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While historically, longer and more epic films have received critical acclaim, it’s important not to underestimate the value of a concise action movie. In today’s fast-paced world, people have increasingly busy lives and numerous distractions, making shorter action films a convenient choice. These compact movies get straight to the action, delivering intense thrills and excitement without demanding a significant time commitment.
They cater to those with hectic schedules and provide a quick, adrenaline-fueled escape from the chaos of modern life. Short action films demonstrate that, given the declining attention spans in the film industry, brevity and focused storytelling can offer a refreshing cinematic experience. Below, you’ll find a list of the top 10 action movies under 90 minutes that you should consider watching next.
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10 Best Action Movies Under 90 Minutes
Death Race 2000
Death Race 2000, a cult classic film, is a high-energy dystopian movie that unfolds in a bleak future where a brutal nationwide road race serves both as a violent spectator sport and a means of population control. Clocking in at just 84 minutes, the film doesn’t waste any time immersing the audience in its darkly satirical and outrageously exaggerated world. The brevity of the movie enhances its appeal, ensuring a swift and exhilarating experience with no dull moments. With David Carradine at the helm and a youthful Sylvester Stallone, the ensemble cast delivers noteworthy performances within a narrative that skillfully merges action with thought-provoking social commentary.
Phone Booth
While Phone Booth may lean more towards being a thriller rather than a full-blown action film, it still provides an exhilarating experience and rightfully earns its place on this list. The majority of the plot unfolds within the constraints of a phone booth, creating a sense of confinement and tension that keeps the audience fully engaged. Colin Farrell delivers a compelling portrayal as the morally ambiguous protagonist, a man who finds himself trapped in the booth with a sniper taking aim.
The movie adeptly delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the repercussions of one’s choices. Joel Schumacher’s skillful direction and swift pacing maintain a constant sense of urgency, turning Phone Booth into a nail-biting suspenseful experience. It doesn’t rely on extended car chases or action sequences, as its unique combination of a confined setting, a morally complex storyline, and an outstanding lead performance hits the mark perfectly.
Crank
Starring Jason Statham as the protagonist, Crank depicts the high-octane odyssey of Chev Chelios, a hitman who receives a lethal injection. To survive, Chelios must maintain a heightened heart rate, leading to a relentless pursuit of danger and chaos on the streets of Los Angeles. Crank’s brief duration aligns perfectly with its theme of constant urgency, ensuring there are no dull moments in this heart-pounding adventure.
The film’s lightning-fast tempo, frantic editing, and Statham’s captivating performance combine to deliver an exhilarating and extravagantly intense experience for fans of action. Its purposeful absurdity, from over-the-top action sequences to mind-bending plot twists, only enhances the fun, resulting in a wild and unforgettable cinematic journey.
Shoot ‘Em UP
It’s a true disappointment that “Shoot ‘Em Up” didn’t gain the attention it deserved, as it delivers a truly thrilling and action-packed experience that’s hard to match. The film shares a similar fast-paced and over-the-top style with “Crank,” but it unfortunately didn’t resonate with audiences when it was released.
Led by Clive Owen, the movie fully embraces absurdity and pushes the boundaries of action cinema. It never hesitates to dive into intense action sequences, injects sharp humor, and offers a unique fusion of gunplay and comedy. From the very beginning, the film wastes no time in getting to the action and maintains its relentless pace until the closing credits roll, just 86 minutes later.
District 13
District 13, or “Banlieue 13,” is a 2004 French action film written and produced by Luc Besson. It unfolds in a dystopian future where the government isolates the troubled District 13 in Paris behind walls. Amidst the lawless chaos of this district, the plot centers on an unlikely alliance between two men who must urgently disarm a powerful bomb.
The movie gained attention for its thrilling parkour stunts and remarkable action sequences, setting a fresh standard for the genre. The film’s brevity is attributed to its brisk and visually dynamic style, which perfectly complements its innovative use of parkour, creating a truly distinctive cinematic experience.
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Duel
In 1971, a young filmmaker, Steven Spielberg, directed “Duel,” a gripping and suspenseful tale about a businessman who becomes the target of relentless pursuit and terror by an unidentified truck driver on a desolate desert road. Originally created for television, the film received significant acclaim and was hailed as a prime example of creating tension and suspense.
After its successful TV run, Universal Studios expressed interest in giving it a theatrical release. However, with a runtime of just 74 minutes, it was deemed too short for the big screen. In response to this, Spielberg dedicated two days to shoot additional scenes, expanding the film to a 90-minute duration, as reported by Empire Online. To this day, there continues to be a debate among viewers about which version of the film is superior.
Cobra
“Cobra” is an action movie from 1986 featuring Sylvester Stallone in the role of Marion “Cobra” Cobretti, a no-nonsense and tough police officer. Directed by George P. Cosmatos, the film epitomizes the classic action films of the 1980s, characterized by an iconic hero and an unwavering pursuit of justice. Cobretti is tasked with eliminating a group of serial killers, and he operates outside the boundaries of standard procedure.
Known for its adrenaline-pumping action scenes and Stallone’s magnetic presence, “Cobra” serves as a quintessential example of 1980s action cinema. While it may not have received high praise from critics, the movie has developed a devoted fan base and is recognized for its unapologetic and straightforward approach to the action genre, wasting no time in delivering intense thrills.
Commando
Similar to Cobra, Commando is another example of the 1980s over-the-top action genre. However, this time, the film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as the strong and heroic lead. Running for just 90 minutes, Commando doesn’t hold back in providing a continuous onslaught of action sequences, explosions, and iconic catchphrases. Schwarzenegger’s magnetic performance and impressive physical presence are prominently featured, cementing this movie as a pivotal milestone in his action movie career.
Run Lola Run
“Run Lola Run is a remarkable example of concise storytelling and inventive filmmaking. Its distinct narrative approach, which examines the outcomes of a single choice through three different scenarios, captured the attention and admiration of both viewers and reviewers. The movie’s energetic tempo, striking visual aesthetics, and the captivating acting of Franka Potente all played roles in its widespread praise. The film’s ability to engage, stimulate reflection, and elicit various emotions in a compact duration is a truly impressive accomplishment.”
Mad Max
In 1979, a groundbreaking post-apocalyptic action thriller emerged, immersing audiences in a grim and dystopian world where law and order had crumbled, giving way to chaos and merciless road warriors. Mel Gibson’s portrayal of the silent and vengeful Max Rockatansky instantly became iconic, while the film’s gritty, high-energy action sequences had a profound influence on the action genre.
Mad Max marked the inception of a highly successful franchise that would reshape the landscape of action cinema and play a pivotal role in Mel Gibson’s ascent to stardom. However, unlike the more recent Fury Road installment, which has a runtime of two hours, Mad Max, partly due to budget constraints, is only an hour and a half long, yet it still delivers a powerful impact.
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