Action films tend to be rife with rough, tough, and no-nonsense protagonists who the audience can't help but root for. Many talented actors have become action stars and their careers have been filled with some impressive action sequences, memorable lines, and the most iconic characters ever to grace the big screen.
Whether wielding a weapon, jumping out of an aircraft, or using their own bodies as a shield, these stars have endured long training sessions to make sure their films are full of remarkable moments and stories. While action films aren't always realistic, the coolest action stars make the movies feel authentic and entertaining.
10 Jean-Claude Van Damme Set A Standard Of His Own
Jean-Claude Van Damme has many titles, including international karate champion, pop culture icon, and actor. The action star's breakthrough role was 1988's Bloodsport, which showcased his martial arts talent. After befriending the martial arts film star Chuck Norris, Van Damme integrated his own martial arts background into his Hollywood career.
Van Damme's experience and abilities catapulted him to stardom. He's enjoyed a 40-year career with around 60 films showing his iconic splits, precise fighting technique, and strength. However, what cements his "cool" status is being used as a reference and inspiration for the fighting games Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter.
9 Jackie Chan Is The Embodiment Of Cool And Comedic
Jackie Chan is synonymous with action, and he's enjoyed a successful 50-year career to prove it. Chan was leaving a mark on the action scene well before making it onto the American cinema scope. He had roles in the Hong Kong film industry, even starring alongside Bruce Lee in Fist of Fury and Enter the Dragon.
Chan is known for adding a comedic flare to his extremely elaborate stunt sequences, which led him to form his own stunt team in 1983. He has an unmatched legacy as one of the most influential and recognized action stars of all time. He's featured in over 150 films, done his own stunt work, and even had an award named after him. Jackie Chan has become a pop icon and trailblazer when it comes to cool and comedic fighting styles.
8 Sylvester Stallone Never Let A Punch Stop Him
Sylvester Stallone is in a league of his own when it comes to cool sports action stars. His on-screen persona reflects the kind of unwavering focus and sheer grit Stallone lives by off-screen. Despite taking on action roles, Stallone manages to bring heart to his performances. He's starred in a huge number of box office hits and has cemented himself as one of the most famous action stars of his generation.
Stallone received critical and commercial success for Rocky, which he created. He's won several awards for his performances, including a Golden Globe in 2016 for Creed. From Rocky to Rambo to Daylight, there really isn't any kind of fight Stallone can't handle.
7 Bruce Willis Took The '80s And '90s By Storm
Bruce Willis just knows how to bring action stories to life on the big screen. His charming sarcasm and impressive acting chops combine to form an iconic career, particularly when it comes to action films. Whether it be in the Nakatomi Plaza in Die Hard or in space in The Fifth Element, Willis has a knack for both shooting a gun and saving the masses.
The actor consolidated his action star status throughout the '80s and '90s, but he's taken things to a whole new level in the last two decades with The Expendables (2010) and The Expendables 2 (2012). Arguably, Willis's coolest role is the no-nonsense John McClane, who gave audiences the iconic catchphrase, "Yippee-ki-yay."
6 Arnold Schwarzenegger Has Been Coming Back For Decades
Arnold Schwarzenegger is a household name when it comes to the action-adventure genre, claiming some of the most iconic lines, roles, and films. Schwarzenegger's background in bodybuilding has given him such a presence, whether it be donning a kilt in Conan the Barbarian or a robotic face in the Terminator franchise.
Schwarzenegger effortlessly combined his fitness background with an impressive film career. Yet, Schwarzenegger never let his stature and form take away from growing and developing his skills, establishing himself as a solid actor across multiple genres.
5 Jason Statham Is An Iconic British Action Star
The minute Jason Statham stepped onto the Hollywood scene with Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, he became a household name. He then kicked off his career with movies such as Snatch, The Italian Job, and Cellular. Statham proved himself to be a cool action star. He eventually made his way into the Fast and Furious franchise and featured alongside some other great action heroes in The Expendables.
While establishing himself as one of the greatest action stars, Jason Statham also brought a charm to his roles despite his incontestably intimidating presence. Even comedy can be seen in Statham's impressive filmography, in movies like Hobbs and Shaw and Spy.
4 Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Has An Impressive Filmography
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson may not have faired too well in his premiere role as The Scorpion King, but it was more than enough to get this former wrestling star from the ring to the silver screen. He used his impressive skills and physique to his advantage in some pretty impressive Hollywood features.
Johnson's physique is action-star worthy, but when paired with his on-screen charisma and physical capacities, there's no denying that he was made for face-paced, fight-filled movies. Some of Johnson's coolest action roles include Luke Hobbs (Fast & Furious), Ray Gaines (San Andreas), and John Matthews (Snitch).
3 Samuel L. Jackson Is A Well-Known Badass
Since the start of his career in 1971, Samuel L. Jackson become a huge name in Hollywood. He's had several roles in successful films, which made him the highest-grossing actor of all time. His slew of roles includes the villain, hero, and antihero, but they all possess the same level of personality and power.
Jackson's presence on screen is undeniable, which has led him to be part of two of the biggest movie franchises. From Jules Winnfield to Nick Fury to Jedi Master Mace Windu, Samuel L. Jackson's 40-year career has boasted some of the most memorable action films of all time.
2 Harrison Ford Has Another Action Film On The Way
According to Hollywood standards, Harrison Ford may have joined the action genre a bit late, but he didn't waste any time bringing his A-game to the table. Despite being 80 years old, Ford has proved he's still a leading action star with the announcement of Indiana Jones 5. The sequel is set to be released on July 30, 2023.
Ford made Han Solo and Indiana Jones two of the most iconic characters in cinema history. Nevertheless, he's always been able to combine wit, action, and heart. This is seen in many of his films, including Air Force One, Blade Runner, The Fugitive, and Patriot Games.
1 There's Nothing Tom Cruise Can't Do
There's nothing Tom Cruise hasn't tried and there probably isn't anything he can't do. Over the past 30 years, Cruise has successfully completed every fight, parkour, and flight stunt he has attempted. Not only can he be considered one of the most daring actors in Hollywood, but he's also one of the top producers when it comes to cool, entertaining, and action-packed films.
Known for performing all of his own stunts, it's safe to say Tom Cruise is one of the coolest action stars of all time. With Mission Impossible, Top Gun, Edge of Tomorrow, and The Last Samurai under his belt, Cruise has cemented himself as an incredibly impressive star.