Action Films About Work: A Thrilling Collection

Description: John McClane, a New York cop, finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time when terrorists take over the Nakatomi Plaza where his estranged wife works, turning his visit into a one-man war against terrorism.

Fact: Bruce Willis was not the first choice for the role of McClane; several other actors turned it down before he was cast.

Description: A young lawyer joins a prestigious law firm only to discover it's a front for the mob, leading him into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with both the firm and the FBI.

Fact: The film was adapted from John Grisham's best-selling novel, and Tom Cruise's character was originally named Mitch McDeere, but his name was changed to Mitch McDeere in the film.

Description: While not a traditional action film, "Office Space" captures the frustration of office work with a comedic twist, leading to a plot where the protagonist and his colleagues plan to embezzle money from their company, turning their mundane jobs into a high-stakes game.

Fact: The film was inspired by director Mike Judge's own experiences working in a tech company, and the character Milton Waddams was based on a real-life coworker.

Description: Jason Bourne, an amnesiac assassin, must piece together his identity while evading capture, making his work a relentless pursuit of self-discovery and survival.

Fact: The film's director, Doug Liman, insisted on shooting in real locations to give the film a gritty, authentic feel, which led to numerous logistical challenges.

Description: This film follows a group of skilled thieves who plan an elaborate gold heist in Venice, Italy. The twist? They must pull off the job while navigating through the city's narrow streets and canals, making their work environment as challenging as their mission.

Fact: The film's title is a nod to the 1969 British film of the same name, and the iconic Mini Coopers used in the chase scenes were custom-built for the movie.

Description: This crime thriller involves undercover work where both a cop and a criminal infiltrate each other's organizations, creating a tense, action-filled environment where the stakes are life and death.

Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film, and it was a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs."

Description: Arthur Bishop, a professional assassin, takes on a job that involves training his mentor's son, blending the art of killing with the mentorship of a young apprentice in a deadly line of work.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1972 Charles Bronson film of the same name, and Jason Statham performed many of his own stunts.

Description: This biographical black comedy follows the rise and fall of stockbroker Jordan Belfort, showcasing the wild, excessive, and often illegal activities that went on behind the scenes of his brokerage firm.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many of his lines, and the film was initially rated NC-17 due to its explicit content before being edited down to an R rating.

Description: Christian Wolff, a math savant with more affinity for numbers than people, works as a freelance accountant for criminal organizations, using his skills to uncover financial discrepancies and protect his clients.

Fact: Ben Affleck underwent extensive training to portray the autistic character, including learning to solve complex math problems.

Description: While not an action film per se, this comedy-drama showcases the dynamic of work life when a 70-year-old widower becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site, leading to unexpected adventures and challenges.

Fact: Robert De Niro's character was inspired by real-life stories of older interns in Silicon Valley startups, and the film was shot in New York City, where the story is set.