Most action movies have the same concept. Whether it’s defending the country or the world or saving someone, it typically boils down to good verses evil. What makes an action movie exciting to watch is the actor playing the hero. A lot of viable candidates make this top-five list of action heroes; however, it’s hard to argue that the actors listed below aren’t some of the best around.
The first person on the list is Chuck Norris, the man, the legend, and the hero. It’s hard to compete against a man who can slam a revolving door. After serving in the US Air Force, Norris began working as a martial artist, which lead to numerous movie roles in films such as “Way of the Dragon,” “Delta Force,” and “Firewalker.” Norris also starred in the popular TV show “Walker, Texas Ranger” from 1993 to 2001. His costar in the martial arts slash comedy film “Way of the Dragon” is the next person on the list, Bruce Lee.
One of the most respected martial artists on the planet, he is also a filmmaker, an actor, a martial arts instructor, and founder of his own form of fighting known as Jeet Kune Do. Bruce Lee is one of the greatest action heroes ever. He appeared in over two dozen films, including “Game of Death,” “Enter the Dragon,” “Fists of Fury,” and “Game of Death II.” He also directed “Way of the Dragon” in addition to starring in it. When he wasn’t doing movies, he could be found training people in martial arts. Similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame where famous people are immortalized by having their names plastered on gold stars, Lee has a star honoring him in Hong Kong at the Avenue of Stars, which honors famous Hong Kong film actors and actresses.
The next action hero started out as a bodybuilder in Austria, went on to star in numerous classic action films, and then decided he wanted to become the governor of California. The man we are talking about is none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger. With a film career starting in 1969, where he played Hercules while holding the title of Mr. Universe, Schwarzenegger continues to make movies even to this day. “Terminator 5” is in preproduction, and “The Legend of Conan” has been announced. He has a classic catalog of films that he’s starred in, such as “The Terminator,” “Predator,” “Commando,” “True Lies,” “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” “Batman & Robin,” and “End of Days.” He has also produced and directed a few films.
If you add up all the money grossed from films this man has appeared in, it would be over $2.5 billion dollars. Bruce Willis is an impressive actor who actually started his career in a romantic comedy TV show called “Moonlighting.” However, nowadays, he’s most known for his work in the “Die Hard” series, “Pulp Fiction,” “The Sixth Sense,” and “Sin City.” You’ll usually catch him throwing around cleverly condescending one liners while beating up and shooting bad guys. Like some of the other actors on the list, he’s tried his hand at producing; however, he’s also a musician. He has made music for TV shows such as “Friends” and “Saturday Night Live.” However, don’t let that fool you: he’s still the same guy from “Miami Vice” and “Hostage” who can save the day.
Standing at 6 foot 4 inches tall and from Michigan, USA, Steven Seagal is another amazing action hero. Like Chuck Norris, he has a background in martial arts and earned himself the nicknames The Master of Aikido, Lord Steven, and The Great One. Seagal has a different style than most of these other action heroes; you’ll usually see him decked out in fashionable, expensive Italian designer clothes rocking a long black pony tail. But don’t let his appearance fool you; his performance in films such as “Above the Law,” “Under Siege,” “Into the Sun,” “Exit Wounds,” “The Patriot,” and “Hard to Kill” will show you just what he’s capable of. Unlike most martial arts that focus on punching and kicking, Seagal is trained in aikido – a Japanese martial art that primarily uses chokes, locks, and throws to debilitate an opponent.
While there are other exceptional action heroes out there, these five stand out. Each one has a long list of popular films that they’ve starred in. However, what makes these people particularly impressive is the other achievements they’ve earned, whether in martial arts, music, directing, or even politics. These five individuals have definitely earned the status as great action heroes.