Summary
The 2000s were an exciting time foraction movies, although there were many fantastic films from this era that failed to get the recognition they deserved. Whether it was a poor critical reception upon their initial release or having fallen away from audiences’ collective memory in the years since, several extraordinarily underrated action movies deserve to be recognized for their heart-racing sequences, thrilling narratives, and balls-to-wall action hero protagonists. While these movies may not be as well regarded as the biggest hits of that time, they were no less worthy of acclaim.
Thebest action movies everkept viewers entertained and engaged through thrilling, action-packed spectacle, and the most underrated movies from the 2000s were no different. While some box office flops have since went on to gain reputations as cult favorites, others have remained in obscurity, in deep need of reappraisal from modern viewers.There was something special about great action movies in the 2000s, as they signaled a heyday for some of the biggest action stars in living memory.
Hitman
Cast
A gun-for-hire known only as Agent 47 hired by a group known only as ‘The Organization’ is ensnared in a political conspiracy, which finds him pursued by both Interpol and the Russian military as he treks across Russia and Eastern Europe.
As the first adaptation of the beloved video game series of the same name,Hitmanfrom 2007 was slated by critics for convoluted plot and excessive violence. However, looking back,Hitmanfeatured an incredible lead performance from Timothy Olyphantas Agent 47, the orphaned child who was professionally trained to grow up into an international hitman for hire. By remaining true to its source material,Hitmanfeatured non-stop action and was unfairly criticized when it was released as it perfectly accomplished its goal of transferring the acclaimed stealth series to the big screen.
While the negative reception toHitmanmeant a planned sequel was canceled, and audiences instead endured a lackluster reboot calledHitman: Agent 47in 2015, some notable voices have recognized the underrated nature ofHitman. The legendary late film criticRoger Ebertwas one of the few to lavish praise on the film, with a three-out-four-star review calling it a “better movie than I thought it might be.” Philosopher and film theorist Slavoj Žižek also calledHitmanhis “guilty pleasure” (viaKotaku) and included it in his top ten films of all time forSight & Soundmagazine in 2012.
Gone in 60 Seconds
Gone in 60 Seconds is a high-octane action film directed by Dominic Sena. It stars Nicolas Cage as ex-car thief Randall “Memphis” Raines, who is forced out of retirement to steal 50 cars in one night to save his brother’s life. Angelina Jolie co-stars as his former girlfriend and fellow car thief, Sara “Sway” Wayland. The film explores themes of loyalty, skill, and the adrenaline of high-stakes theft.
In terms of actors with filmographies packed with massively underrated movies, Nicholas Cage has to come near the top. One often derided Cage film from the dawn of the millennium that does not deserve the hate it got wasGone in 60 Seconds, an intense action movie about a thief who must steal 50 cars in one night to save his brother. Similar to the way the bus inSpeedcouldn’t slow down, this was the type of crazy and absurd concept that made for heart-racing action movies.
Critics derided the writing, directing, acting, and even action sequences inGone in 60 Seconds, but the movie did well at the box office. It grossed over $237 million and has since gained a cult following, as the over-the-top nature ofCage’s acting persona paired well with this outrageous action film. Joined by a talented supporting cast, including Angelina Jolie, Robert Duvall, and Giovanni Ribisi,Gone in 60 Secondshas all the makings of a classic 2000s action movie.
Law Abiding Citizen
In the thriller Law Abiding Citizen, Gerard Butler stars as a man who seeks revenge against the justice system that failed him after his family is brutally murdered. Jamie Foxx co-stars as the prosecutor who failed to convict the killer and Viola Davis appears as the mayor.
The absolute carnage ofLaw Abiding Citizenwas lambasted by critics for its over-the-top violence and unflinchingly absurd concept. However, this willingness to go for broke in an action movie where one wronged man (Gerard Butler) takes on the entire system to avenge the death of his family after their killer was set free was what madeLaw Abiding Citizensuch a thrilling viewing experience. As audiences' sympathies were placed firmly with a murderous vigilante, the careful planning and cunning precision of its so-called villain was a refreshing subversion of the usual car chases and bare-hands combat of other action movies.
While Jamie Foxx, as the Philadelphia prosecutor Nick Rice, was presented as the hero inLaw Abiding Citizen, the power of the film rested firmly on the shoulder of Butler’s Clyde Shelton. With plenty of twists and turns, this was a mortality tale that went in a different direction than other movies, as its unpredictable nature made it engaging throughout.Law Abiding Citizendid what the best action movies should do, as it kept viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering how it would all play out in the end.
Shoot ‘Em Up
Shoot ‘Em Up is an action film created by writer-director Michael Davis and released in 2007. Clive Owen stars as a man simply known as “Smith,” a former military operative living in the shadows who happens upon a pregnant woman being chased by an assassin. After delivering her baby and being killed, Smith realizes that the child is targeted and goes to great lengths to keep them safe while trying to figure out the reason for the attempted hit.
The non-stop action, tongue-in-cheek humor, and over-the-top concept helped makeShoot ‘Em Upone of the best 2000s action movies that nobody talks about. Although it was positively received by critics,this excellent Clive Owen vehicle was a box office bombthat made just $27 million against its $39 million budget. With a story about a carrot-eating drifter rescuing a newborn baby from a ruthless assassin played by Paul Giamatti,Shoot ‘Em Upwas an endlessly entertaining action movie with aruntime of under 90 minutes.
As a no-holds-barred action movie,Shoot ‘Em Updoesn’t pretend to be anything that it’s not and achieves its mission of delivering fast-paced entertainment perfectly.Shoot ‘Em Upwas a film that was aware of its more ridiculous aspects and played them up delightfully as it delivered one action sequence, bad one-liner, and intense shootout after another. As a woefully underrated film, 2000s action lovers should be sure to check outShoot ‘Em Up.
The Rundown
The Rundown is an action-comedy film directed by Peter Berg, featuring Dwayne Johnson as a bounty hunter named Beck. Sent to retrieve his employer’s son, played by Seann William Scott, from the Amazon, Beck encounters resistance from a local treasure hunter and a ruthless mining operator. The film balances high-octane action with humor, supported by performances from Christopher Walken and Rosario Dawson.
Dwayne Johnson was still being credited as The Rock for his first action comedy role inThe Rundownback in 2003. As an enjoyable buddy comedy where Johnson played an expert bounty hunter who must retrieve his employee’s wayward son (Seann William Scott) from Brazil, the two soon found themselves caught up in conflict with the oppressive town leader and in a hunt for a mysterious treasure. Not only didThe Rundownfeature two hilarious lead performances, but it also had an impressive supporting cast, including Rosario Dawson and Christopher Walken.
The Rundownis also known under the titleWelcome to the Jungle.
WhileThe Rundowndidn’t break down any cinematic boundaries, it was an enjoyable time capsule in the early 2000s and Johnson’s rise as a major Hollywood leading man.The Rundownunderperformed at the box officewith a gross of just over $80 million against its $85 million budget. Sadly,The Rundownhasn’t endured in the audience’s collective memory in the way other 2000s action comedies likeTropic Thunderhave, but for those looking for a good laugh and some mindless entertainment, it’s well worth revisiting.
Equilibrium
Equilibrium is a dystopian sci-fi film set in a future where a totalitarian regime enforces peace by suppressing emotions through a mandatory drug. Christian Bale stars as a high-ranking enforcer who begins to challenge this oppressive system, sparking a rebellion against the emotionless society. Released in 2002, the film explores themes of control and freedom.
With tight choreography, guns, material arts, and an Orwellian dystopian setting, the sci-fi action movieEquilibriumwas a critical and commercial failure that deserved far more love than it got. With Christian Bale as a man rising up to overthrow the totalitarian city-state of Libria,Equilibriumfeatured a society formed out of the wreckage of World War III, where human emotions were deemed the root of all conflicts. Taking influence from works likeFahrenheit 451,Nineteen Eighty-Four, andBrave New World,Equilibriumwas an enjoyable mishmash of its inspirations repackaged as an action movie.
WhileEquilibrium’sderivative nature may put off some viewers, it combined many well-worn sci-fi concepts to create something new and thought-provoking. As a film released shortly afterThe Matrix’smega-success, it’s clearEquilibriumwas trying to soak up some of that franchise’s success, but it was mostly forgotten in the process. However, as an effective piece of dystopian nightmare fuel,Equilibriumwas surprisingly good and stood as one of the most underrated action movies of the 2000s.
Crank
Chev Chelios, a hitman, is injected with a lethal poison that threatens to stop his heart if he doesn’t keep his adrenaline levels high. To stay alive, Chev embarks on a relentless and chaotic rampage through the city, engaging in extreme stunts and violent confrontations to maintain his heart rate. As he hunts down those responsible for his imminent death, Chev’s quest for survival becomes a nonstop thrill ride, filled with explosive action and desperate measures.
Of all theaction movies that look and feel like video games, no other met this criteria better thanCrankwith Jason Statham. As a highly underrated action movie,Crankstarred Statham as Chev Chelios, a professional assassin injected with a poison that would kill him if his heart rate dropped. This outrageous concept meant thatCrankwas non-stop action from start to finish, as Chelios had to continuously ensure he upped the stakes as his life depended on it.
At times, watchingCrankfelt more like playingGrand Theft Auto, as the sheer carnage on display mimicked the most absurd run of the free-roaming video game series. Statham did an excellent job in this thrilling, adrenaline-fueled misadventure. As a no-nonsense, reckless, and outrageous film,Crankhas been woefully underrated and deserves more recognition among action lovers.
3District B13 (2004)
Directed by Pierre Morel
The French movieDistrict B13was an effective action film that utilized parkour with the use of computer-generated imagery. Co-written and produced by Luc Besson, the impressive stunt work ofDistrict B13drew many comparisons to the Thai filmOng-Bak, starring Tony Jaa. WhileDistrict B13received positive reviews internationally, the reception in its home country was less than stellar, as French reviewers felt its plot was shallow and too derivative of other action movies (viaThe New York Times), like John Carpenter’sEscape from New York.
As a box office bomb that recouped just over $10 million of its $13 million budget,District B13never got the attention it deserved for its impressive stunts, expertly done camera work, and insightful social commentary. With a story about regions being overrun by gangs and a plot to neutralize a bomb attack,District B13highlighted social problems in the suburbs of Paris. Although it never managed to reach a mainstream audience,District B13did receive a sequel titledDistrict 13: Ultimatumin 2009 that fared better than the original film.
Miami Vice
Based on the 1980s TV action/drama, this update focuses on vice detectives Crockett and Tubbs as their respective personal and professional lives become dangerously intertwined.
Back when Michael Mann’sMiami Vicewas released in 2006, audiences were used to old TV shows being revived as lighthearted comedy movies such asThe Dukes of Hazzard. However, the bright and fun 1980s feeling ofMiami Vice’stelevision show was nowhere to be seen in this new version, as it told a dark and gritty story with a serious tone. This alienated many viewers, and despite being a truly excellent film,Miami Vicewas doomed to fail as it underperformed at the box office and received mixed reviews from critics.
However, in the nearly two decades since its release,Miami Vice’sreputationhas started to shift, and it has built up a name for itself as an underappreciated cult favorite. With a strong sense of style and philosophical undertones,Miami Vicewas imbued with an artistic vision as Mann carved something new out of the television serieshe had executive produced back in the 1980s. With strong lead performances from Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell,Miami Vicedeserved to be reappraised by contemporary viewers.
Man on Fire
Man on Fire is a drama thriller directed by Tony Scott, featuring Denzel Washington as John Creasy, a burned-out ex-CIA operative turned bodyguard. He is hired to protect a young girl, Pita Ramos, played by Dakota Fanning, in Mexico City. As Creasy develops a bond with Pita, he is driven to exact vengeance when she is abducted, showcasing a relentless pursuit for justice against those responsible.
As one ofDenzel Washington’s most underrated films,Man on Firewas everything a viewer could want out of a 2000s action movie. With the iconic late director Tony Scott at the helm, a thrilling narrative about a former CIA operative on a revenge rampage for an abducted nine-year-old girl, and a surprising amount of heart,Man on Fireticked all the right boxes. However, critics did not feel the same, and despite grossing $130 million against a $70 million budget, it received a mixed reception.
Man on Fire was a grim tale that did not shy away from depicting the darkest recesses of Mexico City as the unseen mastermind of a sinister kidnapping plot sent Washington’s John W. Creasy down a spiral of vigilantism. As a much more faithful adaptation of A. J. Quinnell’s original novel than Elie Chouraqui’s 1987 version,Man on Fireimpressed the author, who commended Washington’s performance (viaTimes of Malta.) An emotional wild ride from start to finish,Man on Firewas the most underratedaction movieof the 2000s.
Sources: Box office figures fromBox Office Mojo,Roger Ebert,Kotaku,The New York Times,Times of Malta
