Action movies to watch before Expendables 4!
We love action, and we love movies! And as Expendables dropped the trailer for its highly anticipated fourth installment, the wait is finally over! It’s been a long nine years since the last chapter, and we’ve always yearned for our favorite action heroes to unite and thwart terrorist attacks and diabolical schemes. Early reports suggest that our beloved gang will embark on a mission to unravel a conspiracy that could potentially spark a nuclear war between Russia and the USA. While the premise may sound familiar, you can trust that Expendables always has something up its sleeve.
As we eagerly anticipate the official release, action aficionados can seek solace in the expansive realm of adrenaline-fueled battles, intense blood-spurting, and merciless martial arts. Stallone’s gathering of legendary action stars is not the exclusive wellspring of high-octane entertainment. Prepare yourself as we unveil a carefully curated collection of action movies that traverse the same exhilarating path. So, if you’re already craving your next action-packed cinematic experience, you’ve arrived at the perfect destination!
Action movies to watch before Expendables 4!
Exiled (2006)
Exiled | Mubi | Image
First and foremost is one of Johnnie To’s enduring masterpieces! The narrative revolves around the unlikely bond that developed between an ex-gangster and two factions of hitmen. The first faction is those determined to safeguard him and the other are those dispatched to eliminate him. Pursued by a vengeful mob boss who presses tangible consequences, the team opts for a final daring heist. Notably, the proceeds from this operation will also provide for the well-being of the ex- gangster’s wife and newborn child.
If we delve into the realm of buddy films, Exiled unquestionably tops the charts. Themes of loyalty and brotherhood permeate the story as the quintet races against time. Initially perceived as a monolithic unit driven solely by their bloodstained mission, the assassins continually surprise the audience with moments of slapstick wit and heartfelt comradeship. Furthermore, the film showcases an array of iconic action sequences that are sure to captivate enthusiasts of the genre. The explosive chaos in the restaurant and the climactic shootout are reminiscent of what made Expendables an iconic buddy movie!
The Mission (1999)
The Mission | Mubi | Image
Continuing within To’s realm, let us now present The Mission. In this riveting gang epic, a triad boss calls upon his trusted lieutenant to assemble a team of bodyguards due to numerous assassination attempts. Despite some members leading prosperous lives outside the Hong Kong underworld or treasuring their placid habits, they willingly assume the assignment and gradually bond, morphing into a formidable unit. However, their principle and unyielding sense of brotherhood face a drastic ordeal in the end.
Similar to its predecessor on this list, The Mission delves deep into the criminal brotherhood, depicting the formation of these relationships driven by mutual admiration and necessity. Much like Exiled, which exposes some mundanity underlying the shadowy realm of crime, this film continuously surprises us with moments of bizarre lightheartedness and genuine fellowship. Adding to its charm, The Mission boasts a superfluity of meticulously choreographed action sequences. Who would forget the standout set place in a tranquil-looking mall? Yet, what truly sets this film apart is its minimal use of dialogue. Instead, it relied on emotive expressions to communicate the dramatic essence within a very adrenaline-fueled premise. Undoubtedly, The Mission demands your undivided attention!
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Inglourious Basterds Basterds | Mubi | Image
No list of action movies would be complete without mentioning Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds. Set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, the film follows a group of Jewish-American soldiers called “The Basterds” who are specifically chosen to strike fear into the Third Reich by scalping and ruthlessly eliminating Nazis. Along their journey, they cross paths with a French-Jewish teenage girl who manages a movie theater in Paris.
Inglourious Basterds, with its gripping opening that sets the perfect tone and its satisfying and emotionally charged reimagining of history, continues to mesmerize as a captivating action film that never loses its allure, even upon repeated viewings. The film’s extensive dialogues not only engage you but also immerse you in their loquaciousness. However, it is the character of Hans Landa who truly shines. He left an indelible mark with his wit, charm, and ability to unsettle those around him. With its meticulous attention to detail, dynamic bunch of actors, and morbidly humorous over-the-top violence, Inglourious Basterds has confidently established itself as a superior team-up action movie that even surpasses the Avengers!
Triple Threat (2019)
Triple Threat | Mubi | Image
Introducing a recent addition to the action genre, we give you Triple Threat. The film revolves around a crime syndicate that puts a bounty on the billionaire’s daughter. She becomes the prime target for an elite squad of assassins. In response, a group of skilled and underestimated mercenaries step up to protect her. Together, they engage in a ferocious scrabble to thwart the assassins from reaching their objective.
Do you realize how extraordinary this is? Three major stars from the finest Asian martial arts films of the 2000s come together in an epic team-up! Like, Iko Uwais from The Raid? Tony Jaa from Ong Bak? And Tiger Chen from Man of Tai Chi?! You can only expect the best martial arts feature from this trio! Not only do you witness some of the most impressive hand-to-hand combat in recent memory, but you also get a generous dose of explosions, firepower, and visceral bloodshed. It’s a delight to see each of these cherished on-screen martial artists shine brightly in their own right once again!
A Bug’s Life (1998)
A Bug’s Life | Mubi | Image
Yes, we know that this may sound ridiculous, but hear us out! A Bug’s Life is a whimsical animated adaptation of Seven Samurai, the original camaraderie action film, with a delightful “nature” twist. Here, we follow the journey of an imaginative and who recruits a band of valiant bugs to fend his bustling colony from a pitiless horde of grasshopper freeloaders. Although you may have already seen this film, now is the ideal time to revisit the incredible reclamation of their colony!
A Bug’s Life truly excels in portraying the challenges faced by this misfit group of bugs. We see them gradually come together in an unlikely and expendable alliance. Witnessing their gratifying camaraderie unfold, despite initial misunderstandings, just melts our hearts. The film’s visual elements are a feast for the eyes, particularly the elaborate scheme involving the faux bird. We mean, who will forget how that surreal fake fowl hovered and struck fear into the grasshoppers? And as is often the case with cherished action films, the true standout is the villain. Hopper, a malevolent exemplar of pure evil, stands tall as one of the most wickedly captivating characters in the illustrious world of Pixar.
You know how we love making lists for you! Here’s something for cinephiles who just can’t wait for the new Mission: Impossible film!
