Action movies are something everyone likes. They are easy and fun to watch and you can just sit back and relax while the guys (and girls) on the screen are killing each other. It is a known fact that the best action films are Asian, and most of your favorite actors who star in action movies actually have an Asian descent.
No matter if you like the 90s action or if you are into something more recent, we all have to agree that these films are just captivating. Some of them are complex and you need to really focus on the plot and the story, but some of them are just something to watch after a long day when you want to see people fighting, shooting and making bad jokes.
It is pretty hard to list just five of these great movies, but on this list, you will find films that you really need to watch if you haven’t already seen. They are all great and you need to give them a chance. Just play your favorite and forget about the world for an hour or two. And who knows, maybe you will get interested in martial arts and try to learn some of these fighting styles.
Table of Contents
1. Oldboy
Source: myfilmviews.com
You’ve probably heard about the Hollywood remake of this movie. It is a good one, but the original is definitely better.
The 2003 film has an amazing rating of 8.4 and the storyline is much more than just fighting scenes. This masterpiece will capture your attention and you will forget about the popcorns or the drinks. It comes from South Korea and the story about a guy who was imprisoned for about 15 years. After he manages to get away, he has only 5 days to get his revenge.
We won’t give you any more details or spoilers, we are just going to say that this movie is on the top of our list for a reason. You definitely won’t mind watching a movie with subtitles after you see this one.
2. The Man From Nowhere
Source: asianmoviepulse.com
This is probably the most popular Asian film and it has the best score – 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. It came out in 2010 and if you somehow missed it, then you definitely need to sit down for about two hours and watch it.
The plot may sound like something you’ve heard before – a retired agent has to come back and save his friends. However, it is much more than that and the story is different, interesting and the action is just captivating. This Korean masterpiece will take you on one thrill ride that you won’t forget. Most people remember only the really good or really bad movies, and this film will linger in your memory for all the good reasons.
3. Outrage Beyond
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This Japanese film that came out in 2012 is not something many people know, but it is a really good movie that will just show you the true meaning of Japanese action.
As you can probably imagine, the plot is about the Yakuza and the struggles they have with the police, organized crime and other mobs. It has a 6.8 rating on IMDB and as you can see from the reviews, this film is loved by many. One of the few movies you can find on IMDB that has a mostly positive rating above 8.
Don’t forget to check out the first part of it as well titled The Outrage. It is as good as the sequel and you will enjoy both of them. If you are interested in knowing more about Japanese movies and famous actors you can view here the list and maybe find something new you are going to love.
4. Ip Man
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Another film that is at the top of the chart. It is said that you cannot find anything like this in the western cinema and that if you’ve only seen Hollywood movies before, this film will leave you speechless.
This action premiered in 2008 and it originates from China. The story is about a man who needs to leave his family and train other people in order to support his loved ones. It is said that one of the iconic battles in this film is the most memorable in Asian cinema. If that is not a reason enough to give this movie a chance, we don’t know what is.
The film has a rating of 8.0 on IMDB and it tributes the person who taught Bruce Lee how to fight. It is just a wonderful, calm, yet so tense movie that deserves to be on this list.
5. The Good, The Bad And The Weird
Source: justwatch.com
If you want to watch something with an ultra-violent action, dark humor and something that will just capture your attention, then this 2008 Korean action is the right film for you.
The movie is about 3 people who find a map that should lead them to a Chinese treasure. They find themselves chanced by Chinese bandits and the Japanese army. The movie takes place in 1940 and it is labeled as an adventure, western and action movie.
It has a rating of 7.3 and that is probably the lowest-rated one on this list, but it does not mean that is not a great one. If you want to watch something that is interesting, captivating and brutal at the same time, then you should choose The Good, The Bad And The Weird.
There are so many movies that deserve to be on this list, starting from The Raid: Redemption up to Train To Busan (a really good zombie action, you should definitely check it out) and A Bittersweet Life. All of these movies are different from what we are used to and you should play them with an open mind. Some people say that Asian movies are even better than Hollywood ones because they portray real battle styles and real martial arts.
No matter if you are a fan of Hollywood movies or if you enjoy films that are from not that well-known productions, you should check these Asian actions out. Do you have a favorite action movie? What do you think is missing on this list?