The2010swere a largely monumental decade inactionfilmmaking, with many genre-defining outings and revolutionary titles that have become modern-dayclassicsof the medium. From some of the biggest and most successfulblockbustersof all time to lower-budget indie films that were pushing the barriers for what was possible in action filmmaking,action films were easily the defining genre of the 2010s. This is directly reflected in the various high scores that 2010s action films have received onIMDb, with many of them being among thehighest-rated films on the site.
The IMDb user base has a distinct taste when it comes to their favorite action movies of the decade, often giving more praise to franchise films and exceptional filmmaking craft above all else. With so many great action films that were released during the 2010s, not every beloved film managed to make the cut, with highly beloved action films likeBaby Driver,John Wick,Mission: Impossible – Falloutall barely making the cut. This only places more emphasis on the films that did make the cut, as each of them have also found their way onto the Letterboxd Top 250.
10’Logan' (2017)
IMDb Rating:8.1/10
A standalone adaptation of one of the most acclaimedX-Mencomics of all time, as well as acting as a glorious sendoff of over a decade’s worth of performances of Wolverine fromHugh Jackman,Loganlived up to all the hype as a gruesome and emotional finale. While previous X-Men films had utilized the character of Wolverine for exciting action scenes,Logan’s R-rating allowed the character to be elevated to the true, carnage-fueled rampage that he’s known for.
However, the R-rating is far from the only reason that the action film has become so beloved, asthe film’s beautiful sendoff to the character of Logan and the compelling emotional beats gave it an edge over many other superhero films. The film is still often in conversations as one of themost thrilling superhero moviesout there, being one of the highest peaks of the subgenre when superhero movies were at their most popular. Currently, the film holds a spot not only as one of the highest-rated action movies on IMDb, but asthe #210 highest-rated filmon the site.
Logan sees the titular hero, AKA Wolverine, in his twilight years as his healing factor has begun to fail him, and he has begun to age more rapidly. Set several years in the future, Logan finds himself caring for an ailing Professor Xavier, whose mind has begun to succumb to dementia, making him an incredibly dangerous mutant that can cause widespread destruction accidentally. But when the preoccupied Logan is asked to meet with a woman that requests he transports a young girl to a mutant haven known as Eden, he learns that she may have his DNA and that the fate of mutant-kind may rest in her hands.
9’Ford v Ferrari' (2019)
While many people associate the action genre with explosions and fight sequences between heroes and villains,there are many different ways to achieve the adrenaline-pumping energy of action. One of the other most effective ways of creating this catharsis is throughthe high-octane execution of racing, with few action films being as great at showing the action of racing asFord v Ferrari. On top of the inherent fun and action of racing, the film is also a highly compelling story of a dynamic duo coming together as underdogs to prove the strength of American ingenuity.
The way thatFord v Ferraribuilds up the stakes and excitement of its races before displaying some of the most entertaining and cathartic high-speed racing on-screen is simply a sight to behold.Each aspect of filmmaking builds towards making these races as compelling as possible, from top-of-the-line sound mixing to blistering speed in the editing and visual style. The film’s sense of style certainly made waves with IMDb audiences, leading to it being the #203 highest-rated film on the site.
Ford v Ferrari
American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference and the laws of physics to build a revolutionary race car for Ford in order to defeat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.
8’How to Train Your Dragon' (2010)
WhileDreamWorks Animationwas often considered to be lagging behind the likes ofPixarthroughout the 2000s, the originalHow to Train Your Dragonproved that the studio had what it takes to makea compelling animated experience on par with the best of the modern era. The film combines an array of different genres to make for the most compelling experience imaginable, with its action most prominently being shown off in its beautiful dragon-riding sequences as well as the final battle against the Red Death.
Even despite releasing at the very beginning of the decade,How to Train Your Dragonquickly became one of the defining animated experiences that the 2010s had to offer, further amplified by a duo of great sequels. However, it’s stillthis original story of unexpected friendship and bonding between a reclusive boy and a deadly dragon that touched the heartstrings of audiencesaround the world, as well as IMDb users. The praise is so high for the film that it has also achieved a spot as the #198 highest-rated film on IMDb.
How to Train Your Dragon
A hapless young Viking who aspires to hunt dragons becomes the unlikely friend of a young dragon himself, and learns there may be more to the creatures than he assumed.
While previous films in theMad Maxfranchise were certainly entertaining and memorable as far as post-apocalyptic action movies go,Mad Max: Fury Roadcompletely revolutionized what the subgenre was capable of.The film is simply unmatched in terms of raw spectacle in terms of action, never letting go of the gas pedal as it goes all out in terms of crazy practical effects and a mastery of action filmmaking. Even a decade after its release, many are quick to cite the film as thebest action film of all time.
The film fully expands upon the worldbuilding and concepts of the original trilogy, utilizing modern technology and a larger budget to bring the wasteland to life in a way never seen before.It managed to be so effective in its filmmaking that it completely overshadowed the original trilogyand is now the de facto film that people think of not only for theMad Maxseries, but for post-apocalyptic wastelands in general. The film currently holds a spot as the #182 highest-rated film on IMDb.
Mad Max: Fury Road
6'1917' (2019)
IMDb Rating:8.2/10
One specific aspect of filmmaking that the IMDb user base tends to respect more than many others is an achievement in filmmaking inherent to its execution and visual style. In terms of action films, nothing quite exemplifies this concept like1917, the ingenious war film that makes efforts to present the entire film as if it were a single unbroken shot. While this type of approach can easily be written off as a gimmick,1917fully commits to this concept to make for one of the most engaging and compelling war films out there.
It’s easy to get a sense of the grandiose nature of 1917’s execution while watching the film, as its approach proves to be more directly humanizing and amplifies the stakes and weight of the journey seen on-screen. It makes even small moments feel important and dynamic to the overarching story,all building up to a cathartic final act that executes on everything that the film has been setting up. The award-winning film has been a fan favorite on IMDb since its release, now being considered the #123 highest-rated film on the site.
April 6th, 1917. As an infantry battalion assembles to wage war deep in enemy territory, two soldiers are assigned to race against time and deliver a message that will stop 1,600 men from walking straight into a deadly trap.
5’Avengers: Endgame' (2019)
IMDb Rating:8.4/10
Acting as the climactic finale for over a decade’s worth of films in theMarvel Cinematic Universe,Avengers: Endgamemanaged to live up to some of the biggest expectations imaginable and told a massive, largely entertaining cinematic experience. The film builds upon characters and storylines that have been established and grown across many years and different franchises,being the ultimate love letter to the MCU. Themind-blowing film was seen as a must-watch eventin films, with it at one point even holding the title of the highest-grossing movie of all time.
Considering the various other MCU films that have received love and praise from the IMDb userbase,it would make sense that this climactic finale and the most successful film in the MCU would receive a massively high score on the site. Even in the years after theEndgamehype has died down and some begin to question the film’s quality outside the theatrical experience, IMDb still proudly proclaims its love for the film. It currently holds a spot as the #75 highest-rated film on the site.
Avengers: Endgame
After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more to reverse Thanos' actions and restore balance to the universe.
4’The Dark Knight Rises' (2012)
Considering thatThe Dark Knightstill holds the title of the highest-rated action movie on IMDb,it would make sense that the highly anticipated sequel would find similarly high praise from IMDb users. While not as unanimously beloved as its predecessor,The Dark Knight Risesstill features a lot of the magic and strengths that makeChristopher Nolan’sBatmantrilogy so dynamic and effective. The action is still top-notch,Tom Hardygives a highly memorable performance as Bane, and the film raises the stakes to a massive degree compared to previous films.
It speaks volumes that IMDb, as a platform, has been especially receptive and appreciative ofThe Dark Knight Risescompared to various other film aggregate sites, asit goes to show just how beloved Nolan’s work is on the site as a whole. The film’s overall approach to storytelling and dynamic action perfectly aligns with the taste and expectations from IMDb’s users, resulting in the film’s high placement as the #71 highest-rated film on the site.
The Dark Knight Rises
Eight years after the Joker’s reign of chaos, Batman is coerced out of exile with the assistance of the mysterious Selina Kyle to defend Gotham City from the vicious guerrilla terrorist Bane.
3’Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' (2018)
A monumental achievement in 3D animated filmmaking that forever changed the landscape of the medium with its visual flair and sense of style,Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Versebecame an instant phenomenon among critics and audiences alike. The film is flashy, high-energy, and hasan instantly memorable visual style that feels as if it were ripped directly off the pages of a comic book and onto the big screen. While many have attempted torecreate the film’s distinct stylesince its release, there is nothing like the animated action mastery on display in the Spider-Verse films.
Spider-Manas a character has always had a long history of exceptional films, soit speaks volumes thatInto the Spider-Versequickly rose through the ranks to be one of the character’s most beloved and highest-rated films. Time has only continued to be kind to the film, following a top-notch sequel inAcross the Spider-Versethat amplified the strengths of the original as well as the continued normalization of stylized 3D animation. The film currently holds a spot as the #63 highest-rated film on IMDb.
Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse
2’Avengers: Infinity War' (2018)
WhileAvengers: Endgamewas the more successful of the two in terms of box-office success, there will always be an inherent conversation as to which is the better film between it andAvengers: Infinity War, as they both succeed in similar yet distinctly different ways.Certain audiences specifically appreciated the buildup and emphasis thatInfinity Warutilized, especially with its shocking ending that left audiences in awe, setting the stage forEndgame’s historic success.
WhileInfinity Warcurrently holds a spot overEndgamein terms of their IMDb rankings, the difference between their scores is incredibly narrow, as they both have the same 8.4/10 ranking on the site. However, the film’s current placement as the #61 highest-rated film of all time overEndgame’s #75 paints a greater picture as tohow much more the IMDb audience prefersInfinity WaroverEndgame. It certainly makes sense, as all themassive moments inEndgamewouldn’t work nearly as well withoutInfinity War’s top-notch execution setting the stage for a grand finale.
Avengers: Infinity War
The Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.
1’Inception' (2010)
IMDb Rating:8.8/10
A dynamic action thriller that simply needs no introduction,Inception’s blending of a highly engaging premise, beautifully crafted and creatively fluid visuals, and pitch-perfect pacing has made itthe go-to original action film of the 2010s. Nolan has foundgreat success in the action genrebefore, yetInceptioneasily sees him at his best when it comes tocombining his proficiency as an action director with his ability to tell sprawling and non-traditional narratives.
Inceptionis the type of film that only gets better and better upon rewatch, directly impacting its highly beloved nature as one of the highest-rated movies on IMDb. In terms of action movies specifically,the film only stands behindThe Dark Knightas the second-highest-rated action movie on the site, as well as the #14 highest-rated movie of all time. While Nolan has and will continue to create various masterpieces in the years since its release,Inceptionwill still stand tall as one of his finest cinematic achievements in the eyes of IMDb users.
A thief who steals corporate secrets through the use of dream-sharing technology is given the inverse task of planting an idea into the mind of a C.E.O., but his tragic past may doom the project and his team to disaster.
NEXT:The 30 Best Action Movies of All Time, Ranked According to IMDb
