Table of Contents
Action stars such as Bruce Willis, Keanu Reeves, and Denzel Washington bring a distinct charisma to action films. While many actors fear being typecast, some of the most legendary ones embrace their roles as action heroes or villains. Others, like Chadwick Boseman and Henry Cavill, excel in action sequences, leaving audiences in awe.
Additionally, actresses like Milla Jovovich, Michelle Yeoh, and Uma Thurman have mastered the action and thriller genres, proving that women can be formidable in such roles. Beyond the big screen, female action heroes like Lucy Lawless and Lynda Carter have also made a significant impact on action television, paving the way for future heroines.
Biggest Action Stars of the 21st Century – Part 1
Chris Hemsworth
Chris Hemsworth, known for his role as a Marvel superhero, is a committed action star. Apart from his impressive fighting sequences in the MCU, he has delivered some of the most spectacular moments in his other movies. “Spiderhead,” the “Extraction” series, and “Men In Black: International” stand out as some of his finest action films.
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves has been one of the most productive action stars for over 40 years. Whether it’s “Speed” or “John Wick,” Keanu Reeves and action films are a flawless combination. Particularly, his combat sequences in “The Matrix” and “Constantine” are nothing short of masterpieces. If Keanu Reeves is featured in an action movie, viewers can expect to be thoroughly impressed.
Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan is not only an outstanding comedian but also an exceptional action star. He’s famous for his action scenes in movies like the Rush Hour series and numerous Chinese films. Additionally, Chan has worked as a stunt coordinator on 80 films, encompassing both animated and live-action productions.
Bruce Willis
While he may be retired now, Bruce Willis was undoubtedly one of the most iconic action stars of the 1980s. His most famous action roles include the Die Hard series and his portrayal of Harry in the iconic movie Armageddon, where he played a key role in saving the world. Despite his retirement, Willis will always hold a place in the hall of fame of the greatest action stars.
Ana de Armas
Blade Runner 2049 marked the introduction of the talented Ana de Armas to audiences. In an interview with Another Mag, Armas fondly reminisces about her childhood, which was characterized by activities like running barefoot, staging plays, and scaling anything she could find. She delivers impressive fight sequences in the James Bond film No Time to Die. Moreover, Armas demonstrates a remarkable ability to blend humor and action seamlessly in movies such as The Grey Man and Ghosted.
Henry Cavill
Henry Cavill has achieved a level of versatility in his acting career that few can match. Renowned as one of the finest portrayals of Superman since Christopher Reeve, he has left an indelible mark. Despite being replaced as Geralt in The Witcher, his fight sequences remain unparalleled. Cavill’s portrayal of August in Mission: Impossible – Fallout elevates him to the upper echelons of action stars. In his various roles, Cavill’s dedication to mastering action choreography and his graceful execution elevate these sequences to an art form.
Dwayne Johnson
During the 1990s, Dwayne Johnson, popularly known as The Rock, captured everyone’s attention. His background as a highly successful wrestler catapulted him into the realm of a legitimate action star. Starting with his debut as The Scorpion King and continuing through to his recent portrayal of Black Adam, Johnson has proven that he’s destined for action stardom. His prominent roles in reimagined classics like Jumanji and Journey to the Center of the Earth only solidify his status as an epic action film lead.
Chadwick Boseman
The late actor Chadwick Boseman elevated the standards for action films. While his most notable roles included portraying T’Challa/The Black Panther in various Marvel Cinematic Universe productions, these were just a glimpse of his prowess as an action star. As Andre in 21 Bridges, Boseman delivered fight scenes that were almost supernatural, even though the film had a contemporary setting. He also portrayed Stormin’ Norman in Da 5 Bloods. In the movie, Stormin’ Norman is a member of the unit lost in the jungles of Vietnam, and Boseman’s brief action sequences in the film showcased the skills of a remarkable star.
Denzel Washington
Actor-producer-director Denzel Washington is an action star who truly deserves commendation. Washington fully immerses himself in his roles, even during action sequences. “Training Day” stands out as one of his finest films because he injected the intensity of a fight sequence into his line delivery. He’s also made a mark in the science fiction genre with the action-sci-fi film “The Book of Eli.” Witnessing Washington in a fight sequence is ample reason to regard him as a classic action star on par with other legends like Bruce Lee.
Brendan Fraser
Brendan Fraser, famous for portraying the adventurer Rick in “The Mummy” series, seemed poised to become the next big action superhero star. He was known for his commitment to performing his own stunts. Interestingly, Fraser has expressed the greatest gratitude for his iconic role as George in “George of the Jungle,” despite his recent shift towards more dramatic roles such as in “The Whale.” His appearances in action-packed films like “The Mummy” and “Crash” brought a fresh perspective to the action genre in the 21st century.
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