Top 10 Detroit Action Movies

Description: This blaxploitation film features a heist during a political fundraiser in Detroit, leading to a thrilling chase and investigation. It's one of the earliest films to showcase Detroit's urban environment in an action context.

Fact: The movie was one of the first to feature an African-American lead in a mainstream action film. It was also one of the first to be shot in Detroit, capturing the city's atmosphere authentically.

Description: Although the film primarily takes place in Beverly Hills, it starts in Detroit, showcasing the city's tough streets before the action moves to California. Eddie Murphy's character, Axel Foley, brings Detroit's grit to the glitz of Beverly Hills.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a straight action movie, but Eddie Murphy's comedic improvisations turned it into a comedy-action hybrid. The iconic theme song was composed by Harold Faltermeyer.

Description: Set in a dystopian Detroit, "RoboCop" follows a murdered police officer who is resurrected as a cyborg law enforcer. The film's portrayal of Detroit as a crime-ridden city is iconic, making it a cornerstone of action cinema.

Fact: The film was shot in Dallas, Texas, due to Detroit's refusal to allow filming because of the city's portrayal. The original RoboCop suit was extremely heavy, weighing over 100 pounds.

Description: Although not exclusively set in Detroit, the film's dark, gothic aesthetic and themes of revenge resonate with the city's darker side. The story of a murdered musician returning from the dead to avenge his and his fiancée's death fits perfectly into Detroit's lore.

Fact: The film's lead actor, Brandon Lee, tragically died during filming due to an accident with a prop gun. The movie was completed using CGI and a stunt double.

Description: While much of the film takes place in Florida, it starts with a bank robbery in Detroit, setting the stage for a stylish, action-packed cat-and-mouse game between a criminal and a U.S. Marshal.

Fact: The film was adapted from an Elmore Leonard novel, known for his Detroit settings. George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez had great chemistry, which was pivotal to the film's success.

Description: Eminem stars in this semi-autobiographical film about a Detroit rapper trying to escape poverty. While not an action movie, it includes intense rap battles and street life, reflecting Detroit's cultural landscape.

Fact: The film's title refers to 8 Mile Road, the dividing line between Detroit and its suburbs. Eminem wrote and performed all the rap lyrics for his character.

Description: While not an action film in the traditional sense, "Gran Torino" features intense moments set in Detroit, focusing on themes of racism, redemption, and vigilante justice, making it a unique entry in this list.

Fact: Clint Eastwood, who stars and directs, insisted on filming in Detroit to capture the authentic feel of the city's neighborhoods. The film was Eastwood's first starring role in a film he directed since "Million Dollar Baby."

Description: This thriller involves a series of murders in Detroit, with a priest trying to solve the crimes. While not a traditional action film, it includes suspenseful sequences and a gritty portrayal of Detroit.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by William X. Kienzle, who was a former Catholic priest. It was one of Donald Sutherland's lesser-known roles.

Description: This film features a former Green Beret who returns to his Detroit high school to teach Capoeira, leading to confrontations with local gangs. It's a unique blend of action, martial arts, and urban drama.

Fact: The film was one of the first to showcase Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art, in mainstream cinema. It was also shot in Miami, but the story is set in Detroit.

Description: Although more of a drama, "Detroit" includes intense action sequences during the 1967 riots, providing a raw, visceral look at one of the city's most tumultuous times.

Fact: The film was directed by Kathryn Bigelow, known for her action films like "The Hurt Locker." It was shot in Boston, but the production team went to great lengths to recreate Detroit's Algiers Motel.