The 1990s had plenty of military action movie superstars , although many of this geological era ’s most notable heroes had flock of movies that have been tremendously underestimate . While this decade was categorize by major dealership as fabled subsequence likeTerminator 2or the dawning of revolutionary serial such asThe Matrixdominated the conversation , those uncoerced to dig below the surface will be reward with incredible hidden gem . As the 1980s stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone go along to hit bragging at the box office , this was also the heyday for Modern Heron like Nicolas Cage , Steven Seagal , and Wesley Snipes .

Thebiggest action mechanism flick starsof the 1990s all had several underrated releases that have failed to keep the same sort of dada polish dominance as their most acclaimed study . This was a substantial shame , as many ofthese movie were compact with pump - racing action sequences and spectacular big - budget set pieces that truly hold up upon rewatch . While these movies may not be as well known , they bluster the decade ’s biggest activity wiz among their casts and were bust with 1990s expressive style and energy .

10Sudden Death (1995)

Jean-Claude Van Damme as Darren McCord

The karate and kickboxing whiz Jean - Claude Van Damme first hit far-flung recognition after his breakout office inBloodsportin 1988 . However , it was during the 1990s that Van Damme truly made a name for himself as a major action wiz in beloved movies likeUniversal SoldierandTime Cop . While Van Damme saw major success work with Hong Kong director , like John Woo , Tsui Hark , and Ringo Lam , make their Western movie unveiling , he also had peck of underrated release in the 1990s that were well worth checking out .

Sudden Deathrepresented the best of Van Damme during the 1990sas he play a fire marshal left with no selection but to take on a grouping of extortionists who held NHL musician and 17,000 ice hockey fans surety at the Stanley Cup Finals . With his girl contain hostage and the Secret Service unwilling to touch the capturer ’s over $ 1 billion need , Van Damme showed his incredible fighting skills and activity whiz credentials . WhileSudden Deathunderperformed at the box agency , it was one of the most excitingaction picture show of the 1990sand deserves far more care .

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Cast

9Drop Zone (1994)

Wesley Snipes as U.S. Marshal Pete Nessip

Throughout the 1990s , Wesley Snipes establish himself as an action sensation , playing heroes and scoundrel opposite Sylvester Stallone inDemolition Man , Rising Sunwith Sean Connery , andMoney Trainwith Woody Harrelson . Although snipe was well - known for his visually prominent turn in the other superhero movieBlade , he also had plenty of underrated release during this decade . Drop Zonewas an illustration of a Snipes motion-picture show that had the potential to become a dead on target classic , yet it have miscellaneous reviews and never built up the acclamation it deserved .

This action movie in the sky go along spectator on the sharpness of their seats as snipe toy U.S. Marshal Pete Nessip in pursuit of Gary Busey as Ty Moncrief , a criminal attempting to whoop the DEA ’s mainframe and felonious database . Drop Zonewas a high - octane thriller pack with one telling stunt after another . While audiences may have to suspend their disbelief to truly be astounded by the impressive sequence in the sky inDrop Zone , it ’s just so much fun that it swoops audiences away who are quick to be taken along for the ride .

Drop Zone is an action thriller direct by John Badham . Wesley Snipes stars as U.S. Marshal Pete Nessip , who live undercover in the skydive macrocosm to track down a grouping of criminals using jump skills for daring heists . Gary Busey and Yancy Butler also have conspicuously in this richly - flying pursuit , spotlight the utmost sport ’s potential for both law enforcement and criminal activity .

Imagery from Rush Hour and The Matrix

8The Glimmer Man (1996)

Steven Seagal as CIA Agent Jack Cole

Part of the appeal of Steven Seagal was he had the real - life agitate credentials want to rend off his use as an natural process picture star . With a seventh - dan blackened belt in aikido and as a former warlike arts teacher , these acquisition quickly made Seagal one of the biggest hotshot of the 1990s with movies likeUnder SiegeandThe Patriot . However , one release that should earn more plaudits was his portrayal of the tight - moving CIA operative Jack Cole inThe Glimmer Man .

The Glimmer Man had everything a spectator could want out of a Seagal action at law movie .

The Glimmer Manwas a buddy cop action movie that paired Seagal with Keenen Ivory Wayans for a dark and comforting narration of two law officer forced to work together to solve a train of mysterious killings . With several incredible fight succession that were balanced with a lightsome sense of humor , The Glimmer Manhad everything a witness could desire out of a Seagal action moving picture . While it did n’t erupt down any cinematic bounds , as a swift action - pack 91 - mo film , it just works .

Collage of Willow and Clash of the Titans

The Glimmer Man is a 1996 action thriller point by John Gray , featuring Steven Seagal as Jack Cole , a former covert private eye twist police detective . pair off with partner Jim Campbell , played by Keenen Ivory Wayans , the brace enquire a serial of gruesome murders attributed to a serial killer . Their contrasting vogue lead to latent hostility as they navigate the perilous probe .

7Striking Distance (1993)

Bruce Willis as Sergeant Thomas Hardy

While Bruce Willis took the action movie world by storm with the release ofDie Hardin 1988 , it was during the nineties that he solidify his height as one of that decade ’s biggest stars . This was an era fill with darling roles inDie Hardsequels , sci - fi classic like12 Monkeys , and an iconic act inPulp Fiction , but there were also several lesser - known releases likeStriking Distance . With Willis as a police sergeant known as Tom Hardy , this was just one of many movies wherefictional type accidentally had famous names .

As the storey of a copper quest for the man he think murder his father , Striking Distancedealt with themes of family trauma , hero worship , and the endless desire for justness . While it may not live up to the very best Willis action flick , there ’s pile to savor , and it did not merit to be so harshly dismantled and dismissed by critics at the time of its departure . Striking Distancemay be slightly generic and bogged down by tropes and clichés , but itfeatured Willis at the stature of his famewith his movie star personal magnetism on full display .

Striking Distance follows Tom Hardy , a police force officeholder demote to watercourse duty after suspecting a fellow cop is his father ’s grampus . work with new partner Jo Christman , stalwart searches for hint along the river amidst a serial of young murders involving women he knows .

Leigh is strangled while sitting inside the car in Christine

6Johnny Mnemonic (1995)

Keanu Reeves as Johnny

While Keanu Reeves will forever be consort with hacker due to his role as Neo inThe Matrix , many viewers may be unaware of his highly underrated performance inJohnny Mnemonic . This 1995 cyberpunk action film was based on a short story by William Gibson , and Reeves played a man who had stored confidential information inside his own head due to a futuristic brain implant . As a depiction of a tech - savvy dystopian hereafter , Johnny Mnemonicwas a gripping exploitation of technical themes that was badly received upon release but has since gained a cultus following .

WhileJohnny Mnemonicfailed to live up to the blockbuster expectations of ReevesSpeedfrom the previous yr and would be vastly overshadowed by The Matrix , for contemporary watcher , it ’s a unique time capsule into the 1990s representation of tech . As a movie discharge just as the potential drop for the internet was originate to let on itself , Johnny Mnemonicrepresented societal fears about what the future holds and the danger of information overburden . A novel edition titledJohnny Mnemonic : In Black and Whitewas turn in 2022 , which Gibson characterise as nearer to his original vision ( viaScreen Slate . )

Johnny Mnemonic is an action sci - fi moving-picture show directed by Robert Longo and base on William Gibson ’s novel .   The film conform to data point courier Johnny , who carries a large implant in his brain that holds meaning information that could convert everything - but a yakuza fellow member take on a hit postulation and send a dangerous assassinator to stop incriminating selective information from getting out .

Wesley-Snipes—Drop-Zone-and-Nicolas-Cage—Red-Rock-West

Custom image by Yeider Chacon.

5Broken Arrow (1996)

John Travolta as Major Vic “Deak” Deakins

Although John Travolta ’s cracking 1990s action movie part came opposite Nicolas Cage inFace / Off , this would not have been possible without his star theatrical role in John Woo ’s previous movieBroken Arrow . As a highly underrated release with Travolta and Christian Slater , this extremely engaging natural action thriller saw thieves steal atomic weapons as the U.S. military authorities attempted to recover them . With an ongoing feud between Travolta and Slater ’s characters , tensity , high-pitched stake , and a whole lot of vogue madeBroken Arrowa truly plight cinematic experience .

Broken Arrowrepresented Woo ’s transition from Hong Kong action picture show into Hollywood blockbuster and was preceded by his American debut , Hard Target , with Jean - Claude Van Damme the class before . While neither moving picture reached the lofty heights ofFace / Off , it showcased Woo ’s unbelievable potentiality as he systematically carved his now iconic status in the activity movie musical genre . Although this Travolta motion-picture show may not be as well screw , Broken Arrowwas a must - see for those concerned in 1990s activity and the unique trajectory of Travolta and Woo ’s career .

Broken Arrow is a 1996 action mechanism thriller lead by John Woo . The motion picture stars John Travolta as rogue pilot Vic Deakins and Christian Slater as his conscientious objector - pilot Riley Hale , who must scotch Deakins ' architectural plan to steal atomic warheads . As they engage in a dangerous computerized tomography - and - mouse plot , the lot of millions hang in the balance .

Jean-Claude Van Damme in Sudden Death holding onto an overhead pipe and doing a kick.

Following a brain injury, a woman suspects her husband is an impostor and struggles with unsettling visions and calls from someone claiming to be her real spouse, pushing her to question her sanity.

4Crime Story (1993)

Jackie Chan as Inspector Eddie Chan

While the Kung Fu fable Jackie Chan has been act since as far back as the sixties , it was during the 1990s that he truly transform into a global superstar and a major action grinder in the West . As perhapsthe greatest Kung Fu star topology of all time , Crime Storygave a coup d’oeil into Chan ’s more serious side . While Chan ’s unequaled skill were to blend action movie spectacle , martial arts acquisition , and slapstick drollery , this underrated vent was a far more serious film that many Chan fan would be used to .

WhileCrime Story’smore serious tinge may be a reason it is so underrated among action lovers , this was also a major part of its ingathering . Chan play a good cop trying to save a kidnapped businessman , and the more serious aspects ofCrime Storycome from the fact that it was based on a substantial 1990 kidnapping ( viaSCMP ) . With a career packed with underappreciated and lesser - known releases , Crime Storywas a Jackie Chan Hong Kong action movie that ’s well deserving checking out .

Crime Story , directed by Kirk Wong , features Jackie Chan as Inspector Eddie Chan , who is assign to protect a wealthy man of affairs direct for snatch . The film is notable for its dark step compare to other Jackie Chan pic , focusing on the intricate criminal Hell of Hong Kong . As tensions rise , Inspector Chan must navigate the treacherous landscape while dealing with his own internal struggles .

Sudden Death - Poster

Following a brain injury, a woman suspects her husband is an impostor and struggles with unsettling visions and calls from someone claiming to be her real spouse, pushing her to question her sanity.

3Eraser (1996)

Arnold Schwarzenegger as U.S. Marshal John “Eraser” Kruger

When it add up to natural process movie stars , it does not get any bigger than Arnold Schwarzenegger , a performing artist whose brooding flesh , thick Austrian emphasis , and unparalleled portmanteau of legal action - whiz charisma and comedic skill made him a true cinematic icon . While the 1980s saw Schwarzenegger gaining some of his most iconic function , like inThe Terminator , this carried forward into the nineties with carrying into action in the legendary sequelTerminator 2 : Judgment Day , James Cameron’sTrue Lies , and the much - malignedBatman & Robin .

However , among all these well - known roles , one nineties Schwarzenegger button that seems to get leave out of the conversation wasEraser . This was where Schwarzenegger portray Kruger , a man specializing in wipe off witnesses caught in a massive government confederacy where even his own men were working against him . With plenty of over - the - top action and some truly awe - inspiring sequence , such as Schwarzenegger somehow catching up with an aeroplane with his chute , Eraserwas high - octane playfulness that deserves to be spoken about alongside some of his best work in the activity writing style .

Eraser is an action thriller directed by Chuck Russell , featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger as U.S. Marshal John Kruger , who specializes in erasing personal identity to protect witnesses . The plot of land centers on Kruger ’s mission to safeguard a primal informant , Lee Cullen , portrayed by Vanessa Williams , against a corrupt conspiracy within the United States Department of Defense declarer she make for . The motion-picture show combine intense natural process sequences with radical of perfidy and technological warfare .

Headshot Of Jean-Claude Van Damme

2Assassins (1995)

Sylvester Stallone as Robert Rath

As the first bring forth playscript by the Wachowskis coming three long time beforeThe Matrix , this Sylvester Stallone vehicle was packed with great idea and had sight of style . While Brian Helgeland rewrote the script to the point that Wachowskis adjudicate to have their name absent from it ( viaCollider ) , this whiz - stud release with Stallone , Julianne Moore , and Antonio Banderas was an enjoyable offering from theLethal Weapondirector Richard Donner . With fantastically grounded performances from Stallone , it was Banderas as the sweaty , irregular , and emphasise - out bravo Miguel Bain who pass on this motion-picture show its manic vigor .

Assassinswas a classic true cat - and - black eye secret plan between two highly skilled assassinsplayed by Stallone and Banderas . This was mixed with Stallone ’s love write up with Julianne Moore as the computer hacker Electra and the delivery of a multi - million one dollar bill computer platter to a mystic buyer . While it was at times too convoluted for its own commodity , at its core , Assassinswas a pure action flick that ’s highly underrated and would probably have been even better had Wachowski ’s original visual sense been maintained .

Assassins ( 1995 ) is a thriller directed by Richard Donner , starring Sylvester Stallone and Antonio Banderas . Stallone plays Robert Rath , a professional hired gun shoot for to retire while Banderas depict Miguel Bain , a untested bravo challenge Rath ’s status . As they face off in a pestilent game , Rath protects a butt , played by Julianne Moore , from both Bain and his own glowering past in a gamey - stakes conflict of wits and survival .

Headshot Of Powers Boothe In The Sin City: A Dame To Kill For Los Angeles Premiere

1Red Rock West (1993)

Nicolas Cage as Michael Williams

The 1990s were an sinful clock time in Nicolas Cage ’s career , as he not only took home the Oscar for Best Actor forLeaving Las Vegas , but he also carve out a place for himself as one of Hollywood ’s most bankable and unequalled stars . During this time , Cage asterisk in three of the best action movies of all time , with roles inCon Air , The Rock , andFace / Off . However , these accomplishment were just scrape up the surface when it add up to Cage ’s filmography , as those unforced to seek out his most underrated releases will be reward with pure cinematic atomic number 79 .

The story involves Cage being mistaken for a gun for hire in a rural townspeople , and all the pits breaks loose when the literal hitman ( Dennis Hopper ) shows up .

The good example of a hidden gem in Cage ’s immense filmography wasRed Rock West , an action - packed neo - noir Western that oozed style and boast countless twists and turn over to keep viewers engaged . The story involves Cage being mistaken for a shooter in a rural Ithiel Town , and all Scheol go against open when the material gunman ( Dennis Hopper ) shows up . Red Rock Westwas packed with idiosyncratic characters , a marvellous signified of style , and a hilarious script that made it one of the most slumber - on movies of the 1990s .

Wesley Snips in Drop Zone

Red Rock West is a neo - noir thriller directed by John Dahl , featuring Nicolas Cage as Michael Williams , a drifter in need of employment . Mistaken for a gun for hire , he becomes sweep up in a web of deception , with the town ’s denizen , including J.T. Walsh ’s Wayne and Lara Flynn Boyle ’s Suzanne , further complicating matters . The film explore themes of identity and ethics , jell in the arid landscapes of the American Southwest .

seed : Screen Slate , SCMP , Collider

Drop Zone (1994) - Poster

Drop Zone is an action thriller directed by John Badham. Wesley Snipes stars as U.S. Marshal Pete Nessip, who goes undercover in the skydiving world to track down a group of criminals using parachuting skills for daring heists. Gary Busey and Yancy Butler also feature prominently in this high-flying pursuit, highlighting the extreme sport’s potential for both law enforcement and criminal activity.

Headshot Of Wesley Snipes in The BAFTA Tea Party Los Angeles

Cast Placeholder Image

Steven Seagal as Jack bleeding from his nose in The Glimmer Man.

The Glimmer Man (1996) - Poster - Steven Seagal & Keenen Ivory Wayans

The Glimmer Man is a 1996 action thriller directed by John Gray, featuring Steven Seagal as Jack Cole, a former covert operative turned detective. Paired with partner Jim Campbell, played by Keenen Ivory Wayans, the duo investigates a series of gruesome murders attributed to a serial killer. Their contrasting styles lead to tension as they navigate the perilous investigation.

Headshot Of Steven Seagal

bruce willis as tom hardy in striking distance

01362643_poster_w780.jpg

Striking Distance follows Tom Hardy, a police officer demoted to waterway duty after suspecting a fellow cop is his father’s killer. Working with new partner Jo Christman, Hardy searches for clues along the rivers amidst a series of new murders involving women he knows.

Headshot Of Bruce Willis In The Premiere of Motherless Brooklyn

Headshot of Sarah Jessica Parker In The Opening night of ‘Plaza Suite’ in New York City.

Headshot Of Dennis Farina

Headshot Of Tom Sizemore

Johnny Mnemonic wears a silver visor in Johnny Mnemonic.

Johnny Mnemonic Movie Poster

Johnny Mnemonic is an action sci-fi film directed by Robert Longo and based on William Gibson’s novel.  The film follows data courier Johnny, who carries a large implant in his brain that holds significant information that could change everything - but a yakuza member takes on a hit request and sends a dangerous assassin to stop incriminating information from getting out.

Headshot Of Keanu Reeves In The Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate’s ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’

Headshot Of Dolph Lundgren In The 9th Annual Filming Italy Los Angeles

Promotional still of John Travolta in Broken Arrow. Travolta is leaning out a freight train pointing a pistol to the right of the camera.

Broken Arrow - Poster

Broken Arrow is a 1996 action thriller directed by John Woo. The film stars John Travolta as rogue pilot Vic Deakins and Christian Slater as his co-pilot Riley Hale, who must thwart Deakins' plan to steal nuclear warheads. As they engage in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game, the fate of millions hangs in the balance.

Headshot Of John Travolta In The TCM Classic Film Festival Opening Night

Headshot Of Christian Slater

Jackie Chan in Crime Story image

Crime Story (1993) - Poster

Crime Story, directed by Kirk Wong, features Jackie Chan as Inspector Eddie Chan, who is assigned to protect a wealthy businessman targeted for kidnapping. The film is notable for its darker tone compared to other Jackie Chan movies, focusing on the intricate criminal underworld of Hong Kong. As tensions rise, Inspector Chan must navigate the treacherous landscape while dealing with his own internal struggles.

Headshot Of Jackie Chan

Arnold Schwarzenegger with two huge guns in Eraser

Eraser - poster

Eraser is an action thriller directed by Chuck Russell, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger as U.S. Marshal John Kruger, who specializes in erasing identities to protect witnesses. The plot centers on Kruger’s mission to safeguard a key witness, Lee Cullen, portrayed by Vanessa Williams, against a corrupt conspiracy within the defense contractor she works for. The film blends intense action sequences with themes of betrayal and technological warfare.

Headshot Of Arnold Schwarzenegger In The Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix’s ‘FUBAR’ Season 1

Headshot Of James Caan

Sylvester Stallone Assassins

Assassins (1995) - Poster

Assassins (1995) is a thriller directed by Richard Donner, starring Sylvester Stallone and Antonio Banderas. Stallone plays Robert Rath, a professional hitman aiming to retire while Banderas portrays Miguel Bain, a younger assassin challenging Rath’s status. As they face off in a deadly game, Rath protects a target, played by Julianne Moore, from both Bain and his own dark past in a high-stakes battle of wits and survival.

Headshot Of Sylvester Stallone

Headshot Of Antonio Banderas

Nic Cage drives while smoking from Red Rock West

Red Rock West (1993) - Poster - Nicolas Cage, Dennis Hopper & Lara Flynn Boyle

Red Rock West is a neo-noir thriller directed by John Dahl, featuring Nicolas Cage as Michael Williams, a drifter in need of employment. Mistaken for a hitman, he becomes embroiled in a web of deception, with the town’s inhabitants, including J.T. Walsh’s Wayne and Lara Flynn Boyle’s Suzanne, further complicating matters. The film explores themes of identity and morality, set in the arid landscapes of the American Southwest.

Headshot Of Nicolas Cage In The 77th Cannes Film Festival ‘The Surfer’ Premiere

Headshot oF Dennis Hopper