Are you hitting yourself with feelings of nostalgia for action movies from back in the 2000s? If yes, then we relate to you. From quirky and mighty superheroes to mysterious and chilling aliens, viewers in the 2000s witnessed many reforms and outstanding works of art in this action genre.
Action films are violently pleasing. They are breathtaking and impactful. This power-packed genre of awesomeness was at its peak during the 2000s, so what would be stopping us from looking at some of the best action films that made their way into our lives during this beautiful era?
Here are the 31 best action films filled with thrill, adventure, and many action sequences to fulfill that need. All of them belong to the exciting times of the 2000s’ and are still relevant to give you a good time for watching.
31 Best 2000s Action Movies:
31. Live Free or Die Hard (2007)
- Directed by: Len Wiseman
- Written by: Roderick Thorp, John Carlin, Mark Bomback
- Star Cast: Bruce Willis, Timothy Olyphant, Cliff Curtis, Justin Long, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Maggie Q
- Genre: Thriller, Action
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10
- Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Live Free or Die Hard Plot:
John McClane, the protagonist is given the task of tracking down an unethical hacker, Thomas Gabriel by the director of FBI’s Cyber Crime Division. He teams up with an ethical hacker named Matthew Farrell to find the culprit of cyber-attack, Thomas. McClane’s catchphrase, “Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker” gained a lot of attention and love from the viewers.
30. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
- Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
- Written by: Quentin Tarantino
- Star Cast: Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah, David Carradine
- Genre: Action, Crime
- IMDb rating: 8.2/10
- Distributed by: Miramax Films
About Kill Bill: Vol. 1:
Since this is a Quentin Tarantino movie, everything about it would be nothing less than a deal of perfection. Be ready to experience the fight scenes that would blow your mind, the feeling of revenge incorporated with fumes of anger, and everything you could ever think of.
Kill Bill is a real deal, classy and extraordinary. A kick-ass revenge-seeking heroine not only pregnant and wounded but almost whacked out by her assassin survives and seeks revenge. You would see this wedding dress adorned “bride” to be a Yakuza member in the future.
29. Battle Royale (2000)
- Directed by: Kinji Fukasaku
- Written by: Kenta Fukasaku
- Star Cast: Tatsuya Fujiwara, Aki Maeda, Takeshi Kitano, Chiaki Kuriyama. Tarō Yamamoto, Masanobu Andō
- Genre: Action, Thriller
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Distributed by: Toei Company
About Battle Royale:
Y’all must have watched The Hunger Games, but before The Hunger Games was even a thing, Battle Royale was the sole film that reigned over the hearts of action flick lovers. Based on the book of the same name by Koushun Takami, Battle Royale is an impressive Japanese action film.
Forty-two high school students are transported to a remote island, and all they have to do is abide by the rules; breaking them has (serious) consequences; now, who would be keen not to survive? This dangerous battle of survival makes you scream in awe, making it one of the best action films of the 2000s.
28. Minority Report (2002)
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
- Written by: Scott Frank
- Star Cast: Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton, Max von Sydow
- Genre: Science Fiction, Action
- IMDb rating: 7.7/10
- Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
About Minority Report:
Minority Report is a brilliant science fiction film taking place in 2054 in the city of Washington D.C. Gone are the days when police were just limited to the use of archaic handcuffs and pistols; this science fiction film explores the future of equipment possessed by the police to catch the aspiring murderers out there.
Such out-of-the-box content makes us go crazy in love with its impressive action scenes and fantastic storyline; Minority Report is an underrated action film that is a must-watch in all aspects.
27. The Dark Knight (2008)
- Directed by: Christopher Nolan
- Written by: Jonathan Nolan
- Star Cast: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Morgan Freeman
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- IMDb rating: 9/10
- Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures
About The Dark Knight:
The Dark Knight is far beyond being a mere superhero movie. Being the second installment in the dark knight trilogy, it has so much to offer that has reigned over the hearts of D.C. fans for decades. It is a never-ending stream of emotions, a legacy that could never be forgotten, the masterpiece which gave birth to Heath Ledger’s most prominent roles in the history of action cinema.
26. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
- Directed by: Ang Lee
- Written by: Wang Hui-ling
- Star Cast: Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen, Sihung Lung
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- IMDb rating: 7.9/10
- Distributed by: Sony Pictures Classics
About Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon:
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a wuxia film that is nothing less than a fairy-tale set-in 19th-century Qing Dynasty China. Two lovers are on a search for a mystical sword, Green Destiny. Their search for the stolen sword ends up in the House of Yu, where the plot turns into something deep and dark.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon proves it to be a content-enriched tale of a love story, action, and emotions, all because of how beautifully it is written.
25. Hot Fuzz (2007)
- Directed by: Edgar Wright
- Written by: Edgar Wright
- Star Cast: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent, Timothy Dalton
- Genre: Action, Comedy
- IMDb rating: 7.9/10
- Distributed by: Universal Pictures
About Hot Fuzz:
Hot Fuzz is an action movie with stunning visual effects and brilliant cinematography. A too-good-to-be-true cop is “promoted” to the serene town of Sanford, where all becomes not so well when two guys lose their heads, literally. As this extraordinary cop is convinced that something is quite fishy behind these “accidents,” he begins a quest to find the ultimate truth.
24. Déjà Vu (2006)
- Directed by: Tony Scott
- Written by: Bill Marsilio
- Star Cast: Denzel Washington, Val Kilmer, Paula Patton, Bruce Greenwood, Adam Goldberg, Jim Caviezel
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Distributed by: Buena Vista Pictures
About Déjà Vu:
This action movie is one of a kind. It is about a kick-ass ATF agent who missioned to capture a terrorist before a terrible tragedy happened. Time Travel and other scientific elements are prominent in the film, alongside intriguing action sequences and pretty cinematography. Déjà Vu stands out in a crowd of science fiction thrillers of its time.
23. Inception (2010)
- Directed by Christopher Nolan
- Written by Christopher Nolan
- Star Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Tom Hardy
- Genre: Science Fiction, Action
- IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
- Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures
About Inception:
Inception is a complex story of complex characters, including Dom Cobb, a person with expertise in getting into people’s dreams. He aims to steal people’s secrets, making him approachable. Cobb is assigned to plant an idea into their subconscious mind, but what if he has someone who doesn’t want him to succeed?
Although the film may require several times of watching to fully understand it, inception would keep you on the edge of your seat every time.
22. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
- Directed by: Paul Greengrass
- Written by: Tony Gilroy
- Star Cast: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn, Scott Glenn, Paddy Considine, Édgar Ramírez
- Genre: Action, Thriller
- IMDb rating: 8/10
- Distributed by: Universal Pictures
About The Bourne Ultimatum:
Followed by the events of the last movie, Jason Bourne is a legendary assassin with no hold of his memory. Even if that was not enough, he is now wanted by the people who made him who he was, the assassin. The third installment in the Bourne film series, The Bourne Ultimatum, is an action-packed thriller, standing out from the other two films, all about stunts and action.
21. Born To Fight (2004)
- Directed by: Panna Rittikrai
- Written by: Morakot Kaewthanek
- Star Cast: Dan Chupong, Nappon Gomarachun, Santisuk Promsiri, Piyapong Piew-on, Somluck Kamsing, Kessarin Ektawatkul
- Genre: Action
- IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
- Distributed by: Sahamongkol Film
About Born To Fight:
The movie revolves around a young undercover cop who must save the lives of all as the bad guys of General Yang have now taken the village hostage with plans that could end up in something devastating.
There is plenty of action and drama in this Thai action film which is also enriched with elements of tragedy and full-fledged emotions. These fight scenes are athletic and sturdy, as we see several athletes fighting all their way in to defend themselves from the evil plans of the drug lords.
20. Spider-Man 2
- Directed by: Sam Raimi
- Written by: Alvin Sargent
- Star Cast: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Alfred Molina, Rosemary Harris, Donna Murphy
- Genre: Action
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing
About Spider-Man 2:
Spider-Man and its portrayal have changed from time to time, but Maguire’s portrayal is a favorite. He brings life out of character with his goofy body language and exceptional talent.
Spider-Man is a perfect example of how a comic book movie should be adapted with the best cinematography and spectacular locations. Spider-Man 2 is one of the best action movies from the 2000s with fantastic action scenes.
19. X2: X-Men United (2002)
- Directed by: Bryan Singer
- Written by: Michael Dougherty
- Star Cast: Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen
- Genre: Action
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
About X2: X-Men United:
X-Men films are great and are famous for doing wonders at the box office; X2: X-Men United is a superhero movie that gathered the praises of critics and the audience for its extensive plot and excellent background score.
Based on the superhero squad featured in the superhero-driven comics of Marvel, this movie is no less than a power-packed adventure of several engaging characters.
18. District 9 (2009)
- Directed by: Neill Blomkamp
- Written by: Neill Blomkamp
- Star Cast: Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, David James, Vanessa Haywood, Mandla Gaduka, Kenneth Nkosi
- Genre: Sci-fi, Action
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing
About District 9:
District 9 introduces us to the life story of aliens who have no other option but to survive miserably on the face of the Earth.
A perfect fantasy emphasizing an alternate world, District 9 is an ideal depiction of the day-to-day torturous measures that people may experience in real-life scenarios. It carries a great message with loads of action to every ounce. All these qualities made the movie turn out to be a surprise hit.
17. Ip Man (2008)
- Directed by: Wilson Yip
- Written by: Edmond Wong
- Star Cast: Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, Lynn Hung, Gordon Lam, Fan Siu-wong
- Genre: Action
- IMDb rating: 8/10
- Distributed by: Mandarin Films
About Ip Man:
Ip Man, a master of Wing Chun and future mentor of action star Bruce Lee, looks forward to defeating any kung fu performer he can. He lives a life of luxury and practices kung fu unless he is down ridden to poverty and his kung fu hardly makes his end meet.
The story explores and dramatizes the real-life events which took place in the life of Ip man, his struggle to rise to fame, establish a martial arts school, to expand and preach his fighting style, which gave rise to many legends, including the action star Bruce Lee, as we told you.
16. Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (Episode III) (2005)
- Directed by: George Lucas
- Written by: George Lucas
- Star Cast: Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid, Samuel L. Jackson
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10
- Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
About Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (Episode III):
Star Wars has several movies released from decades to decades that have been popular since its release. This movie takes us back to when the villainous Anakin Skywalker was a humanly Jedi, its premises set three years ago before the Clone Wars had begun.
Protagonist Obi-Wan and Jedi Anakin rescued Chancellor Palpatine, but their community has raised suspicions regarding this rescued victim. This does not please Anakin, who embraces the dark side. After all, he is still The Chosen One to bring balance to this world.
15. Casino Royale (2006)
- Directed by: Martin Campbell
- Written by: Neal Purvis
- Star Cast: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Jeffrey Wright, Judi Dench
- Genre: Action
- IMDb Rating: 8/10
- Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing
About Casino Royale:
James Bond is again back in action; this time, he is licensed to kill. He makes his way to his first mission as a 00 in Casino Royale, bringing out James Bond’s potential to the fullest. It has captivating action, the wits of a spy agency, and thrills and chills, which tend to keep the viewers hanging on a cliff. It is a fast-paced adventure ride of awesomeness that has held us hooked till the end.
14. Fighting (2009)
- Directed by: Dito Montiel
- Written by: Robert Munic
- Star Cast: Channing Tatum, Terrence Howard, Luis Guzmán, Zulay Henao, Brian White
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- IMDb rating: 5.5/10
- Distributed by: Universal Pictures
About Fighting:
Shawn MacArthur has no way out to earn his bread apart from selling harry potter books on the New York streets. Talented in the art of street fighting, his skill has come to us through the hands of a fellow street hustler who makes a big name out of his physical abilities making Shawn earn much to his satisfaction. This film lights the dark world of street hustlers and the struggles they face to survive, competition exists everywhere, and only the best of the best can survive.
13. Iron Man (2008)
- Directed by: Jon Favreau
- Written by: Mark Fergus
- Star Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Shaun Toub, Gwyneth Paltrow
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- IMDb rating: 7.9/10
- Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
About Iron Man:
Tony Stark is a sharp inventor and an individual of excellent means. His brilliance and remarkable inventiveness have landed him in great peril, where Stark transforms himself into Iron Man by constructing an armored suit. From there, nothing could stop him from fighting the injustices and chaos caused by many in this world.
Too bad we lost this lovey-dovey superhero in the Avengers End Game, but we can’t help but look back in time when this all-mighty hero first appeared on the big screens to leave a mark on our hearts.
12. The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
- Directed by: Justin Lin
- Written by: Chris Morgan
- Star Cast: Lucas Black, Bow Wow
- Genre: Action
- IMDb Rating: 6/10
- Distributed by: Universal Pictures
About The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift:
The Fast & Furious franchise experienced a change in aspects as Justin Lin took the director’s chair in this underrated cult classic. The film has its protagonist in the form of a passionate street racer who fled to Tokyo to live with his father as a means of escape, He, however, discovers a severe side of this passion-ridden talent that could land him into serious trouble.
11. No Country for Old Men (2007)
- Directed by: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
- Written by: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
- Star Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin
- Genre: Crime
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Distributed by: Miramax Films
About No Country for Old Men:
The best picture winner of the 80th academy awards was this film. Its story is an adaptation of the suspenseful Cormac McCarthy novel, which has been popularly noted as a commercial success and has its numbers at the box office.
The film, filled with violence and chaos, witnesses a hunter meeting his fate after a drug deal turns horribly wrong. Picking up the money left behind was terrible as the hunter had his fate sealed up by a killer on the loose. This film is intensely powerful and depicts the gruesome outcomes of greed and darkness, making it one of the best movies ever.
10. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
- Directed by: Gore Verbinski
- Written by: Ted Elliott
- Star Cast: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Pryce
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- IMDb rating: 8.1/10
- Distributed by: Buena Vista Pictures
About Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl:
Alongside its two sequels, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl still stands firm as one of the best movies ever made under the production of Walt Disney Pictures. This original action-adventure film from the 2000s features a quirky pirate, Jack Sparrow (who, ironically, is deprived of his ship), and his journey after landing in the port of the Caribbean.
The film also has a young woman kidnapped for the benefit of pirates and, as the name suggests, a deadly curse.
9. Avatar (2009)
- Directed by: James Cameron
- Written by: James Cameron
- Star Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, Sigourney Weaver
- Genre: Science Fiction, Action
- IMDb rating: 7,8/10
- Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
About Avatar:
The magical land of Pandora is beautiful and overwhelming, with vibrantly bluish beings making you fall in love with their liveliness. This movie is a breathtaking intake of linkage between the highly evolved Na’vi and “Avatars,” which emerged as an overwhelming ride of emotions that makes you laugh and cry.
The movie is filled with the warmth of love and the act of selflessness. Avatar is a visual treat of a beautiful love tale everyone should cherish.
8. Sherlock Holmes (2009)
- Directed by Guy Ritchie
- Written by: Michael Robert Johnson
- Star Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan
- Genre: Mystery
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10
- Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures
About Sherlock Holmes:
Sherlock Holmes is the title character in this sharp detective-themed movie who knows how the world works. No crime could have the capacity to escape through their eyes.
The novels have always been spotted on in making us so full of suspense and thrill that the film fulfills the purpose of making the best out of the story and presents it as a suspenseful and mind-boggling movie that is nothing less than a visual intake of a brilliant work of a creative mind.
7. V for Vendetta (2005)
- Directed by: James McTeigue
- Written by: The Wachowskis
- Star Cast: Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry, John Hurt
- Genre: Action
- IMDb rating: 8.2/10
- Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures
About V for Vendetta:
Who told women-centric films at the time of the 2000s’ were only limited to a carefree girl group of mean girls? If getting into Harvard law school wasn’t enough, action films are no behind in showing strong female leads, and Natalie Portman’s performance in V for Vendetta fits right into a good example.
V for Vendetta is a film in which Natalie Portman steals the show single-handedly. It is adventurous and complex with intelligent characters, which are the result of a well-written script.
6. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
- Directed by: Doug Liman
- Written by: Simon Kinberg
- Star Cast: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Vince Vaughn, Adam Brody, Kerry Washington
- Genre: Action, Romance
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
- Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
About Mr. & Mrs. Smith:
This romance-filled 2000s action movie of love, death, and deception is an absolute dream come true for Angelina- Pitt shippers. Mr. & Mrs. Smith is about how a failed marriage could be back on track after your significant other is in the same dirty business as you. It is charming enough that your lady is Angelina Jolie, but her being an assassin is a cherry on the cake.
5. Men in Black II (2002)
- Directed by: Barry Sonnenfeld
- Written by: Robert Gordon
- Star Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Lara Flynn Boyle, Johnny Knoxville, Rosario Dawson, Tony Shalhoub, Rip Torn
- Genre: Action
- IMDb rating: 6.1/10
- Distributed By: Columbia Pictures
About Men in Black II:
Men in Black II is an exceptional 2000s action movie showing the journey of agents Jay and Kay, who faces many challenges on their way as they have the biggest challenge in this world- protecting the Earth from the hands of evil. Will the Men In Black succeed this time? You’d have to find out only by watching all this movie has for you.
4. The Bounty Hunter (2010)
- Directed by: Andy Tennant
- Written by: Sarah Thorp
- Star Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Gerard Butler
- Genre: Action, Romance
- Distributed By: Columbia Pictures
About The Bounty Hunter:
Romantic chemistry in action movies is usually unheard of. Still, The Bounty Hunter is a fantastic intake of romance-filled action that has caught the viewer’s eye and is entertaining in every little way it offers. What would be in a person’s state of mind if he had to target his ex as a bounty hunter? Debt-ridden Milo Boyd has the same in mind to think about.
3. The Other Guys (2010)
- Directed by: Adam McKay
- Written by: Adam McKay
- Star Cast: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton, Steve Coogan, Ray Stevenson, Samuel L. Jackson
- Genre: Action, Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Distributed by: Columbia Pictures
About The Other Guys:
Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are two sully cops in this funny and witty action film which is so underrated in terms of ratings and exposure that it is almost laughable. This film never fails to give you a good laugh with its interesting set of characters.
The film has a hilarious dose of comedy with the lead’s efforts to make their name big by using an opportunity. What measures would they take, and what would this opportunity result in their favor? You’ll find out because, uh huh, no spoilers here.
2. Crank (2006)
- Directed by: Neveldine/Taylor
- Written by: Neveldine/Taylor
- Star Cast: Jason Statham, Amy Smart, Jose Pablo Cantillo, Efren Ramirez, Dwight Yoakam
- Genre: Action Thriller
- IMDb rating: 6.9/10
- Distributed by: Lionsgate
About Crank:
Crank is a cranky film and one of the greatest 2000s action films with the feel of Grand Theft Auto studded excitedly into its storyline. It is a rushy, action-packed adventure with a humorously intelligent plot that is fresh every time you see it.
The main character has to ensure himself of having an adrenaline rush, or he will die. With a unique and out-of-the-league plot, this action thriller is about ensuring survival in the most exciting, excruciating way possible.
1. Gladiator (2000)
- Directed by: Ridley Scott
- Written by: David Franzoni
- Star Cast: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou
- Genre: Action
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Distributed by: DreamWorks Distribution
About Gladiator:
Joaquin Phoenix was the almighty roman Commodus in this star-studded historical drama which flourished and became an epic under the beautiful direction of Ridley Scott.
No less than an Oscar winning story, this movie is Set in the historical times of Romans; the film has so much to offer, which we could never get enough of. It is an action riched tale of a glorious soldier who is sold in the hands of slavery through deception, but is a hero really a hero if he doesn’t regain what he loses? Our hero does the same; he fights back, he takes his revenge, and he emerges into what we call, The Gladiator.
