10 Underrated Action Movies From The 2000s

Summary

• The 2000s were a heyday for underrated action movies with thrilling narratives and unforgettable protagonists.
• Hitman, Gone in 60 Seconds, Law Abiding Citizen, and more showcased intense action that deserved more recognition.
• Man on Fire and Miami Vice are examples of hidden gems with heartfelt stories and powerful performances.

The 2000s were an exciting time for action 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.

The best action movies ever kept 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.

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10 Hitman (2007)

Directed by Xavier Gens

Hitman RActionCrimeDocumentaryDramaThriller

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.

Director Xavier Gens Release Date November 21, 2007 Writers Skip Woods Cast Timothy Olyphant , Dougray Scott , Olga Kurylenko , Robert Knepper , Ulrich Thomsen , Henry Ian Cusick Runtime 89 minutes Main Genre Action Expand

As the first adaptation of the beloved video game series of the same name, Hitman from 2007 was slated by critics for convoluted plot and excessive violence. However, looking back, Hitman featured an incredible lead performance from Timothy Olyphant as 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, Hitman featured 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 to Hitman meant a planned sequel was canceled, and audiences instead endured a lackluster reboot called Hitman: Agent 47 in 2015, some notable voices have recognized the underrated nature of Hitman. The legendary late film critic Roger Ebert was 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 called Hitman his “guilty pleasure” (via Kotaku) and included it in his top ten films of all time for Sight & Sound magazine in 2012.

9 Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)

Directed by Dominic Sena

Gone in 60 Seconds (2000) PG-13ActionCrimeThriller

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.

Director Dominic Sena Release Date June 9, 2000 Writers H.B. Halicki , Scott Rosenberg Cast Nicolas Cage , Angelina Jolie , Giovanni Ribisi , T.J. Cross , William Lee Scott , Scott Caan , James Duval , Will Patton Character(s) Memphis Raines , Sara Wayland , Kip Raines , Mirror Man , Toby , Tumbler , Freb , Atley Jackson Runtime 118 Minutes Main Genre Action Expand

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 was Gone 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 in Speed couldn’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 in Gone 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 of Cage’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 Seconds has all the makings of a classic 2000s action movie.

8 Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

Directed by F. Gary Gray

Law Abiding Citizen RActionCrimeDrama

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.

Director F. Gary Gray Release Date October 16, 2009 Studio(s) The Weinstein Company Distributor(s) The Weinstein Company , Overture Films Writers Kurt Wimmer Cast Gerard Butler , Jamie Foxx , Leslie Bibb , Colm Meaney , Bruce McGill , Michael Irby , Gregory Itzin , Regina Hall Runtime 109 Minutes Budget $53 million Main Genre Action Expand

The absolute carnage of Law Abiding Citizen was 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 made Law Abiding Citizen such 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 in Law 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 Citizen did 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.

7 Shoot ‘Em Up (2007)

Directed by Michael Davis

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Shoot ‘Em Up (2007) RActionThrillerComedyCrime

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.

Director Michael Davis Release Date September 7, 2007 Studio(s) Montford/Murphy Distributor(s) New Line Cinema Writers Michael Davis Cast Clive Owen , Paul Giamatti , Monica Bellucci , Stephen McHattie , Greg Bryk , Daniel Pilon Runtime 86 Minutes Budget $39 Million Main Genre Action Expand

The non-stop action, tongue-in-cheek humor, and over-the-top concept helped make Shoot ‘Em Up one 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 bomb that 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 Up was an endlessly entertaining action movie with a runtime of under 90 minutes.

As a no-holds-barred action movie, Shoot ‘Em Up doesn’t pretend to be anything that it’s not and achieves its mission of delivering fast-paced entertainment perfectly. Shoot ‘Em Up was 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 out Shoot ‘Em Up.

6 The Rundown (2003)

Directed by Peter Berg

The Rundown (2003) PG-13AdventureActionComedyThriller

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.

Director Peter Berg Release Date September 26, 2003 Studio(s) Columbia Pictures , Universal Pictures , WWE Studios , Misher Films , Strike Entertainment , IM3 Entertainment Writers R.J. Stewart , James Vanderbilt Cast Dwayne Johnson , Seann William Scott , Rosario Dawson , Christopher Walken , Ewen Bremner Runtime 104 Minutes Budget 85000000.0 Main Genre Adventure Expand

Dwayne Johnson was still being credited as The Rock for his first action comedy role in The Rundown back 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 did The Rundown feature two hilarious lead performances, but it also had an impressive supporting cast, including Rosario Dawson and Christopher Walken.

The Rundown
is also known under the title
Welcome to the Jungle
.

While The Rundown didn’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 Rundown underperformed at the box office with a gross of just over $80 million against its $85 million budget. Sadly, The Rundown hasn’t endured in the audience’s collective memory in the way other 2000s action comedies like Tropic Thunder have, but for those looking for a good laugh and some mindless entertainment, it’s well worth revisiting.

5 Equilibrium (2002)

Directed by Kurt Wimmer

Equilibrium RActionDramaSci-Fi

Equilibrium is a science fiction film directed by Kurt Wimmer, starring Christian Bale as John Preston in a dystopian future where emotions are suppressed through mandatory medication. In his role as a top-ranking government enforcer, Preston begins to question the regime he serves. The film explores themes of emotion, control, and resistance in a society that forbids human feeling.

Director Kurt Wimmer Release Date December 6, 2002 Writers Kurt Wimmer Cast Christian Bale , Sean Bean , Emily Watson , Taye Diggs , Dominic Purcell , Christian Kahrmann , John Keogh , Sean Pertwee Runtime 107 Minutes Main Genre Sci-Fi Expand

With tight choreography, guns, material arts, and an Orwellian dystopian setting, the sci-fi action movie Equilibrium was 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, Equilibrium featured 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 like Fahrenheit 451, Nineteen Eighty-Four, and Brave New World, Equilibrium was an enjoyable mishmash of its inspirations repackaged as an action movie.

While Equilibrium’s derivative 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 after The Matrix’s mega-success, it’s clear Equilibrium was 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, Equilibrium was surprisingly good and stood as one of the most underrated action movies of the 2000s.

4 Crank (2006)

Directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor

Crank RActionCrimeThriller

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.

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Director Mark Neveldine , Brian Taylor Release Date August 31, 2006 Writers Brian Taylor , Mark Neveldine Cast Amy Smart , Keone Young , Sam Witwer , Dwight Yoakam , Chester Bennington , Jose Pablo Cantillo , Jay Xcala , Efren Ramirez , Reno Wilson , Jason Statham , Glenn Howerton Runtime 88 minutes Budget $12 million Main Genre Action Expand

Of all the action movies that look and feel like video games, no other met this criteria better than Crank with Jason Statham. As a highly underrated action movie, Crank starred Statham as Chev Chelios, a professional assassin injected with a poison that would kill him if his heart rate dropped. This outrageous concept meant that Crank was 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, watching Crank felt more like playing Grand 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, Crank has been woefully underrated and deserves more recognition among action lovers.

3 District B13 (2004)

Directed by Pierre Morel

The French movie District B13 was 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 of District B13 drew many comparisons to the Thai film Ong-Bak, starring Tony Jaa. While District B13 received 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 (via The New York Times), like John Carpenter’s Escape from New York.

As a box office bomb that recouped just over $10 million of its $13 million budget, District B13 never 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 B13 highlighted social problems in the suburbs of Paris. Although it never managed to reach a mainstream audience, District B13 did receive a sequel titled District 13: Ultimatum in 2009 that fared better than the original film.

2 Miami Vice (2006)

Directed by Michael Mann

Miami Vice RActionCrimeDrama

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.

Director Michael Mann Release Date July 28, 2006 Writers Michael Mann , Anthony Yerkovich Cast Colin Farrell , Jamie Foxx , Li Gong , Naomie Harris , Ciarán Hinds , Justin Theroux Runtime 132 Minutes Main Genre Action Expand

Back when Michael Mann’s Miami Vice was released in 2006, audiences were used to old TV shows being revived as lighthearted comedy movies such as The Dukes of Hazzard. However, the bright and fun 1980s feeling of Miami Vice’s television 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 Vice was 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’s reputation has 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 Vice was imbued with an artistic vision as Mann carved something new out of the television series he had executive produced back in the 1980s. With strong lead performances from Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell, Miami Vice deserved to be reappraised by contemporary viewers.

1 Man on Fire (2004)

Directed by Tony Scott

Man on Fire RCrimeActionThrillerDrama

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.

Director Tony Scott Release Date April 23, 2004 Writers Brian Helgeland Cast Dakota Fanning , Marc Anthony , Denzel Washington , Radha Mitchell , Mickey Rourke , Christopher Walken Runtime 146 minutes Budget $70 million Main Genre Action Expand

As one of Denzel Washington’s most underrated films, Man on Fire was 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 Fire ticked 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 Fire impressed the author, who commended Washington’s performance (via Times of Malta.) An emotional wild ride from start to finish, Man on Fire was the most underrated action movie of the 2000s.

Sources: Box office figures from Box Office Mojo, Roger Ebert, Kotaku, The New York Times, Times of Malta

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