The upcoming action thriller film Pathan is all set to amaze the fans with its hardcore action sequences and gritty storyline. Moreover, the wait for a full-fledged Shah Rukh Khan movie is also finally over, and the expectations are at an all-time high. Therefore to get you in the feel of the movie, here is a list of 15 top-notch gems from the action genre.
Check Out 15 Action Thriller Movies to Watch Before Pathaan
1. Die Hard (1988)
When it comes to the seasoned action genre, there is one film that surpasses almost every other one on the list- Die Hard. Regarded as one of the most influential movies in pop culture, the fan-favourite flick revolves around detective John McClane, whose Christmas visit turns into a thrilling hostage situation, filled with some mind-blowing action pieces.
The film is directed by John McTiernan and stars Bruce Willis in the lead role, along with Alan Rickman as the perfect antagonist of all time. Moreover, the movie was such a big hit that it later transformed into one of the most successful franchises of the nineties. You can stream Die Hard on Apple TV + and gear up in the perfect way for Pathaan.
2. Atomic Blonde (2017)
Atomic Blonde is another terrific action feature that revolves around an MI6 secret agent, who is sent on a mission to recover a confidential list right before the collapse of the Berlin War. The film is directed by David Leitch and stars Charlize Theron in the lead role and falls under the similar spy genre, as Pathaan.
Moreover, Theron delivers a fierce and badass performance as Lorraine, an agent who can hold her own in a fight and isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. The film features some of the most intense and well-choreographed fight scenes in recent history, with the actress performing many of her own stunts. You can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
3. Phantom (2015)
The story of the film revolves around a former Indian soldier named Daniyal Khan (played by Saif Ali Khan) who is recruited by the Indian intelligence agency to take down a terrorist organization responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Furthermore, it was directed by Kabir Khan and featured Katrina Kaif in a pivotal role.
Phantom is also one of the most underrated flicks that you’ll encounter in the genre, with a completely heartbreaking ending. And will be the perfect film to watch before Pathaan. You can stream the movie on Netflix.
4. John Wick (2014)
One of the most loved action thriller films of all time, John Wick revolves around a retired hitman who seeks vengeance for the death of his beloved dog, which was a final gift from his deceased wife. The film features intense shootouts, hand-to-hand combat, and high-speed car chases, all choreographed with precision and style.
Notably, the entire John Wick saga is also part of the infamous trilogy, along with the soon-to-be-released fourth continuation. It stars Keanu Reeves in the lead role and is directed by Chad Stahelski. You can stream the film before Pathaan, on Amazon Prime Video.
5. Sicario (2015)
The film is set on the US-Mexico border and follows a rule-binding FBI agent named Kate Macer (played by Emily Blunt) as she is drawn into a secret government task force with questionable methods and morals. The task force is led by a mysterious consultant named Alejandro (Played by Benecio Del Toro) who is on a mission to bring down a powerful drug cartel.
The film is directed by Denis Villeneuve and also stars Josh Brolin in a prominent role. Moreover, you can stream the gripping flick on Amazon Prime Video.
6. The Equalizer (2014)
The Equalizer is a crime thriller film that follows a retired black ops agent named Robert McCall ( Denzel Washington) who uses his skills to help a young girl named Teri, who is in trouble with the Russian mob. The film features intense and well-choreographed action scenes, particularly a brutal and thrilling final showdown between McCall and the Russian mob.
The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and was later spanned into a complete trilogy. You can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
7. The Revenant (2015)
The Revenant is agripping and intense survival film based on the true story of Hugh Glass, a skilled frontiersman and fur trapper who is viciously attacked by a bear and left for dead by his own hunting team. The film follows Glass as he battles against all odds to survive in the unforgiving wilderness and seek justice against those who betrayed him.
It stars Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role, who also won his first Oscar award for the role, along with Tom Hardy. Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the film is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
8. The Killer (1989)
The film tells the story of a hitman named Ah Jong (Chow Yun-fat) who, after accidentally blinding a singer named Jennie (Sally Yeh) during a hit, feels responsible for her and decides to retire, but the triad that employs him will not let him go that easily. You can watch the film on Netflix.
9. Hard Boiled (1992)
The film follows a tough and no-nonsense police officer named Tequila (Chow Yun-fat) as he teams up with an undercover agent named Alan (Tony Leung) to take down a powerful triad. The film is known for its intense and stylish action scenes, particularly the iconic hospital shootout, and the chemistry between the lead actors.
Hard Boiled is considered a classic of the Hong Kong action genre and is considered one of John Woo’s best films. You can stream it on Netflix.
10. Taken (2008)
Taken is a 2008 action thriller film directed by Pierre Morel and starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, and Famke Janssen. The film follows retired CIA agent Bryan Mills (played by Neeson) as he sets out to rescue his daughter, Kim (Played by Grace) after she is kidnapped while travelling in France.
Furthermore, the film is the first part of a successful action franchise, and you can stream it on Netflix.
11. The Raid Redemption (2011)
The Raid Redemption is a 2011 Indonesian action thriller film directed by Gareth Evans. The film follows a S.W.A.T. team as they infiltrate a high-rise building controlled by a ruthless crime lord, only to find themselves outgunned and outnumbered by the residents who are willing to protect their leader at any cost.
The film is a must-watch for fans of action cinema. It’s intense, suspenseful and thrilling, with some of the most impressive fight scenes ever put on film. You can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
12. The Raid 2 (2014)
The Raid 2 picks up where the first film left off, following Rama, a member of a S.W.A.T. team who goes undercover in Jakarta’s criminal underworld to protect his family and uncover corruption within the police force. The film opens with Rama being sent to prison to infiltrate the criminal organization of Uco, the son of a powerful crime lord. Rama must navigate through the dangerous and violent world of Jakarta’s criminal underworld, where he faces off against rival gangs and corrupt police officers, all while trying to stay alive and protect his family. Moreover, you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
13. Bullet Train (2022)
Bullet Train is easily one of the most badass action movies in recent times. The film features Brad Pitt in the lead role of a private contractor who arrives on a train to confiscate a confidential suitcase. However, the series of events in the process leads to a hyper-engaging action ride, with awe-worthy action sequences. You can stream the movie on Netflix.
14. The Nice Guys (2016)
The Nice Guys is a 2016 crime-comedy film set in 1970s Los Angeles. The story follows private investigator Holland March (Ryan Gosling) and tough enforcer Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe) as they team up to investigate the case of a missing girl. Their investigation leads them to uncover a larger conspiracy involving the pornography industry. You can stream Shane Black’s slick action thriller on Amazon Prime Video.
15. The Gray Man (2022)
The Gray Man is an adrenaline-pumped action film directed by the Russo brothers and starring Ryan Gosling. The film follows the hunted journey of Gosling’s character, who is hunted by his own organization after they presume him as a threat to their agency. The film also stars Chris Evans in a hardcore action role and is available to stream on Netflix.
Let us know your favourite action thriller from the list, which excites you the most about the upcoming flick Pathaan.
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