When movie fans think of classic action stars, legends likeSylvester Stallone,Bruce Lee,LiamNeeson,Arnold Schwarzenegger,Jackie Chan, and more come to mind. They set the bar high during their prime when it came to kicking ass and taking names. However, a whole new generation of action heroes has emerged in Hollywood.
Whether they are actors who have been in the game for decades, or stars who have skyrocketed to stardom over the last ten years, this group of individuals has become synonymous with the action genre in the twenty-first century. There’s no doubt that in the future they will be considered icons, if they aren’t already.
10Henry Cavill
With both a charismatic and imposing presence,Henry Cavillhas cemented himselfas one of the great action stars of the last ten years. It helps that he was perfectly cast as the Man of Steel himself, Superman/Clark Kent, in the DCEU, embodying the character’s might to perfection.
Cavill has since built up his action repertoire with a number of notable films, includingThe Man from U.N.C.L.EandMission: Impossible - Fallout. His fan-favorite turn as the gruff and mutated monster hunter Geralt of Rivia inThe Witcherfurther proves how well he is suited for the genre.
9Charlize Theron
AlthoughCharlize Theronis a brilliant dramatic actor with an Academy Award, she is also one of the most bankable and successful action stars of her time. From her first effort in 2005’sÆon Fluxto joining theFast and Furiousfranchise, it seems there’s no stopping Theron.
The actor was able to craft an instantly iconic action character with her acclaimed portrayal of warrior Furiosa inMad Max: Fury Road, and her stunt work as a secret agent in Cold War setAtomic Blondeimpressed even the most seasoned action fans.
8Dwayne Johnson
Image via Sony Pictures
One can’t have a list of modern action stars without mentioning thewrestler-turned-actor The Rockhimself. Since leaving his career as a WWE wrestler,Dwayne Johnsonhas become the most profitable movie star in Hollywood, and his presence always guarantees box office success.
With his massive stature and infectious charm, Johnson has starred in a string of action hits over the past two decades. Whether it’s adrenaline-filled rides like theFast and Furiousfilms, comedies likeCentral Intelligence, superhero outings likeBlack Adam, or adventure flicks likeJungle Cruise, viewers can’t get enough of seeing The Rock throw punches (and crack a joke while he does so).
7Gal Gadot
Ever since she first graced screens as Wonder Woman in 2016’sBatman v Superman, Gal Gadot has been an unstoppable force. Playing DC’s fierce and nobleheroine in two standalone filmsand several others, she has left a significant mark on the superhero genre.
Gadot’s action roots don’t begin or end with Diana Prince - she previously starred in twoFast and Furiousinstallments, and has since headlined Netflix’s big-budget hitRed Notice. With a sequel on the way, and her spy thrillerHeart of Stonereleasing in 2023, things will remain action-packed for the actor.
6Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reevesmay be the most influential modern action star for one reason – he was able to revitalize the genre not once, but twice. The first time was as computer hacker Neo inThe Matrixtrilogy, and the second as hitmanJohn Wickin the series of the same name.
Donned in black from head to toe as Neo, Reeves brought to life some of the most creative and visually unique choreography ever put to screen. Fifteen years later, Reeves was able to breathe new life into the seemingly tired genre withWick, thanks to the franchise’s highly stylized and over-the-top violence.
5Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johanssonis an incredibly versatile actor, with two Oscar nominations and a career that covers everything from prestigious dramas to rom-coms. However, she is best known for playinglegendary movie assassin Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a Black Widow, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Johansson was able to create a distinctive and complex female hero who stood out in a male-dominated franchise – and who also ended up saving the day most of the time. Johansson’s action hero legacy doesn’t stop with the MCU, as she has also played iconic roles in action films likeLucy.
4Tom Cruise
For many, Tom Cruise is the definitive action star of this generation. With everything under his belt fromMission: ImpossibletoTop Gun, he’s already an icon. Cruise is brilliant, of course, but also a little mad. With his dedication to stunt work, he takes the definition of action hero to a whole new level.
Cruise has always been very passionate about doing everything practically and performing his own stunts. He’s flown planes and jumped off trains, and for the latestMission: Impossible, motorcycles off a cliff and dives into a base jump. Don’t try this at home, kids.
3Michelle Rodriguez
As the long-time leading lady of theFast and Furiousfranchise,Michelle Rodriguezis one of the most fierce and badass presences in Hollywood. Starring alongsideVin Dieselas Letty Ortiz since the very first film, Rodriguez certainly knows her way around high-speed chases and explosions.
Outside theFastfilms, the actor has mixed it up with all kinds of action hits, from theResident Evilfilms toJames Cameron’sAvatar. Most recently, Rodriguez starred inDungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, complementing her signature action chops with playful comedy.
2Jason Statham
Jason Stathamis known for playing a type– usually a tough, hardened, and violent leading man. However, it’s obviously working out for him, given his status as a reliable figurehead in the action genre. When viewers see Statham on screen, they know he’s a guy you wouldn’t want to mess with.
From his frequent collaborations withGuy Ritchieto his appearances as Shaw in theFast and Furiousfilms, the actor has built up an explosive filmography that any wannabe action star would envy. Set to appear in anotherExpendablesfilm andThe Meg 2, his star power is only set to increase.
1Michelle Yeoh
From Bond Girl to Academy Award winner,Michelle Yeohliterally is everything, everywhere all at once. The pioneering actor has been killing it for years in the industry, but is only now gaining the proper recognition as an action trailblazer.
2000’sCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragonsolidified Yeoh as a martial arts queen, which she followed up with action thrillers, Marvel appearances, and more. Her Oscar-winning performance inEverything Everywhere All at Oncegave her the opportunity to showcase both her physical prowess and dramatic versatility, allowing for a different kind of action star to shine.
