Who doesn’t love a good action flick? Car chases, explosions, and hand-to-hand combat may position audiences at the edge of their seats in anticipation of what’s to come, but what’s a good action film without a bit of levity? The action genre cannot merely stand on its own. While mindless fight scenes are satisfying on some level, and incredible set pieces can carry much of a movie, action films frequently need to blend with another genre in order to invest audiences in the characters themselves. It's extremely rare for there to be a good film with just action and no story. Even Mad Max: Fury Road, one of the best action films of recent years, relied on elements from drama, comedy, and sci-fi which it then combined with off-the-wall action sequences.
Films with action and drama are the most grounded, and invest viewers in a more realistic world. Films with action and horror are more theatrical but sometimes less believable and are meant to be taken with as much salt as you can put on your popcorn. Some combine action with the 'family film' genre, like Jumanji or some animated films, or use action to explore the dynamics of family and friendship, like the Fast and Furious franchise.
However, one genre seems to meld together with action better than nearly all the rest, providing a much-needed break in the tension with laughter. Action comedies are a perfect combination of tones. The defining element tying the two types of movies together is chemistry; as in comedy, the stars of an action movie need to really gel together. Casting, directing, and writing all must blend together to create a blast of pure fun. These are a few of the films that have achieved this on a level that will stand the test of time in cinema history.
Updated on August 14, 2023 by Darren Gigool: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.
13 True Lies (1994)
Universal Pictures
Unique among action-comedy films, True Lies presents a novel fusion. It traces the existence of Harry Tasker, leading a secretive double life as a government agent. Directed by James Cameron, thrilling action combines with riotous humor, contrasting domestic issues and confusion against a grave espionage plot, culminating in a gripping cinematic adventure, this amalgamation succeeds brilliantly.
Effortless in merging suspenseful action with family situations, the film crafts an exhilarating thrill ride. Scenes oscillate between heart-stopping action and hilarious misunderstandings with graceful ease. Surprising in its comedic nuance, Schwarzenegger's performance in True Lies shines. He juxtaposes his iconic action-hero image with flawless comedic timing, imparting a distinctive essence to the film. Melding these elements seamlessly, the movie stands as one of the finest action comedies in film history.
12 Rush Hour (1998)
Directed by Brett Ratner and headlined by the unmatched pair of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, Rush Hour ingeniously blends cross-cultural humor with Chan's esteemed action choreography and Tucker's hilarious comedic timing.
The film narrates the chaotic story of two police officers on a mission to rescue a kidnapped diplomat's daughter. With Tucker's clever quips and the pair's irrefutable on-screen rapport, the film injects vigor into this fast-moving action comedy. Achieving enduring allure, the unique combination effortlessly melds action with laughter.
11 Spy (2015)
Fresh in its approach to the spy thriller genre, Spy unveils Melissa McCarthy as the unforeseen and unlikely hero in the movie. The film juxtaposes thrilling sequences with Paul Feig's characteristic humor, weaving an absorbing and boisterous escapade. Integrating physical and situational comedy into the storyline, the experience reinvigorates and redefines the action-comedy genre.
Artfully maintaining equilibrium between traditional thriller components and pure comedy, Spy excels not just as entertainment but also as clever commentary on the spy genre itself. McCarthy's unexpected casting revitalizes a familiar trope, rendering the film both interesting and resonant with the times.
10 Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
Distributors International
Innovative in its approach, Kung Fu Hustle mixes Stephen Chow's direction with a concoction of martial arts and whimsical humor, amassing a robust box office collection of $100 million. The film's approach engenders laughter in intense battle scenes, which eventually creates a seamless fusion of genres. The movie chronicles the journey of unlikely heroes opposing a relentless gang.
Traditional Chinese cinema receives homage to the film while bestowing substantial influence on international cinema. Chow's distinct comedic tone, amalgamated with spectacular fight choreography, has won global critical acclaim. All of this aids in solidifying its reputation as a timeless classic.
9 Men in Black (1997)
Men in Black stands as a hallmark of the '90s, marrying science fiction and comedy for an absorbing and unparalleled cinematic outing. The movie tells the story of secret government agents investigating crimes by extraterrestrials living secretly on Earth.
Memorable performances were birthed from the collaboration of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, brimming with charm and wit. Their camaraderie, coupled with the film's inventive narrative, has etched a permanent imprint on popular culture, demonstrated by recognizable features like the sunglasses and the line, "We're the Men in Black.", making it one of the most iconic films produced in Hollywood.
8 21 Jump Street (2012)
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Not many of the teens who saw 21 Jump Street for the first time knew that this franchise was well-established back in the '80s. Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller captured lightning in a bottle with this gem of a movie. What can be said about this film that hasn't already been said or shown in a meme? The comedic duo, the perfect implementation of a hip and up-to-date story, and the hilarious Rob Riggle all work so well together; and Ice Cube as the captain? Sold!
Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum (with electric, hilarious chemistry) are both established adults at the start of the film, with hints as to who they were back in high school, but revisiting that part of their lives leads to a hilarious and dramatic look into themselves and who they want to become as cops. With great action sequences (in hand-to-hand combat but also on the road in one epic car chase), this film is a modern-day classic.
7 Hot Fuzz (2007)
Universal Pictures
The second installment to Edgar Wright’s Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy showcases Simon Pegg as a cop who loves his job way too much. His fast-paced approach to his work is emphasized in the quick-cutting editing style; Edgar Wright can tell a story through a series of cuts and cuts alone.
This technique alone lands it on the list of classics, giving it a unique energy and rhythm. Pegg’s character Nicholas Angel is looking for action, especially when he’s transferred to a quieter town. Upon Angel’s transfer, the audience is exposed to jarring cuts and loud sound effects as the mystery builds toward an action-packed conclusion. The action of Hot Fuzz is layered in the editing, and shown in many other explosive action sequences of course.
6 The Other Guys (2010)
It may be another buddy-cop film, but this one is so self-aware that it never takes itself too seriously. With brilliant narration from Ice-T, the joy of seeing Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg on screen in The Other Guys differentiates the movie from the others, even if the whole 'mismatched duo on the big case' trope has been seen many times before. These two cops are very mismatched, but we want to route for them. Their naivety establishes a sense of their flaws, which makes them human and not just cartoonish characters (which is often the case in Adam McKay's comedies).
Those flaws open up the characters to be hysterically vulnerable on screen with one another. These near-chaotic personalities are forced into a growing financial scheme that leads to great action sequences and car chases, along with the iconic appearance of Dirty Mike and the Boys. However, the film teaches its viewers a very important lesson most action films neglect-- never stand too close to an exploding building.
5 Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
Huge stars, huge sets, and grandiose sequences of intensity created a film with massive commercial appeal. Kingsman: The Secret Service launched Taron Egerton into stardom and introduced audiences to this cinematic comic adaptation. As the franchise still grows with the 2017 sequel and 2021 prequel, audiences see a perfect blend of unpredictable action and quick humor. Case in point, the infamous church scene is a pure representation of how to blend action and comedy.
While ambitious in its song choice, this scene proves that there can be comedy in violence. The massacre taking place is enough on its own to make a jaw drop, but the reaction of Egerton and acting genius Samuel L. Jackson breaks the tension and adds levity to the scene. Their reaction is the viewers', who can’t help but be captivated by the incredible one-shot action sequence and humor happening before them.
4 Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)
Perhaps one of the greatest comic book adaptations to date outside of the MCU and DCEU, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World provides humor in its quirky dialogue and fun character portrayals, while also delivering promising sequences of fantastical action sequences. Edgar Wright knows too well how to use each scene as an instrument in composing his cinematic score. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World quickly became a hit, with fans begging for a sequel.
The beauty of this film is its unusual ability to relate to the audience, which is integral for protagonist attachment. We somehow see ourselves as this awkward protagonist going through his rite of passage, navigating the struggles of young love. Each fight scene with the infamous ex-boyfriends is unique and unpredictable, and who wouldn’t want to see Michael Cera take on Chris Evans in a fight to the death?
3 The Nice Guys (2016)
Bloom
This 2016 film is heavily reliant upon the chemistry of its leads. Luckily, it's safe to say that Russel Crowe and Ryan Gosling work together brilliantly in The Nice Guys. This surprisingly excellent duo fills each scene with contrasting energies, pairing the passive with the aggressive.
From the messenger scene where Jackson Healy (Crowe) and Holland March (Gosling) meet, the audience is assured of their instant on-screen bond. While Healy may take the rough and tough approach when it comes to his job, Gosling's slapstick, hangdog portrayal of March brings levity to their dynamic. One cannot ride without the other in their quest, which features intense action sequences and unpredictably strong violence despite its pitch-dark humor.
2 The Suicide Squad (2021)
The 2021 theatrical installment into the DC Extended Universe is an explosion of wit and gore. James Gunn pulls no punches in his jaw-dropping rollercoaster of a reboot, The Suicide Squad. This film brings back established characters like Rick Flag and Harley Quinn and adds new faces like Peacemaker and King Shark.
This entire group of villainous misfits works together perfectly to execute their mission. With arguments about who can kill better and a colorful escape sequence, this vibrant flick stands out amongst almost all other films as a superior action-comedy. The action is often brutal, the stakes are high, the comedy dark, and the pay-off well worth it.
1 Deadpool (2016)
The character of Deadpool is one that was begging to be lifted from the page and onto the screen. He is self-aware of his own two-dimensional existence and placates the audience with his own recognition. Taking advantage of his own consciousness by breaking the fourth wall allows for some rather hilarious moments in this classic comic book film, filled with intense action sequences and gut-punching fight scenes.
At the movie’s core is light-hearted sarcasm, thanks to both the comedic and dramatic genius of Ryan Reynolds, who allows viewers to see both sides of this tragic anti-hero. Deadpool’s voice-overs guide audiences through the story and his self-awareness allows them to recuperate through the various ups and downs of this cinematic explosion of a film. This blockbuster is a perfect blend of genres and collaborative minds.