Are you in the mood for some high-octane action where the stakes are high and the tension is palpable? This collection of action movies centered around extortion will keep you on the edge of your seat. From classic tales of revenge to modern-day heists, these films showcase the darker side of human nature, where greed, power, and desperation collide. Whether you're a fan of gritty realism or enjoy the adrenaline rush of a well-executed plan, this list has something for every action aficionado.

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: A group of criminals hijack a New York City subway train, demanding a ransom, showcasing the classic extortion scenario with a twist of urban grit.
Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta, but the original remains a cult classic for its gritty realism.


Point Break (1991)
Description: An FBI agent infiltrates a gang of surfers who rob banks, using extortion to uncover their identities and stop their spree.
Fact: Keanu Reeves performed many of his own stunts, including the iconic skydiving scenes.


Heat (1995)
Description: While not solely about extortion, the film features a tense scene where a character uses extortion to manipulate a situation, adding to the film's intense atmosphere.
Fact: The famous coffee shop scene between Robert De Niro and Al Pacino was filmed in one continuous take, showcasing their acting prowess.


The Usual Suspects (1995)
Description: While primarily a mystery, the film involves elements of extortion as characters manipulate each other to uncover the truth about a legendary criminal mastermind.
Fact: The film's twist ending has become one of the most famous in cinema history, often cited in discussions about plot twists.


The Bank Job (2008)
Description: Based on a true story, a group of thieves tunnel into a bank vault, but their heist leads to blackmail and extortion when they uncover compromising photos.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life 1971 Baker Street robbery in London, which was never fully solved.


The Score (2001)
Description: A master thief is coerced into one last job, where the stakes involve not just money but also personal extortion and betrayal.
Fact: This was Robert De Niro's first film with Marlon Brando, marking a significant moment in cinema history.


The Italian Job (2003)
Description: A team of thieves plans an elaborate heist in Venice, but when one of their own betrays them, they must use extortion to retrieve their stolen gold.
Fact: The iconic Mini Cooper chase scene was filmed in real-time with the cars driving through the narrow streets of Venice.


Inside Man (2006)
Description: A bank heist turns into a hostage situation where the robbers use extortion to manipulate the situation, leading to a cat-and-mouse game with the police.
Fact: The film was Spike Lee's first venture into mainstream Hollywood action cinema, blending his unique style with genre conventions.


The Town (2010)
Description: A group of bank robbers from Charlestown, Boston, engage in a series of heists, with one member using extortion to protect his identity.
Fact: Ben Affleck, who also directed, based the film on the novel "Prince of Thieves" by Chuck Hogan, which was inspired by real-life bank robberies.


The Negotiator (1998)
Description: When a skilled hostage negotiator is framed for murder, he takes hostages himself to clear his name, leading to a tense standoff filled with extortion tactics.
Fact: Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey improvised much of their dialogue during the intense negotiation scenes, adding authenticity to the film.
