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Chris Evans is one of the most highly regarded and incredibly beloved actors in Hollywood today. In fact, any project he is in has fans and moviegoers alike flocking to theaters and their streaming services to check it out — kind of like a comfort-actor of sorts. Well, although Evans has proven time and time again in his filmography that he is an incredibly dynamic actor, there is something special about him in action. From his superhero physique to his ability to perform his own stunts, Evans is action film gold.
When we think about Evans, it is impossible to ignore his groundbreaking portrayal of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This role pretty much paved the way for a series of action movies that brought comic books to life in one of the most successful movie franchises of all time. In turn, Evans has been able to translate his stellar performance as a Marvel Superhero into a variety of other action projects that remain notable points in his career. Make sure you check out our ranking for some of Chris Evans’s best action movies that are sure to get your heart pumping.
9 The Gray Man
Netflix, as a streaming service, has been really going all-in when it comes to the realm of movie-making. One of their most recent projects is the fast-paced action thriller The Gray Man. This movie has a star-studded cast including Evans, Ana de Armas, Ryan Gosling, and Regé-Jean Page, to name a few. Although this movie is fairly new, there is no doubt that Evans' performance will bless your screens. We have secret agents, a worldwide manhunt, and some of Hollywood's best to execute it. Fittingly, The Gray Man was directed by Marvel tag-team Anthony and Joe Russo. Therefore, of course, someone like Evans would be a part of such a huge project. What's more, per IndieWire, The Gray Man is slated to receive both a sequel and spin-off, with the latter rumored to be an exploration of Evans' character.
8 Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four franchise of movies has been a trial and error process for fans. However, many of us can probably agree that the 2005 movie starring Evans as the Human Torch, Jessica Alba as Susan Storm, Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm, and Ioan Gruffudd as Reed Richards is one of if not the best adaptation of this beloved comic. Before Evans got his big run as Captain America, he was part of another Marvel superhero team that we know as The Fantastic Four. Especially recently, many Marvel fans have been excited about the current MCU franchise to introduce a new and fresh Fantastic Four reboot, and we cannot wait.
7 The Avengers
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Disney
By the time we see The Avengers together for the first time, we have already been introduced to Steve Rogers and Captain America. However, especially for Evans' career and his future in the MCU, seeing him alongside these incredible Marvel superheroes was a cultural reset. Along with being a badass action movie, this film set the tone for the future of one of the most popular film franchises in history. That alone makes The Avengers one of the best action movies under Evans' belt.
6 Captain America: Civil War
Captain America: Civil War is sometimes tokened the "bonus" Avengers movie because, well, they're almost all there for this movie. At this point in the MCU, Steve has proven time and time again to play the good guy in pretty much any scenario. However, we see him go out of his way, defying the rules set before him, all in pursuit of saving Bucky. In turn, our team of Earth's mightiest heroes fall apart from the inside as Cap and Tony fight head-on. The development of Evans' Captain America in this movie is seen as a turning point and sets up the entire MCU for the fragmented battle the Avengers have against Thanos.
5 Knives Out
When we look at Evans, we see the friendly neighbor next door. We see a hero, a protagonist, a comfort character. However, in the incredibly quirky action, mystery thriller Knives Out, Evans puts on a different pair of gloves and becomes an interesting villain. Knives Out is the perfect movie to showcase Evans as a villain. Instantly, from just seeing him as Ransom Drysdale on-screen, we trust him, gravitate towards him, and believe in his intentions. However, even that comes back to bite us. If you have yet to see Knives Out, especially since, per Cinema Blend, a highly anticipated sequel is on the horizon, consider this a sign.
4 Avengers: Endgame
Avengers: Endgame came out in 2019 and the movie industry has not been the same since. Everything in the MCU since 2008 has been leading up to this moment, and it ended up being a beautiful send-off for some of the heroes that started it all. Evans' Captain America in this action-packed, star-studded conclusion to a beloved era of the MCU should not go unnoticed. We see Cap at his absolute best as a leader and in terms of his power. From bringing the team back together to right Thanos' wrongs to the epic final battle against the Mad Titan's army, Endgame will always be a defining moment for Evans as an actor filling in the role of one of the most iconic characters to ever be portrayed in film.
3 Snowpiercer
Snowpiercer, in which Evans stars as Curtis, is an incredible film that mixes both science fiction and action into a movie lover's dream. This futuristic action movie follows a group of people aboard the eponymous Snowpiercer who have survived the life-ending consequences of climate change. This film may fly under the radar when people think about Evans' career, but should never be overlooked. With South Korean filmmaking genius Bong Joon-ho as the director, giving it credit as one of Evans' best action movies is a no-brainer.
2 Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Arguably one of the best Captain America movies in the entire MCU, movieweb.com/best-bong-joon-ho-movies/ is a standout for Evans' career. After The First Avenger, we have come to know Bucky Barnes as Steve's right-hand man, best friend, and closest ally. However, in the second Captain America movie, they all have to face the consequences of Bucky being turned into The Winter Soldier. This is one of the more heartbreaking movies in the franchise, but there is no doubt that, as an action superhero movie as a whole, it is one of the best.
1 Captain America: The First Avenger
We can argue all day about the best movies in the MCU. However, with a character as loved and cherished as Captain America, Captain America: The First Avenger has continued to be the best of Evans' portrayal as the superhero. Everyone loves a great origin story and this movie, in terms of action, drama, and appeal to its fanbase, has it all. We watch a scrawny, short, and unassuming Steve Rogers become a super soldier and superhero that will build a legacy in the MCU for years to come. It is an underdog story for the record books and the perfect showcase of Evans completely in his element.