Best Action Movies of 2024, So Far

2024 is already one-third over — ridiculous, proper? — and it’s been a reasonably good yr on the films. We’re 4 months in, so it’s time to try the place we stand on the subject of new motion films. The movies beneath are introduced alphabetically which means they’re not ranked, however they’re all good to nice. Extra will likely be launched because the yr goes on, and there are nonetheless some I have to make amends for, however for now at the very least, these are one of the best motion films that 2024 has to supply.

Now maintain studying for a take a look at one of the best motion films of 2024, up to now.

60 Minutes (Germany)

Octavio is a younger MMA fighter, adequate to win, however in with sufficient morally corrupt folks to nonetheless be one thing of a loser. Tonight’s the largest match of his life, however when he chooses his daughter over a hard and fast battle, some very unhealthy males come seeking to acquire. As a giant fan of Richard Donner’s 16 Blocks (2006) and movies prefer it, this new German flick is correct up my alley. A ticking clock, a protagonist you’re actively rooting for (Emilio Sakraya, who appears like a extra lived-in Paul Walker), an excellent sidekick in Marie Mouroum, and a few sturdy motion beats mix in a propulsive motion/thriller that retains your pulse on the transfer. It’s as simple as they arrive, however that’s not a foul factor because it delivers a solidly good time.

Streaming on Netflix.

The Beekeeper

Adam Clay is a beekeeper, however what the unhealthy guys who cross him don’t know is that Adam Clay can also be an ex-Beekeeper. Once I say this movie’s steadily ridiculous script commits to the bee metaphor like a canine with a bone, it is best to know that’s nonetheless underselling the insane genius of Kurt Wimmer‘s script. What begins as a easy story of a person getting revenge in opposition to people who find themselves scamming the aged and stealing their life financial savings turns into an train in superbly nonsensical world-building that can go away you wanting extra. Jason Statham has the charisma and battle chops to carry all of it collectively, and director David Ayer delivers motion beats and sequences for his most entertaining film since my beloved Road Kings (2008). Who knew caring about previous of us and the atmosphere might be a lot enjoyable!

In theaters and on VOD.

Civil Conflict

It’s now-ish, and the USA of America is united no extra. As battles are fought in elements of the nation, a small band of journalists enter the warzone in the hunt for the story. It ought to be famous that Alex Garland‘s newest isn’t precisely the motion movie that the title and advertising may counsel, however that doesn’t imply its motion beats don’t pop and that it doesn’t deserve a spot on our listing of one of the best motion films of 2024. Small encounters pepper the movie’s first two acts together with a tense standoff with a sniper, however all bets are off when our protagonists attain the Capitol. Garland embeds viewers with models laying siege to D.C. and ultimately the White Home itself, and it’s an exciting, exhilarating sequence. The visuals crack with pleasure, nevertheless it’s the movie’s sound design that drives house the sounds of battle leaving viewers ducking of their seats as explosions and bullets fill the air round them.

In theaters.

Dune: Half Two

Paul Atreides was set to rule as a part of a royal household, however as a substitute his selections and circumstances have left him embedded with members of a fierce revolt. He’s a freedom fighter now, and shortly it will likely be him that they want freedom from. Whereas half one among Denis Villeneuve‘s Dune adaptation left my senses dazzled and my mind bored, half two is a wholly completely different beast. It’s nonetheless as superbly crafted a blockbuster as you’re more likely to discover, however right here the characters, performances, and story beats take maintain making certain they’re by no means overshadowed by the movie’s standing as a blockbuster. The motion is heavier right here with epic battles and intimate brawls sharing the display and executed with thrilling choreography, design, and execution. Convey on Dune Messiah! [My full review.]

In theaters and on VOD.

Land of Unhealthy

A navy mission unfolds on the bottom whereas a drone pilot midway world wide offers a watch within the sky, and it’s not lengthy earlier than everybody concerned is in a battle involving life, dying, and vegan cheese. Director William Eubank‘s newest is a rattling good time for followers of tactical motion and character thrills with out filler. A greater world would see him delivering mid-budget style bangers like this and Underwater (2020) on an annual foundation. This isn’t fairly Liam Hemsworth‘s Extraction (2020), however he’s positively received the identical chops as his large brother and delivers with a compelling, believably succesful character. The movie’s motion is clear, its explosions are mighty, and Eubanks even finds time for some extremely slick slow-motion pictures alongside the best way. All that and a terrific contribution from Russell Crowe as a man far faraway from the literal battle however nonetheless rattling feisty.

On VOD.

Mayhem (France)

One younger man’s legal previous comes again to hang-out him regardless of his greatest efforts, and when blackmail turns to homicide he’s left with solely a single recourse — revenge. Xavier Gens‘ newest doesn’t stretch with its premise because it’s actually a couple of man in search of revenge for his spouse’s homicide, nevertheless it’s executed with extra model and character than the system often attracts. Gens ensures the movie’s entrance half is concentrated on character and environment to the purpose that we come to care, even a little bit, for our protagonist’s scenario, after which the again half motion hits onerous and bloody. The movie additionally appears nice all through, in each its motion scenes and quieter moments. Oh, and also you’ll need to add this to the listing of movies with stellar elevator brawls too.

On VOD and streaming on AMC+.

Monkey Man

A younger man identified solely because the Child spends his time shedding matches in an underground battle ring, nevertheless it’s all a part of his plan to realize entry to the individuals who killed his mom when he was only a youngster. Director and star Dev Patel had a hell of a time getting this movie made, and people points are evident in a lot of the ultimate product, however there’s additionally a classy, progressive style movie right here that shouldn’t be ignored. Even when among the early motion underwhelms, it serves as a setup for a 3rd act that sees Patel unleash well-crafted set-pieces and sequences. A kitchen battle thrills, neon-drenched brawls tickle the senses, and we’re left a lot impressed with what Patel can accomplish with every part working in opposition to him. [My full review.]

In theaters and on VOD.

One Extra Shot

A SEAL workforce chief lands at an American airport with a terrorist in tow, and whereas the mission that received them there (2021’s One Shot) continues to be contemporary in his thoughts he quickly realizes the battle isn’t fairly over. Director James Nunn‘s pseudo one-take motion franchise continues with a sequel that steps up the place it counts to ship an exciting half two in what appears like an incoming trilogy. The movie stumbles some with its down time, however there’s no arguing with the frequent tactical motion, the wonderful use of a really real-looking location — the entire movie unfolds in a regional airport, and it feels tactile and contemporary — or some late battle beats with the good Michael Jai White. And sure, after all Scott Adkins continues to shine whether or not he’s brooding silently or unleashing his hand at hand fight expertise in somebody’s face. Fortunately, he does so fairly a bit right here making certain this a spot on our listing of one of the best motion films of 2024.

On VOD and streaming on Netflix.

Additionally launched in 2024, a few of which I’ve seen and a few of which I nonetheless have to catch: 578 Magnum, Argylle, Badland Hunters, Damsel, Hunt the Depraved, Lights Out, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, Street Home

Associated Subjects: Action

Rob Hunter has been writing for Movie College Rejects since earlier than you have been born, which is bizarre seeing as he is so rattling younger. He is our Chief Movie Critic and Affiliate Editor and lists ‘Broadcast Information’ as his favourite movie of all time. Be at liberty to say hello should you see him on Twitter @FakeRobHunter.