, watch and don’t get distracted from, you know?
John Wick (2014 – 2023)
- Director: Chad Stahelski (most)
- Star: Keanu Reeves
- Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime
- Runtime: From 1h 41m to 2h 49m
- IMDb: From 7.4/10 to 7.9/10
- Author’s Rating: 9.0/10 (entire series)
Quick Take: Well, this is already, like, totally a classic. A former hitman just, like, totally returns to the world of crime after everything he held dear – his car and his dog – are, like, tragically taken from him. And then again. And again. You, like, totally get the idea. It’s a true ballet of bullets and fights, for real.
Mind-Blowing Scene: Dude, there are, like, a million of them! Any shootout, any fight – it’s just, like, a pure work of art. The “gun-fu” ballet is, like, especially impressive. So good!
My Two Cents: Seriously, if you haven’t seen “John Wick,” you’ve probably been, like, totally living under a rock. It’s an absolute must-see for any, like, action movie connoisseur. Stylish, beautiful, with, like, amazing fight choreography. It’s the kind of movie that just, like, makes you admire every single move Keanu makes. This is crime action on a whole new level, no exaggeration!
The Equalizer (2014, 2018, 2023)
- Director: Antoine Fuqua
- Star: Denzel Washington
- Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime
- Runtime: From 2h 12m to 2h 9m
- IMDb: From 7.2/10 to 7.6/10
- Author’s Rating: 8.5/10 (entire series)
Quick Take: Denzel Washington plays this former black ops operative who’s, like, living a quiet life, but he just can’t, like, stand by when he sees injustice. And then he becomes “the equalizer” – the one who, like, totally restores balance. Very brutal, but, like, totally fair. You know?
Mind-Blowing Scene: The scene where he just, like, walks into a room and neutralizes everyone in, like, a few seconds. It’s just a masterpiece of minimalism and efficiency! He even, like, manages to start a stopwatch. It’s awesome.
My Two Cents: Denzel is just, like, incredible here, seriously. His gaze, his calm, his ability to just, like, totally tear everyone apart in seconds – it’s just astounding. If you like charismatic heroes who administer justice their own way, you’ll, like, totally love the entire trilogy. Highly, highly recommend!
Gangster Squad (2013)
- Director: Ruben Fleischer
- Stars: Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Sean Penn, Emma Stone
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 53m
- IMDb: 6.7/10
- Author’s Rating: 7.0/10
Quick Take: Los Angeles, 1940s. A secret squad of police officers just, like, totally takes on mafia boss Mickey Cohen. Stylish, beautiful, but just, like, a bit superficial. Though the cast is just, like, pure fire! Seriously.
Mind-Blowing Scene: The shootout in Chinatown. It looks super effective, with loads of fire and explosions. You just, like, totally feel like you’re right there in those times. It’s a blast.
My Two Cents: This is the kind of movie you just, like, totally watch for the actors and the visuals. The plot isn’t super deep, but the atmosphere and acting, they, like, totally compensate. If you like gangster movies with, like, really beautiful cinematography – you can, like, totally watch it.
Homefront (2013)
- Director: Gary Fleder
- Stars: Jason Statham, James Franco, Winona Ryder
- Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- IMDb: 6.5/10
- Author’s Rating: 6.8/10
Quick Take: Statham – again, a former cop who just, like, moves to a quiet town with his daughter to escape his past. But, of course, the past, it just, like, totally catches up, and he has to show off his skills again. James Franco plays this, like, kind of local drug dealer here. He’s good.
Mind-Blowing Scene: The fight in Statham’s house when he’s just, like, totally protecting his daughter. Very brutal and effective. That’s, like, totally what we love Statham for, right?
My Two Cents: A decent action movie if you just, like, totally want to see Statham in action. Nothing, like, over the top, but not bad either. You can just, like, watch it once to pass an evening, you know?
Bullet to the Head (2012)
- Director: Walter Hill
- Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Sung Kang
- Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- IMDb: 5.7/10
- Author’s Rating: 6.0/10
Quick Take: Stallone and a cop, they, like, totally team up to avenge the murders of their partners. It’s an old-school action movie with two cool guys who, like, totally shoot a lot and crack jokes. Well, “jokes”… It’s Stallone, after all! You know what I mean.
Mind-Blowing Scene: Stallone’s fight with the main villain using axes. It looks so… well, just, like, a bit weird, but still, like, totally fun.
My Two Cents: If you’re, like, totally nostalgic for the 80s and love Stallone, you can, like, totally watch it. The movie is simple, unpretentious, but with its own, like, total vibe. For me, it was a bit weak, but for fans – it’s, like, totally fine.
The Raid: Redemption (2011) & The Raid 2: Berandal (2014)
- Director: Gareth Evans
- Star: Iko Uwais
- Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
- Runtime: 1h 41m (The Raid), 2h 30m (The Raid 2)
- IMDb: 7.6/10 (The Raid), 7.9/10 (The Raid 2)
- Author’s Rating: 9.5/10 (both)
Quick Take: The first part is about this police squad that just, like, totally storms a building full of gangsters, and then a real brawl just, like, erupts. The second part, it, like, totally expands the world and shows you the underground crime world. It’s simply the, like, gold standard of hand-to-hand combat. Seriously.
Mind-Blowing Scene: Dude, any fight! Especially in the second part – the chase, the kitchen fight, the hallway fight, the mud fight. It’s just, like, pure fantasy how they do it. This is, like, truly the peak of action films!
My Two Cents: This, buddy, is something you, like, **absolutely** have to watch. If you love action movies, then “The Raid” is, like, your bible, no kidding. I don’t even know how to describe it – you just, like, have to see it. Everything is perfect here – dynamics, choreography, tension. This is crime action at its absolute max. This is my absolute top, hands down!
Get the Gringo (2012)
- Director: Adrian Grunberg
- Star: Mel Gibson
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- IMDb: 7.0/10
- Author’s Rating: 7.5/10
Quick Take: Mel Gibson plays this American criminal who just, like, totally ends up in a Mexican prison where its own laws prevail. He tries to, like, survive and get his stolen money back. Very vivid, with humor and brutality. It’s a ride.
Mind-Blowing Scene: Gibson’s interaction with the Mexican inmates and his attempts to, like, totally adapt to their rules. It’s funny, but also, like, super dangerous. You never know what’s gonna happen.
My Two Cents: This is the kind of film that just, like, totally surprises you. Mel Gibson here is, like, a fish in water, seriously. Unexpectedly good, funny, and brutal at the same time. If you want something unusual with a taste of Mexico – just, like, watch it without hesitation. I really, really loved it back in the day.
22 Bullets (L’Immortel, 2010)
- Director: Richard Berry
- Star: Jean Reno
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 57m
- IMDb: 6.7/10
- Author’s Rating: 7.0/10
Quick Take: Jean Reno plays this former mobster who decided to, like, totally quit his past. But he’s targeted for assassination, getting shot, like, 22 times! He survives and just, like, starts seeking revenge. Classic revenge story, but, you know, in a French way. Very cool.
Mind-Blowing Scene: The scene where he, after 22 bullets, just, like, totally survives and begins his hunt. Well, that’s just, like, pure fantasy, but, like, so cool! You’re gonna love it.
My Two Cents: If you love Jean Reno, this is, like, totally the movie for you. He’s very convincing here. Not a masterpiece, but a solid crime action film that just, like, totally keeps you on edge. The French really know how to make this kind of cinema, honestly, they really do.
RocknRolla (2008)
- Director: Guy Ritchie
- Stars: Gerard Butler, Tom Hardy, Idris Elba
- Genre: Comedy, Crime, Thriller
- Runtime: 1h 54m
- IMDb: 7.3/10
- Author’s Rating: 8.0/10
Quick Take: Typical Guy Ritchie: loads of characters, a tangled plot, dark humor, unexpected twists. London crime, where everyone’s, like, totally trying to scam someone and make money. Very stylish, very funny. You just know it’s him.
Mind-Blowing Scene: Any scene where Archie appears. He’s just, like, pure genius in his idiocy. Or when Tom Hardy and Idris Elba try to, like, totally escape from gangsters. Well, it’s Ritchie! What more can I, like, even say?
My Two Cents: If you love Guy Ritchie, this film will, like, totally hit the spot. It’s not his absolute best work, but it’s very strong and atmospheric. I’d, like, totally rewatch it anytime. Recommend if you want a laugh and a taste of real London crime, for sure.
Crank (2006) & Crank: High Voltage (2009)
- Directors: Mark Neveldine, Brian Taylor
- Star: Jason Statham
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Thriller
- Runtime: 1h 28m (Crank), 1h 36m (Crank: High Voltage)
- IMDb: 6.9/10 (Crank), 6.1/10 (Crank: High Voltage)
- Author’s Rating: 7.0/10 (both)
Quick Take: Statham gets, like, totally poisoned, and to survive, he needs to, like, constantly keep his adrenaline levels super high. Well, and that means he has to, like, constantly do something totally crazy. The second part – even crazier, if you can believe it. It’s just, like, non-stop action and pure, absolute absurdity. You won’t be bored.
Mind-Blowing Scene: Dude, there are, like, a million of them! The rooftop scene, the hospital scene, the plane scene… It’s just, like, a total kaleidoscope of madness that’ll just make your head spin, seriously.
My Two Cents: These are films that you just, like, should not take seriously. Just, like, totally turn off your brain and enjoy the pure chaos and Statham. If you’re ready for that, you’ll get a dose of pure adrenaline. I remember watching it once and thinking: “Man, Statham really goes for it!”
Running Scared (2006)
- Director: Wayne Kramer
- Stars: Paul Walker, Cameron Bright
- Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
- Runtime: 2h 2m
- IMDb: 7.4/10
- Author’s Rating: 8.0/10
Quick Take: A guy hides a pistol he used in a crime, but then this kid finds it and just starts, like, totally playing with it, shooting it around. Now the main character needs to find the boy and the pistol before the police and mafia get to them first. Very dynamic, very brutal. It’s a race against time.
Mind-Blowing Scene: All the scenes where the kid is just, like, running off with the pistol, and mobsters are chasing him. The tension is, like, totally at its limit! You’ll be on the edge of your seat.
My Two Cents: This is an underrated film, for sure. Very brutal, very dynamic, with a bunch of unexpected twists. Paul Walker here just, like, totally played brilliantly. If you love films that keep you on edge and aren’t afraid to show, like, unpleasant things – highly, highly recommend.
Undisputed (2002 – 2016)
- Director: Walter Hill (first), Isaac Florentine (others)
- Stars: Wesley Snipes, Ving Rhames (first), Scott Adkins (others)
- Genre: Action, Drama, Sport
- Runtime: From 1h 34m to 1h 40m
- IMDb: From 5.8/10 to 7.4/10
- Author’s Rating: 8.0/10 (entire series, especially with Adkins)
Quick Take: The first film – it’s about a boxer who just, like, totally ends up in prison. And then Yuri Boyka, played by Scott Adkins, appears, and that’s, like, a completely different story. It’s simply the gold standard of prison fights, no joke.
Mind-Blowing Scene: Dude, any fight involving Boyka! Especially in the second and third parts. It’s just, like, pure higher-level martial arts. Seriously impressive.
My Two Cents: If you love martial arts and prison brawls, then this is, like, totally your pick. Scott Adkins here is just, like, unparalleled. This is one of those cases where the sequel just, like, totally surpassed the original. Highly recommend if you’re a fan of fighting films, for sure.
Con Air (1997)
- Director: Simon West
- Stars: Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, John Malkovich
- Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- IMDb: 6.9/10
- Author’s Rating: 7.5/10
Quick Take: So, these criminals, they just, like, totally hijack a plane that’s carrying prisoners, and Nicolas Cage, who was supposed to be released, is forced to, like, totally confront them. It’s pure, uncompromising 90s action with a bunch of stars and, like, huge explosions. It’s a blast from the past!
Mind-Blowing Scene: The final scene with the plane, like, totally crashing in Las Vegas. Dude, that’s just, like, epic! And John Malkovich here is just a pure genius villain, seriously.
My Two Cents: Oh man, this is a movie from my youth! I, like, totally rewatched it a bunch of times. If you love 90s action movies, when everything was just simple, loud, and full of explosions – this is, like, totally your pick. A bit naive, sure, but, like, really, really fun.
Lock Up (1989)
- Director: John Flynn
- Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Donald Sutherland
- Genre: Action, Drama, Sport
- Runtime: 1h 52m
- IMDb: 6.5/10
- Author’s Rating: 7.0/10
Quick Take: Stallone plays this prisoner who has, like, just a few months left until he’s free. But the prison warden, who’s, like, totally out for revenge, does everything to make his life a living hell. It’s about survival and the fight for freedom, you know?
Mind-Blowing Scene: The football game scene that just, like, totally turns into a real brawl. Well, it’s Stallone in prison, what else do you, like, even need?
My Two Cents: This is kind of, like, a classic prison action movie. If you love Stallone and films about survival in captivity – you can, like, totally watch it. A bit naive by modern standards, sure, but it has its own charm. I remember my dad, like, totally recommending it to me!
So, you see, this whole collection – it’s not just, like, a list, you know? It’s kind of, like, a journey through a world where danger can be around every corner, and justice often has, like, totally strong fists. All these films, despite their different approaches to the genre, they all have one thing in common – they’re about choice. The choice heroes make when they find themselves in totally hopeless situations, when they have to become something they didn’t want to be, or, like, totally return to their true selves. I really, really hope you find something new to watch here and have, like, an awesome time, and, you know, get that adrenaline rush too!
You know, there’s a quote that, in my opinion, just, like, totally sums up this genre perfectly: “It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.” It’s often attributed to Emiliano Zapata, but the point isn’t who said it, you know? It just, like, perfectly captures the spirit of these films, where heroes, against all odds, just, like, totally fight for their place in the sun, for justice, for those they love. They just don’t give up, even when the chances are, like, almost nil. That’s what I love about crime action movies – that unbreakable spirit.
I’d be totally thrilled if you shared this article with your friends! Maybe someone else is looking for something that just, like, gives them goosebumps, and, you know, is written by a real person, not like from Wikipedia. Ha!
Author — ReelPoint
Think… Watch… Feel.
