When you think of great action scenes, your mind probably jumps to pure action movies. But some of the most thrilling, heart-pounding sequences come from crime films. These movies blend tension, character, and stakes with explosive set pieces that leave you breathless. From gritty shootouts to insane car chases, here are the best action scenes from crime movies, ranked.
10. 'To Live and Die in L.A.' (1985) – The Car Chase
William Friedkin's To Live and Die in L.A. features a car chase that feels both dangerous and groundbreaking. While Friedkin's earlier The French Connection set the bar for realistic car chases, this one ups the ante with a wild, high-speed pursuit through Los Angeles. The sequence is a masterclass in tension, with cars weaving through traffic and narrowly avoiding collisions. It's a standout moment in a film that's already packed with cynicism and style.
9. 'The Killer' (2023) – The Killer vs. the Brute
David Fincher's The Killer is a slow-burn thriller, but it erupts into brutal action during a one-on-one fight in a dark room. The scene is claustrophobic, unpredictable, and darkly funny, showcasing Fincher's knack for tension. It's a rare burst of violence in an otherwise methodical film, and it's unforgettable.
8. 'The Blues Brothers' (1980) – The Climactic Car Chase
The Blues Brothers is a comedy, a musical, and a crime movie all rolled into one. The climax features an absurdly over-the-top car chase with dozens of police cars and even the Illinois Army National Guard. The destruction is relentless and hilarious, making it one of the most memorable action sequences in cinema history.
7. 'The Untouchables' (1987) – The Chicago Union Station Shootout
Brian De Palma's The Untouchables is a stylish crime thriller, and its shootout at Chicago Union Station is a highlight. Using slow motion and clever editing, the sequence stretches a brief firefight into a tense, operatic set piece. It's a classic example of how to make a shootout feel epic.
6. 'Police Story' (1985) – The Final Fight in the Shopping Mall
Jackie Chan's Police Story is packed with incredible stunts, but the climax in a shopping mall is pure gold. The hand-to-hand combat is perfectly choreographed, and Chan's pole slide stunt is jaw-dropping. It's a testament to his physical comedy and action prowess.
5. 'Hard Boiled' (1992) – The Hospital Shootout
John Woo's Hard Boiled is a masterpiece of action cinema, and the hospital shootout is its crowning achievement. The sequence is a ballet of gunfire, with Chow Yun-fat and Tony Leung taking on waves of enemies. It's long, intense, and beautifully choreographed, setting a standard for action scenes.
4. 'The French Connection' (1971) – The Car Chase
Before To Live and Die in L.A., Friedkin gave us the iconic car chase in The French Connection. The sequence is raw and dangerous, with Gene Hackman's Popeye Doyle racing through New York City streets. It's a landmark in action filmmaking, influencing countless films that followed.
3. 'Heat' (1995) – The Bank Robbery Shootout
Michael Mann's Heat features one of the most realistic and intense shootouts ever filmed. The bank robbery sequence is a symphony of sound and fury, with Robert De Niro and Al Pacino's characters caught in a crossfire. The use of practical effects and sound design makes it feel terrifyingly real.
2. 'The Raid: Redemption' (2011) – The Apartment Building Fight
While technically an action movie, The Raid: Redemption is also a crime film about a SWAT team raiding a drug lord's hideout. The entire film is a non-stop action sequence, but the fight in the apartment building is a standout. The choreography is brutal and inventive, showcasing the best of Indonesian martial arts.
1. 'John Wick' (2014) – The Nightclub Shootout
John Wick redefined action cinema, and the nightclub shootout is its signature scene. Keanu Reeves' Baba Yaga takes on dozens of assassins in a neon-lit club, using a mix of gun-fu and hand-to-hand combat. The sequence is stylish, relentless, and perfectly choreographed, setting a new standard for action in crime films.
These scenes prove that crime movies can deliver some of the most thrilling action in cinema. Whether it's a car chase, a shootout, or a hand-to-hand fight, these sequences are unforgettable. For more on the best in entertainment, check out our list of Top 6 Gangster Movies Since 2000 and How Cronenberg and Mortensen Made a Comic Book Crime Classic.
