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The Great Train Robbery of 1903 is often credited as the pioneering action film, and since then, the action genre has evolved in various ways, mirroring the twists and turns of a movie plot. From the martial arts and anti-hero movies of the ’70s to the blockbuster hits of the ’90s and 2000s, the genre has continuously reinvented itself while staying true to its core by providing exhilarating experiences for global audiences.
Similar to other film genres, the action genre encompasses subcategories like action-adventure, action-comedy, and dystopian action films. Dystopian action movies, in particular, often present a grim vision of the future. While some of these films rely heavily on elaborate settings and explosive action sequences, the best ones convey their message in a more nuanced manner, all while delivering the hallmark elements that fans associate with the genre. In this article, we will explore the finest dystopian action films ever created, and find out if some of your personal favorites are among them.
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The 10 Best Dystopian Action Movies of All Time
12 Monkeys (1995)
“12 Monkeys,” released in late 1995 and directed by Terry Gilliam, is a remarkable science fiction film featuring Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, and Brad Pitt. It unfolds in a dystopian future in 2035, where a mysterious virus has devastated humanity, pushing survivors to live underground. The story delves into themes of time travel, free will, and the blurring of reality.
Combining elements of mystery and action, “12 Monkeys” plunges us into a grim world as James Cole, played by Bruce Willis, is sent back to 1996 Baltimore to trace the virus’s origin, with hopes of finding a cure. The film’s somber cinematography and set designs intentionally harken back to Gilliam’s earlier work, “Brazil,” emphasizing how technology has intruded into our daily lives.
With outstanding performances from the main cast, including an Oscar-nominated role by Brad Pitt, “12 Monkeys” remains relevant and serves as a haunting reminder that the mirror may hold the key to understanding the potential downfall of humanity.
The Fifth Element (1997)
In the film “The Fifth Element,” directed by Luc Besson, Bruce Willis plays the role of Korben Dallas, a former special forces major who now works as a taxi driver. His life takes a dramatic turn when he crosses paths with Leeloo, portrayed by Milla Jovovich, who holds the key to saving the entire universe.
Taking place in the 23rd century, “The Fifth Element” combines elements of dystopian fiction and action-packed sequences, often infused with humor, notably thanks to Chris Tucker’s portrayal of Ruby Rhod, an eccentric talk show host. While the film received mixed reviews upon its initial release, it has since become a cult classic in the world of science fiction, frequently quoted and highly respected.
Starship Troopers (1997)
“Starship Troopers,” based on Robert A. Heinlein’s 1959 novel, takes viewers on an exhilarating journey to the 23rd century, where the United Citizen Federation is engaged in an interstellar conflict with insectoid extraterrestrials. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, the film offers a sometimes exaggerated exploration of the military-industrial complex and its impact on personal relationships.
With underlying themes of nationalism, fear of the unfamiliar, and colonialism, “Starship Troopers” delves into the realms of politics and propaganda through a visually intense and gory spectacle. Despite facing criticism and disappointment from both critics and audiences upon its initial release, many failed to grasp the film’s satirical message. Nevertheless, it managed to secure an Academy Award nomination for its impressive visual effects and has since developed a devoted following, with some now regarding it as one of the finest science fiction movies ever created.
RoboCop (1987)
A decade prior to directing Starship Troopers, Paul Verhoeven was in charge of another futuristic action film, namely RoboCop. The movie features Peter Weller as a slain police officer who is resurrected as a cyborg law enforcement agent with no regard for your state of being – he’s taking you in, dead or alive.
The story unfolds in a dystopian, crime-ridden Detroit of the future, delving into themes like avarice, authority, and the pervasive influence of corporations in the political landscape. While the film doesn’t hold back on graphic violence and often emphasizes its allegorical message quite overtly, it received a positive reception from audiences in 1987. Remarkably, it still stands the test of time and has solidified its place in pop culture. RoboCop is not just one of the finest films of the 1980s but is also considered one of the premier science fiction movies overall.
District 9 (2009)
Neil Blomkamp made his directorial debut with District 9, which was released in the summer of 2009 and quickly earned critical acclaim as one of the standout sci-fi films of its time. The film’s unique style, blending elements of found footage and mockumentary, makes it even more relevant today.
District 9 explores themes of segregation, xenophobia, and social class through its storyline about an alien spaceship that appears over South Africa in 1982. The unhealthy aliens are placed in an internment camp called District 9. Two decades later, tensions have escalated between the locals and aliens, and the government’s plan to relocate the extraterrestrial visitors to another camp leads to a chaotic situation when one of the authorities begins to transform into an alien. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture and remains a powerful piece of dystopian science fiction.
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Escape from New York (1981)
Co-written and directed by the often underestimated John Carpenter, “Escape from New York” stands as a timeless dystopian action film, even though it may show signs of aging. The enduring quality of the movie can be largely attributed to Kurt Russell’s exceptional performance in the role of Snake Plissken, the unconventional anti-hero.
Set in a 1997 America plagued by rampant crime, the film envisions a future where Manhattan Island has been transformed into a high-security prison. The story kicks off when Air Force One crashes inside this prison, and the president is taken captive. The task of rescuing the president falls upon Snake Plissken, a disgraced former soldier. Notably, Carpenter’s determination to cast Kurt Russell as the lead, in the face of the studio’s preference for Charles Bronson, proved to be a wise decision. Russell’s portrayal of the confident and cunning hero allowed him to break away from his Disney image.
While “Escape from New York” did give rise to a sequel, comics, and a board game, the original film’s dystopian brilliance remains unparalleled and is a must-see for any fan of the genre.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
When it was first revealed that George Miller, the director behind his career-launching franchise, would be returning to create another installment, there was widespread doubt among both fans and critics. This skepticism was mainly due to the fact that 30 years had passed since the release of “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.” The question on everyone’s mind was whether we truly needed another addition to the iconic ’80s series. However, “Mad Max: Fury Road” defied all expectations and exceeded them, ultimately earning a reputation as one of the greatest films ever made.
The film delved into themes like feminism, violence, and the depletion of natural resources by humanity. It quickly became a classic, garnering 10 Academy Award nominations and winning six. With a worldwide box office earnings of $380 million, the movie marked a return to George Miller’s roots after a period of directing more lighthearted films like “Happy Feet” and “Babe: Pig in the City.” A sequel was promptly put into development, and in 2024, we can anticipate “Furiosa,” a prequel to “Fury Road” starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth in leading roles.
Blade Runner (1982)
While most films from the 1980s haven’t aged well, Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner is a notable exception. This science fiction classic features Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard, assigned to track down a group of renegade artificial beings, led by Rutger Hauer, in a bleak version of Los Angeles.
Although the movie underperformed in theaters initially, the rise of home video and VHS tapes provided audiences with a second chance to appreciate it. Upon closer inspection, Blade Runner became a major cult film, influencing numerous video games and inspiring a whole generation of filmmakers. In 2017, a well-received sequel was released, and currently, there’s a limited TV series in development for Amazon Prime, titled Blade Runner 2099.
The Matrix (1999)
The 1990s witnessed a surge in action films, with many following the familiar buddy cop formula. However, “The Matrix” set itself apart by offering a distinctive storyline coupled with groundbreaking visual effects that were unprecedented for audiences. Directed by The Wachowskis, the movie is set in a bleak future where machines have enslaved humanity, using our bodies for energy and keeping our minds trapped in a simulated reality that deceives us into thinking everything is normal.
Starring Keanu Reeves in a standout performance and complemented by a strong cast including Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Joe Pantoliano, “The Matrix” holds a significant place in film history. It played a pivotal role in ushering cinema into the new millennium, demonstrating to Hollywood that there was an audience for action movies that offered more than just explosions – they also provided substantial storytelling. The film received four Oscar nominations, winning in all of its categories, and it remains a timeless classic that can be enjoyed repeatedly, consistently delivering a compelling experience.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Creating a sequel to a highly acclaimed film like The Terminator is a challenging endeavor, but for director James Cameron, it’s just another day at the office. In 1991, he delivered what many consider one of the greatest sequels ever made with Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
In this installment, we once again see the return of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton, alongside newcomers Edward Furlong and Robert Patrick. The film is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece. This time, the story involves Skynet sending a T-1000 back in time to eliminate John Connor, the future leader of the resistance. With Arnold Schwarzenegger now playing the hero, the film presents an epic clash between an unstoppable force and an immovable object. Terminator 2’s impact on cinema endures to this day.
While four more sequels followed T2, many feel that watching the first two films is the best way to experience the series and leave completely satisfied.
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