While there are quite a few different options for streaming services formoviefans to choose from these days, there are a few that stand out due to their larger selection of popular movies.HBO Maxincludes a rich collection ofactionmovies that are sure to keep fans entertained on movie night.
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Additionally, the service boasts ongoing deal with Warner Bros. that brings new movies to the streaming service on the same day as the theatrical release. With all these options, can be difficult to narrow down what to watch when needed. To help movie buffs out, here’s a list of of the best action-packed movies that are currently streaming exclusively on HBO Max.
10Speed (1994)
A disgruntled bomber targets a city bus and a young cop in 1994’sSpeed.Jan de Bont’s directorial debut that stars Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, and Dennis Hopper. Though it wound up an award-winning film, it unfortunately led to a less-than-successful sequel.
In this movie, an LAPD bomb squad detective stopped a bomber’s plans to collect a ransom. The bomber then planted a bomb on a bus and set it to blow if the vehicle dropped below 50 MPH. This leads to a tense, fast-paced, destructive ride through the streets of L.A.
9The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)
Geena Davis and Samuel L. Jackson starred in 1996’sThe Long Kiss Goodnightfrom director Renny Harlinas. The plot involves amnesiac woman trying to investigate her faintly remembered violent past, and the private investigator helping her.
After suffering a head injury during a car accident, Davis' character discovers fighting skills with weaponry prowess. She and her PI embark on a mission to investigate her past. Ultimately, they unlock her memories as a highly-trained CIA assassin, just in time to face off with the government agents that are after them.
8The Matrix (1999)
Keanu Reeves found a new life as an action star in the 90s, bringing him to the starring role asNeo in 1999’sThe Matrixfrom the Wachowskis. This classic film explored the war between man and machine that led to the creation of the titular virtual world that became humanity’s prison.
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The Matrixfeatured revolutionary camera and wirework to produce some of the most dynamic cinematic action scenes and gunfights ever witnessed. These impressive special effects that still hold up today, and have led to follow-up entries. The sequels didn’t quite stack up, but still featured plenty of action.
7Desperado (1995)
1995’sDesperadofrom director Robert Rodriguezstarred Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek in the big-budget sequel to 1992’sEl Mariachi.The plot followed the titular traveling musician, as he sought out revenge on the drug lord who shot him in the hand and ruined his ability to play music.
Desperadobecame well-known among action fans for the dynamic shootouts, beautiful aesthetic and stellar performances. Eventually, its acclaim led to a final entry in the franchise, with 2003’sOnce Upon A Time In Mexico.
6Escape From New York (1981)
John Carpenter’sEscape from New Yorkhit theaters in 1981, starring Kurt Russell. It introduced a futuristic world where the island of Manhattan had been turned into a prison to help deal with overwhelming crime in the country.
Kurt Russell’s iconic Snake Plissken is unwillingly sent into Manhattan on a mission by the government. There, he must rescue the President after his plane crashed in enemy territory. Thedystopic action-heavy classicis a favorite among genre fans, and a must-watch for anyone who missed out on its original release.
5The Fast And The Furious (2001)
The long-running franchise launched in 2001 withThe Fast and the Furiousfrom director Rob Cohen. It introduced Vin Diesel as a street-racing thief, and Paul Walker as the undercover cop trying to catch him and his gang/family.
The combination of Dom and Brian’s developing relationship, the high-octane thrills of the street-racing environment, and the undercover cop element became an instant hit with fans. After a couple of sequels that explored the concept further, the series hit hard with a return from all of the main characters that reworked the franchise into a blockbuster hit.
4Kill Bill Vol 1. and 2 (2003/2004)
Quentin Tarantino has explored a few different genresover his high-profile career. His dedicated fanbase looks forward to each film with anticipation. In 2003, he dove into the action genre with a loving homage to classic martial arts movies:Kill BillVol. 1.
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Kill Billstarred Uma Thurman as a revenge-fueled former assassin who hunts down her former teammates after they tried to kill her. HBO Max thankfully has the followingVol.2 available as well, so fans can check out the full story in one action-packed sitting.
3Kong: Skull Island (2017)
2017 saw the iconic King Kong return to the big screen. Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts’sKong: Skull Islandstars Tom Holland, Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson. This film revolves around a military team of researchers sent to the legendary island on a mission to hunt down monsters.
Kong: Skull Islandfeatured intense battles between Kong and the military as well as monsters. Additionally, it connected to the previously releasedGodzillareboot. This helped launch theMonsterVerse that led to 2021’s hitGodzilla vs. Kong, which is also currently available to stream on HBO Max.
George Miller’s post-apocalyptic franchise returned in 2015 withMad Max: Fury Road,starring Tom Hardy as Max Rockatansky alongsideCharlize Theron as Furiosa. Together, they attempted to free the trapped wives of a despotic warlord, as they faced his armies of blood-addicted War Boys and their deadly vehicles.
The franchise, known for its futuristic auto warfare, surpassed itself withFury Road.Viewers were treated to some of the most beautiful and deadly car chase sequences. These somehow looked even better in the colorless Black and Chrome Edition, though only the theatrical version is exclusively available on HBO Max.
1Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
One of the biggest releases on HBO Max was therecent debut ofZack Snyder’s Justice League, the oft-demanded “Snyder Cut” that allowed director Zack Snyder to present his original vision of the film. It turned out to be far different than the theatrical version that was rewritten and completed by Joss Whedon.
Zack Snyder’s Justice Leagueis exclusively available on HBO Max and is filled with epic action scenes spread out across the four-hour runtime. Hopefully, it will give fans who weren’t impressed with the first take a better experience.
