The Best Action Films of the 90s

Description: This film blends action with a coming-of-age story, where an FBI agent, played by Keanu Reeves, infiltrates a group of bank-robbing surfers led by Patrick Swayze. It's known for its adrenaline-fueled surfing scenes and the iconic skydiving sequence.

Fact: Patrick Swayze did most of his own surfing stunts. The film was initially conceived as a much darker, more violent story.

Description: This sequel to the original "Terminator" not only redefined the action genre but also set new standards for visual effects with its groundbreaking use of CGI. Arnold Schwarzenegger returns as the T-800, this time as a protector, in a film that explores themes of fate, technology, and human resilience.

Fact: The film was the first to use extensive CGI to create a liquid metal effect for the T-

Description: Mel Gibson and Danny Glover return as the mismatched cop duo in this third installment, which adds more humor and action to the mix. The film is notable for its memorable car chase scenes and the introduction of Rene Russo's character.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be the last in the series, but due to its success, a fourth movie was made. The iconic scene where Riggs and Murtaugh jump a car over a ramp was inspired by a real-life incident.

Description: "Speed" is a high-octane thriller where a bus must keep its speed above 50 mph to avoid an explosion. Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock deliver unforgettable performances in this film that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its relentless pace and clever plot twists.

Fact: The film was originally titled "Minimum Speed." The bus jump stunt was one of the most expensive stunts ever filmed at the time.

Description: Directed by James Cameron, "True Lies" combines action, comedy, and romance, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a secret agent whose double life is exposed to his unsuspecting wife, played by Jamie Lee Curtis. The film is known for its spectacular action sequences and humor.

Fact: The film was the first to use CGI to create a believable Harrier jet in flight. It also features one of the most expensive car chases ever filmed.

Description: Bruce Willis reprises his role as John McClane in this third installment of the "Die Hard" series. This time, he teams up with Samuel L. Jackson to thwart a terrorist plot in New York City, delivering one of the most entertaining buddy cop action films of the decade.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a standalone project titled "Simon Says," but was reworked into a "Die Hard" sequel. The famous scene with the water jugs was improvised.

Description: Directed by Michael Bay, "The Rock" features Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage in a high-stakes rescue mission on Alcatraz Island. The film is packed with explosive action, witty dialogue, and a plot involving chemical weapons and a rogue general.

Fact: The film was originally pitched as a vehicle for Arnold Schwarzenegger. The scene where Cage's character is shot in the chest was inspired by a real-life incident involving a bulletproof vest.

Description: John Woo's "Face/Off" is a wild ride where an FBI agent and a terrorist literally swap faces. The film is a showcase of Woo's signature style with its over-the-top action, slow-motion gunfights, and intense performances by John Travolta and Nicolas Cage.

Fact: The film's concept was inspired by a real-life story of a man who had his face transplanted. The movie was initially rated NC-17 due to its violence, but was edited down to an R rating.

Description: Although it's at the tail end of the 90s, "The Matrix" redefined action cinema with its innovative "bullet time" effect and philosophical undertones. Keanu Reeves stars as Neo, who discovers the truth about his reality and his role in a rebellion against the machines.

Fact: The film's visual effects were so groundbreaking that they won four Academy Awards. The Wachowskis wrote the script in 1989 but had to wait until technology caught up to their vision.

Description: Although not originally in English, "Hard Boiled" has an English dub and is widely recognized for its action choreography. Directed by John Woo, this film features Chow Yun-fat in a relentless battle against a triad gang, culminating in one of the most famous hospital shootouts in cinema.

Fact: The film was shot in a real hospital, which was scheduled for demolition, allowing for extensive on-location shooting. The final hospital shootout took 3 months to film.