With so many films released every decade and every passing year burying the previous ones further down, it’s not surprising there are literally hundreds of worthwhile films that have become forgotten as time passes. But new is not necessarily better, and as films are tied closely to the current culture of any given year, many films made in the past simply wouldn’t be produced today for various reasons.

Which is unfortunate, as films made just a decade or so prior are ignored by future generations who overlook a film simply because it was produced some time ago. For action film fans, while there is at least one dominant current franchise (John Wick), the genre itself has been notably slipping in prominence in the past 10 years. For fans of the genre that are coming up short on contemporary action films to enjoy, please consider the ten on this list to rediscover. Each offers something new and different, despite how long ago they were made.

1. Running Scared (2006)

A low-level mobster is tasked with disposing of a gun used in a mob-related killing. However, when the gun goes missing, he is forced to embark on a dangerous and violent journey to retrieve it, all while being pursued by a dogged police detective. Running Scared is an action-thriller film directed by Wayne Kramer and starring Paul Walker that has a frenetic energy and displays a creative use of visuals. The film employs a variety of techniques, such as split-screen, slow-motion, and vivid color grading, to create a stylized and intense atmosphere that sets it apart from other action films.

The late Paul Walker delivers a nuanced and complex portrayal of a character caught in a desperate situation, while the story is both engaging and emotionally resonant. While it has its fair share of action and violence, the film also explores themes such as loyalty, redemption, and the lengths to which people will go to protect those they love. With its innovative visuals, strong performances, and an emotionally resonant story, Running Scared is a thrilling and satisfying ride from start to finish.

2. District 13 (2004)

A parkour action film sounds very 2000s. Such is 2004’s “District 13,” an action film that centers around the physical discipline that involves running, jumping, and climbing obstacles in a fluid and graceful manner. Unique and visually dynamic, seeing parkour incorporated into an action film provides a human kineticism not seen in any films. Following the adventure of two unlikely allies who must work together to take down a crime lord in a dystopian Parisian suburb, the parkour sequences are not just impressive feats of athleticism, but also an integral part of the film’s storytelling. They are used to showcase the characters’ skills, to build tension and excitement, and to advance the plot in a visually dynamic way. The result is a movie that is both thrilling and aesthetically pleasing to watch.

In addition, the film’s social commentary on poverty and inequality adds a layer of depth and complexity to the story. The movie explores the divide between the wealthy and the poor, and the government’s neglect of those living in the rundown suburbs. This gives the action sequences more weight and meaning, as they are not just mindless displays of violence, but are rooted in real-world struggles.Featuring extreme athleticism, social commentary, and a gripping story, District 13 passed by many action fans since its release but is a must-see for those looking for something fresh and new in their action movies.

3. Smokin’ Aces (2006)

Notorious Las Vegas mob boss Primo Sparazza, who has a $1 million bounty on his head. A group of hitmen, assassins, and bounty hunters converge on a Lake Tahoe hotel, where Sparazza is rumored to be hiding, to claim the prize. Among them are the slick and suave Buddy “Aces” Israel (Jeremy Piven), a former mob boss-turned-informant for the FBI, Jack Dupree (Ben Affleck) and his partner Donald Carruthers (Ray Liotta), who are hired by the FBI to protect Israel from the hitmen. As the various groups clash, the body count rises, and the motives of the different players are revealed.

A fast-paced action-comedy directed by Joe Carnahan, featuring an ensemble cast, the film follows a motley crew of assassins, FBI agents, and bounty hunters who converge on a Lake Tahoe hotel to capture or kill a notorious mob boss.Unapologetically outrageous, the movie is filled with outlandish characters, absurd plot twists, and explosive action sequences that keep the audience engaged throughout this wild ride. Its visual style has a similar frenetic energy, and the cast fully embraces their roles and brings a sense of fun and energy to the proceedings. Jeremy Piven, in particular, shines as the smarmy and self-absorbed mob boss, while Ryan Reynolds brings his signature wit and charm to his role as an FBI agent caught in the crossfire.

While “Smokin’ Aces” may not be for everyone, it’s a movie that knows what it is and fully embraces its over-the-top nature. It’s pure entertainment and any fan of a fast-moving, hyper shoot-em-up with plenty of comedy mixed in are sure to find Smokin’ Aces a good time.

4. The Punisher (2004)

Based on the grisly, violent Marvel character of the same name, “The Punisher” is a dark and gritty action film starring Thomas Jane as the titular anti-hero. The film follows Frank Castle, a former FBI agent who becomes a vigilante after his family is killed by a crime boss. Diving directly into the criminal underworld, Castle doles out justice in an graphic, unflinching manner.

The film has an appropriately dark and intense atmosphere, making it a compelling and immersive viewing experience for both fans of the comic book and action film devotees alike.

While “The Punisher” may not have received the same critical or commercial success as other superhero movies (it was released before the Marvel Cinematic Universe started proper with the first Iron Man film in 2008), it deserves more recognition for its uncompromising approach and its exploration of the violent source material. For anyone that complains the hyper-violence of comic books hasn’t been done right before Deadpool, The Punisher is a solid counter-arguement – and a heck of a good action flick.

5. Blood and Bone (2009)

Isaiah Bone (Michael Jai White) is an ex-convict who enters the world of underground street fighting in Los Angeles to help a friend in need. Quickly gaining a reputation as a skilled fighter, he catches the attention of a powerful fight promoter who arranges a series of high-stakes fights for him. As Bone rises through the ranks, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous world of violence and betrayal, where winning can mean life or death.

Blood and Bone’s focus on martial arts showcases various fighting styles and features impressive fight choreography. White never got his due as an action star, but this film allows him to demonstrate his martial arts skill and is a commanding presence on-screen. Unlike a lot of action films, there is deep focus on the character of Bone, his history, and the complex issues that drove him to this point. Underseen and not much discussed since its release, Blood and Bone is a martial arts action film that has its feet on the ground between kicks.

As the old saying goes, it’s an honor just to be nominated – but even films widely considered the best of their year are often overlooked by the Academy Awards. It’s no secret that the Oscars often err on the side of prestige and tend to avoid popular blockbusters and certain genres. Though this may be changing (two of 2023’s Best Picture nominees were Top Gun: Maverick and Avatar 2, after all), in previous decades it was rare to see big-budget action films even nominated.

There are other biases evident in how the Academy selects Best Picture nominees. If a film features too much explicit or implied violence, the subject matter is controversial, or the genre (specifically science fiction) is historically ignored by the Awards committee, the chances of even netting a nomination significantly drops.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at the not-too-distant past at 10 great films from the 2010s that are widely hailed and well-received but could not garner the attention of the Academy for a Best Picture nomination.

1. Drive (2011)

Driver (Ryan Gosling) is a stoic loner whose work as a driver for a criminal enterprise has left him an outsider to the rest of society. Wracked with guilt and loneliness, he sparks up a friendship with his neighbor (played by Carey Mulligan), a single mother in a relationship with a criminal deadbeat. This recovers his humanity and he becomes emotionally attached and protective of both her and her young child. But his personal and professional life collide with tragic consequences.

Aside from Gosling’s captivating performance as the enigmatic main character, Drive features sleek and moody cinematography, where the cool tone it sets reflects the detachment of its characters. Its soundtrack is similarly edgy, with ambient electronica matching the brooding intensity of the visuals. A quiet film that often explodes in shocking violence, Drive is a unique character study that manages to balance interpersonal drama with ferocious action sequences, elevating it from being another standard thriller.

Nominated for only one Oscar (Best Sound Editing, which it lost), Drive was a critical and commercial success but perhaps too “outside the box” to figure into the Academy’s standard type of film for Best Picture nomination. Instead, the Hollywood-glorifying The Artist took the statue for that year.

2. The Master (2012)

A film that explores themes of power, control, and identity, featuring a cast of prestigious actors, and made by an auteur director seems like exactly the kind of film the film academy would nominate for Best Picture. While its actors were certainly nominated (the three leads – Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, and Philip Seymour Hoffman – all received nominations, though none of them won), somehow 2012’s The Master was not nominated for Best Picture.

Why is an intriguing question: after all, the film’s visuals are stunning, the editing impeccable, and the film is a fascinating psychological study of a suffering veteran floundering in society upon returning home from war. Seems like Oscar bait. So what happened?

It could be suggested that the film’s central theme of a cult that seems suspiciously similar to Scientology may be the reason. After all, it’s the “Hollywood religion,” and as such Academy voters – composed of the inside elite of that industry – may have found offense at the barely concealed parallel between Lancaster Dodd (Hoffman) and his cult of The Cause and L. Ron Hubbard’s Scientology. Though never admitted, Scientology does have a close relationship with Hollywood. It could be deduced that the brilliance of The Master was ignored by the Academy that year for Best Picture simply out of quiet protest.

3. Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)

A bitter portrait of a folk musician who suddenly finds himself out of step with the music world 50 years ago is seemingly the kind of film that would appeal to the artistic mindset of Academy voters. After all, Llewyn Davis is a talented but misunderstood and largely immediately obsolete musician, a sting that has fallen many artists. A prestige film by The Coen Brothers, themselves directors that flit in and out of mainstream appeal and previous Oscar winners, should have been at least nominated for Best Picture even if they wouldn’t win. So why the snub?

For starters, it was an extremely competitive year for the category: 12 Years A Slave, American Hustle, and Gravity were all higher grossing and budgeted films that all secured a nomination, with “12 Years…” eventually winning. Another is its unappealing nature: following an unsympathetic protagonist and featuring a bleak color palette, its setting and narrative tone were artistically sound but unappealing to a large swath of the audience. Its limited theatrical release also didn’t drive audiences to the theaters,

While nominated for Best Cinematography and Best Sound Mixing, losing both, Inside Llewyn Davis was an extraordinary film released in a competitive season that couldn’t find popular appeal despite its critical acclaim, and for this missed nomination for Best Picture that year.

4. Carol (2015)

A beautifully crafted film that should have been nominated for Best Picture, Carol was shut out of a Best Picture nomination. Directed by Todd Haynes and starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, the film is a poignant and powerful exploration of love, desire, and societal constraints in the 1950s.

One of the most striking aspects of Carol is its exquisite craftsmanship. The film’s production design, cinematography, and costumes all work together to create a vivid and immersive portrait of 1950s New York. Todd Haynes’ direction is masterful, showcasing a deep understanding of cinematic language and an ability to create a highly emotional and visually stunning atmosphere. So why wasn’t it nominated for Best Picture?

Two factors may have contributed to this: lack of distribution and subject matter. The first is easy enough to understand: as a smaller budgeted film, its distribution was limited and only gradually expanded as word of mouth grew. The next is also sadly understandable (to a point): a film depicting a lesbian romance set in the 1950s is a foreign enough concept that meant the film had a limited appeal.

Although a universal story of love, desire, and social constraints that hinder this, Carol was not the type of movie the Academy was looking to promote and represent at the time. Unfortunate as it’s a beautiful film, with Todd Haynes’ masterful and controlled direction being able to transmit a forbidden romance that is also a natural one. Odd that a film nominated for Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Adapted Screenplay, and two more was shut out of a Best Picture nod, but the fates of Oscar are fickle.

5. If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) is a powerful and moving film that should have been, by all rights, nominated for Best Picture. Adapted from James Baldwin’s classic novel and directed by Barry Jenkins, the film is an intimate and heartbreaking exploration of love, family, and the systemic injustices faced by African Americans in the United States.

One of the most impressive aspects of If Beale Street Could Talk is its exquisite cinematography. The film’s visual language is stunning, with each shot carefully composed to convey a sense of emotional depth and intimacy. Jenkins’ direction is masterful, creating a highly immersive and emotionally resonant atmosphere. Rich in thematic complexity and emotional resonance, it explores themes of love, family, and systemic racism, while also touching on issues of class and gender.

So why not a Best Picture nomination? Maybe not enough name recognition? Adapting a racially charged novel by one of America’s most important black authors? It seems the former has more to do with it than the latter, as this exceptional film’s critical acclaim and subject matter is exactly the sort that the Academy recognizes.

Nominated for Best Supporting Actress (Regina King, who won it), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Score, this film was a classic example of under-representation in the system that claims to support its message.

The 21st century has been kind to the action genre: big-spectacle, high-budget films have become hot commodities once more after limping through the 1990s hobbled by waning interest in big muscles, big guns, and big explosions. Instead, bigger was not only better but necessary to draw back increasingly shrinking audience engagement in action films. The results have moved the needle significantly as a result, where nearly every year in the 21st century has produced incredible action films – maybe even the best ever.

Not an automatic draw as they once were, action films got a lot smarter as a result: complex protagonists, plots, and scenarios began to populate the genre, with filmmakers realizing a cool kill and lots of explosions won’t draw the audience into action movies like they used to. As a result, the quality of plot and characterizations got a lot better in the new century, with unexpected juxtapositions producing action films that were actual good films in their own right. With that, let’s take a look at the 20 best action movies of the 21st century so far.

1. The Raid (2011)

This Indonesian action masterpiece is a non-stop ride filled with absolutely stunning fight scenes and heart-pumping action.The Raid: Redemption’s cinematography feels precise and purposeful, with explosive violence balanced with a surprisingly emotional storyline for an action film.

A violent ballet of bullets and intense action sequences, The Raid is one of the most well-reviewed rated action films ever made that expresses the inherent gory violence that occurs during police raids in extremely dangerous situations.

2. Equilibrium (2002)

Equilibrium is like the love child of The Matrix and Fahrenheit 451. This dystopian action flick takes place in a society where all forms of emotion are banned, and anyone who dares to feel is immediately executed.

Christian Bale gives a standout performance as a “Grammaton Cleric” who is tasked with enforcing these rules but eventually discovers the joy of emotions himself. The gun-kata fight scenes are a work of art and will satisfy any fan of the John Wick series. An action movie with a brain, Equilibrium is an underseen action classic.

3. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

The Bourne Ultimatum is the best film in the Jason Bourne franchise. Featuring Matt Damon at the top of his action game as the amnesiac assassin Jason Bourne, the action sequences are intense and visceral, with hand-to-hand combat that feels realistic and brutal.

The film’s fast-paced editing and globe-trotting storyline keep you caught up in the action, and the twists and turns leave you guessing until the end. A new classic in the action genre and a highlight of the series.

4. Atomic Blonde (2017)

You would have never thought it about the Academy-award winning actress,, but Charlize Theron absolutely kills it as an action star in Atomic Blonde. This is a stylish and ultra-violent spy thriller set in Cold War-era Berlin. The action scenes are dazzling, with a ten-minute single-take fight scene that is a true masterpiece of choreography. Theron’s character is tough as nails and unapologetically badass, making her one of the most compelling female action heroes in recent memory.

The film’s soundtrack, featuring ’80s hits like “99 Luftballons” and “Blue Monday,” adds to the film’s cool factor. If you’re looking for a slick and stylish action flick starring an Oscar-winning chick, Atomic Blonde is definitely where to find it.

5. Haywire (2011)

A smart and sleek action movie with a killer cast, Haywire stars Gina Carano as a black ops agent who is betrayed by her own agency and sets out for revenge. The fight scenes are fantastically detailed, smartly utilizing Carano’s MMA background, while the film’s stripped-down style and minimalist approach to storytelling make it stand out from most 21st century action films.

With an all-star supporting cast – including Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender, and Antonio Banderas – delivering strong performances, Haywire is a hidden gem in the action genre that deserves more attention than it’s gotten..

6. Ip Man (2008)

Ip Man is a martial arts movie that tells the story of the real-life Wing Chun master who trained Bruce Lee. Donnie Yen stars as Ip Man, and his performance is nothing short of incredible. The fight scenes are beautifully choreographed, with an emphasis on speed, precision, and creativity.

The film’s depiction of wartime China is both harrowing and inspiring, and the character of Ip Man himself is portrayed as a true hero. Whether a fan of martial arts or biopics, Ip Man is one of the best of both so far this century.

7. Extraction (2020)

A high-octane action flick that delivers on all fronts, Extraction stars Chris Hemsworth as a black-market mercenary who is hired to rescue the kidnapped son of an international crime lord. The action sequences are jaw-dropping, including a stand-out 12-minute long single-take fight scene.

The film’s emotional core is also strong, with a touching relationship between Hemsworth’s character and the boy he is trying to rescue. An action flick that has serious artistic chops, even film fans who usually shy away from action movies will want to check this one out.

8. Dredd (2012)

A gritty and ultra-violent adaptation of the classic British comic book character, Dredd erases the embarrassing 1995 Sylvester Stallone adaptation. Karl Urban stars as Judge Dredd, a law enforcement officer in a dystopian future who is tasked with taking down a drug lord who controls an entire city block.

Stylish action matches the futuristic landscape the film is set in, with a standout slow-motion sequence that is surprisingly unknown. Urban plays Dredd with the character’s established stoicism and menace, again making Stallone’s performance in the older adaptation look like a cartoon in comparison. Forget Marvel films, next to Dredd they look like movies made for babies.

9. Shoot ‘Em Up (2007)

Shoot ‘Em Up is a wildly over-the-top action movie that knows exactly what it is and revels in it. Clive Owen stars as a mysterious drifter who saves a pregnant woman from assassins and embarks on a mission to protect her and her baby. The action sequences are absurd and gleefully violent, with Owen using everything from carrots to umbrellas as weapons.

This is an action film with humor that is actually funny, with Owen’s deadpan delivery and Paul Giamatti’s scenery-chewing performance as the villain kicking this film up a few notches on the action post. If you’re in the mood for a fun and ridiculous action movie, Shoot ‘Em Up is the perfect choice.

10. Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

Speaking of absurd fun, Kung Fu Hustle is a genre-bending martial arts comedy that defies description. The film takes place in a fictionalized 1940s China and follows a group of gangsters who unwittingly start a war with the residents of a housing complex that is secretly full of kung fu masters.

The action sequences are wildly colorful and creative, with a blend of wirework and CGI that explodes off the screen. Its mix of slapstick and witty dialogue makes this a super-fun film that keeps you engaged between, and during, the action sequences. A true gem in the action genre, Kung Fu Hustle is the surreal martial arts comedy you didn’t know you were missing out on.

Now nearing 50 years, the Rocky franchise is just as determined and durable as Rocky “The Italian Stallion” Balboa. Created by Sylvester Stallone, the first film came out in 1976 and the franchise is still going strong to this day. While Rocky won Best Picture, to date there have been 9 films in the franchise, and to say all of them aren’t Oscar winners is like saying Paulie is a decent human being.

Like Rocky’s own career, the series has had its highs and lows, its ups and downs, its Apollo Creed and its…robot Rocky gets for Paulie? Again, the series has had some low points. But like the Philadelphia pugilist when it hits it can knock you out. With that in mind, let’s take a look at this long-running film franchise, starting from the bottom then running up the steps before raising our arms in triumph when we reach the top.

9. Rocky V (1990)

The low point for everyone’s favorite fighting underdog, Rocky V finds the boxer suffering brain damage after his fight with Ivan Drago in the previous film and is forced to retire. He’s also broke thanks to his brother-in-law Paulie (arguably the true villain of the franchise) giving power of attorney to their accountant, who promptly steals Rocky’s fortune. He also loses his house due to unpaid taxes. Broke and unemployed, Rocky and his family move back to the old neighborhood, where he takes on the role of boxing trainer while Adrian goes back to work in the pet store. And that’s the beginning of this movie!

But he starts training a promising young boxer! Until he’s also stolen by a boxing promoter, who successfully turns him against Rocky, leading to a climactic street fight. A reaction to the over-the-top spectacle of Rocky IV, Rocky V has a bleak, dispirited tone that’s out of place for the franchise. It was also a departure from the series’ usual basic theme of triumph over adversity. The film’s bleak portrayal of Rocky’s struggles, including his loss of his home and his fall from grace in the boxing world, is a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life. Which isn’t what people watch a Rocky movie for. Except for completists, a completely skippable entry in the series and much of what it tries to accomplish is succeeded in its follow-up nearly 20 years later, Rocky Balboa,

8. Rocky IV (1985)

Released at the height of the Cold War and showcasing the growing tensions between the US and the Soviet Union, Rocky IV is the most overblown Rocky film.The film’s main antagonist, Ivan Drago (played by Dolph Lundgren), is a Soviet boxer who represented the communist ideology and was portrayed as a robotic killing machine. While Rocky initially declines to fight him, his former foe turned friend Apollo Creed agrees to fight an exhibition match. When he’s killed in the ring by the Soviet boxer, Rocky gets back into fighting shape to fight Ivan.

The wildest movie in the franchise, it’s also too big for a Rocky film, with weird moments (at one point Rocky buys Paulie a robot(!)) and flashy showboating (featuring a live performance by James Brown before Creed’s match), Rocky IV is miles away from the story of an underdog unknown boxer fighting his way to the top. Already at the top, Rocky ends up representing the USA fighting the Soviet Union, represented by cartoonish antagonist Drago. Goofy at times, bad at others, it’s the second-worst Rocky movie overall.

7. Rocky III (1982)

The third installment in the franchise, released in 1982, is the second Rocky film directed by Stallone. Featuring a new antagonist, Clubber Lang (memorably played by Mr. T), a ruthless boxer that defeats Rocky in their first fight. Exploring Rocky’s personal struggles with fame and fortune, and his quest for redemption, Rocky III shows Rocky becoming complacent and losing his edge after a string of victories, only being shaken out of his comfort zone with Clubber Lang’s unexpected win.

A commercial success, grossing over $270 million at the box office, it is an entertaining entry in the franchise, with a highlight performance from Mr. T, who brings something new to the Rocky universe. It’s also rather predictable and lacks the depth of the first two films, and its emphasis on spectacle over substance would be repeated and amplified in the following film. It is an iconic film for the training montage, which is set to the song “Eye of the Tiger,” becoming a hit single and winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

It also features one of the best climactic fight scenes in the franchise between Rocky and Clubber Lang, a brutal fight sequence with maybe the best fight choreography of the series during Stallone’s reign. But the wear was starting to show here, as it’s the same story that has been told twice before and once again here. It would take another three decades before Rocky shook off the formula.

6. Creed III (2023)

The Creed films so far tend to feature echoes from the original five films in the Rocky franchise, and Creed III is no different, this time mirroring Rocky III. Taking place five years after Adonis Creed’s fight against Viktor Drago, Creed has achieved great success in his career and personal life, but his world is turned upside down when Damian “Dame” Anderson, a former friend and boxing prodigy, returns to the scene after serving time in prison. The two face off as fierce rivals in the ring, and Donnie is forced to confront his past and personal demons.

Another mirror is that this is the first in the franchise directed by the star of the film, Michael B. Jordan. As Stallone started directing the Rocky films from II to IV, and then again Rocky Balboa, it seems fitting and poetic that the next boxer to pick up the gloves also takes over directorial duties.This is also the first film in the franchise not to have Rocky Balboa as a character. The plot also seems like a mix between Rocky III and Rocky V, along with characters from Creed II. Well-made and delving into Creed’s personal past, it depends on the viewer whether they like how the film leans on tropes and dynamics from the franchise or find it slightly repetitive. Perhaps those only familiar with the 21st century entries will find better favor with it.

Keanu Reeves is one of the biggest stars in the world and has been for decades now. While he has stretched his legs as an actor (Sweet November, anyone? Just me? OK), it’s not a stretch to say he’s best known for his action films.

As he should: in his decades-long career, the seemingly ageless Reeves has starred in some of the most iconic action films ever made. With a cool acting style and even cooler attitude, Reeves is a sympathetic everyman that finds himself in extraordinary circumstances that he manages to triumph over, Keanu Reeves is possibly the best action film star of the 21st century.

But an actor acts, and if you’re known for your action films you will be cast in a lot of action films. However good they may have sounded at the time, not all of them will be The Matrix or John Wick in their quality. With the recent blockbuster release of John Wick: Chapter 4, let’s take a look back at 14 Keanu Reeves action films ranked from worst to best.

14. Johnny Mnemonic (1995)

This sci-fi action movie is widely regarded as one of Keanu Reeves’ weakest. In the corporate-controlled dystopian future of 2021 (which, fair enough), information is the most valuable commodity. Johnny (Reeves) is a data courier with a chip implanted in his head (guess they never invented flash drives in this world), and the film follows his adventure in a poorly detailed future to…the good guys? But the bad guys(?) want the information. And Johnny’s trying to do this job so he can get his implants removed to recover his childhood memories(???).

If you can’t tell by this vague plot description, the film is a mess. The plot is all over the place and not imparted well through the art of film, which is usually the main point of making a movie. The action is as clunky as the dialogue, with a lack of fluidity and coherence. They are also poorly edited, appearing to have little tension and often occurring in small spaces that lack any sense of setting or spectacle. Choppy, poorly written, and featuring one of the most wooden performances from Reeves in his career, Johnny Mnemonic is easily the worst of his action films. Fortunately, they got better.

13. Chain Reaction (1996)

Though they don’t get better too quickly, as his next year’s action follow up, Chain Reaction, demonstrates. With a decent cast and able action direction (Andrew Davis, who previously helmed Above The Law, Under Siege, and The Fugitive), this sci-fi action thriller leans too heavily on the ‘thriller,’ too little on the ‘sci-fi’ and barely any ‘action’ elements. Which would be confusing if one remembers the trailer of this film, consisting of pretty much all of the ‘action’ in the film.

Reeves finds himself playing a technician at a laboratory that’s creating a new source of power. He and his co-worker (played by Rachel Weisz) are framed for the murder of the boss and go on the run, trying to stay alive as they clear their names. The ‘action’ is weak, involving outrunning fireballs, a few chase scenes, and that’s pretty much it. A mish-mash of genres with none of them ever quite working, Keanu was only two years out of his breakthrough role in Speed and it seemed the action was already slowing down.

12. Street Kings (2008)

Disgraced cop Tom Ludlow (Keanu Reeves) is an alcoholic mourning the death of his wife when he’s suddenly implicated in the death of a fellow officer. Finding himself in the midst of a larger Internal Affairs conspiracy, Ludlow has to find out the truth, leading to violent conclusions involving almost everyone near to him.

A hard-boiled crime thriller with plenty of shootout sequences, there’s nothing here that hasn’t been seen before. The story is also typical and viewers may be checking their phones during dialogue scenes. Worse, the film ends up being so unendingly bleak you’ll tune out after the third or fourth gunfight. The film is also filled with notable actors (including Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie, and Chris Evans), most of whom are dead by the end. It’s like an off-label The Departed. There would be better Keanu Reeves films in the future involving creative, riveting shootout sequences, but this film is like an undercooked cake that leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

11. 47 Ronin (2013)

Outcast from society and enslaved, Kai (Reeves) encounters the 47 ronin, samurai seeking revenge for the death of their master. His killer is allied with a witch who controls supernatural forces threatening the land. Kai joins the ronin and they set out to get revenge and save the land. Based (loosely) on the Japanese historical incident from the 18th century, 47 Ronin was a $200 million 3D blockbuster that bombed at the box office and then immediately forgotten.

A curious historical-fantasy-action film that features dragons, ogre gladiator fights, samurai, and a shapeshifting witch, it is a much more enjoyable watch than critics initially judged. That said, this gigantic budget postmodern fantasy-action film has a lot of CGI so the action sequences (featuring samurai fighting against mythical entities and all-digital creatures) also falls flat. This disconnect makes it seem more like a theme park ride than an action film. While Reeves turns in a solid performance, when compared to the rest of his action film output this one falls somewhere on the low end of the scale.

10. Constantine (2005)

A rated-R adaptation of the comic book Hellblazer, Reeves plays John Constantine, a freelance demon hunter who has the ability to see demons in disguise. Learning he is dying of cancer (due to his constant smoking) he strikes a deal with Archangel Gabriel (Tilda Swinton) that he will selflessly exorcize demons from the afflicted for more time on earth. Constantine now finds himself caught between battling demonic forces and protecting a young psychic detective (played by Rachel Weisz) that is targeted to become the new host for Lucifer’s son, which will usher in hell on Earth.

With the sort of overwrought mythos that comic books tend to produce and uneven pacing, Constantine is not everyone’s type of action film. Coming out just before the superhero film renaissance, Constantine is a fine comic book adaptation. The action suffers from the same thing 47 Ronin does, mostly that Reeves is “fighting” against CGI monsters half the time. Well-integrated but detracting from the impact of an action sequence, Constantine is watchable – but leaning more on supernatural special effects than traditional physical action sequences.

9. The Matrix Revolutions (2003)

The final installment in the Matrix trilogy delivers an epic conclusion to the story, and the action sequences somehow got even larger than the previous two. The highway chase scene is a high-octane, long-form sequence that keeps the tension and stakes high throughout, while the rain-soaked final showdown between Neo and Agent Smith becomes a city-spanning brawl. With plenty of action (unfortunately much of it even more CGI than ever), The Matrix Revolutions is a fine conclusion to the series.

But perhaps because this was the concluding chapter (up to that point), there’s something lacking in this installment the first two had. The series was already convoluted but this last film really stops the action down to give even more exposition to explain what’s going on and why. Also, a fair amount of the plot focuses on side characters we were introduced to in the last film who aren’t particularly compelling. The third-best Matrix film, which is still pretty good.

8. Point Break (1991)

FBI agent Johnny Utah gets paid to surf when he’s assigned to go undercover to infiltrate the bank robbing gang the Ex-Presidents, named so for the masks they wear during said robberies. A riptide-roaring action crime thriller unfolds as Johnny gains the trust of gang leader Bohdi (Patrick Swayz) and falls in love with his ex-girlfriend Tyler (Lori Petti). But has Johnny gotten in too deep with these thrill-seeking criminals, and will he be able to pull the trigger when the time comes?

This classic action movie is a fan favorite, introducing Reeves into the world of action films. While firmly set in 1991 (check out the soundtrack and sartorial choices), the action sequences still hold up to day. The surfing and skydiving stunts are thrilling, and the intense gun fights ratchets up the drama (and influenced action films to come). Points off for being more subdued in its action than later Keanu outings in the genre, it still cannot be denied as a classic of the genre.

It’s no secret that just because The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards a film “Best Picture” of any given year means that’s the absolute truth. Like any group, there are biases and outside factors that influence their decision to award any given nominated film Best Picture. And for sure, masterpieces and true works of art have won – but not every year.

Now nearing the quarter mark of the 21st century, there have been 23 Best Picture winners. Some are stunning and true achievements, while others…well, don’t quite match up to be considered the “best” of anything. With this in mind, let’s take a look at all 23 Best Picture winners of the 21st century from worst to best.

23. Argo (2012)

Oh, Argo. It may always be unclear why Argo won Best Picture. While a solid box-office hit and well-received by critics, it feels like if they give a film like this Best Picture they may as well just nominate any flashy empty film that audiences and critics like. This win is the equivalent of the 2001 Oceans Eleven remake winning Best Picture (it didn’t; it wasn’t even nominated – though that was the year A Beautiful Mind won,so not far off).

With clever editing (which won Best Film Editing that year) and competent direction (by Ben Affleck, who was not nominated), there’s not much else to recommend about Argo. It was OK? Considering it was against actual good films that year, including Beasts of the Southern Wild and Lincoln, this is not just one of the worst Best Picture winners of the 21st century but in the history of the Academy Awards.

22. Crash (2004)

Much-maligned (for good reason), Crash is an example of the Academy deciding to award a film Best Picture for its message (racism is bad) than its actual merits. Following a group of racially diverse characters as their lives intersect in unexpected ways, often highlighting the racial tensions that still exist and cause great harm, this should have been a better movie than it ended up.

The characterizations are shallow and often stereotypical, and there is little to no nuance in how it tackles race-related issues. If the Academy was seeking to award a film for its message, Brokeback Mountain was nominated for Best Picture that year. And that was an actual good movie!

21. The Shape of Water (2017)

What a curious film The Shape of Water is: a romantic fantasy centered around a mute janitor that falls in love with, essentially, The Creature From The Black Lagoon, it’s odd to think why this would have even been nominated for Best Picture, let alone winning it. A derivative piece of work that mashes together a sci-fi B-movie with romance, it was a modest hit at the box office.

A forgettable film, perhaps it won due to its themes of acceptance of those different from you, but that story has been told many times on film to better effect. Considering this was also the year Dunkirk – an astonishing technical masterpiece and one of the best war films of all time – was nominated, perhaps its win was reflective of the Academy’s own interests instead of a film’ merits.

20. The Artist (2011)

The novelty of The Artist is that it was the first silent film to see a wide release in many decades. Stylized like a silent film from the 1920s and taking place in that era, the story of a film star who cannot translate to talkies is an amusing gimmick but one of the lightest pieces of fluff to ever win Best Picture.

A breezy, self-referential (and self-indulgent) look at early Hollywood, it was sure to attract the notice of Academy members, and was nominated for a whopping ten Oscars, winning five. However, novelty fades, and interest in this film has similarly faded with time.

19. Nomadland (2020)

A character study of a recent widow (played by Frances McDormand) who decides to drive around the country living as a nomad, this small drama is a down-to-earth look at grief, loss, and the search for meaning. It is also slow-moving, arranged as a series of vignettes more than a cohesive narrative. While it addresses the difficulties of a nomadic lifestyle, it also avoids the dangers inherent in it and how poverty makes it more of a necessity than a choice.

This film may have won simply because it was an extremely light year for competition in-category, this being the first Academy Awards since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and with many film productions and releases having been delayed or canceled as a result. An OK movie but without substance.

18. Million Dollar Baby (2004)

A traditional sports drama with extra pathos thrown in, Million Dollar Baby was a box office hit and received seven Academy Award nominations. However, as time has passed it’s easy to be skeptical why it was awarded Best Picture. The acting is first-rate (indeed, it won Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor) but the film itself is dark and brooding, leading to an extremely bleak ending.

Indeed, some critics at the time opined the film could have had a more positive ending where boxer Maggie fights and triumphs once again over adversity instead of its downbeat, tragic conclusion. Ray, Sideways, and Avatar were all nominated for Best Picture that year, so choosing a sports drama against an earnest biography of an influential musician, a clever comedy, and the biggest movie in history at the time reflects the insular nature of the Academy’s decision-making process.

17. Chicago (2002)

Musicals are rarely nominated for Best Picture and even more rarely win. A musical black comedy crime film seems an even odder fit for the prestige of The Academy Awards. Yet Chicago (based on the eponymous long-running musical) became the first (and to date, only) musical film to win Best Picture since Oliver! won in 1968.

A well-made crowd-pleaser, the film had its fair share of critics, who complained it favored style over substance and the adaptation from stage to screen seems clunky. Even odder is the more prestigious films in-category it beat that year: Gangs of New York, The Pianist, and The Hours were passed over for a flash-in-the-pan, superficial musical.

16. A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Another case of an overheated marketing campaign and a safe choice, A Beautiful Mind was popular and well-received by critics and audiences. The story of renowned mathematician John Nash, who suffers from schizophrenia which leads to great personal and professional strife as a result, Russel Crowe delivers a strong performance. However, it is also a very conventional film directed by mainstream director Ron Howard.

In stark contrast, experimental films like Memento and Mulholland Drive were in competition, both of which would prove to become highly influential in years to come. As for A Beautiful Mind? You can still catch it on cable every now and then, but once you’ve seen it you’ve seen it.

15. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Many films on the bottom half of this list had great popular appeal and big box office returns, a historically unusual trend in the Academy Awards but a departure the 21st century continues to follow. A huge hit with audiences, Slumdog Millionaire wasn’t without its critics, who noted the film benefited from marketing hype and popular appeal rather than substance.

Feel-good films are rarely Best Picture winners, and in a year with films of greater nuance and complexity being nominated (The Reader, Milk, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), this was a soft, safe choice for the Academy.

14. The King’s Speech (2010)

Future King George VI struggles with overcoming his stammer while Great Britain is on the eve of war in The King’s Speech. An exquisite production with solid performances from Colin Firth as George VI and Geoffrey Rush as his speech therapist, this film was a solid box office and critical success. However, a period drama around an aristocrat’s speech disorder seems to pale in comparison to the other films nominated that year, including Black Swan, The Social Network, and Inception.

A well-made film with excellent visuals, in retrospect it also did not have the lasting impact or influence on film as some of its fellow nominees had. A fine film, but a weak Best Picture winner.

13. Green Book (2018)

In 1962, out of work bouncer Tony Lip agrees to chauffeur (and protect) black pianist Dr. Don Shirley as he completes a short tour in the American South in 1962. As they traverse the land, Tony experiences first-hand racial discrimination directed at the pianist and the two bond as they face a series of adversities together.

A well-made film with an important message (and based on a true story), Green Book lacks in its formulaic approach to the mismatched partner road film. While its depiction of the (very real) racism in the Southern United States in the early 1960s provides gravitas, it’s also a dynamic that’s been done before in many other films prior.

The 2010s was the decade that could arguably be the beginning of “The Future”: technological advancements ensured a cell phone in every pocket and a hi-def screen in every room. The world became an instantaneous global network that runs 24/7 and is immediately accessible by anyone with the right gear. It was the beginning of the next chapter of human history.

As it functions, science fiction stories take the anxieties, hopes, and fears of its time and project them into speculative possibilities: what if you could create a virtual companion? What if you could make yourself younger? What if Superman became the villain?

The films on this list weren’t hits – in fact, some of them were dismissed outright by critics and audiences alike. But these films are reflections of the sort of anxieties and concerns people had in that turbulent decade as technology meshed even closer to the fabric of reality, leaving us as users and components – and how that may not be the best outcome for human beings. Touching on mortality, technophobia, corporate hegemony, and sometimes just telling a good story, here are 10 great 2010s sci-fi films that you may have missed but are worth a watch.

1. Auggie (2019)

Recent retiree Felix (played by character actor Richard Kind) finds his new situation lacking. With his wife consumed by her career and his daughter her relationship, he is also lonely. Using a retirement gift of a pair of augmented reality glasses that allow him to talk to a virtual companion that was created from his subconscious, Felix’s new companion is a young and charming female named Auggie that quickly becomes his closest companion.

Running along similar themes as Her, Kind’s performance brings a dimension of obsolescence – forced into retirement, he finds his life has stopped without his consent. Instead of feeling lost, Auggie becomes a reflection of his own thoughts, fears, and desires, and through their relationship Felix discovers himself.

The really heady ideas also begin to reveal themselves – on whether technology like this is good or bad, how people can quickly accept what should be an alien concept into their everyday life, and how our relationship to technology as we head into the future may begin to blur the lines between illusion and tangible. It is also a reflection of the meta relationships people have begun to gravitate towards through social media and the internet rather than spending time in meatspace.

At a brisk 81 minutes, Auggie is a thought-provoking sci-fi film that takes a look at how the intimate inner desires of a person could manifest itself via technology – and how someone may react to such a seemingly impossible idea. Would you be horrified or make friends with it? Auggie explores this concept with a surprising amount of sensitivity that you may find some of yourself in, as well.

2. Empathy, Inc (2019)

Joel is a down-on-his-luck businessman who invests in a high-tech start-up called Empathy, Inc. The company claims to have developed a revolutionary technology that enables users to experience the lives of others through a virtual reality simulation, but Joel becomes embroiled in a web of deceit and corruption as he tries to unravel the truth behind the company and its founder, the charismatic but dangerous figure.

This sci-fi film explores the dark side of human nature and the consequences of greed and ambition. Not ground-breaking territory but any premise can be carried by how the story is told. Empathy, Inc is a thought-provoking commentary on society’s obsession with technology and the dangers that come with blurring the line between what is real and what is not.

The film succeeds in its ability to create a sense of tension and unease as Joel uncovers the dark secrets of Empathy, Inc. and builds suspense effectively, and the audience is kept guessing until the very end.
Shot in monochrome, the stylistics of the film also add to its mood; strange to see a sci-fi film in black and white, which gives it a noir-like quality that adds to the sense of intrigue and danger.

A compelling sci-fi film that is well worth watching, Empathy, Inc raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of reality and the consequences of our actions. A cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition, it speaks to the need for empathy and understanding in modern society. Gripping and engaging, it’s an underrated sci-fi film that will leave audiences thinking about their own empathy.

3. Brightburn (2019)

Every kid Brandon Breyer discovers he possesses superhuman powers. However, as he grows older, Brandon’s powers begin to corrupt him, and he becomes a malevolent force intent on wreaking havoc on the world.

Brightburn takes the familiar tropes of the superhero genre and turns them on their head, presenting a dark and disturbing alternative to the more traditional superhero narrative. Instead of birthing a superhero, what if super powers created a villain?

The film’s most significant strength is its willingness to explore complex moral questions about the nature of power and the responsibilities that come with it. That its protagonist is a villain provides a more interesting character than your regular movie superhero, especially when their motive is not particularly heroic. Thought-provoking questions about the ethics of vigilante justice and the limits of empathy and compassion are explored through this darkened lens.

Brightburn is a thrilling and thought-provoking sci-fi horror film worth watching that deviates from the now-staid superhero format. Its subversion of this genre, it strong performances, and its impressive visual effects make Brightburn an engaging and entertaining movie that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. The film’s exploration of complex moral questions also elevates it above many of its contemporaries, making it a must-watch for fans of the superhero genre.

4. Realive (2017)

Marc is a young man diagnosed with a terminal illness and decides to undergo a radical medical procedure that will allow him to be cryogenically frozen until a cure can be found. He awakes in 2084 as the first cryogenically frozen man to be resurrected. However, the moral and ethical implications of his decision begin to eat away at him as Marc realizes being alive is not the same as feeling alive.

Realive is a 2017 science fiction film that explores the concept of immortality and what it means to be human. The film’s exploration of the ethical and philosophical implications of immortality is one of its greatest strengths and a unique yet humane vision. It raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of life and death, the limits of human understanding, and how we value our lives.

Tom Hughes plays Marc and carries the film on his shoulders through a nuanced and emotional portrayal of a man out of time and place who questions the value of what he has done.

Realive benefits from a strong script that balances its philosophical themes with compelling character development and engaging storytelling. The movie’s pacing is excellent, and it manages to maintain a sense of tension and suspense throughout.

A captivating and thought-provoking sci-fi film worth the time, Realive’s exploration of the concept of immortality and its compelling, uncommon story make it a standout underseen sci-fi film. A powerful meditation on what it means to be human, alive, and understanding why it matters are sure to resonate with audiences of the 21st century.

5. What Happened To Monday (2017)

In a dystopian future in which families are only allowed to have one child due to the earth’s dwindling resources, a family has septuplets and must go to great lengths to keep their children hidden from the government. The solution is to present the seven children as one person, which they carry through their lives into adulthood. This presents a number of problems, both internally and externally, as the seven sisters (named after the day of the week in which they can be the “public” sister) begin to chafe against years of isolation and having to share the same life.

Noomi Rapace delivers a standout performance, playing each of the septuplets while keeping them separate characters. The constant fear of being found out, and put into ‘cryosleep’ until the population is reduced, is a similarly jarring authoritarian concept and one that informs the decisions of each ‘separate’ sister. When one of the sisters doesn’t return after her day, tensions build as the sisters become actively investigated by the Child Allocation Bureau. But the uglier truths of this world are the greatest shock of all.

What Happened To Monday’s explorations of complex moral questions about government control and individual freedom raises thought-provoking questions about the ethics of population control and the balance between individual rights and the greater good. Moreso, it explores the psychological and social effects of losing one’s identity by force and having to present a false front for survival.

Action films tend to stick to a formula: the protagonist is either an underdog everyman that gains strength and eventually beats their enemy, or they’re already heroes that continue on with their action-packed lives. More often than not, it’s good versus evil with good winning in the end. Action movies that stick to the formula have a better chance at finding an audience due to its familiarity while critical success follows similarly.

The action genre is not known for experimenting with its format. Action films also tend not to be viewed as art but a piece of entertainment at best and a commodity at worst. When an action film comes along that plays with the genre’s conventions, mixes in other genres, and doesn’t provide the clear-cut good guy/bad guy dynamic, audiences stay away and critics don’t know what to make of it.

With this in mind, here are 10 of the most underrated action films that were released in the 2010s. Each one brings a unique take on the action genre and presents a different vision than your standard action film. Even if overlooked in that decade, the films remain as singular and strong as the day they were released to indifferent audiences and critics.

1. The Book of Eli (2010)

The Book of Eli is a 2010 post-apocalyptic action film that tells the story of Eli (Denzel Washington), a man traveling across a desolate wasteland to deliver a book that he believes can save humanity. Directed by the Hughes Brothers, it received mixed reviews upon its release but has since gained a cult following. Worthy of rediscovery, this film is more than just your standard action flick.

The film differs from other films in the post-apocalyptic genre, in which deeper themes of faith, morality, and the power of knowledge are explored rather than just fighting mindless zombies. Eli’s mission to protect the book is not just about physical survival, but preserving something greater than himself and his immediate needs.

But what truly elevates The Book of Eli is the performance of Denzel Washington in the lead role. Washington brings a quiet intensity to the character of Eli, conveying a sense of determination and purpose through his actions rather than his words. The film also features strong supporting performances from Gary Oldman as the villainous Carnegie and Mila Kunis as a young woman who joins Eli on his journey.

An underrated action film, The Book of Eli offers a unique take on the post-apocalyptic genre, exploring deeper themes of faith and knowledge rather than providing mindless action sequences.

2. The Losers (2010)

An elite team of elite operatives are betrayed and left for dead during a mission in Bolivia. With the help of a mysterious woman (played by Zoe Saldana), the team sets out to seek revenge against the man who betrayed them, a powerful and ruthless CIA agent named Max (Jason Patric). Along the way, they face numerous obstacles and challenges as they try to stay one step ahead of Max and his army of mercenaries.

Overlooked by audiences and critics alike, The Losers has a lot going for it: boasting an outstanding cast, including Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Chris Evans, and Idris Elba, each actor brings their A-game, infusing their characters with wit, charm, and charisma. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, making their banter and camaraderie one of the highlights of the film.

The Losers is packed with adrenaline-pumping set pieces that are expertly choreographed and executed. From car chases to shootouts, the action never lets up, and the pacing is spot-on. The film also has a playful and inventive approach to action, with scenes that are both over-the-top and hilarious.

The film never takes itself too seriously and has fun with the genre conventions. The script is witty and clever, with plenty of one-liners and zingers that keep the audiences entertained. With its impressive cast, thrilling action sequences, and sense of humor, the film is a fun and enjoyable ride from start to finish.

3. Sanctum (2011)

A team of underwater cave divers become trapped in an unexplored cave system after a storm. As they struggle to find a way out, tensions rise, and the team must rely on their skills and each other to survive. Despite its impressive visuals and gripping storyline, Sanctum received mixed reviews and was largely overlooked by audiences.

Which is unfortunate, as Sanctum is a masterclass in visual storytelling. The film’s stunning cinematography, which captures the dark and eerie underwater cave environment, is breathtaking. The tight and claustrophobic setting adds to the tension and danger of the situation, making every moment feel like a fight for survival. The film’s use of lighting and sound is also impressive, creating a sense of foreboding and unease throughout.

Sanctum’s portrayal of the dangers of cave diving and its realistic approach to the sport and its potential hazards, including equipment failures, water currents, and lack of oxygen, is viscerally terrifying and keeps the viewer in suspense throughout. This works hand-in-hand with the characters in the film. Unlike many action films, the characters in Sanctum are fleshed out and multi-dimensional, making their struggles and triumphs all the more impactful. An intense and thought-provoking action-thriller, Sanctum is definitely worth a watch.

4. Raze (2014)

A group of women are abducted and forced to fight each other to the death in an underground arena. Talk about brutal! The premise of Raze didn’t garner many favorable reviews and audiences similarly avoided it. Too bad: it’s a hidden gem and an extremely unique action film.

Women aren’t particularly prominent in lead roles in action films, and even fewer action movies have a majority female cast. Raze explores the theme of female empowerment and challenges gender stereotypes and expectations, portraying its female characters as strong and capable fighters who refuse to be victimized. Raze also raises (no pun intended) thought-provoking questions about the nature of violence and the limits of personal agency.

Perhaps there is one aspect that kept critics from appreciating the film: its brutal fight scenes between women. It’s an unusual visual and even more rare as a main feature in a film. But Raze’s fight choreography is expertly crafted, with each blow and strike coming across as raw and impactful. The fights are brutal and unrelenting but also well-executed and thrilling.

Gritty, ferocious, and confrontational, Raze refuses to shy away from its darker and more disturbing themes and its refusal to cater to mainstream expectations makes it a refreshing and subversive addition to the action genre.

5. Aftermath (2012)

After an event known as the “Day of Chaos,” nine strangers are forced to take shelter in a farmhouse after a nuclear attack. As they struggle to survive in the aftermath of the disaster, tensions rise and secrets are revealed, leading to a gripping and intense climax. Perhaps American culture was feeling post-apocalypse fatigue by 2012, but Aftermath was given a lukewarm reception by critics while audiences stayed away.

Unfortunate because it’s a solid entry into the post-apocalyptic action genre. The film’s strength lies in its ability to create a sense of claustrophobia and isolation. The farmhouse becomes a microcosm of the world outside, where survival becomes the only goal, and trust is a scarce commodity.

As characters succumb to radiation sickness, suffer betrayal at each other’s hands, and resources dwindling, the film’s pacing and intimate setting leaves it at a simmer, punctuated by bursts of action and drama. Perhaps due to the bleak nature of the film, it may not be to everyone’s taste (think The Day After but with more action sequences). But for an indie sci-fi action thriller that creates and sustains a tense atmosphere throughout, Aftermath shouldn’t be an afterthought when seeking out a unique action genre picture.

Although there are a number of awards ceremonies each year for films, the one that gets everybody talking is the Academy Awards—the gold standard of film awards. And each year, just as many deserving films receive nominations for their achievements, both technical and performance-wise, there are also plenty of surprises and snubs that get online outlets talking and film critics producing articles about what was ignored and how some films got any nominations at all.

This is yet another one of those: here are the 10 most surprising nominations (or lack thereof) and snubs in this year’s Oscar nominations.

Snubs

1. James Franco wasn’t nominated for Best Actor for The Disaster Artist

From his idiosyncratic body of work that oscillates between good (Pineapple Express, This Is The End) and abysmal (The Sound and the Fury, As I Lay Dying), with his directorial efforts comprising much of the latter, James Franco has become a divisive figure in the entertainment world.

Having built a public reputation for his hyperkinetic activities in the art world and of cultivating a strange public persona, Franco surprisingly delivered a mainstream film this year in the adaptation of Greg Sestero’s book The Disaster Artist, his first-hand account of making the cult film The Room and his relationship with its unfathomably odd director, Tommy Wiseau. Helming the production and playing Wiseau himself, Franco received some of the best reviews of his career and delivered surely his most successful directorial effort.

It seemed as if Franco was a shoe-in for multiple nominations—until a number of allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. Suddenly, the Oscar buzz around Franco disappeared, replaced by serious discussion of his potential numerous offenses.

Similarly, his film was nominated for only Best Adapted Screenplay (of which he wasn’t involved) and made sure Franco wouldn’t be present at the Awards this year. He was even airbrushed out of Vanity Fair’s Academy Awards cover. Perhaps it’s for personal reasons and not his work, but Franco being left out in the cold over sexual assault allegations still doesn’t address the fact that his performance in The Disaster Artist was one of the best of the year.

2. I, Tonya didn’t get a Best Picture nomination

A film that surprised many for delivering a story they didn’t realize they wanted to see, I, Tonya is a stylish biopic that details the rocky ascension and controversial life of former figure skating champion Tonya Harding. Starring Margot Robbie in a transformative performance as Roberts—and who deservedly received a Bess Actress nomination—I, Tonya is at times funny, harrowing, and ultimately tragic.

Which makes its lack of inclusion in the Best Picture category all the more surprising. A well-written and well-crafted film about a notorious public figure from the 20th century who fought against prejudice in the skating world for her lower-class roots to become a world champion, all while involved in an abusive relationship that ultimately led to associates of her husband to attempt to literally cripple her competition, I, Tonya seems like exactly the kind of film the Academy loves. Instead, it skated away with a handful of nominations for its editing and performances but no nod in the big category.

3. The Florida Project only received one nomination

Universally acclaimed upon release, The Florida Project details living in poverty through the eyes of its six-year-old protagonist, who is too young to realize that living in motels and hand-to-mouth is a precarious existence.

An art house hit and having built early Awards buzz, many in the industry assumed it would be nominated in a variety of categories. But when the nominations were announced, only Willem Defoe received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

4. All The Money In The World was shut out of most categories

Historical dramas usually clean up during Awards season, but All The Money In The World—which details the kidnapping of billionaire John Paul Getty’s grandson—was shut out. Which is unfortunate, considering this Ridley Scott-directed drama is a technically perfect film that features fine performances, particularly from Christopher Plummer as Getty.

But it seems, much like Franco’s situation, All The Money In The World’s chances were scotched due to Kevin Spacey’s involvement with the film. Having initially filmed Spacey as Getty, only to replace him completely with Plummer after sexual misconduct allegations were revealed, its release date was pushed back and the negative press surrounding Spacey dominated the film’s initial release and seemed to affect its Oscar chances. Only Plummer was given a nomination, for Best Supporting Actor, while Ridley Scott’s film was shut out of most categories.

5. Wonder Woman didn’t receive a single nomination for anything

Wonder Woman was a gamechanger for the superhero genre: a female-led action film, Wonder Woman proved that DC could produce a solid action movie that can compete with Marvel Studio’s stellar output. In particular, Gal Gadot’s performance as Wonder Woman received stellar reviews.

Many critics and Hollywood insiders predicted the film would receive at least a few nominations. But come announcement day, Wonder Woman came up completely empty. Surprising some for the complete shut-out, it’s also reflective of the Academy being slow to adapt to change in the marketplace and resistance to recognize action films.

Since the beginning of their renaissance over the past decade, superhero movies have quickly become some of the most profitable and popular films that are highly anticipated by audiences every year. It seems each year sees one or two big blockbuster superhero films that break box office records and receive rave reviews from critics.

But 2017 has been a watershed year for the superhero genre, seeing no less than eight major motion pictures released that cover DC and Marvel properties, and even one outlier. These films all vied for both the audience’s attention and positive critical reviews—but not all of them found such success.

For every massive crossover hit like Wonder Woman there was a disappointing Justice League; for every bright, colorful romp like Spider-Man: Homecoming there was a dark, downbeat film like Logan for counterbalance. Even years into the era of big-budget superhero films, it seems studios are still experimenting with what works in adapting popular comic book characters into live-action movies.

2017 has been a revelatory year for the superhero film genre in that there were so many different takes on how to make one. While it seems some properties are hewing ever closer to perfection, others seem hopelessly clueless in adapting the source material. With this in mind, let’s take a look at all 8 major superhero films released in 2017 from worst to best.

8. Power Rangers

How did the cheesy franchised kid’s superhero show Mighty Morphin Power Rangers from the 90’s, imported from the Japanese show Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger and Americanized for the viewer’s convenience, become a major motion picture with a $100 million budget over 20 years after it went off the air in the US? Good question, but a mixture of nostalgia and film company’s desire to cash in on its audience’s nostalgia is most likely the answer.

But despite the film’s efforts to update the concept to the 21st century, including incorporating members of the LGBTQ and autistic community to be part of the Rangers, the film struggled to perform at the box office.

Part of the problem is that it lacked the campy quality the original series had, which held much of its appeal to Western audiences. Another problem was tone: oscillating between being silly and being serious, Power Rangers never seemed to land on either, instead making the film tonally confusing to the audience. While it’s a fun enough film to watch, there is also little for the original fans of the series–now approaching middle age–to grab onto, while their children would be confused why they should care one way or the other.

A box office disappointment, Power Rangers recouped $144 million on its large budget, and not including marketing costs it most certainly lost money for its studio. Easily the weakest of the superhero movies to come out this year, Power Rangers probably won’t be the tentpole for a franchise its creators were hoping for.

7. The Lego Batman Movie

Look: this is a children’s movie, but for a kid’s movie, it’s a lot of fun. Written and produced by the same team that made The Lego Movie, The Lego Batman Movie is a surprisingly good adaptation of the familiar Batman characters while also working as a fun movie for the 10-and-under set.

Will Arnett reprises his role from The Lego Movie to voice Batman, while comedian Zach Galifianakis voices The Joker and Michael Cera is weirdly appropriate as Robin. In fact, the voice cast overall is stellar, with Rosario Dawson as Batgirl, Ralph Fiennes as Alfred, Jenny Slate as Harley Quinn, and maybe a dozen other recognizable voices appearing throughout the film.

Is this a straightforward superhero film? Of course not: it’s a pop culture reference-heavy comedy that never plays it straight. And it’s a lot of fun. Parents and older viewers will enjoy the clever references that most kids won’t catch while still being appropriate for children. Further, it’s a great way to introduce kids to the characters in the Batman universe without having to expose them to much darker and more violent content. At the very least, it’s a lot better than Power Rangers.

6. Justice League

DC hasn’t had the same stellar success adapting its material to the big screen like Marvel has. In fact, it’s a popular opinion that DC films kind of, you know, suck. Although Wonder Woman was a gigantic hit this year both critically and financially, many previous DC films—Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Man of Steel—have been letdowns that made many viewers wonder why the company was having such a difficult time translating their influential and popular superhero characters to live action film.

In their attempt to launch a multi-film DC Extended Universe united under a multi-hero alliance (in this case, the Justice League), DC and Warner Brothers constructed a behemoth of a film that was hyped long before its release date, and the result was…underwhelming.

The first DCEU to open under $100 million, it eventually took a worldwide gross of $634 million against a budget of $300 million and an untold amount of promotional costs. Receiving mixed reviews, which praised Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, criticized Ben Affleck as coming across as bored in the role of Batman, and found most of Justice League an expensive but ugly action film that lumbered from one giant set piece to another as it clumsily attempted to replicate the humor and charisma with which Marvel superhero films tend to imbue their characters.

In the end, one of the most highly anticipated superhero films of the year floundered at the box office and with audiences. With such a gigantic budget, it would have had to have been the biggest film of the year. Instead, it turned out to be yet another expensive exercise in DC’s ongoing attempt to figure out how to translate their much-loved characters to the big screen.

5. Thor: Ragnorok

Thor—now in his third standalone film—has been searching for the missing Infinity Stones for the past two years and find himself imprisoned by the fire demon Sutur. Asgard is in turmoil and soon to be destroyed by the prophesied Ragnorok, and his father Odin is dying—and whose death will release his long-imprisoned daughter, whose ambitions threatened his hold on power. But never mind all that: Hulk shows up to smash!

Thor: Ragnorok has been well-received by critics, who found the universe-spanning adventure colorful and highly enjoyable. Its giant CGI effects offer a visual spectacle and it’s a superhero film that functions as pure escapism. Perhaps the best of the three Thor films, Thor: Ragnorok was a huge box-office hit worldwide and reaffirms how good Marvel is at making superhero flicks.