The All-Time Greatest Action Stars
Action stars are a special breed. The purely physical component of acting - so perpetually underappreciated - is squarely their domain. They not only put their bodies on the line for the sake of entertainment, but have to express physically what other actors tend to get across in words and dramatic close-ups. All due respect to the invaluable stunt performers and choreographers who make it all look easy, action stars often have to be well-versed in a number of advanced skills, from martial arts to military-grade weaponry to swordfighting. They save the world, avenge the family, and miraculously survive in the face of impossible odds.
And then there’s the Tom Cruise of it all, the kind of action star so dedicated to the craft that he does even the most extreme, dangerous stunts for real.
There are many different types of action stars, from Bruce Willis’s wily everyman to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s over-muscled superman; from Bruce Lee’s gracefully violent martial artist to Keanu Reeves’s American counterpart; from Denzel Washington’s old-school toughness to Liam Neeson’s old-man brutality.
And though the genre has been largely defined by men, let’s not forget the action heroines, as the likes of Sigourney Weaver, Charlize Theron, Linda Hamilton, and Milla Jovovich have made careers of going toe-to-toe with anyone and anything.
Collectively, these action stars have been responsible for some of the greatest action movies of all-time. Vote up the best of the best.
- 1Age: 75
- Birthplace: Thal, Styria, Austria
- Credits: The Terminator, Predator, Total Recall, Pumping Iron
From his unforgettable role as the Terminator to the brawny commando in Predator, Schwarzenegger's larger-than-life persona and unmatched physicality have firmly cemented him as an action film legend. His Austrian accent and one-liners only add to the charm that makes him unforgettable.
- 2Age: 58
- Birthplace: Beirut, Lebanon
- Credits: The Matrix, Speed, John Wick, The Devil's Advocate
As the stoic and unrelenting Neo in The Matrix movies, Reeves showcased his ability to engage audiences in a high-octane world of action and philosophy. His more recent portrayal of the relentless assassin John Wick further cements him as a modern-day action hero.
- 3Age: 69
- Birthplace: Hong Kong, Victoria Peak
- Credits: Police Story, Rumble in the Bronx, Drunken Master, Rush Hour,
With a unique blend of martial arts mastery, comedic timing, and daring stunt work, Jackie Chan has become synonymous with action-packed entertainment. His roles in films like Rush Hour and Police Story exhibit his unparalleled skill and charisma.
- 4Age: 76
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
- Credits: Rocky, The Expendables, Rambo, Cliffhanger
As both the scrappy underdog boxer Rocky Balboa and the battle-hardened war veteran John Rambo, Stallone has proven himself a versatile and enduring force in the action genre. His ability to evoke emotion while delivering explosive action has captivated audiences for decades.
- 5Age: 68
- Birthplace: Idar-Oberstein, West Germany
- Credits: The Sixth Sense, Die Hard, The Fifth Element, Armageddon
From his wisecracking turn as NYPD officer John McClane in the Die Hard series to his role as a futuristic taxi driver in The Fifth Element, Bruce Willis has consistently demonstrated his ability to balance humor and intensity in memorable action performances.
- 6Dec. at 32 (1940-1973)
- Birthplace: Chinatown, California, United States of America
- Credits: The Big Boss, The Way of the Dragon, The Chinese Connection, Enter the Dragon
A trailblazer for martial arts in cinema, Bruce Lee's lightning-fast moves, and magnetic screen presence made an indelible mark on the action genre. His work in films such as Enter the Dragon and Fist of Fury continues to inspire generations of action stars and fans alike.
