We all remember the big names—Die Hard, Rambo, Terminator—but the action genre from back in the day has so much more to offer. There’s a treasure trove of action films that might not have the same massive fanfare, but they were just as thrilling, intense, and absolutely essential to shaping the action genre. These films got our adrenaline pumping and set the stage for the heart-pounding action movies that came after. Let’s dive into some of those underrated gems that brought the energy, explosions, and grit, even if they didn’t always get the spotlight they deserved.
1. The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
A gritty heist thriller, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three turns the subway into a high-stakes battleground. This flick has suspense dialed up to 11, with a tense standoff between a hijacking crew and a resourceful transit cop. It may not have the non-stop explosions of later action films, but the intensity and clever dialogue make it a nail-biter. It’s one of those movies that showed us how to create tension without needing a massive budget.
2. The Warriors (1979)
It’s hard to think of any action movie more stylish and atmospheric than The Warriors. Following a gang on the run through a gritty, almost dreamlike New York City, this movie packed tons of action, edge, and attitude. The iconic costumes and the nightmarish vibe turned it into a cult classic, and it left a lasting mark on the genre. Every character’s fight for survival had us glued to the screen and rooting for the underdogs.
3. Assault on Precinct 13 (1976)
Before Halloween, John Carpenter gave us this intense thriller about a skeleton crew of cops and convicts defending a police station from an onslaught of street gangs. With a small budget and limited cast, Assault on Precinct 13 still feels larger than life. The sense of isolation and threat permeates every scene, making it one of those edge-of-your-seat flicks that’s a pure thrill ride from start to finish.
4. Rolling Thunder (1977)
This one’s a gritty, revenge-driven ride. When a war hero returns home only to face unspeakable violence, he decides to take matters into his own hands. Rolling Thunder dives into the darker side of post-war trauma and revenge, with an intensity that was rare for its time. Gritty, tough, and unforgettable, it’s one of those films that deserves more recognition for its raw energy.
5. Sorcerer (1977)
A remake of the French thriller The Wages of Fear, Sorcerer might be more suspense than straight-up action, but it has some of the most intense, nail-biting scenes you’ll ever see. With a group of desperate men hauling explosive cargo across treacherous terrain, every bump in the road feels like life or death. This one was overshadowed by Star Wars on its release, but it’s absolutely an action classic in its own right.
6. The Long Riders (1980)
The Long Riders took on the Western genre with a unique twist by casting real-life brothers to play famous outlaw siblings. While Westerns and action overlap, this film gives us incredible gunfights and tense standoffs that rival any classic action flick. Plus, the authenticity and family dynamic make it a standout. It’s a rugged tale of loyalty and rebellion that has earned its cult following.
7. Enter the Dragon (1973)
Bruce Lee’s most famous film might not technically be underrated, but it’s easy to forget just how much of an impact it had. Enter the Dragon blended martial arts and espionage into a genre-mixing powerhouse that broke down barriers for Asian actors in Hollywood. The choreography and Lee’s legendary presence redefined what action films could be, and it’s a master class in cinematic fight scenes.
8. The Driver (1978)
A high-octane car chase movie that makes every other car chase look like child’s play, The Driver follows a getaway driver who’s simply the best there is at his game. With minimal dialogue and a tight plot, this film is pure adrenaline with a no-nonsense anti-hero. Its stripped-down style influenced countless films, and you can see its DNA in everything from Drive to Baby Driver.
9. Thief (1981)
Michael Mann’s Thief was slick, moody, and intense, with James Caan as a professional safecracker looking for one last score. This film oozes style with its neon-lit cityscape and synth-heavy soundtrack, and it set the bar for heist films that followed. Caan’s character is both tough and vulnerable, and the film delivers action that feels grounded and high-stakes.
10. Escape from New York (1981)
Kurt Russell as Snake Plissken, the ultimate anti-hero? Yes, please. Escape from New York is as iconic as it is underrated, blending sci-fi with action in a dystopian nightmare of New York City. Russell’s gritty performance and John Carpenter’s dark, atmospheric direction make this a thrilling watch that paved the way for action heroes with attitude.
11. The Italian Job (1969)
This British heist film is stylish, witty, and full of suspense, following a team of thieves trying to pull off a gold heist in Turin, Italy. The Italian Job is known for its unforgettable Mini Cooper chase scene, and while it’s more clever than violent, it’s a fantastic mix of humor, action, and 60s cool that still feels fresh. If you’re looking for a bit of flair with your action, this is the one.
12. Charley Varrick (1973)
Walter Matthau takes on a rare tough-guy role in Charley Varrick, a film about a small-time crook who unknowingly robs the mob’s bank. With a mix of suspense and gritty determination, this movie is both an action flick and a tense thriller. Matthau’s low-key, clever character makes it one of those underrated gems that deserves another look.
13. Black Sunday (1977)
This tense thriller brings action to the gridiron with a plot about a terrorist plot during the Super Bowl. The mix of sports, suspense, and terror makes Black Sunday unique and utterly gripping. The high-stakes tension around a major American event gives it a place as an action thriller that’s a little off the beaten path but absolutely worth a watch.
14. White Line Fever (1975)
White Line Fever gives us blue-collar action at its best. This story about a trucker taking on corporate corruption brought a lot of heart to the genre, showing the grit and spirit of everyday heroes. With its down-and-dirty action scenes and a story about fighting the good fight, it’s an old-school favorite that resonates to this day.
15. Death Wish (1974)
Before vigilante justice was a movie staple, Charles Bronson’s Death Wish brought it to the screen in a raw, uncompromising way. While it’s controversial for its themes, there’s no denying this film’s impact on the action genre. Bronson’s stone-cold performance gave rise to a new kind of action hero, one who was gritty, relentless, and ready to take matters into his own hands.
These movies may not always make it to the top of the lists, but they’re essential pieces of action history. They’ve got the grit, the edge, and the cool factor that defined an era of thrilling cinema. Each one laid a brick in the foundation for the genre we know and love today—unpolished, intense, and full of heart-pounding suspense.
