Action movies are the public's favorite when it comes to cinema. Although horror and romance are also well remembered, it is this genre that generally attracts the biggest box office and public approval, consecrating several actors who are part of its cast, even though it rarely wins any awards at the Oscars.
With that in mind, we've put together the top nine action movie actors ranked by their popularity so that you can learn more about their work and their careers! It's important to note that we won't be including actors for their roles in films based on Marvel and DC comics, as these have become another sub-genre in the film industry. Let's see if your favorite actor is on the list?
Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford is one of the biggest names to mention when it comes to action movie actors. He was born in Chicago, in the United States, and his incredible performance as Indiana Jones in the hit movie franchise makes his talent for films full of challenges indisputable.
He also brought Han Solo to life in Star Wars, which is also quite a series when it comes to adventure and action in space, delivering the charisma the character demanded. You can also find Ford acting in other beloved titles such as Blade Runner and Air Force One.
Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig is also another name that couldn't be left out of a list of the greatest action movie actors. He has managed to bring a new face to the James Bond character in the 007 franchise since he took on the mantle in 2006 in 007 - Casino Royale. When Craig became the most famous secret agent of all time, the character became much more incredible and human, giving more life and emotion to the action scenes, making the dangers Bond went through very real for the viewer.
Craig was born in Chester in the UK and has also done other successful work besides Bond. His CV includes films such as Cowboys & Aliens (2011), Between Knives and Secrets (2019), Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and many others that have also delighted fans of a good action story in theaters.
Keanu Reeves
Born in Beirut in Lebanon and naturalized Canadian, Keanu Reeves saw his career take off after playing Neo in the Matrix franchise in 1999. Although he had appeared in other films before that, it was from then on that Reeves made a name for himself among the best actors in action films.
He recently reminded the general public of the extent of his talent when he played John Wick in the franchise that bears his character's name, which began in 2014. The sequel about a legendary retired hitman is the pure juice of everything that lovers of a good action movie ask for: a good story, lots of explosions and very well-timed moments of tension coupled with top-notch acting.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Although he became known worldwide for his role as Jack in the film Titanic (1997), Leonardo DiCaprio showed that he should be among the best actors in action films with his role in Free Django (2012). The actor showed an excellent ability to play characters of this genre and surprised audiences with his excellent performance as Calvin Candie.
DiCaprio was born in Los Angeles, California and has collected some very successful work over the decades. We can see his acting talent in titles such as The Great Gatsby (2013), Catch Me If You Can (2002) and Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), but it was only with The Comeback (2015) that he received his first Oscar statuette for Best Actor.
Jackie Chan
If you grew up watching broadcast TV, you've probably seen a movie starring Jackie Chan. Although he doesn't have much depth when it comes to the script, the films in which Chan has acted could easily place him as one of the best actors in action films.
Born Chan Kong-sang in Victoria Peak, Hong Kong, Jack Chan began his career as a stuntman, but over time he came into his own, balancing his martial arts skills and the humor required of his roles very well. His most famous films are those of the "Rush Hour" franchise (1998) where he acted alongside Chris Tucker. He also appeared in the 2010 version of the movie Karate Kid, alongside Jaden Smith.
Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise is another big name in the movie genre who couldn't be left out of a list of the best action movie actors. His debut film was Endless Love in 1981, in which he played a small role, but it was Top Gun (1986) that made him the great actor he is known to be today.
Later on, Cruise, who was born in New York in the United States, also won a new major movie role that would mark his career forever. The Mission Impossible franchise is a milestone in Cruise's career and has already spawned seven titles, with an eighth in the process of production and scheduled for release in 2025.
Will Smith
Another famous name among those who grew up watching broadcast TV is Will Smith. The young man who began his career as a rapper quickly established himself as a great comedy actor in the series Crazy on the Block (1990). Later, he also made a name for himself as a big name among action movie actors with Bad Boys (1995), although this also had its fair share of comedy.
More serious roles came to the Philadelphia-born American actor's career, such as MIB: Men in Black (1997) and I, Robot (2004). One of the films that made the biggest impression on audiences was I Am Legend, released in 2007 due to the seriousness of the role and the brilliant performance delivered by the star. Will Smith is considered one of the biggest names in American action film acting.
Sylvester Stallone
You can't talk about action movie actors without Sylvester Stallone coming to mind. The actor, born in New York in the United States, has a series of outstanding roles in the genre to guarantee his place on the podium among the best actors in this type of production. It's also important to note that he has written and directed most of the films in which he has acted, which only adds to his qualities as a professional.
He appeared in Rock, a Fighter (1976), a film that opened the door to several other outstanding films such as Stallone Cobra (1986) and what would become the most remarkable franchise of his entire career: Rambo - Programmed to Kill (1982). Although he took a career break for a while, Stallone returned to theaters with The Mercenaries (2010), where he continues to do excellent work until the most recent release in 2023.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
But the most quoted name when it comes to action movie actors is undoubtedly Arnold Schwarzenegger. Having started his career as a bodybuilder, Schwarzenegger easily tops the list of the best action movie actors alongside Stallone. You can't think of this genre without remembering at least two works in which he has played a striking character.
Schwarzenegger was born in Thal, Austria and his debut on the big screen was Hercules in New York, released in 1969. He landed roles in several classic films such as Conan the Barbarian (1982) and The Predator (1987), but it was with the Terminator franchise (1984) that he achieved all the fame he has today and became an action movie icon for the whole world.
Conclusion
Despite using many examples movies starring the actors on this list, they still have a lot of incredible work out there. Can you think of any of these movies that weren't mentioned here? Let us know in the comments! We want to know your opinion and also your memories involving these titles!
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