The 1990s were an incredible time for action movies, with many fantastic releases that mainstream audiences have largely forgotten. While cinematic classics like Speed, Terminator 2, and The Matrix franchise were all released during this time, many more hidden gems failed to achieve long-lasting cultural relevance and are ripe for rediscovery by a new generation of action movie lovers. Luckily, the advent of streaming and the widespread availability of movies means these films can finally achieve the attention they rightfully deserve.
There were plenty of underrated 1990s action movies from the decade’s biggest stars, as performers like Denzel Washington, Wesley Snipes, and Keanu Reeves have had several fantastic forgotten films. While many of these movies have built passionate cult followings, the fact that they are not very well known to the average movie viewer is truly a crying shame. Although they may have been badly received by critics at the time of release, with the power of hindsight, it’s clear these forgotten action movies had a lot to offer.
10 Hard Rain (1998)
Directed by Mikael Salomon
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Hard Rain follows a small-town sheriff and an armored car driver as they confront a gang of criminals during a massive flood. Directed by Mikael Salomon and featuring Morgan Freeman and Christian Slater, the film explores themes of survival and morality amidst natural and human threats. It combines elements of action, thriller, and disaster genres, set against the backdrop of relentless rain and rising waters.
Director Mikael Salomon Release Date January 16, 1998 Writers Graham Yost Cast Morgan Freeman , Christian Slater , Randy Quaid , Minnie Driver Main Genre Action
Hard Rain pitted humanity against the unstoppable destructive force that is nature itself for a heist thriller set against the backdrop of a major storm. Starring Morgan Freeman and Christian Slater, this story of thievery, survival, and man-made treachery was a fast-paced, special effects-filled showcase of pure, mindless entertainment. While it’s easy to criticize Hard Rain’s script as lackluster and its narrative as unbelievably outrageous, it also featured strong performances from the entire cast, and its over-the-top energy was a big part of its appeal.
While Hard Rain received negative reviews upon release and has been described as “the biggest bomb of 1998” (via Games Radar), it was also packed with tension and ticked all the right boxes for those looking for some 1990s guilty pleasure viewing. A true highlight of Hard Rain was Betty White in one of her best movies as Doreen Sears, the elderly resident who refuses to be evacuated from the storm. With a uniquely implausible concept, Hard Rain was a lot more fun than it was logical.
9 Ricochet (1991)
Directed by Russell Mulcahy
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Ricochet is a 1991 action thriller directed by Russell Mulcahy, starring Denzel Washington as Nick Styles, a rookie cop who becomes a hero after taking down a notorious villain.Years later, the villain, Earl Talbot Blake, escapes from prison and seeks revenge against Styles, who must confront his troubled past to stop him.
Director Russell Mulcahy Release Date October 4, 1991 Studio(s) HBO , Cinema Plus , Indigo Productions , Silver Pictures , Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Steven E. de Souza Cast Denzel Washington , John Lithgow , Ice-T , Kevin Pollak , Lindsay Wagner Runtime 102 Minutes Main Genre Crime Expand
Denzel Washington’s impressive career, which balanced popcorn-friendly action movies with critically acclaimed dramatic roles, might not have been the same if he had not starred in Ricochet, his very first action movie. This highly underrated release proved Washington had the range to become a true action hero as he starred in this nail-biting story of revenge. As a thrilling game of cat-and-mouse, Washington starred as Assistant District Attorney Nick Styles being pursued by a vengeful criminal he helped put away years before.
Despite being a stylish and exciting action movie, Ricochet didn’t have the same impact as more successful 1990s action films and underperformed at the box office. As a dark and violent story made even better by a deranged turn from John Lithgow as the killer Earl Talbot Blake, Ricochet is a movie that has truly been slept on by action movie fans. With strong performances and snappy dialogue, Ricochet deserves much more attention.
8 Kuffs (1992)
Directed by Bruce A. Evans
Christian Slater made a name for himself during the 1990s with acclaimed roles in classics like True Romance, although this decade also boasted plenty of his most underrated movies. One prime example of this was Kuffs, a forgotten action comedy where Slater played an underachieving slacker caught up in the world of for-hire policing. While the concept of Kuffs, which saw Slater taking over his brother’s policing roles after his murder, was quite unbelievable, the strong performances and unique sense of humor made up for this.
With a breaking of the fourth wall style that saw Slater talking directly to the camera, Kuffs was a slick action movie that didn’t attempt to break any new ground and instead focused on delivering a solid action movie. While criticisms that Kuffs was derivative of other films, such as Beverly Hills Cop, were justified, it wore its influences on its sleeve and had its own quirky appeal. Although Kuffs at times struggled to balance its more violent sequences with its lighthearted comedic tone, there was still a lot to love about this underrated release.
7 I Come In Peace (1990)
Directed by Craig R. Baxley
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I Come in Peace follows Houston detective Jack Caine, played by Dolph Lundgren, as he investigates a string of bizarre murders linked to an alien drug dealer who hunts humans for their endorphins. Partnered with an FBI agent, Caine faces off against the extraterrestrial threat in a battle to save humanity. The film blends sci-fi and action elements, directed by Craig R. Baxley and released in 1990.
Director Craig R. Baxley Release Date September 28, 1990 Studio(s) Vision PDG Distributor(s) Triumph Releasing Writers David Koepp (credited as Leonard Maas Jr.) , Jonathan Tydor Cast Dolph Lundgren , Brian Benben , Betsy Brantley , Matthias Hues , Jay Bilas , Jim Haynie , David Ackroyd , Sherman Howard , Sam Anderson Runtime 91 minutes Budget $7 million Main Genre Action Expand
Although I Come in Peace is often dismissed as a forgotten Terminator ripoff, the truth is that this Dolph Lundgren movie truly holds up. Also released until the title Dark Angel, I Come in Peace told the story of renegade cop Detective Jack Cain, who teamed up with an FBI to track down a killer drug-dealing alien from outer space. As an epic sci-fi story that took what worked about The Terminator and expanded upon it, this underrated hidden gem has built up a reputation as an enjoyable cult classic.
While I Come in Peace can be criticized as derivative, its witty script and clever premise helped elevate it above other movies that attempted to cash in on Schwarzenegger-style action movies. Highly memorable one-liners like “I come in peace” and “you go in pieces” also contributed to this movie’s unique appeal. As a cult classic just waiting to be rediscovered by mainstream viewers, I Come In Peace had plenty to offer.
6 Showdown In Little Tokyo (1991)
Directed by Mark L. Lester
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Showdown in Little Tokyo is an action film directed by Mark L. Lester, starring Dolph Lundgren as Sergeant Chris Kenner and Brandon Lee as Detective Johnny Murata. Set in the underworld of Los Angeles, the film follows the two officers as they form an alliance to bring down a notorious Yakuza crime boss, Yoshida, played by Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa. The movie combines martial arts action with a crime-fighting narrative.
Director Mark L. Lester Release Date August 23, 1991 Writers Stephen Glantz , Caliope Brattlestreet Cast Dolph Lundgren , Brandon Lee , Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa , Tia Carrere , Toshirô Obata , philip tan Runtime 79 minutes Main Genre Action Expand
Dolph Lundgren and Brandon Lee proved they made an excellent action movie duo in Showdown in Little Tokyo. This buddy cop story about two detectives trying to take down the Yakuza in Los Angeles was badly received by critics at the time but has since built up a cult following. Showdown in Little Tokyo also marked the American acting debut of Bruce Lee’s son, Lee had previously built up his reputation in Hong Kong action movies like Legacy of Rage.
Showdown in Little Tokyo was misunderstood at the time of its release but has since gained praise for its fast-paced action and charismatic, humorous performances. Lundgren and Lee had great onscreen chemistry, and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa deserves extra praise for his role as the sinister villain Funekei Yoshida. Overall, Showdown in Little Tokyo more than delivered on its promise of B-movie action fun and deserves far more recognition.
5 Snake Eyes (1998)
Directed by Brian De Palma
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Snake Eyes, directed by Brian De Palma, is a suspense thriller starring Nicolas Cage as a corrupt Atlantic City cop who witnesses an assassination during a boxing match. As he investigates, he uncovers a web of conspiracy and deceit, challenging his loyalty and morality. The film also features performances by Gary Sinise and Carla Gugino, and showcases De Palma’s signature style and craftsmanship in building tension.
Director Brian De Palma Release Date August 7, 1998 Writers Brian De Palma , David Koepp Cast Nicolas Cage , Gary Sinise , John Heard , Carla Gugino , Stan Shaw , Kevin Dunn , Michael Rispoli , Joel Fabiani , Luis Guzman , David Anthony Higgins , Mike Starr , Tamara Tunie , Chip Zien , Michaella Bassey , Paul Joseph Bernardo , Jernard Burks , Mark Camacho , Desmond Campbell , Jean-Paul Chartrand , Chip Chuipka , Deano Clavet Character(s) Rick Santoro , Commander Kevin Dunne , Gilbert Powell , Julia Costello , Lincoln Tyler , Lou Logan , Jimmy George , Charles Kirkland , Cyrus , Ned Campbell , Walt McGahn , Anthea , Mickey Alter , Tyler’s Party Girl #2 , Casino Security #1 , Tyler’s Bodyguard , C.J. , Arena Security , Ring Announcer , Zeitz Main Genre Thriller Expand
Although this boasted some of his very best action movie performances, like Con Air and Face/Off, there were plenty more underrated 1990s Nicolas Cage movies. One major example is Snake Eyes, a highly underappreciated Brian De Palm film bursting with style and energy. While the narrative of this mystery thriller was justifiably criticized for lacking depth, this almost didn’t matter as its incredible atmosphere and impressive cinematography made for spellbinding viewers.
It’s fair to say that Snake Eyes does not live up to the best work by either Cage or De Palma, but some serious suspense and trashy energy made this an underappreciated hidden gem. As the flamboyant police detective Rick Santoro, Cage gives an outrageous performance that will appeal to fans of his unique body of work. It’s not a perfect movie by a stretch of the imagination, but the suspenseful mystery of corruption and deceit at the heart of its missing woman story made Snake Eyes an intriguing release.
4 Johnny Mnemonic (1995)
Directed by Robert Longo
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Johnny Mnemonic is an action sci-fi film directed by Robert Longo and based on William Gibson’s novel. The film follows data courier Johnny, who carries a large implant in his brain that holds significant information that could change everything – but a yakuza member takes on a hit request and sends a dangerous assassin to stop incriminating information from getting out.
Director Robert Longo Release Date May 26, 1995 Studio(s) Johnny Mnemonic Productions Distributor(s) Tri-Star Pictures Writers William Gibson Cast Keanu Reeves , Dolph Lundgren , Takeshi Kitano , Ice-T , Dina Meyer Runtime 96 Minutes Budget $26 Million Expand
Following Keanu Reeves’ massive action movie smash hit Speed, he turned his sights to the cyberpunk genre, not with The Matrix, which came later, but with the highly underrated sci-fi action movie Johnny Mnemonic. This dystopian story about a man holding confidential information inside his head due to a brain implant was based on a short story by cyberpunk legend William Gibson. While it was badly received at the time, Johnny Mnemonic was a major precursor to The Matrix’s success and, in many ways, just a few years ahead of its time.
With endless style and a richly imaginative world, Johnny Mnemonic blended engaging sci-fi concepts with film noir aesthetics to produce a compelling cult classic. Johnny Mnemonic was influential enough that the Wachowskis used it as a template for describing The Matrix to investors (via The New Yorker.) The film also received an updated version in 2022 titled Johnny Mnemonic: In Black and White, which Gibson said better aligned with the original vision of his story (via Screen Slate.)
3 Blue Steel (1990)
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow
It was a tragedy that director Kathryn Bigelow’s forgotten action movie Blue Steel did not get more attention. With an astounding performance from Jamie Lee Curtis as a rookie cop engaged in a game of cat-and-mouse with an obsessive psychopath, this over-the-top story of law, lunacy, and lust saw its star echoing the appeal of her breakout role in Halloween to face off against yet another unstoppable foe. Blue Steel had plenty of style and was a darkly brutal story of atmospheric tension.
As Megan Turner, Curtis delivered a tough and vulnerable performance that showcased her impeccable talent. While there were aspects of this forgotten thriller that truly beggar belief, everything was delivered with such assurance that it’s easy to forgive the unrealistic aspects of its narrative. While Bigelow would later take home Best Picture at the Oscars for her war thriller The Hurt Locker, Blue Steel was an earlier indication of her often underrated filmmaking prowess.
2 New Jack City (1991)
Directed by Mario Van Peebles
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New Jack City is a crime thriller directed by Mario Van Peebles, which stars Wesley Snipes as Nino Brown, the head of a powerful New York City drug cartel. The film follows Detective Scotty Appleton, played by Ice-T, who is determined to bring down Nino Brown and his empire. Released in 1991, the movie examines the devastating effects of the drug trade on urban communities.
Director Mario Van Peebles Release Date March 8, 1991 Writers Thomas Lee Wright , Barry Michael Cooper Cast Wesley Snipes , Ice-T , Allen Payne , Chris Rock , Mario Van Peebles , Michael Michele , Bill Nunn , Russell Wong Runtime 97 Minutes Main Genre Crime Expand
While New Jack City was well-received when it was first released and even held enough cultural relevance to have the hip-hop genre new jack swing named after it (via Red Bull Music Academy), the film rarely gets spoken about when discussing the best action movies of the 1990s. With an incredible performance from Wesley Snipes, who played Nino Brown, a New York drug lord during the crack epidemic, this high-stakes crime story followed an NYDP detective going undercover to take down Nino and his gang.
With an all-star cast, a stellar soundtrack, and a truly engaging story that addresses social and political issues, New Jack City was an accomplished film that carried forward the legacy of Blaxploitation cinema during the 1970s. With stylish direction from Mario Van Peebles, New Jack City felt like an urban reimagining of Scarface as Snipes’ larger-than-life villain highlighted the violent excesses of drug running. Despite confidently carrying an important anti-drug message, New Jack City has been hugely underrated in the decades since its release.
1 Strange Days (1995)
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow
With a screenplay co-written by James Cameron and astounding performances from Ralph Fiennes, Angela Bassett, and Juliette Lewis, Strange Days was a big-budget sci-fi epic mostly forgotten by mainstream viewers. With urgent themes of racism and abuses of power, Strange Days was influenced by contemporary events like the murder of Rodney King, the trial of O.J. Simpson, and the 1992 LA Riots. Based on an electronic device that allowed users to experience other people’s recorded memories and physical sensations, this dark satire failed to meet the studio’s expectations at the time.
As a box office bomb that grossed just under $8 million domestically against its $42 million budget (via Box Office Mojo), Strange Days’ failure derailed Bigelow’s career for more than a decade. This was a crying shame, as Strange Days was an incredible action movie that, for those in the know, has become a cult classic. As a movie overlooked by audiences and misunderstood by critics at the time, it’s one that’s definitely worth revisiting.
Sources: Games Radar, The New Yorker, Screen Slate, Red Bull Music Academy, Box Office Mojo