The action film landscape in 2024 has been vibrant and diverse, showcasing a plethora of new releases. While some blockbuster hits received the spotlight, a number of underrated action movies have been overshadowed. Despite the cinematic world continually transforming, audiences may have missed out on several exceptional films that deserve recognition. In fact, this year saw the emergence of subgenres within action films, leading to noteworthy categories like the best war films.
With the overwhelming amount of media available today, it is not uncommon for some gems to slip through the cracks. Just like the best fight scenes this year, many of these films were temporarily overlooked but are now available for streaming, providing a second chance for audiences to discover thrilling narratives that deserve a viewing.
10Take Cover
A sniper’s battle against unseen adversaries
In Take Cover, action superstar Scott Adkins portrays Sam, a professional sniper ensnared in a lethal game set within a glass penthouse. Directed by Nick McKinless, this film features Alice Eve, who captivates as Tamara, enhancing the film’s suspense with her stellar performance. The tension builds as audiences experience strategic combat combined with martial arts, wrapped in a visually striking atmosphere. Although it ticks many boxes of quality filmmaking, this film went unnoticed amid larger releases.
Despite a brief runtime of 85 minutes that makes it engaging and digestible, its release coincided with significantly more prominent films, leading to modest box office performance. Alongside its riveting narrative devoid of CGI, Take Cover deserves a wider audience.
9The Killer’s Game
A hitman’s unexpected fight for survival
Starring Dave Bautista as Joe Flood, The Killer’s Game follows a seasoned hitman who, facing a false terminal diagnosis, issues a contract on his own life. Directed by J.J. Perry, this film infuses intense action with dark humor, complemented by Sofia Boutella’s compelling performance that deepens the storyline. Nonetheless, despite its promising premise, the film was met with lackluster box office results.
Unfortunately, with a gross of just $5.9 million against a $30 million budget, mixed reviews hindered its potential. Despite the talented cast and intriguing narrative, the film deserved better exposure and could find newfound life on video-on-demand platforms.
8Red Right Hand
A descent into the complexity of crime
Despite presenting a compelling plot and strong performances, Red Right Hand surprisingly didn’t gain traction at the box office. It suffered from limited marketing and distribution, leading to a lack of visibility, ultimately preventing it from achieving success in the competitive action film landscape of 2024. This film epitomizes the unfortunate fates of many quality productions today.
7Borderlands
A chaotic quest for intergalactic treasure
Drawing from a beloved video game series, the film adaptation of Borderlands was expected to shine. Featuring Jack Black as the quirky Claptrap, this film manages to entertain despite comparisons to other franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy. With Eli Roth directing, the film exudes excitement throughout its 101-minute runtime, but it grossed only $33 million against considerable production costs. Such a beloved franchise should have fared better.
6Wolfs
A dynamic duo’s high-stakes collaboration
Featuring George Clooney and Brad Pitt as rival “fixers” in Wolfs, audiences expected fireworks, especially with Jon Watts at the helm. The chemistry between Clooney and Pitt provided comfort akin to their Ocean’s Eleven escapades, yet the film slipped under the radar due to limited theatrical exposure. Despite this, it emerged as a top-viewed film on Apple TV+, showcasing the enduring appeal of its engaging premise.
5The Union
A gripping tale of loyalty and betrayal
Despite its resonant themes and impressive visuals, The Union did not receive adequate attention, overshadowed by larger films and limited marketing efforts. However, it has since developed a cult following due to its rich narrative and compelling performances, highlighting its appeal even as it remained largely unrecognized at launch. This growing appreciation embodies the film’s hidden brilliance.
4Elevation
An adrenaline-pumping adventure above the clouds
Directed by George Nolfi, Elevation offers high-altitude thrills with Anthony Mackie and Maddie Hasson delivering excellent performances. The film’s innovative cinematography translates every moment into an exhilarating experience. While it may not have resonated broadly at the box office, those who delve into its unique story will discover brilliance. Elevation is an exhilarating experience, although its niche appeal may limit recognition.
3Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In
A dystopian clash of titanic forces
Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In tells a poignant story of struggle that deals with themes of power and resilience. With a talented cast, including Louis Koo and Terrance Lau, the film explores deep narratives that resonate. Yet, it finds itself lost among larger films, showcasing its well-crafted action scenes and authentic storytelling while failing to attract the mass attention it deserves. This film stands as a testament to the lost potential of underappreciated cinema in 2024.
2 Thelma
A relentless pursuit of vengeance
In an unexpected turn, Thelma showcases a unique protagonist at its helm, sharing the screen with 94-year-old June Squibb. The premise challenges expectations for action heroes, delving into a gritty narrative that appeals to niche audiences. While it stands out for its ambition, the movie’s unconventional approach may be tough for mainstream viewers to embrace. This film pushes boundaries, establishing itself as a groundbreaking yet underappreciated effort in the action genre.
1Monkey Man
A wild ride through chaos and heroism
Monkey Man emerges as the standout underrated action film of 2024, offering a thrilling blend of intense action and humor. Directed by Dev Patel, this film features a relentless hero navigating a chaotic city filled with inventive fight sequences. This cinematic achievement has garnered appreciation for its fresh take on the action genre, yet it struggled against a backdrop of mainstream films.
While initially embraced, Monkey Man failed to maintain momentum at the box office, reinforcing its position as a hidden gem in a year filled with competition. Strong performances and a unique narrative embody the essence of why it deserves to be regarded as one of the most underrated action films of the year.
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