Hey there, movie buffs! 2023 has been a total blast for action cinema, serving up some severe adrenaline rushes with a crazy variety of high-stakes movies. We all need a bit of escapism and cinematic thrills, right? This year’s action flicks have entertained us and pushed the boundaries of what’s possible.
In this post, I will take you through my top 25 action films 2023, dishing out mini-reviews for each to guide you on this wild cinematic ride. Whether you’re an action movie veteran or just looking for a good flick, there’s something here to get your heart racing. Heads up: these reviews are totally my own opinions, so they might only vibe with some!
Some of the best action movies of 2023
John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023): The latest John Wick movie was an exhilarating thrill ride! Keanu Reeves, reprising his role as the iconic assassin, had me on the edge of my seat throughout the film. The action scenes were incredibly intense, making me feel like I was actually in the nightclubs of New York, Jordan, and Tokyo.
Reeves absolutely nailed his performance as Wick, and the supporting cast, including Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, and Hiroyuki Sanada, were equally impressive. The movie was so gripping that I felt like I was part of the action and found myself mentally strategising with Wick.
It was so good that I immediately called my friend to go see it. If you’re into action films, this one is a must-watch. It’s not just visually stunning but also emotionally engaging. Totally worth it!
Chapter 5 is already brewing among fans, and the speculation mill is churning full throttle. Given the escalating stakes with each passing chapter, John Wick 5 is projected to take the intensity and the stakes even higher.
There’s much to wonder about the narrative arcs that could be explored. Will there be a deeper dive into John Wick’s enigmatic past? Or perhaps a face-off with a villain with personal ties with Wick adds more emotional depth to the relentless action?
Plane (2023): It was like a wild roller coaster ride! Gerard Butler, playing Captain Brodie Torrance, had to make an emergency landing on a war-torn island, which was super intense. I mean, I’m already scared of flying, so the turbulence and crash landing scenes were totally nerve-wracking.
But Butler teaming up with Mike Colter to rescue the passengers from rebels? That was epic! The action scenes were heart-pounding, and the performances from the cast, including Yoson An and Tony Goldwyn, were solid. Even though it was a bit scary for me, “Plane” is a good movie. It’s packed with suspense and action that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
Cocaine Bear (2023): The movie, directed by Elizabeth Banks, is about a black bear who goes on a rampage after consuming a ton of cocaine. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before! I mean, drugs are bad news for everyone, animals included. When I discovered it was based on actual events, I had to pause the movie and look it up – crazy stuff!
The bear was super scary, and the people it was after didn’t even know how to defend themselves properly. The performances by Keri Russell, O’Shea Jackson Jr., and Alden Ehrenreich were outstanding. The movie was a wild ride from start to finish. It’s not perfect, but if you’re looking for something different, “Cocaine Bear” is worth watching.
Creed III (2023) was incredibly entertaining, even for someone who’s not a big fan of boxing. Michael B. Jordan killed it in the lead role of Adonis Creed. The whole thing about him being challenged to a fight by Damian Anderson, played by Jonathan Majors, was intense.
Even though I’m not a boxer myself, watching the final fight scene in Creed III was epic! And the ending totally hinted at Adonis’s daughter possibly becoming a boxer herself. I can’t wait to see if she gets her chance to shine in the next movie! If you’re looking for a solid and heartwarming film, Creed III is definitely worth a watch.
Scream VI (2023): This movie’s an adrenaline-fueled horror slasher that even a casual horror fan like myself can enjoy. The film follows the survivors of the Ghostface murders as they move to New York City, only to be hunted by a new Ghostface killer. The suspense was so real; it felt like I was being hunted while watching it! The performances from Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Mason Gooding were excellent. Even though I’m still a bit spooked, “Scream VI” was definitely an experience. If you’re into horror movies, you might want to check it out. Just don’t blame me if you start seeing Ghostface around every corner!
Equalizer 3 (2023): it was totally epic! Denzel Washington, playing Robert McCall, was like a force of nature. The way he took down the bad guys was so intense it felt like he was a real trained killer.
The action sequences were off the charts, and the performances from the cast, including Dakota Fanning, Remo Girone, and Eugenio Mastrandrea, were solid. The whole franchise is excellent, but this latest one? Definitely one of the best. If you’re into action movies with a bit of a twist, “Equalizer 3” is a must-watch!
Retribution (2023) is a mediocre thriller starring Liam Neeson as Matt Turner, a bank executive who receives a phone call from a mysterious stranger who claims to have planted a bomb in his car. The stranger tells Turner that the bomb will detonate if he gets out of the car or if the car goes below 50 miles per hour. It was kind of a letdown. I’m a big fan of Liam Neeson, but this movie didn’t do it for me.
The plot was confusing, and the action scenes were pretty bland. It was hard to follow what was happening, and it just didn’t meet my expectations. You might want to skip this one if you’re looking for a good thriller.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023): this was a blast! I watched it with my friend, and we had a great time. The cast, including Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page, and Justice Smith, were all awesome. The action scenes were epic, and it felt like we were right there in the middle of the adventure.
As for Holga, I’m not entirely sure if they’re a giant or not, but that’s part of the fun, right? Trying to figure out all the different characters and creatures. If you’re into adventure movies or a fan of the game, this movie is worth checking out.
Kill Boksoon (2023) was a wild ride! Jeon Do-Yeon plays a single mom who’s also a professional assassin, and it’s one of the most intense performances I’ve seen in a while. Balancing life as a mom and a killer? That’s tough.
The action scenes were super cool, and the characters were really well-developed. But what really got me was how the movie showed both the harsh reality of Boksoon’s job and her love for her daughter. It’s like a mix of hardcore action and heartwarming moments. If you’re into action films with a twist, “Kill Boksoon” is worth checking out.
The Mother (2023): The Mother (2023): A heart-wrenching emotional rollercoaster starring Jennifer Lopez as Maya, a retired assassin who must save her kidnapped daughter, Zoe. It was tough seeing Zoe call someone else ‘mom’, but their bond, later on, was really touching.
The intense action scenes got me thinking about what it would be like if my mom was a badass killer and taught me her ways. I would definitely recommend “The Mother” to anyone looking for a good action thriller with a heart. It’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
Extraction 2 (2023): Chris Hemsworth returns as Tyler Rake, the badass mercenary who will stop at nothing to get the job done. The movie is a non-stop adrenaline rush, with epic fight scenes and a plot to keep you on the edge of your seat. The way he took out the bad guys was epic.
Who wouldn’t want to be a tough mercenary like him? And you know what would be even cooler? A spin-off with Idris Elba and Chris Hemsworth. I’m a big fan of both of them.
Of course, being a mercenary is also a dangerous and thankless job. But for Tyler Rake, it’s the only life he knows. He’s a skilled fighter and a survivor, and he’s always willing to put his life on the line to protect the people he cares about.
Extraction 2 is an excellent example of why Chris Hemsworth is one of the most popular actors in the world. He’s charismatic, action-packed, and always delivers a great performance. Extraction 2 is a must-see for fans of action movies and Chris Hemsworth. It’s a thrilling and entertaining ride from start to finish.
The Covenant (2023): Jake Gyllenhaal and Dar Salim totally nailed their roles as US Army Sergeant John Kinley and Afghan interpreter Ahmed. The movie really shows what it means to make sacrifices for others. It’s not just about the action but also about rewarding good deeds.
I was super emotional after watching it. If you’re looking for a movie that’s not just about war but also about friendship and sacrifice, “The Covenant” is definitely worth a watch.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023): A thrilling and emotional rollercoaster ride that will leave you laughing, crying, and cheering. It was intriguing and kept me on the edge of my seat, but also tugged at my heartstrings. While I thoroughly enjoyed the film, I must admit that I have a soft spot for its predecessor.
The previous instalment resonated with me more, perhaps because of its unique storyline or memorable characters. The film also explores some complex themes, such as loss, grief, and redemption. But at its core, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a film about hope and the power of friendship.
Fast X (2023): Fast X (2023) is a thrilling rollercoaster ride of a movie with stunning visuals and action sequences that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Vin Diesel delivers a strong performance as Dom, and his conflict with Jason Momoa as Dante is one of the film’s highlights.
While some critics have argued that the film is too long and lacks depth, I found it a lot of fun. It’s a movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it delivers exactly what fans of the franchise are looking for excitement, thrills, and over-the-top action.
I can’t wait to see what’s next for Dom and his crew in the next instalment of the Fast & Furious franchise!
The Little Mermaid (2023): is a live-action remake of the classic 1989 animated film. It really touched my heart. It’s not just a movie; it’s a journey of love and sacrifice. Seeing Ariel, played by Halle Bailey, give up everything for love was incredibly emotional.
The film taught me the depth of love, and I hope we all learn to love that way. Despite some critics pointing out its similarity to the original and occasional subpar CGI, it was a beautiful and moving experience that I absolutely loved.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023): was quite an experience! Going the extra mile to change something from the past might seem absurd, but it made for an exciting plot. Harrison Ford, as Indiana Jones, was as captivating as ever.
Despite some formulaic elements and occasional subpar CGI, the film kept me hooked with its thrilling adventure and stunning visuals. It’s not just a movie; it’s an adventure in which you live right alongside Indy.
Heart of Stone (2023): Watching “Heart of Stone (2023)” was quite an emotional ride. The betrayal from a friend hit hard, but it was inspiring to see how Rachel Stone, played by Gal Gadot, learned from it and made the bad guy pay. Despite some predictability and a convoluted plot, the film was a thrilling journey of redemption that kept me hooked till the end.
Blue Beetle (2023): it was a blast! It’s the first DC comics movie that I truly enjoyed. The story of Jaime Reyes, played by Xolo Maridueña, gaining superpowers and learning to use them was exciting and heartwarming. Despite some predictability and slow pacing at times, the film was well-made and thoroughly enjoyable. It’s not just a movie. It’s an adventure in which you live right alongside Jaime.
Gran Turismo (2023): Watching “Gran Turismo (2023)” was an exhilarating experience! The spectacular driving scenes had me on the edge of my seat. What made the movie even more interesting was knowing it was based on a true story. Archie Madekwe’s performance as Jann Mardenborough, a gamer turned professional race car driver, was truly inspiring. Despite some formulaic elements and slow pacing at times, the film was a thrilling journey that kept me hooked till the end.
King of Killers (2023): King of Killers is a thrilling action ride with an unexpected ending. Frank Grillo gives a captivating performance as Marcus Garan, a former hitman who is forced back into the world of killing.
The film is light on dialogue and heavy on action, which keeps the adrenaline pumping. While there are some predictable moments and excessive violence, King of Killers is an overall thrilling journey that will keep you hooked till the end.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023): was a total thrill ride! Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise, never disappoints. The action and shooting scenes were intense and kept me on the edge of my seat. Despite some formulaic elements and slow pacing at times, the film was a thrilling journey that kept me hooked till the end. It’s not just a movie; it’s an adventure that you live right alongside Ethan Hunt.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023): As a big fan of the Transformers franchise, I had high expectations for “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)”. While I found some parts of the movie a bit slow, the ending action sequence was a total thrill ride that made up for it. It wasn’t perfect, but seeing the Autobots and Maximals in action was definitely a highlight for me.
The Outlaws (2023) is a hilarious and thrilling comedic action movie that will keep you entertained from start to finish. Adam Devine gives a great performance as Owen Browning, a lawyer on the run with his future in-laws, played by Pierce Brosnan and Ellen Barkin. Despite some juvenile humour and a predictable plot, the film was a great blend of comedy and action that kept me entertained from start to finish.
Pathan (2023): was a game-changer for me! I know some people, like my brother, aren’t into Indian movies because of the dance numbers, but this movie brought some serious action. Shah Rukh Khan as Pathaan and Deepika Padukone as Rubina Ali were both intense and captivating. Despite some predictability and slow pacing at times, the film was a thrilling journey that I would definitely watch again.
Polite Society (2023): it was a fun watch! Just like “The Outlaws”, it’s a comedic action film that had me laughing and cheering. Priya Kansara as Ria Khan, a martial artist with big dreams, was both inspiring and entertaining. It’s great to see more women in leading roles these days. Despite some flaws, the film was a thrilling journey that kept me hooked till the end.
Wrapping UP:
2023 has been a wild ride for action flicks! We’ve seen everything from underdogs rising to the occasion to some seriously cool action shots. This year’s lineup is proof that action cinema is alive and kicking, and I’m here for it!
Now it’s your turn! Which of these adrenaline-pumping movies have you already seen? Which ones are you dying to watch? Drop your thoughts and movie recs in the comments. And hey, if you’re a movie buff like me, hit that subscribe button for our newsletter. Let’s navigate the action-packed world of cinema together!
