If you loved the gritty, action-packed drama of 'Certain Fury' (1985), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same adrenaline-fueled intensity, female-driven narratives, and thrilling escapes. Whether you're a fan of '80s action flicks or just crave more rebellious heroines, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Death Wish (1974)
Description: A vigilante action film that explores themes of urban decay and personal justice, with a protagonist taking the law into his own hands.
Fact: The film was highly controversial upon release for its graphic violence and moral ambiguity. It inspired several sequels and a 2018 remake.


Mad Max (1979)
Description: A high-octane action film set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, focusing on revenge and survival against lawless gangs.
Fact: The film was made on a shoestring budget but became a global hit, spawning a successful franchise. Many of the stunts were performed by the cast themselves.


The Warriors (1979)
Description: A gritty urban action film featuring gang warfare and survival themes, set in a dystopian version of New York City.
Fact: The film was initially controversial for its violent content but has since become a cult classic. It was based on a novel by Sol Yurick.


Escape from New York (1981)
Description: A dystopian action thriller set in a crime-ridden future where Manhattan has been turned into a maximum-security prison.
Fact: The film's iconic protagonist, Snake Plissken, was inspired by Clint Eastwood's 'Man with No Name' character. The movie was shot on a relatively low budget but became a box office success.


Red Dawn (1984)
Description: A war-action film depicting a group of teenagers fighting against a foreign invasion, blending survivalist themes with patriotic fervor.
Fact: It was the first movie to be rated PG-1The film's premise was inspired by fears of Soviet invasion during the Cold War.


The Terminator (1984)
Description: A sci-fi action thriller with relentless pursuit and survival themes, featuring a nearly unstoppable antagonist.
Fact: The film's iconic line 'I'll be back' was almost cut from the script. It was made on a modest budget but became a massive hit.


Cobra (1986)
Description: A high-energy action film featuring a tough cop taking on a cult of serial killers, with plenty of stylized violence.
Fact: The film was heavily edited to avoid an X rating. Sylvester Stallone's character was originally written for Clint Eastwood.


RoboCop (1987)
Description: A cyberpunk action film blending dystopian themes with a story of justice and revenge, featuring a half-man, half-machine protagonist.
Fact: The film's satirical tone was inspired by 1980s consumer culture and corporate greed. It won a special Academy Award for sound effects editing.


The Running Man (1987)
Description: A dystopian action film where criminals are forced to participate in a deadly game show for public entertainment.
Fact: The movie is loosely based on a Stephen King novel written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. It features exaggerated 80s-style set designs and costumes.


Tango & Cash (1989)
Description: A buddy cop action-comedy with over-the-top stunts and a focus on two mismatched law enforcement officers taking down a drug lord.
Fact: The film's production was troubled, with multiple script rewrites and director changes. Despite this, it became a box office success.
