Action is a genre that never goes out of style. The 1970s action movies relied on grit and realism, while the 1980s ushered in the era of muscular lone wolves and antiheroes. The 1990s leaned more into sci-fi and spectacle, and the 2000s turned to superheroes. The genre continues to evolve, even though the predominant themes have remained the same.
Tubi, a free ad-supported streaming service, has an entire section dedicated to action movies from all eras. Two of the movies on the list are from the late 1980s and feature iconic actors in some of their best roles. However, our top recommendation features an iconic actor playing a vigilante hellbent on revenge.
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Road House
The one with Patrick Swayze, not Jake Gyllenhaal
I love Jake Gyllenhaal as an actor, especially when he undergoes an extreme physical transformation. The Oscar nominee bulked up to star in Road House, Amazon MGM Studios’ reimagining of the 1989 film of the same name. Gyllenhaal certainly elevates the material, but the movie is inferior to Road House with Patrick Swayze, the best version of a story about a bouncer with attitude.
James Dalton (Swayze) is the best cooler in the business. A “cooler” is a more sophisticated term for “bouncer.” The New York City-based Dalton is recruited to run security at the Double Deuce, a reckless Missouri bar lacking accountability and discipline. Dalton’s methods work as the Double Deuce begins to thrive. However, his defiance becomes a thorn in the side of local crime boss Brad Wesley (Ben Gazzara).
Has there been an alpha more masculine than Dalton? Dalton kicks butt and takes names. He’s afraid of no man because if anyone steps into his space, he’ll literally tear your throat out. Dalton oozes charisma—he gets the job done and wins over the girl (Kelly Lynch). My only issue is his preferred combat training: Tai Chi. I don’t know any bouncers who would stand outside shirtless and practice Tai Chi. The training works because it’s Swayze, but I doubt that anyone working in Missouri’s bar scene would follow the same principles.
2
Bloodsport
An important movie for Jean-Claude Van Damme
Chant it with me—Kumite, Kumite, Kumite. Almost 40 years removed from Bloodsport, it’s easy to say that Jean-Claude Van Damme was always going to be a star. That wasn’t the case in the 1980s. He was trying to break through in Hollywood after years of competing in martial arts and bodybuilding. 1985’s No Retreat, No Surrender highlighted Van Damme’s potential, but Bloodsport is the movie that catapulted his career to new levels.
Frank Dux (Van Damme) is an Army captain and martial artist invited to an illegal Hong Kong fighting tournament known as the Kumite. Dux agrees to compete, but he abandons his duties in the Army, leading to investigators to pursue his arrest. His legal issues should be the least of Dux’s concerns. Surviving an assault from the champion, Chong Li (Bolo Yeung), is his top priority.
Bloodsport is pretty ridiculous in the best way. There are several scenes devoted to Van Damme screaming, as he works on his splits. It’s hilarious to watch back now. Even with the laughs, Bloodsport’s fight scenes are captivating, especially the ones involving an epic villain like Chong Li. Some might categorize Bloodsport as a “good-bad movie,” and I fully understand that line of thinking. It definitely approaches parody, but Van Damme’s athleticism and charisma always win me over.
1
Man on Fire
Denzel Washington is out for revenge
Denzel Washington is one of those rare actors who can thrive in multiple genres. There’s the dramatic side, which stems from his time acting on stage. This version of Washington—the one in Malcolm X, Philadelphia, and Inside Man—is what he’s most famous for. However, Washington as an action hero might have surpassed his dramatic performances. Give Washington a fight sequence and a gun, and his charisma will jump off the screen just like in Man on Fire.
John Creasy (Washington) is a former Marine losing his will to live. He drowns out his guilt with alcohol and survives a suicide attempt. In search of work, Creasy becomes a bodyguard for Pita (Dakota Fanning), the daughter of a wealthy Mexican automaker. Reluctantly, Creasy bonds with Pita as he becomes her swimming coach and pseudo-father figure. When Pita is kidnapped and held for ransom, Creasy channels his violent past and becomes a one-man killing machine as he tries to save his new friend.
You could not have asked for a better action director for Washington than the late Tony Scott. The breakneck pacing, the affinity for violence, and the emphasis on action over dialogue are Scott’s staples that elevate Washington’s performance. It makes me want to see what Washington would have done earlier in his career if he worked in more action movies. Because it’s Washington, I have no doubt these movies would have been certified classics.
Free streaming services are on the rise
As services like Netflix increase their prices, free streaming platforms are increasing in popularity. How can anyone pay for every premium streaming service in this economy? Tubi is a great option for free movies and TV shows. However, Pluto TV, Plex, and YouTube are also ideal options for those looking to stream without fees.
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