The History of Action Cinema:
From Classic Thrillers to Superhero Epics

Action films are a genre of cinema characterized by dynamic chase scenes, fights, gunfights, explosions, and stunts. Over the course of more than a century of film history, the genre has undergone significant changes, reflecting the technical advances, cultural influences, and social changes of different eras. From the first silent adventure films to today’s technologically advanced superhero blockbusters, action films have always been at the forefront of visual and narrative innovation in cinema.

Definition and characteristics of the genre

The genre has no clear definition among film scholars. Discussions about what exactly constitutes an action film have been going on since the 1980s. Some scholars, such as David Bordwell, have suggested that action films should be viewed as films where spectacle prevails over narrative. Others, including Geoff King, have argued that they harmoniously combine spectacle scenes with a narrative plot.

Characteristic elements of the genre include chase scenes, hand-to-hand combat, shootouts, explosions, and stunts. However, the essence of an action film goes beyond a simple set of spectacular elements. As researcher Harvey O’Brien has noted, the action film is best understood as a fusion of form and content, with action, movement, and tension being the primary factors.

Action films are often combined with other genres, creating hybrid forms: action comedies, sci-fi thrillers, action horrors. Such hybridity became especially noticeable in the post-classical period, when pure genre forms gave way to more complex combinations. Judging by the new action films on KinoGo , all the new spectacular films combine many genres and viewers like it.

The Origins and Era of Silent Film

The origins of action films can be traced back to the early days of cinema. Although the term "action film" was used as early as the 1910s, the modern definition of the genre was formed later. The first examples of films containing action elements appeared during the silent film era and were adventure films and serials.

The first full-length martial arts film is considered to be the Chinese film The Burning of the Red Lotus Temple, released in 1928. Directed by Zhang Shichuan and produced by the Mingxing Film Company, the silent film pioneered the martial arts genre and was the first kung fu film in history. Based on a popular Chinese novel, the film follows a group of martial artists who defend their temple from raiders.

In Western cinema, action elements appeared in adventure serials and feature films such as The Phantom (1943), Captain America (1944), and Superman (1948). These early films laid the foundation for the future development of the genre.

Among the significant silent films with action elements, one can highlight The Iron Mask (1929) and The Three Musketeers (1921) with Douglas Fairbanks, The Sea Hawk (1924) with Milton Sills, The Black Pirate (1926) and other adventure films of that time.

Of particular note is the Soviet film Battleship Potemkin (1925) by Sergei Eisenstein. Although it is difficult to classify it as an action film, the famous Odessa Steps scene was revolutionary in its use of montage to orchestrate violence and influenced many future action films.

Formation of the genre in the sound era

With the advent of sound cinema, the action genre gained new opportunities for development. Sound effects of gunshots, blows and explosions added realism to action scenes, and dialogue enriched the characters’ personalities.

One of the first sound thrillers was Blackmail (1929) by Alfred Hitchcock, the first sound film made in Britain. Often credited as the director who shaped the modern thriller, Hitchcock created films that gripped viewers with the reality of the dangers facing the characters.

The 1930s saw the rise of action adventure films such as Michael Curtiz’s Captain Blood (1935), starring Errol Flynn. The film marked the beginning of one of the great actor-director partnerships in action cinema history.

Pirate and seafaring films became an important part of the action cinema of the 1930s and 1940s. Films like Captain Blood featured dynamic fencing and naval battles, demonstrating directors’ mastery of space and choreography of fight scenes.

Westerns also made significant contributions to the genre. John Ford’s Stagecoach (1939) set a new standard for Westerns, and its Apache attack scene became a model for dynamic editing and intense on-screen action.

In the 1940s, the impact of World War II led to the emergence of war films with action elements. Films such as Raoul Walsh’s They Died with Their Boots on Their Feet (1941) featured large-scale battle scenes that set the standard for future war films.

The Making of the Modern Action Movie

The modern action film began to take shape during the New Hollywood period of the late 1960s and 1970s. This period saw a shift away from classic heroes to more complex characters – antiheroes, operating outside the law and social conventions.

The 1968 film Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen, introduced the image of a tough cop protecting society from systemic corruption. The film is particularly famous for its groundbreaking car chase scene through the streets of San Francisco, which raised the bar for future action scenes.

This trend was further developed in films about lone cops and vigilantes, such as Dirty Harry (1971) and Death Wish (1974), in which order is restored only through the strength and action of antisocial characters who are willing to act when society is powerless.

Car chases became an important element of action films during this period. Films like The French Connection (1971) emphasized the fusion of man and machine, with drivers and vehicles acting as one. This trend culminated in the post-apocalyptic action film Mad Max 2 (1981).

In the 1970s, Western action cinema began to be influenced by Eastern martial arts, especially with the emergence of stars such as Bruce Lee. His films such as Fist of Fury (1972) introduced Western audiences to new forms of action choreography and martial arts.

By the late 1970s, the key elements that would define the classic action film period of the 1980s had emerged: lone heroes fighting against the system or all-powerful enemies, fast-paced chases and shootouts, hand-to-hand combat, and epic confrontations between good and evil.

The classic period of action cinema

The 1980s are considered the golden age of action films, dubbed the "classic period." This decade saw the genre reach its peak of popularity, with its key elements becoming clearly defined and recognizable.

This period was characterized by the emergence of a new type of hero – muscular, indestructible warriors, embodied by actors such as Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chuck Norris and Dolph Lundgren. These characters often acted as vigilantes (Lethal Weapon, 1987), lone cops (Die Hard, 1988) or mercenary warriors (Commando, 1985).

Continuing the trend of merging man and weapon, 1980s films featured heroes who either carried guns, were trained to be weapons (American Ninja, 1985), or were empowered with technology (RoboCop, 1987). Characters from this era faced clear antagonists, often symbolizing specific geopolitical forces of the Cold War.

The narrative structure of classic 1980s action films revolved around a three-act story centered on survival, resistance, and revenge. Rooted in classic storytelling, particularly martial arts and westerns, the plots featured the hero’s physical ordeal, injury, and ultimate triumph.

Producers like Joel Silver and production companies like The Cannon Group, which specialized in producing action films of varying budgets, played a major role in the genre’s development. Thanks to their efforts, dozens of action films entered the market each year, satisfying the growing demand of the public.

Among the iconic films of this period are the Rambo and Rocky series with Stallone, Terminator and Predator with Schwarzenegger, Die Hard with Bruce Willis, and Missing in Action with Chuck Norris. These films defined the aesthetics and style of action films for decades to come.

Eastern Influence and Hong Kong Action Films

In parallel with the development of Hollywood action cinema in the 1970s and 1980s, Eastern and especially Hong Kong action cinema exerted a significant influence on the genre. This influence became a defining factor for the post-classical period in the history of action films.

Hong Kong action cinema has deep roots in Chinese and Hong Kong cultures, including Chinese opera, storytelling traditions, and aesthetic principles. Hong Kong filmmakers have combined these elements with influences from Hollywood and Japanese cinema to create a culturally distinctive form that has since gained widespread international acclaim.

Early Hong Kong action films favoured the wuxia style, emphasizing mysticism and swordsmanship, but this trend was politically suppressed in the 1930s and replaced by kung fu films, which depicted more down-to-earth, unarmed martial arts, often featuring folk heroes such as Wong Fei Hung.

Post-war cultural upheaval led to a second wave of wuxia films featuring highly acrobatic violence, followed by the more hardcore kung fu films that became the hallmark of the Shaw Brothers studio.

The 1970s saw a renaissance in kung fu films, driven by the rise and sudden death of Bruce Lee. He was succeeded in the 1980s by Jackie Chan, who popularized the use of comedy, dangerous stunts, and modern urban settings in action films, and Jet Li, whose authentic wushu skills appealed to both Eastern and Western audiences.

Innovative work by directors and producers such as Tsui Hark and John Woo brought further diversity with the emergence of genres such as gangster "heroic massacre" action films and "gun fu" films, as well as the introduction of triad and supernatural themes.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Hong Kong action cinema began to exert a significant influence on Western action films. Directors like John Woo moved to Hollywood, bringing Eastern aesthetics and action techniques to American films.

Postclassical period

The third stage in the evolution of action cinema, called the post-classical period, covers the 1990s and early 2000s. It is characterized by the predominance of Eastern cinematography and its aesthetics, primarily the wire technique of Hong Kong action films, as well as the increasingly active use of computer graphics.

This period coincided with the end of the Cold War in 1991, which led to a decline in overt machismo in action films, replaced by self-referential and parodic elements, prominently featured in films such as Last Action Hero (1993).

O’Brien described this period as "soft", where the "hard bodies" of the classical era were replaced by computer graphics, as in Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991). This was combined with millennial anxiety and apocalyptic themes, presented in films such as Independence Day (1996) and Armageddon (1998).

Action films of this period began to feature increasingly unrealistic settings and demanded more overtly superheroic characters. Comic book adaptations became increasingly popular. A major event was the release of The Matrix (1999), which Vulture’s Adam Sternbergh noted was influenced by comics, cyberpunk sci-fi, Japanese anime, and Hong Kong action films.

Sternberg also credits The Matrix, with its use of computer graphics, with redefining the action film, creating the template for modern superhero blockbusters. He believes it inspired the superhero renaissance of the early 21st century.

A significant event in the genre was the release of Marvel’s Blade (1998), which was a darker superhero film mixed with traditional action elements. The main character had vampire powers and an arsenal of weapons. The success of Blade is considered the beginning of Marvel’s cinematic success and a catalyst for further comic book adaptations.

Revival of classical forms and new trends

The fourth phase in the evolution of the genre came after the September 11, 2001 attacks, which brought about a return to the early forms of the genre as opposed to the fantastic elements of the post-classical period.

Following the release of Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003) and Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004), which reimagined 1970s action movie tropes, there has been a resurgence of revenge narratives in films such as The Brave One (2007) and Taken (2008).

O’Brien noted that Tarantino’s films represented a postmodern take on themes that eschewed irony in favor of "cinephilic reimaginings of genre conventions." The genre came full circle, reviving the films of its classic period with Die Hard (2007) and Rambo (2008), which featured characters navigating the modern world while simultaneously acknowledging their age.

The culmination of this trend was The Expendables (2010), which brought together action stars from different generations in one project, which can be seen as a kind of homage to the classic period of the genre.

The 2000s and 2010s saw a revival of the historical action genre. Films like Gladiator (2000), Troy (2004), 300 (2006), and Kingdom of Heaven (2005) combined historical settings with modern action staging techniques and CGI.

The James Bond films have also undergone a transformation. Beginning with Casino Royale (2006) with Daniel Craig, the Bond character was officially relaunched as a post-Cold War hero. The new Bond films have become grittier and more realistic, while still retaining the franchise’s signature elements.

The spy genre as a whole was experiencing a renaissance with franchises like Mission: Impossible starring Tom Cruise, Jason Bourne starring Matt Damon, and Kingsman starring Colin Firth. These films brought a fresh take on the spy thriller, combining elements of the classic period with modern visuals and more complex plots.

The Age of Superhero Cinema

The most important event in the history of 21st century action cinema was the emergence and dominance of superhero films. Although superhero stories gained popularity in comic books and were adapted into TV series in the mid-20th century, the modern era of superhero cinema began in the 2000s.

Early examples of superhero cinema included animated films and film serials such as Mandrake the Magician (1939), The Shadow (1940), The Adventures of Captain Marvel (1941), Batman (1943), The Phantom (1943), Captain America (1944), and Superman (1948).

In 2000, X-Men was released, followed by the huge success of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man (2002). These films showed that comic book adaptations could be both commercially successful and critically acclaimed, and paved the way for a new wave of superhero films.

The real turning point came in 2008 with the release of Iron Man, which launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). That same year, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight received widespread critical acclaim and became the first superhero film to gross over $1 billion worldwide.

The 2010s saw the continued success of superhero films, both culturally and economically, taking the subgenre to new heights. After hinting at the Avengers Initiative in Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, Marvel released Thor in May 2011, followed by Captain America: The First Avenger in July 2011.

The release of The Avengers in 2012 cemented the dominance of superhero cinema in the action genre. The film grossed over $1.5 billion and received positive reviews from critics and audiences. It demonstrated the possibility of creating a shared cinematic universe with intersecting characters and storylines.

In the years since, the MCU has released several films each year, each of which has become an event in the world of cinema. In parallel, the DC Extended Universe has been developing with films such as Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Wonder Woman (2017).

Superhero films have become not just a part of the action genre, but its dominant form. They combine elements of action, science fiction, fantasy, and even comedy, creating unique hybrid works that appeal to a mass audience.

Technical Innovations in Modern Action Films

Modern action films are characterized by the use of advanced technology that allows for the creation of increasingly impressive and realistic action scenes. Computer graphics, digital effects, and innovative filming techniques have expanded the genre’s capabilities far beyond what was possible in the past.

Computer-generated imagery (CGI) has become an integral part of modern action films. While in the 1990s it was used primarily to create individual effects or characters, in the 2000s and 2010s entire worlds and complex action scenes can be created using CGI.

The film The Matrix (1999) featured the innovative "bullet time" effect, which allowed viewers to see the action from previously impossible angles. This effect has been widely copied and adapted in subsequent action films.

In the 2000s, motion capture technology allowed actors to physically play computer-generated characters. Andy Serkis pioneered the technology with his roles as Gollum in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Caesar in the new Planet of the Apes film series.

The use of drones for aerial photography has opened up new possibilities for creating dynamic action scenes, allowing for camera angles and movements that would be impossible or extremely expensive with traditional equipment.

Digital color grading has allowed for the creation of unique visual styles for different films. For example, the John Wick series starring Keanu Reeves features a neon color palette and stylized lighting that has become part of the franchise’s signature style.

Despite technological advances, many modern action films strive to remain connected to the genre’s traditions by combining CGI with practical effects and real stunts. Directors such as Christopher Nolan (Inception, The Dark Knight) and George Miller (Mad Max: Fury Road) are known for their preference for practical effects over digital ones whenever possible.

Tom Cruise, star of the Mission: Impossible franchise, has become famous for performing many of the dangerous stunts himself in his films, including hanging from the outside of a plane as it takes off in Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015) and skydiving from 25,000 feet in Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018).

Action Film Subgenres and Hybrid Forms

The action film genre is characterized by its great flexibility and ability to combine with other genres to form various hybrid forms. This hybridity became especially noticeable in the post-classical period, when pure genre forms gave way to more complex combinations.

One of the most important subgenres is the martial arts film, which is a broad category in itself. It includes kung fu films focusing on Chinese martial arts, wuxia films depicting the fantastical adventures of sword masters in ancient China, karate films popularized in Japan and the West, and comedy action films often associated with stars such as Jackie Chan.

Related genres include gun fu (a combination of martial arts and gunplay), samurai films, and jidaigeki Japanese historical dramas. In Western cinema, these include vigilante films, police action films, and spy thrillers.

Historical action films are another important subgenre, combining a historical setting with dynamic action scenes. These include films about Roman legionnaires (Gladiator), medieval knights (Kingdom of Heaven), Vikings (Northerner), and samurai (Seven Samurai).

Action comedies such as the Lethal Weapon, Rush Hour, and Hot Shots series combine intense action scenes with comedic elements, often centered around a duo of mismatched partners.

Sci-fi action films like The Terminator, The Matrix, and District 9 place action stories in fantasy future worlds, exploring technological and social issues through the lens of fast-paced storytelling.

Fantasy action films such as The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter (especially the later films in the series), and Pirates of the Caribbean bring action elements into fictional worlds of magic and wonder.

Superhero films, which have become the dominant form of action cinema in the 2010s, are themselves a hybrid genre, combining elements of action, science fiction, fantasy, and even comedy depending on the particular character and franchise.

The Cultural Impact of Action Films

Action films have had a significant impact on popular culture and society as a whole. They not only reflect the cultural and social trends of their time, but also actively shape them, creating new images, ideals and values.

Action heroes often become cultural icons, embodying the ideals of their era. In the 1980s, they were muscular macho men like Stallone and Schwarzenegger, who embodied the aggressive masculinity of the Cold War. In the 1990s and 2000s, they gave way to more vulnerable and multifaceted characters, and in the 2010s, superheroes became symbols of modern values of diversity and inclusion.

Action films also influence gender stereotypes. Whereas previously women were often just objects to be saved, modern action films increasingly feature strong female characters. Films such as Kill Bill with Uma Thurman, Wonder Woman with Gal Gadot, Black Widow with Scarlett Johansson, and Captain Marvel with Brie Larson present women as full-fledged action heroes.

Action films also serve as a platform for discussing social and political issues. For example, Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy explores themes of terrorism, surveillance, and civil liberties in a post-9/11 world. Captain America: Civil War addresses issues of international law and the responsibility of superheroes.

The influence of action films extends far beyond cinema, influencing other forms of media. Video games often borrow plots, characters, and aesthetics from action films, and some games, such as the Call of Duty series, are reminiscent of modern war films in their visual style.

Fashion and style are also influenced by action films. From Arnold Schwarzenegger’s leather jackets in The Terminator to the black capes of The Matrix, action films often set fashion trends and shape the visual aesthetic of their era.

The economic impact of action films is also hard to overstate. They remain one of the most profitable genres of cinema, especially in the international market. Marvel and DC superhero films regularly gross billions of dollars at the global box office, making them vital components of the modern film industry.

Geographical diversity and local traditions

Although Hollywood dominates global action film production, the genre has a rich tradition in other countries, each bringing its own cultural characteristics and stylistic elements.

Hong Kong cinema, as noted, had a revolutionary impact on the genre. Hong Kong directors such as John Woo, Tsui Hark, Ringo Lam created a unique style of action film, characterized by virtuoso choreography of fight scenes, dual wielding of weapons, and stylized violence.

Japanese cinema has a long tradition of samurai films (jidaigeki). Directors like Akira Kurosawa (Seven Samurai, The Bodyguard) created action films that later inspired Western films like The Magnificent Seven and Star Wars.

Japanese tokusatsu films and TV series, including the Ultraman and Kamen Rider franchises, represent a unique form of superhero content that has influenced the genre worldwide. Following the success of the Kamen Rider Kuga TV series, a new era for the franchise began, leading to the production of annual Kamen Rider films.

South Korean cinema has produced a number of outstanding action films in recent decades, such as Park Chan-wook’s Oldboy, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, and Bong Joon-ho’s Memories of Murder. These films are distinguished by their gritty realism, social commentary, and innovative fight choreography.

Indian cinema, especially Bollywood, has developed its own distinct style of action film, often incorporating elements of melodrama, comedy and the obligatory musical numbers. In recent years, films such as Dhoom and the Krrish series have demonstrated the growing influence of Hollywood and East Asian action films on Indian cinema.

Thai cinema, starring the likes of Tony Jaa (Ong Bak), portrays the traditional martial art of Muay Thai in the context of modern action films, often with minimal use of CGI and an emphasis on real stunts.

French cinema has spawned its own school of action films, often with parkour elements, as in District 13 and Yamakasi. Director Luc Besson and his company EuropaCorp have become major players in international action film production, with hits such as the Transporter series and Taken.

Russian cinema has also turned to the action genre in recent years, creating films such as Night Watch, Day Watch, Inhabited Island, Defenders, and Major Grom: Plague Doctor, attempting to combine elements of Hollywood action with Russian realities and mentality.

The Future of Action Films

The action film genre continues to evolve, adapting to new technological capabilities, cultural trends, and audience expectations. Several current trends can provide insight into the genre’s possible future developments.

Technological innovation will continue to play a key role in the evolution of action cinema. Virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence to create more realistic visual effects, light field technology to capture 3D scenes – all of these have the potential to change the way action scenes are created and experienced.

The use of virtual volume technology, as seen in The Mandalorian and The Batman (2022), could become the standard for creating realistic environments, replacing traditional green screens and allowing actors and directors to see virtual environments in real time while filming.

Digital de-aging and CGI-assisted resurrection of actors, as in Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman or the Star Wars films, could make it possible to age or de-age characters, as well as bring dead actors back to the screen, raising complex ethical questions.

Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ are increasingly involved in producing original action films and series. This could lead to more diversity in content as streaming services look to appeal to different audiences and aren’t limited by the requirements of a theatrical release.

The globalization of filmmaking continues to blur the boundaries between national cinematic traditions. International collaborations are becoming the norm rather than the exception, leading to a hybridization of styles and cultural influences in action films.

Diversity and inclusion are likely to play an increasingly important role in action cinema. This includes not only a greater presence of female characters and actors from different ethnic backgrounds, but also a diversity of stories, points of view, and cultural contexts.

Environmental themes may become more prominent in future action films, reflecting growing concerns about climate change and environmental issues. Disaster films, which often cross over with the action genre, have already begun to explore these themes.

Virtual production can make action filmmaking more sustainable by reducing the need for international travel and on-location shooting, as well as reducing the overall carbon footprint of filmmaking.

The Legacy and Significance of Action Films

Action films hold a special place in the history of cinema. Not only are they one of the most popular and commercially successful genres, but they also serve as a platform for technical and narrative innovation, influencing other genres and media forms.

From a technical standpoint, action films often pioneer new technologies and filmmaking techniques. From the revolutionary editing in Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin to the bullet time effect in The Matrix, action films continually push the boundaries of what’s possible in visual storytelling.

Culturally, action heroes become symbols of their time, reflecting and shaping ideas about heroism, masculinity, femininity, and moral values. The changes in the image of action heroes – from the invincible macho men of the 1980s to the more vulnerable and ethically complex characters of today – reflect the evolution of social ideas about strength, power, and responsibility.

The economic impact of action films on the film industry is hard to overstate. Big budgets, star actors, special effects, and global marketing all make today’s action blockbusters key elements of the major studios’ business model and an important cultural export, especially for American cinema.

Despite criticism that spectacle is too much at the expense of content, the best action films demonstrate that spectacle can be a storytelling device rather than a mere distraction. As scholar Geoff King has noted, spectacle in action films can be a vehicle for storytelling rather than a hindrance to it.