If you loved the gritty action and explosive thrills of 'McBain' (1991), you're in for a treat! This article highlights 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same adrenaline-pumping experience. Whether you're a fan of hard-hitting revenge plots, military action, or high-stakes drama, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Commando (1985)
Description: A non-stop action fest featuring a one-man army rescuing his daughter, packed with exaggerated fight scenes and quotable lines.
Fact: The movie was shot in just 35 days. The iconic scene where the protagonist carries a tree trunk was achieved with clever camera angles.


Cobra (1986)
Description: A hyper-violent action film featuring a lone-wolf cop taking on a cult of serial killers, with stylized action and a cool, detached hero.
Fact: The movie was heavily edited to secure an R rating, cutting down its runtime significantly. The protagonist's car was a custom-built hot rod.


Lethal Weapon (1987)
Description: Combines explosive action with a buddy-cop dynamic, delivering a mix of humor and high-octane sequences.
Fact: The movie was initially rated X due to its violence, requiring edits to secure an R rating. The iconic suicidal scene was improvised on set.


Predator (1987)
Description: A blend of action and sci-fi horror, with a team of elite soldiers facing off against a nearly unstoppable alien foe.
Fact: The creature's design was so unsettling that it caused genuine fear among the cast during filming. The jungle scenes were shot in Mexico during intense heat.


RoboCop (1987)
Description: A gritty, futuristic action film with a protagonist who is both a machine and a man, tackling crime in a dystopian setting.
Fact: The suit was so heavy and uncomfortable that the actor could barely move, adding to the robotic performance. The film's satire of corporate culture was ahead of its time.


The Running Man (1987)
Description: A dystopian action thriller where the protagonist must fight for survival in a deadly game show, filled with over-the-top villains and explosive set pieces.
Fact: The film was loosely based on a Stephen King novel written under a pseudonym. Many of the stunt performers were actual professional wrestlers.


Die Hard (1988)
Description: Features a lone hero facing overwhelming odds in a high-stakes, action-packed scenario, blending intense combat with witty one-liners.
Fact: The film was originally based on a novel that had nothing to do with Christmas, but the holiday setting became iconic. It was almost filmed in a different location before settling on the Nakatomi Plaza.


Tango & Cash (1989)
Description: A buddy-cop action comedy with over-the-top villains and explosive set pieces, blending humor with intense action sequences.
Fact: The two leads reportedly did not get along during filming, which added to their on-screen tension. The film's climax was reshot multiple times to get it right.


Total Recall (1990)
Description: A high-concept action film with mind-bending twists, set in a futuristic world where nothing is as it seems.
Fact: The special effects were groundbreaking for the time, including the iconic three-breasted woman. The film's ending remains a topic of debate among fans.


The Last Boy Scout (1991)
Description: A darkly comedic action film with a cynical protagonist, filled with sharp dialogue, brutal violence, and a convoluted conspiracy plot.
Fact: The script was one of the most expensive ever sold at the time. The film's tone was a deliberate mix of noir and action, which was unusual for the genre.
