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Action movies that revel in epic shootouts are best enjoyed with a side of pizza, a cold beer, and the company of friends. While it’s important to acknowledge the real issue of gun violence in our society, there’s no denying the timeless appeal of classic shoot-’em-up films when enjoyed in the comfort of your home. Even in the era of John Wick, action movies with relentless excitement continue to dominate the box office, captivating audiences with spectacular set-pieces, adrenaline-pumping action sequences, and meticulously choreographed stunts.
Take a look below for a compilation of some of the finest shoot-’em-up films available, spanning from critically acclaimed independent productions to over-the-top B-movies.
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10 Best Shoot ‘Em Up Movies to Watch Next
Wanted (2008)
Angelina Jolie’s upcoming film is “Maria,” a biopic directed by Pablo Lorrain. However, in the earlier part of this century, she was part of an action-packed thriller alongside James McAvoy and Morgan Freeman. The movie is “Wanted,” where McAvoy portrays Wesley, an ordinary office worker whose life takes a dramatic turn after his father is killed. Jolie and Freeman recruit him into a covert group of assassins, teaching him seemingly impossible firearm skills. The film is filled with exciting plot twists, and watching Jolie wielding two handguns might leave you craving for more.
Hard Boiled (1992)
“Time Magazine recognized Hard Boiled as one of the top 100 films of the past century. The movie features the legendary actor Chow Yun-fat in the role of a police officer teaming up with an undercover agent to pursue the criminals responsible for his partner’s murder. Director John Woo, known for his work on Face/Off, delivers an unflinchingly intense story of redemption filled with gunfire and action.”
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
“Join me if you wish to survive.” This famous line is where Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic character reemerged as the heroic cyborg in the sequel, Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Some argue that this sequel surpasses the original, as it delivers intense shootouts involving Sarah Connor (portrayed by Linda Hamilton), the T-1000 (played by Robert Patrick), and Schwarzenegger himself, who impressively wields a shotgun with just one hand. James Cameron’s blockbuster film went on to inspire a series of sequels, spinoffs, video games, and more. Many consider it to be one of Cameron’s finest works, which is a noteworthy achievement for the creator of Avatar.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Ladies and gentlemen, let’s talk about Clint Eastwood during his prime. While he remains active in Hollywood, it’s his unforgettable days in Western cinema that truly stand out, even before his remarkable work in the film “Unforgiven.” The iconic musical score from “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” still influences modern projects. This movie is set in the American Southwest during the Civil War, where Eastwood’s character cleverly forms an alliance with the Mexican outlaw Tuco, played excellently by Eli Wallach. Their arrangement involves Eastwood turning in Tuco for a hanging but ultimately saving him at the last moment. As they face a series of challenges and adventures, their ultimate goal is to take down the formidable Angel Eyes, portrayed by Lee Van Cleef, also known as “the Bad.” The film’s most memorable scene is a three-way showdown in the climactic third act.
The Boondock Saints (1999)
Willem Dafoe has been suggested as an ideal fit for the role of the Joker in the DC Universe. In the late 1990s, he took on engaging roles, one of which was a detective with a secret love for opera in the movie “The Boondock Saints.” This film featured Norman Reedus, who now leads his own AMC series as a character from “The Walking Dead,” and Sean Patrick Flanery as the two vigilante brothers who take down criminals in a dramatic and gun-slinging manner. Dafoe’s character in the movie is tasked with pursuing the brothers.
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The Matrix (1999)
The original Matrix film surpasses its sequels in terms of excitement. Keanu Reeves portrays Mr. Anderson, also known as Neo, who makes the startling discovery that his entire reality is a simulated world. Morpheus, played by Laurence Fishbourne, guides Neo into the real world and teaches him impressive combat techniques to defend against the Agents sent to suppress the hackers who have uncovered the truth about the simulated reality.
Neo’s skills include wielding two firearms and avoiding bullets, as depicted in the image above. Not to mention the unforgettable moment when he operates a helicopter turret, unleashing a relentless barrage of rounds into the building housing Smith, portrayed by Hugo Weaving, and his fellow villainous Agents.
Scarface (1983)
“Meet my small companion!” Al Pacino delivers a spectacular performance in Brian De Palma’s action-packed epic, Scarface, portraying the character Tony Montana. In the movie, he enters the Miami drug trade and confronts Colombian drug cartels armed with assault rifles and more. Michelle Pfieffer gives a remarkable performance as his American love interest, but it’s Pacino’s portrayal of a ruthless drug lord who will stop at nothing to protect his cocaine empire that steals the show.
El Mariachi (1992)
San Antonio native Robert Rodriguez introduced an incredibly engaging trilogy of movies with “El Mariachi,” in which Carlos Gallardo delivers an impeccable portrayal of the titular character. Witness the story of a wandering guitar player who is forced to defend himself using an array of firearms after his peaceful life is disrupted by local hitmen who wrongly identify him as a seasoned assassin. While the subsequent films in the series were quite exciting, much like the original Matrix movie, the first installment remains unrivaled.
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
John Wick stands out as an exception to the typical franchise pattern. In Chapter 2, the film delivers even more visually appealing action sequences than its predecessor, showcasing countless gunfights involving Keanu Reeves, who portrays the retired super-assassin with a soft spot for puppies to perfection. The storyline revolves around Wick’s futile attempt to lead a peaceful life after being called back into action by the Continental to eliminate a new gangster in town. Rapper-actor Common takes on the role of one of the gangster’s henchmen, and you might find yourself chuckling when he and Wick engage in a discreet gunfight right out in the open during the over-the-top final showdown.
Shoot ‘Em Up (2007)
Certainly, “Shoot ‘Em Up” is a must-mention for this list! It features over-the-top gunfights with wildly unrealistic and comical scenarios involving bullets and the unhinged individuals wielding them. Clive Owen is a perfect choice for the lead role, especially after his standout performance in “Sin City.” He plays Mr. Smith, a character with a peculiar fondness for carrots, who joins forces with a sex worker named DQ (Monica Bellucci, a welcome sight) to protect a endangered infant. The main antagonist, portrayed by the uproarious Paul Giamatti, leads a group of fearsome assassins who are hot on the trail of this unlikely duo. Be on the lookout for a side-splitting merry-go-round sequence and that unforgettable final shootout involving a fireplace – it’s guaranteed to have you and your friends in stitches in front of the TV.
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