The Best Action Movie of Every Year in the 90s
1990: “Total Recall” – Directed by Paul Verhoeven and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, this futuristic action film combines intense sequences with a thought-provoking script about reality manipulation.
1991: “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” – Another Schwarzenegger classic, directed by James Cameron. The use of groundbreaking visual effects and a gripping story solidify its place as an action legend.
1992: “Under Siege” – Steven Seagal stars in this high-octane thriller set aboard a U.S. Navy battleship. The film’s fight scenes and suspenseful plot make it a standout in Seagal’s career.
1993: “Cliffhanger” – Sylvester Stallone’s mountain-rescue mission gone awry is filled with nail-biting stunts and intense moments, offering vertigo-inducing action scenes against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
1994: “Speed” – Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock keep the adrenaline pumping in this high-speed bomb-on-a-bus scenario that rejuvenated the action genre.
1995: “Die Hard with a Vengeance” – The third installment of the ‘Die Hard’ series sees Bruce Willis in a race against time across New York City to stop a bomber.
1996: “Independence Day” – An ensemble cast faces an alien invasion with spectacular aerial dogfights and landmark destruction, a blockbuster epitome of 90s action spectacle.
1997: “Face/Off” – John Travolta and Nicolas Cage deliver high-caliber performances in this John Woo-directed thriller that combines dramatic role reversal with relentless action sequences.
1998: “Armageddon” – Helmed by Michael Bay, this apocalyptic adventure features Bruce Willis leading an unconventional team of drillers to save Earth from an asteroid collision.
1999: “The Matrix” – Breaking new ground in visual effects and storytelling, Keanu Reeves shines as Neo, who discovers reality is not what it seems, resulting in some of the most iconic action scenes ever filmed.