The ’90s was a glorious decade for action films of all kinds. Realistic special effects were slowly creeping into the picture, while the screenwriting of the era was on point to where a full throttle action story did not suffer from those effects taking center stage. Genuinely vibrant and engaging characters were being written to a point where we, as audience members, were invested in their fate. Fates that sometimes did not turn out how we had hoped.
The below gallery features some of the top action movies of the ’90s that encompassed nicely designed architects, from sound writing to meticulous direction to concentrated acting.
Videos by ComicBook.com
Have some suggestions for the gallery? Be sure to make them in the comments.
Armageddon (1998)
ย
Laugh as much as you want at Armageddon, but seeing Bruce Willis say one last goodbye to his daughter and save the world brings tears to my eyes every time.
Speed (1994)
ย
Speed never stops moving and has Dennis Hopper in perfect form.
Face/Off (1997)
ย
Nic Cage as Castor Troy is really the only reason anyone needs to see Face/Off. That, and doves. Lots and lots of doves.
Die Hard With A Vengeance (1995)
ย
John McClane taking on Hans Gruber’s relative? Yes, please. Die Hard With A Vengeance is another great edition to the franchise.
Independence Day (1996)
ย
Independence Day was a pillar in absurd, but addictively enjoyable ’90s action films. Randy Quaid is my hero.
Point Break (1991)
ย
An engaging, fun plot? Kathryn Bigelow behind the camera? And Patrick Swayze as the one and only Bodhi? Point Break is ’90s action movies in a bottle.
Con Air (1997)
ย
From start to finish, Con Air is probably the most action-packed ’90s film that features a beautifully maniacal John Malkovich and a hilariously campy Nic Cage as Cameron Poe.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)
ย
One of the best sequels ever to be created. Terminator 2: Judgement Day is another testament to James Cameron’s sequel skills.
True Romance (1993)
ย
True Romance may be unexpected, but its a great first screenwriting run from Quentin Tarantino and displays some awesome characters, specifically Gary Oldman as the creepy as hell Drexl Spivey.ย
The Rock (1996)
ย
The Rock is hands down the best action film of the ’90s. Michael Bay made a popcorn flick masterpiece with this film. Green Flares!