1. Bloodsport 1988，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 95313, ID: 0092675 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Bloodsport is an iconic ’80s action flick that embraces its outrageous martial arts choreography and showcases Jean-Claude Van Damme’s incredible athletic abilities. While the plot may be clichéd and the acting questionable, the film’s entertainment factor and diverse fighting styles make it an essential watch for genre enthusiasts, and it has undeniably influenced later martial arts films and video games, solidifying its status as a cult classic that’s both absurd and enjoyable.
2. Road House 1989，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 103609, ID: 0098206 Photo by geograph.org.uk, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Road House is a gloriously cheesy action movie that embraces its absurdity with gusto. Patrick Swayze’s portrayal of a philosophizing bouncer who cleans up a rowdy bar is both charming and unintentionally hilarious. The film’s over-the-top fight scenes and memorable one-liners make it a guilty pleasure that’s perfect for a night of mindless fun.
3. Commando 1985，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 176538, ID: 0088944 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Commando is a non-stop adrenaline rush that showcases Arnold Schwarzenegger at his action-hero best. The film’s thin plot is more than compensated by its explosive action sequences and Schwarzenegger’s iconic one-liners. It’s a quintessential ’80s action movie that’s so bad it’s good, providing endless entertainment with its over-the-top antics.
4. Cobra 1986，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 80323, ID: 0090859 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Cobra is a gritty, testosterone-fueled action movie that epitomizes the excesses of ’80s cinema. Sylvester Stallone’s portrayal of the tough-as-nails cop is both stoic and unintentionally humorous. The film’s relentless action and dark tone make it a fascinating watch, despite its lack of depth and character development.
5. Showdown in Little Tokyo 1991，IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 20921, ID: 0102915 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Showdown in Little Tokyo is a campy buddy cop movie that pairs Dolph Lundgren and Brandon Lee in a battle against the Yakuza. The film’s clichéd plot and wooden acting are overshadowed by its high-energy action scenes and unintentional humor. It’s a fun, mindless romp that’s perfect for fans of ‘so bad it’s good’ cinema.
6. Hard Target 1993，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 56980, ID: 0107076 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Hard Target stands out as a prime example of a ‘best worst’ action movie, fusing Jean-Claude Van Damme’s martial arts skills with John Woo’s distinctive filmmaking flair. The plot, which revolves around a group of wealthy individuals hunting the homeless for sport, is absurdly entertaining, and despite its ridiculousness, the film’s over-the-top action scenes and Van Damme’s captivating performance ensure it’s a fun watch, demonstrating the perfect balance of relentless action and stylish direction, even if it lacks a coherent storyline.
7. Double Team 1997，IMDB Rating: 4.8, IMDB Votes: 36932, ID: 0119013 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Double Team is a wild ride of a movie, featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dennis Rodman in a bizarre yet entertaining action flick. The plot is ludicrous, with Van Damme’s character teaming up with Rodman’s flamboyant weapons dealer to save his family. The film’s strength is its sheer audacity and over-the-top action sequences, while its weakness is the nonsensical plot. Despite its flaws, Double Team is a fun and ridiculous movie that’s worth watching for its sheer entertainment value.
8. Street Fighter 1994，IMDB Rating: 4.1, IMDB Votes: 75891, ID: 0111301 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Street Fighter is a campy and entertaining action movie based on the popular video game. Jean-Claude Van Damme stars as Col. Guile, leading a team to stop the evil Gen. Bison. The film is filled with cheesy one-liners and over-the-top action sequences, making it a fun watch despite its predictable plot. The movie’s strength is its campy charm and Raul Julia’s memorable performance as Bison, while its weakness is the lack of a coherent storyline. Overall, it’s a guilty pleasure that’s worth watching for its nostalgic value.
9. The Last Dragon 1985，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 17712, ID: 0089461 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Last Dragon is a delightful mix of martial arts, romance, and music that provides a unique and enjoyable viewing experience. The film follows a young martial artist on his journey to achieve the final level of enlightenment, featuring plenty of action and humor throughout, and while its strengths lie in the charismatic performances and catchy soundtrack, the occasional cheesy dialogue can detract from the overall experience, yet it remains a fun, feel-good movie ideal for a laid-back evening.
10. The Running Man 1987，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 170052, ID: 0093894 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Running Man captivates audiences with its action-packed narrative set in a dystopian future where prisoners face deadly challenges on a game show. Arnold Schwarzenegger takes center stage as Ben Richards, a man wrongfully convicted who fights for his freedom amidst thrilling action sequences and his charismatic portrayal, although the repetitive plot may deter some viewers. Nevertheless, the film is entertaining and offers thought-provoking social commentary, all wrapped in the distinctive charm of the ’80s.
11. Over the Top 1987，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 60277, ID: 0093692 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Sylvester Stallone’s ‘Over the Top’ is a quintessential ’80s action flick that combines the absurdity of arm-wrestling with a heartwarming father-son story. Despite its cheesy premise and over-the-top (pun intended) execution, the film manages to entertain with its earnest performances and nostalgic charm. It’s a perfect example of a ‘best worst’ action movie that you can’t help but enjoy, even if it’s just for the sheer ridiculousness of it all.
12. Tango & Cash 1989，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 114588, ID: 0098439 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Stallone and Russell’s ‘Tango & Cash’ is a buddy cop movie that epitomizes the ‘so bad it’s good’ genre. With its clichéd dialogue, over-the-top action sequences, and undeniable chemistry between the leads, the film is a guilty pleasure that delivers non-stop entertainment. It’s a must-watch for fans of ’80s action movies who appreciate a good dose of campy fun.
13. Demolition Man 1993，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 195691, ID: 0106697 Photo by bfoliver.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 In ‘Demolition Man,’ Stallone and Snipes deliver a futuristic action-comedy that is as entertaining as it is absurd. The film’s satirical take on a dystopian society, combined with its explosive action scenes and memorable one-liners, make it a standout in the ‘best worst’ action movie category. It’s a fun ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it perfect for a relaxing movie night.
14. Judge Dredd 1995，IMDB Rating: 5.6, IMDB Votes: 125870, ID: 0113492 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Stallone’s ‘Judge Dredd’ is a campy sci-fi action film that embraces its comic book origins with gusto. Despite its flaws, including a convoluted plot and uneven pacing, the movie’s visual effects and Stallone’s larger-than-life performance make it an enjoyable watch. It’s a prime example of a ‘best worst’ action movie that offers plenty of laughs and thrills.
15. Con Air 1997，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 321841, ID: 0118880 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Nicolas Cage’s ‘Con Air’ is a high-octane action film that revels in its own absurdity. With a star-studded cast, over-the-top action sequences, and a plot that defies logic, the movie is a quintessential ‘best worst’ action flick. It’s a wild ride from start to finish, perfect for those looking to unwind with some mindless entertainment.
16. Face/Off 1997，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 404349, ID: 0119094 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Face/Off is a wild cinematic journey filled with identity swaps and over-the-top action that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. John Travolta and Nicolas Cage deliver astonishing performances as they inhabit each other’s characters, leading to a film that is both thrilling and absurdly entertaining, and while the plot might push the boundaries of believability, the adrenaline-pumping action and audacious premise make it an absolute must-see for fans of ‘best worst’ action cinema.
17. The Rock 1996，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 361100, ID: 0117500 Photo by clamorworld.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Rock exemplifies the ‘best worst’ action genre by intertwining high-stakes drama with explosive excitement. Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage form an unlikely yet compelling partnership as they traverse the perilous landscape of Alcatraz to prevent a chemical attack, and the film’s relentless pacing, combined with Michael Bay’s signature style, guarantees a thrilling experience that’s delightfully excessive and entertaining.
18. Armageddon 1998，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 454586, ID: 0120591 Photo by mcehc.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Armageddon represents the pinnacle of ‘best worst’ action movies, with its outrageous plot and larger-than-life characters. Bruce Willis leads a mismatched team of oil drillers on a mission to save the world from an impending asteroid collision, leading to a spectacle filled with explosions and melodrama, and despite its many flaws, the film’s entertainment value and emotional moments turn it into a guilty pleasure that’s difficult to resist.
18 Hilariously Bad Action Movies That Are Surprisingly Worth Your Time!
