The 1990s were an incredible decade for action cinema. After Die Hard's release in 1988, many imitators attempted to use that formula, but there were many different bold and original action films that dominated the decade. Many of the most influential action directors of all-time, including James Cameron, Kathryn Bigelow, Paul Verhoeven, and the Wachowskis, created films that continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers to this day.
There's no one way to define a great action film, but the films on this list stand out for their groundbreaking filmmaking, electrifying action sequences, memorable characters, and cultural impact. Here are the top twenty best action movies of the 1990s.
