Action Films Where Danger Lurks at Every Turn

Description: John McClane, a New York cop, finds himself trapped in a Los Angeles skyscraper during a Christmas party when terrorists take over. With nothing but his wits and a few guns, he must save the hostages, including his estranged wife.

Fact: Bruce Willis was not the first choice for John McClane; the role was initially offered to Arnold Schwarzenegger. Also, the film was supposed to be set in a different building, but the Fox Plaza was chosen due to its availability.

Description: Dr. Richard Kimble is framed for his wife's murder and must evade the relentless U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard while trying to find the real killer, leading to a nationwide manhunt.

Fact: The film was based on a 1960s TV series, and Harrison Ford's character was inspired by the real-life story of Dr. Sam Sheppard. Also, the iconic dam jump scene was not in the original script.

Description: A bomb is set to explode if a city bus goes below 50 mph. Jack Traven, a SWAT officer, must keep the bus moving while trying to save the passengers and disarm the bomb.

Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life incident where a man threatened to blow up a bus if it slowed down. Also, Sandra Bullock was not the first choice for the role of Annie Porter.

Description: Jason Bourne wakes up with no memory, only to find himself being hunted by assassins. As he tries to piece together his past, he uncovers a deadly conspiracy that puts him in constant danger.

Fact: The film was initially planned as a direct-to-video release, but its success led to a full theatrical release. Also, Matt Damon did most of his own stunts.

Description: Frank Martin, a skilled driver and ex-special forces operative, gets entangled in a dangerous mission when he breaks his own rules and opens a package he's transporting.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of a French stunt driver. Also, Jason Statham's character was originally written for a French actor.

Description: Robert McCall, a retired black ops operative, comes out of retirement to save a young girl from Russian mobsters, leading to a deadly confrontation.

Fact: Denzel Washington did extensive training for his role, including learning how to use various weapons. Also, the film was loosely based on the 1980s TV series of the same name.

Description: Arthur Bishop, a professional assassin, trains his late mentor's son in the art of killing, but their relationship becomes complicated when the son seeks revenge.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1972 Charles Bronson film of the same name. Also, Jason Statham's character was inspired by real-life hitmen.

Description: Chev Chelios, a hitman, must keep his adrenaline levels high to stay alive after being poisoned, leading to a wild, action-packed adventure through Los Angeles.

Fact: The film's directors, Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, shot most of the movie themselves using handheld cameras to capture the frenetic energy. Also, Jason Statham performed many of his own stunts.

Description: Bryan Mills, a former CIA operative, uses his particular set of skills to rescue his daughter from human traffickers in Paris, facing deadly obstacles at every turn.

Fact: Liam Neeson was initially reluctant to take on the role, but his wife convinced him. Also, the film's success led to two sequels.

Description: After the death of his wife, John Wick, a retired hitman, is forced back into the underworld when a gangster steals his car and kills his puppy, leading to a deadly quest for vengeance.

Fact: Keanu Reeves did extensive training for the film, including judo, jiu-jitsu, and weapons handling. Also, the film was initially pitched as a low-budget action movie but gained a cult following.