Action films have long been a staple of the global box office, and the 2010s saw a surge in popularity of R-rated action films. These films pushed the boundaries of the genre, offering unique styles, tones, and themes that set them apart from others. One such standout was “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” a 2014 action-comedy that grossed $414.4 million on a budget of $81 million. Its crude humor, stylized action scenes, and animated fight choreography made it a hit.
Another notable film is “The Revenant,” a visually stunning 2015 action film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. With a budget of $135 million, the film earned $533 million and won three Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio. The film’s slow and meditative pace, combined with its harsh weather conditions and stunning cinematography, make it a standout in the action genre.
The action film “Atomic Blonde” stands out for its focus on complex fight choreography and its exploration of bisexuality. Directed by David Leitch, the film grossed $100 million on a budget of $30 million, earning a spot among the top-grossing action films of the year. Meanwhile, “John Wick” (2014), directed by Chad Stahelski, is an action film that focuses on realistic stunt choreography and long single takes, which set it apart from other action films.
A Still From Movie @ (Via IMDB)
The Indonesian action film “The Raid: Redemption” (2011) is another notable entry, directed by Gareth Evans and featuring constant fight sequences and use of Indonesian martial arts. Despite a relatively low budget of $1 million, the film grossed $9 million outside of Indonesia, attracting international attention. Edgar Wright’s 2017 action film “Baby Driver” is a standout for its highly stylized and synchronized vehicular stunts, combined with its original soundtrack.
The gritty 2015 thriller “Sicario” is notable for its strong female lead and exploration of the human condition, directed by Denis Villeneuve. With a budget of around $30 million, the film grossed $85 million and earned three Academy Award nominations. Next is “Logan” (2017), a superhero film directed by James Mangold, which follows an aging Wolverine as he smuggles a young mutant to safety.
Finally, “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015) is a post-apocalyptic action film directed by George Miller, which follows Max Rockatansky as he helps Imperator Furiosa smuggle five enslaved brides to safety. With a budget of around $150 million, the film grossed $380.4 million, earning widespread critical acclaim and a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. These top ten R-rated action films of the 2010s showcased a diverse range of styles, tones, and themes, pushing the boundaries of the action genre and charming audiences worldwide.
