10 Incredible Action Films You May Have Overlooked

      Get ready for ten incredible action movies you might have overlooked...

      Action is a well-loved genre that consistently draws large audiences, from theaters to streaming platforms. It includes everything from cowboys to commandos, and a great action film keeps the heart racing while taking viewers on a thrilling ride filled with explosions. Nowadays, cinemas are mostly teeming with spandex-clad superheroes, which dominate the attention of moviegoers.

      Yet, when it comes to true action heroes, the toughest characters often won't be found in tight-fitting costumes. So gear up and prepare your weapons because it's time to explore 10 action-packed films you might have missed.

      **Sisu**

      We kick things off with a recent, high-octane action film that’s still somewhat under the radar. If you believe that the influence of Disney/MCU is diminishing the genre, don’t fret; several countries outside of the U.S. are still producing genuinely exciting action films. *Sisu*, a brutally simple Finnish action flick, features retreating Nazi soldiers who attempt to snatch a stash of gold from a wandering prospector. This prospector happens to be a formidable badass who would give John Wick nightmares. *Sisu* is pure enjoyment, showcasing a grizzled, mostly silent hero dispatching Nazis for 90 minutes with style and creativity in his kills.

      **Badland Hunters**

      I’ve recently dived into the sheer enjoyment of watching Korean powerhouse Don Lee take down bad guys in various action fusion films. You might know of hits like *The Roundup* or *Train to Busan*, but Lee has a diverse filmography. Unlike martial artists like Iko Uwais or Tony Jaa, Lee's approach is less intricate but, like Schwarzenegger, he is powerfully effective with his straightforward carnage. *Badland Hunters* was released on Netflix this year, and it’s definitely worth a watch. Lee battles zombies and mutants in a post-apocalyptic landscape, employing his trademark ragdoll throws, strong punches, and plenty of machete action. It’s perfect for streaming.

      **Extreme Prejudice**

      Walter Hill often doesn’t get the recognition he deserves, yet he has directed some outstanding action films like *The Driver*, *The Warriors*, and *48 Hours*. While he may not have reached the heights of James Cameron or John McTiernan at their peak, Hill’s work from the 70s to the mid-90s consistently impressed. One of his most underrated films is *Extreme Prejudice*, a modern western reminiscent of Peckinpah that pays homage to *The Wild Bunch*. In this film, a weathered Texas Ranger (Nick Nolte) must take down his former friend turned crime lord (Powers Boothe). A special task force is on the trail of the villain, who commands a group of mercenaries, leading to an extraordinary finale packed with practical effects and stunt work. The action is astounding, with Hill amplifying every blast and crash as bad guys soar through the air. This kind of exaggerated chaos combined with powerful sound is rarely seen in today’s action films.

      **Showdown in Little Tokyo**

      Hill’s *48 Hours* revitalized the buddy-cop action genre, further popularized by *Lethal Weapon*. The trend of mismatched partners flourished in the 80s and 90s, with *Showdown in Little Tokyo* being a standout, directed by Mark L. Lester (of *Commando* fame) and starring Dolph Lundgren and Brandon Lee. Although a Warner production, it saw minimal promotion and was ultimately overshadowed by the blockbuster *Terminator 2*. Over time, *Showdown* has developed a cult following for its ridiculously entertaining nature. It flows seamlessly from one action scene to the next, featuring great banter between Lee and Lundgren, with Cary Tagawa excelling as a sinister villain. The chemistry between the lead actors is palpable, but Lee truly shines, showcasing his rising talent just before *The Crow*.

      **Full Contact**

      John Woo is the Hong Kong action director most recognized in the West, largely due to the success of *Hard Boiled* before his breakout films *Hard Target* and *Face/Off*. Ringo Lam didn’t receive the same level of attention, even though he directed a Van Damme film as well. Before that, Lam gained major recognition for *City on Fire*, which significantly influenced Tarantino’s *Reservoir Dogs*. However, many argue that Lam’s masterpiece is *Full Contact*, which, if not for *Hard Boiled*, might have catapulted him to fame. Packed with chaotic action featuring stunt performers executing phenomenal feats amidst a continuous explosion of pyrotechnics, the film stars Chow Yun-Fat, who remains as compelling as ever.

      **Drive**

      This HBO classic has captivated countless action fans who stumbled upon it (often through chance or recommendations). The frequently overlooked Mark Dacasc