As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the year’s most thrilling action-packed films.
Whether you’re a fan of epic fights, high-speed chases, or grand-scale conflicts, the action genre continues to impress. From long-awaited sequels like Dune: Part Two to unexpected gems like Kill, 2024 had it all. Below, we highlight the best action films of the year, ranked based on their action quality, innovation, storytelling, and, of course, their heart-pounding sequences.
1. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Directed by: Wes Ball
Release Date: May 10, 2024
Cast: Kevin Durand, Freya Allan, Owen Teague
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes picks up generations after Caesar’s reign, following Noa (Owen Teague) on a journey to save his family, alongside Mae (Freya Allan), a human girl with her own secret agenda. Despite a satisfying conclusion to the Planet of the Apes saga, this unexpected sequel expands the lore with thrilling action, intense drama, and a gripping storyline.
Rating: PG-13 | Genre: Action, Sci-Fi | Runtime: 145 minutes
2. Monkey Man
Directed by: Dev Patel
Release Date: April 5, 2024
Cast: Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley
In his directorial debut, Dev Patel stars in Monkey Man, a gritty revenge thriller with political undertones. After his village is destroyed by a corrupt spiritual guru, the Kid (Patel) embarks on a bloody rampage to seek vengeance and root out city-wide corruption. The film’s raw action and compelling social themes make it a standout.
Rating: R | Genre: Action, Thriller | Runtime: 121 minutes
3. The Beekeeper
Directed by: David Ayer
Release Date: January 12, 2024
Cast: Jason Statham, Emmy Raver-Lampman
The Beekeeper stars Jason Statham as Adam Clay, a former operative who seeks revenge against a corrupt network of scammers. With Statham’s signature blend of grit and humor, this action-packed film mixes intensity with moments of campiness, making it a highly entertaining ride.
Rating: R | Genre: Action, Thriller | Runtime: 105 minutes
4. Thelma
Directed by: Josh Margolin
Release Date: January 18, 2024
Cast: June Squibb, Fred Hechinger
This comedy-driven action film follows Thelma (June Squibb), a grandmother who takes matters into her own hands after scammers target her family. While not as intense as other action films, Thelma delivers heartwarming humor, with Squibb’s performance making it a delightful, feel-good watch.
Rating: PG-13 | Genre: Comedy, Action | Runtime: 97 minutes
5. Kill
Directed by: Nikhil Nagesh Bhat
Release Date: 2024
Cast: Vikrant Massey, Jatin Goswami
A blood-soaked thriller, Kill follows two commandos battling a group of bandits in a high-stakes heist gone wrong. Packed with intense action and gory confrontations, this Indian film offers a unique blend of claustrophobic tension and brutal combat, making it a must-watch for fans of hardcore action.
Rating: R | Genre: Action, Thriller | Runtime: 125 minutes
6. The Shadow Strays
Directed by: Timo Tjahjanto
Release Date: October 17, 2024
Cast: Aurora Ribero, Hana Malasan
This Indonesian crime thriller follows 17-year-old assassin 13 (Aurora Ribero), who must navigate the violent underworld after failing a mission. With its striking action sequences and emotional depth, The Shadow Strays combines traditional action tropes with fresh, innovative storytelling, leaving a lasting impact.
Rating: R | Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller | Runtime: 144 minutes
7. Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In
Directed by: Soi Cheang
Release Date: 2024
Cast: Raymond Lam, Tony Ka Fai Leung
Set in 1980s Hong Kong, this martial arts epic explores the dark underbelly of the notorious Kowloon Walled City. Filled with exceptional choreography and raw, gritty stunts, Twilight of the Warriors presents a carefully crafted world before delivering its explosive action-packed finale.
Rating: R | Genre: Action, Martial Arts | Runtime: 135 minutes
8. Dune: Part Two
Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
Release Date: February 27, 2024
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya
The highly anticipated sequel to Dune continues Paul Atreides’ (Timothée Chalamet) journey as he leads the Fremen in a fight against the corrupt forces of the universe. With breathtaking visuals, spectacular battles, and emotionally charged moments, Dune: Part Two offers a masterclass in sci-fi action.
Rating: PG-13 | Genre: Action, Sci-Fi | Runtime: 167 minutes
9. Rebel Ridge
Directed by: Jeremy Saulnier
Release Date: September 6, 2024
Cast: Aaron Pierre, Emory Cohen
Rebel Ridge is a high-octane crime thriller about a former marine (Aaron Pierre) seeking justice after corrupt cops seize his cousin’s bail money. As he uncovers a web of corruption, the film escalates into a thrilling series of action-packed confrontations, highlighted by Pierre’s standout performance.
Rating: R | Genre: Action, Crime, Drama | Runtime: 131 minutes
10. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Directed by: George Miller
Release Date: May 24, 2024
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth
The long-awaited prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road, Furiosa tells the origin story of the iconic character, as she navigates a world of chaos and vengeance. With stunning practical effects, exhilarating car chases, and a relentless narrative, Furiosa stands as the ultimate action movie of 2024, delivering nonstop thrills from start to finish.
Rating: R | Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi | Runtime: 148 minutes
These ten action films defined 2024, showcasing unforgettable stunts, compelling storylines, and incredible performances. Each film on this list is deserving of recognition for its contribution to the genre, proving that the action genre remains as thrilling as ever.