15 Action Movies That Take Place in One Building

Estimated read time 13 min read

In the realm of action movies, it has been a common practice for filmmakers, including directors and screenwriters, to operate under the assumption that incorporating a wide range of locations enhances the excitement of the adventure. Many of them choose to not only shift the narrative across various parts of a city but also across different countries, allowing the protagonists to embark on globe-spanning journeys in pursuit of wrongdoers.

Nevertheless, there exist a select few action films that challenge this convention, demonstrating that constant globetrotting is not always a prerequisite. While these movies may initiate with scenes where characters move about a bit, once the chaos and action erupt, the entire story unfolds within the confines of a single building. This approach provides a more focused and intense storytelling experience. Additionally, due to the limited number of locations, such films tend to have smaller budgets, which, interestingly, results in a win-win situation for both film studios and fans, as their restricted settings often contribute to their awesome appeal.

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15 Action Movies That Take Place in One Building

Everly (2014)

In the movie “Everly,” the protagonist, Everly (played by Salma Hayek), faces dire consequences when she decides to betray a Japanese crime boss by sharing information with a police officer. The crime boss sends his henchmen to her apartment, where it’s revealed that he’s been keeping Everly and several other prostitutes against their will, forcing them into a life of servitude.

Growing tired of the crime boss’s condescending and oppressive behavior, Everly decides to break free from his control by taking him down. The entire story unfolds within the confines of the apartment building, and the action sequences are protracted because it turns out that Everly is a formidable fighter, more so than her tormentors had anticipated. She successfully fends off multiple attempts on her life, defeating each wave of attackers sent her way.

The situation becomes even more challenging for Everly when the crime boss offers a substantial reward to the other prostitutes in the building if they can eliminate her. However, with unwavering determination and resilience, Everly ultimately emerges as the victor, overcoming the odds and defeating her adversaries.

Command Performance (2009)

“Command Performance” is a film that often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, yet it stands out as one of Dolph Lundgren’s most captivating performances. Interestingly, the movie’s plot feels even more pertinent today, given recent events like the Wagner attempted coup in Russia. It revolves around a Soviet rebel’s attempt to overthrow the President while a pop star is set to perform for him and his daughters. This narrative draws inspiration from Madonna’s real-life performance for Vladimir Putin.

In the film, Lundgren takes on the role of Joe, the drummer of the opening rock band, who unexpectedly has a history as a former biker gang member. As the attackers wreak havoc in the building, he is compelled to step into the role of the hero. What’s intriguing is that, unlike many of Lundgren’s typical characters who often benefit from superhuman abilities and plot conveniences, Joe in this film comes across as more vulnerable, making the events in the story much more believable.

Copshop (2021)

Frank Grillo may not receive the recognition he deserves as an action star, but his dedication to the genre is clear. In 2021, he took on an impressive workload, starring in nine films. One of these was “Copshop,” an action thriller where he partnered with Gerard Butler. In the movie, Grillo’s character, Teddy Murretto, intentionally gets himself arrested to escape an assassin named Bob Vidick, played by Butler. However, things take a twist when Vidick manages to infiltrate the police station, setting the stage for an intense indoor showdown between the two.

Initially, the situation seems straightforward, but “Copshop” keeps viewers on their toes with unexpected plot twists and the introduction of new characters. What starts as a face-off between Teddy and Vidick evolves into a more complex conspiracy. Grillo and Butler’s experience in the genre shines through as they deliver outstanding performances in their respective roles.

The Raid (2011)

Many exceptional films often become subjects of study for other directors. According to director Angel Manuel Soto, certain fight sequences in the movie “Blue Beetle” drew inspiration from “The Raid.” This Indonesian action film features a straightforward plot set within a 30-story apartment building controlled by a drug lord, showcasing some of the most impressive fight choreography in the history of cinema.

Throughout the film, the camera remains fixed on the main character, Rama (portrayed by Iko Uwais). Rama finds himself in a situation where he must single-handedly confront most of the drug lord’s henchmen, as nearly all his fellow officers are killed during their raid on the building. What’s truly remarkable is that Rama is a rookie officer, yet his combat skills are extraordinary. Although he faces overwhelming odds on numerous occasions, he tenaciously fights his way to the next floor through a combination of punches and kicks.

Free Fire (2016)

A seemingly straightforward arms deal takes a disastrous turn in Free Fire when personal vendettas come into play. At a warehouse meeting point, tensions escalate when one of the participants recognizes an assailant from a previous encounter, resulting in a violent standoff. The movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Cillian Murphy and Brie Larson, delivering both top-notch performances and intense action sequences.

The flow of events in Free Fire is seamless, thanks to director Ben Wheatley’s prior experience with similar concepts. Prior to helming this action-comedy, Wheatley directed the dystopian thriller High Rise, set in a single building like Free Fire. The film essentially consists of a non-stop 90-minute shootout, with all the action contained within the warehouse. While not all the humor in the movie is exceptionally clever, it consistently elicits laughs.

Die Hard (1988)

The enduring legacy of Die Hard is likely to endure indefinitely, primarily due to its exceptional action antagonist and memorable dialogue. Despite the passage of time, few phrases have surpassed Detective John McClane’s iconic “Yippee Ki Yay!” His enjoyment during his confrontation with the German terrorist Hans Gruber and his henchmen at Nakatomi Plaza is unmistakable.

Hans Gruber, on the other hand, is remarkable for his lofty aspirations, composure, and commanding presence. He is determined not to leave the building without the $640 million worth of bearer bonds. Even as McClane systematically takes down his men, Gruber appears unfazed, displaying a characteristic confidence in his ability to achieve his objectives. Regrettably for him, this night does not turn out in his favor.

The Nest (2002)

In “The Nest,” a warehouse becomes the chaotic battleground for two distinct criminal groups with conflicting objectives. The focal point of this chaotic scene is the special agent Laborie, who, after thwarting a rescue mission involving an Albanian mafia boss, decides to take refuge within the warehouse. Unbeknownst to him, the warehouse is also inhabited by a group of thieves in the midst of a heist. Before long, the Albanian mob enforcers arrive, leading to an extended and relentless gunfight reminiscent of “Free Fire,” all due to a lack of mutual understanding and a strong commitment to pursuing personal interests. Curiously, the situation persists without outside intervention, partly because these events unfold on Bastille Day, a day when everyone in France is preoccupied with their own affairs and festivities, leaving the characters to their own devices.

Game of Death (1978)

During the production of the movie “Game of Death,” Bruce Lee tragically passed away, but approximately 100 minutes of footage had already been filmed, making it relatively straightforward to complete the project. The film remains a source of controversy due to its inclusion of actual footage from Bruce Lee’s funeral, which many considered ethically questionable. Nevertheless, it is an outstanding film that showcases some of Bruce Lee’s most iconic moments.

In “Game of Death,” the story revolves around Hai Ten (played by Bruce Lee), a retired martial arts champion coerced by a Korean gang to recover a special item located on the top floor of a pagoda. Each level of the pagoda is guarded by highly skilled martial artists, and Ten strategically battles his way to the pinnacle. The film’s structure resembles that of a video game, with increasingly formidable opponents as he ascends higher through the pagoda’s levels.

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Dredd (2012)

Karl Urban, now best recognized for his portrayal of Billy Butcher in The Boys, also delivered a remarkable performance in the film Dredd. The movie is an adaptation of a comic set in the year 2080, where judges possess the authority to apprehend, prosecute, pass judgment, and even carry out executions. Judge Dredd, played by Urban, embarks on a mission to a towering 200-story building where the drug lord Ma-Ma conducts her criminal operations. His objective is to apprehend a specific individual and then make a swift exit. However, when the henchmen lock him inside the building, a violent confrontation ensues.

Beyond the intense action sequences, the film effectively delves into themes of corruption and poverty. Many individuals find themselves working for Ma-Ma out of sheer desperation, as this society is plagued by a scarcity of opportunities to earn money. Additionally, the film portrays the complex situation of a few judges who are entangled with Ma-Ma, further complicating matters for Judge Dredd.

Sudden Death (1995)

In the movie “Sudden Death,” a situation unfolds during the NHL ice hockey finals where terrorists launch an attack and take several hostages, among them the Vice President. Their demands include a ransom. Fire marshal Darren McCord, played by Jean Claude Van Damme, decides to take action because his own son is also inside the building.

Although there are some similarities to “Die Hard,” “Sudden Death” differentiates itself by introducing the concept of moles. Some individuals who initially seemed trustworthy are later revealed to be collaborating with the terrorists. Additionally, the sheer number of people in the arena adds to the overall panic, making the stakes feel even higher than in similar films.

White House Down (2013)

In the movie “White House Down,” there is a memorable chase scene on the White House lawn towards the end. However, the majority of the film’s events take place inside the White House itself, with the President, played by Jamie Foxx, emerging as one of the two central heroes. The movie also incorporates some comedic moments to balance the action. The villains make an ill-timed invasion of the White House, coincidentally coinciding with marine veteran John Cale’s interview for a Secret Service position. Cale has brought his daughter along to impress her, but he is forced to take matters into his own hands to protect the President. In this unexpected turn of events, the President joins in on the action.

Skyscraper (2018)

Some critics have compared “Skyscraper” to “Die Hard,” noting the shared premise of a skyscraper being targeted by terrorists. However, the similarities end there. In this film, the main character, Will Sawyer, is framed for starting a fire in the building, and he must work to clear his name and save his family. Unlike Bruce Willis’ character, Sawyer is an ex-marine, not a law enforcement officer, and faces additional challenges due to his lost leg. Dwayne Johnson delivers a compelling performance, demonstrating compassion for those in need while ruthlessly dealing with those responsible for the crisis. The movie also features numerous daring stunts that are made believable through impressive CGI effects.

Assault on Precinct 13 (1976)

John Carpenter, a director known for his expertise in creating single-location movies, has delivered memorable films like “The Thing,” set in a research station, and “Assault on Precinct 13,” which takes place within the confines of a soon-to-be-closed police precinct. For enthusiasts of action-packed films, the latter offers a thrilling experience with its abundance of shootouts and explosive sequences.

The central conflict in “Assault on Precinct 13” revolves around a South-Central Los Angeles gang that is targeting law enforcement officers due to the deaths of six of their members. This results in a violent assault on the precinct, compelling both the police officers and temporary prisoners to join forces in self-defense. “Assault on Precinct 13” can be seen as a modern reinterpretation of Howard Hawks’ Western classic, “Rio Bravo,” where a sheriff and his inmates must band together to fend off a gang of outlaws.

Lockup (1989)

Sylvester Stallone has a slew of popular movies to his name, but there’s one that often goes overlooked – “Lockup.” Surprisingly, this ’80s film, released during the height of his stardom, didn’t perform well at the box office. While it might not be his magnum opus, it’s still watchable, especially for those who appreciate themes of persecution, much like his iconic “First Blood.” In essence, “Lockup” can be seen as an extended version of the memorable jail scene from “First Blood.”

The plot revolves around Frank Leone, a former mechanic played by Stallone, who finds himself mistreated by prison guards and some fellow inmates, ultimately pushing him to fight back. In comparison to Stallone’s other prison-themed movie, “Escape Plan,” “Lockup” stands out with its stronger performances, making it a more appealing option for viewers who seek more than just stylish fight sequences.

Security (2017)

As Antonio Banderas has aged, he has gravitated more towards dramatic roles, but every now and then, he takes on action movies, such as “Security.” In this film, Banderas portrays Eddie Deacon, a war veteran who has recently started working as a mall security guard. The true test of his abilities comes when a gang ambushes a convoy transporting a girl who is a key witness in mafia trials. After the girl escapes to the mall, the gang’s leader, Charlie, played by Ben Kingsley, demands her surrender, but Eddie refuses and fortifies the mall.

“Security” features a straightforward plot that might typically suit a B-movie, but it compensates with its star power and a plethora of intense shootouts. Furthermore, the emotional element of a child being in jeopardy adds depth to the storyline. The movie avoids falling too heavily into the “one-man-army” trope since Eddie receives considerable assistance from the girl herself.

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