Action movies have a timeless appeal, continually transforming over the decades. From the iconic kung-fu classics of the ’70s to the explosive blockbusters of the ’80s and ’90s, each era has introduced fresh elements for enthusiasts of the genre to enjoy. While the 2010s may not have been a standout decade for action films, numerous titles emerged that resonated deeply with audiences. Nevertheless, several films from this period are more likely to induce boredom rather than excitement, leaving viewers feeling disengaged and unimpressed.
Some of these films are notorious for being among the worst blockbusters of the decade, while others fall short of expectations without being outright terrible. They all share a common flaw: they fail to deliver the adrenaline rush that defines great action cinema. While the best action films of this time raced ahead with thrilling sequences, these particular movies struggled right from the start. Here are ten action films from the 2010s that simply lack excitement.
10
‘Clash of the Titans’ (2010)
Directed by Louis Leterrier
Despite the marketing hype surrounding Clash of the Titans, which promised to unleash the Kraken in thrilling 3D, the 2010 remake was a significant disappointment. Instead of delivering excitement, it provided viewers with a barrage of murky gray CGI that failed to stand out against the backdrop, coupled with charisma-free heroes and a plot that was as thrilling as watching paint dry. Given its premise rooted in Greek mythology, it is surprising that the film could not inject any sense of fun or adventure, despite having ample potential.
The casting of Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes as Zeus and Hades, respectively, had the potential to create fireworks on screen, but they delivered performances constrained by a poorly written script, giving the impression that they were merely collecting their paychecks. In contrast, Sam Worthington‘s portrayal of Perseus came off as flat and uninspired. The film, directed by Louis Leterrier, who previously showcased his flair in the entertaining Transporter trilogy, seemed to lack the same energy, opting instead for unimaginative action sequences that lacked the spark needed to ignite excitement.
9
‘Robin Hood’ (2010)
Directed by Ridley Scott
Renowned director Ridley Scott set out to reinvent the legendary tale of Robin Hood, initially planning to depict the Sheriff of Nottingham as the protagonist. However, after several script revisions, the film reverted to a more traditional interpretation of the character, albeit one that heavily emphasizes Scott’s signature large-scale battle sequences over the charm of swashbuckling adventure.
While a gritty reboot of Robin Hood set during the Crusades could have been thrilling, the film ultimately feels lifeless and uninspired. It spends excessive time delving into the political landscape of England and the strained “romance” between Russell Crowe‘s Robin and Cate Blanchett‘s Marion. The battle scenes lack the excitement and creativity found in Scott’s other epic films, such as Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven, while the interspersing moments of dialogue are dull and humorless, making for a tedious viewing experience.
Robin Hood
- Release Date
- May 12, 2010
- Runtime
- 140 Minutes
8
‘A Good Day to Die Hard’ (2013)
Directed by John Moore
A Good Day to Die Hard falls short on every level expected from a compelling action film. Its plot lacks intrigue, the action sequences feel generic, and the characters are either forgettable or frustratingly unlikable. This is particularly disappointing given that it represents the concluding chapter in a franchise that began with one of the most iconic action films in cinema history.
Set against the backdrop of Russia and featuring John McClane teaming up with his estranged son, Jack, A Good Day to Die Hard feels almost unrecognizable as a Die Hard movie, despite being the only sequel crafted with explicit connections to the original franchise. For Bruce Willis, an actor who was once the epitome of watchable action heroes from the 1980s, this film represents a disappointing farewell for his flagship character. The film’s forgettable nature is a disservice to Willis’ legacy and a tarnish to the franchise’s reputation.
7
‘Need for Speed’ (2014)
Directed by Scott Waugh
The video game adaptation Need for Speed aimed to establish itself as a thrilling action-racing franchise but ultimately stalled, hindering both its potential as a series and Aaron Paul‘s prospects as a leading man in Hollywood. While the film’s commitment to utilizing real car stunts instead of relying on CGI is commendable, the chase sequences lack the energy and excitement that characterize its more digitally-focused counterparts.
This movie epitomizes the video game movie curse; studios have only recently begun to recognize that these adaptations are better suited for television series. Although it boasts sleek visuals and well-shot cars, Need for Speed delivers neither the exhilarating action nor a gritty portrayal of racing culture. Consequently, it resembles a feature-length car commercial that squanders its cast’s potential and offers an experience akin to a tedious Sunday drive.
6
‘RoboCop’ (2014)
Directed by José Padilha
The original RoboCop is celebrated as an action classic, spawning sequels, a television series, video games, and a plethora of merchandise. In stark contrast, the 2014 remake was quickly forgotten after its release. Despite having a talented cast and modern special effects, it lacks the original’s unique personality, dark humor, and visceral action, all of which were significantly toned down due to a PG-13 rating.
This remake feels like a sanitized version of the original, which thrived under the bold direction of Paul Verhoeven. In contrast, José Padilha adopts a more grounded approach that could have worked well in a different context, yet here it results in a film that feels more like a lifeless product churned out by a faceless corporation.
RoboCop
- Release Date
- February 12, 2014
- Runtime
- 121 Minutes
5
‘The Expendables 3’ (2014)
Directed by Patrick Hughes
The Expendables franchise never fully realized its potential of uniting action legends from different generations in a nostalgic homage to the action films of the ’80s and ’90s. While the first installment was somewhat enjoyable, the second film thrived on a delightfully over-the-top villain played by Jean-Claude Van Damme. However, the third installment tarnished any remaining goodwill by being labeled one of the worst action films ever made, at least until the even more disappointing fourth installment was released.
The film’s PG-13 rating dulled the intensity of the action scenes, while the overuse of CGI and reliance on nostalgic callbacks to its aging cast’s iconic roles left the movie feeling unfocused and devoid of any exciting set pieces. For action fans seeking genuine thrills, they would be better served watching other films featuring the cast members, who have undoubtedly delivered more engaging performances without the need for this forced nostalgia.
4
‘Taken 3’ (2014)
Directed by Olivier Megaton
Another uninspired threequel, Taken 3 marks a low point in a franchise that had a strong start. Liam Neeson’s character, Bryan Mills, was captivating in the first film, but by the third installment, the action scenes are heavily edited to mask the evident reliance on stunt doubles, making Neeson’s age more apparent than ever.
The chaotic editing style employed by director Olivier Megaton, who also directed the equally forgettable second film, relies on jittery camerawork that often induces nausea rather than excitement. The bare-bones premise of Taken never warranted multiple sequels, and by the time the series reached its conclusion, it was desperately scraping the bottom of the barrel for clichéd action tropes more fitting for Steven Seagal than a prominent star like Neeson.
Taken 3
- Release Date
- January 9, 2015
- Runtime
- 109 Minutes
3
‘Spectre’ (2015)
Directed by Sam Mendes
Despite its status as one of the highest-grossing James Bond films, Spectre stands out as one of the least engaging entries in the franchise. Following the success of Skyfall, director Sam Mendes was brought back with high expectations, but unfortunately, the film fails to deliver even a fraction of its predecessor’s intrigue, ultimately squandering a compelling villain.
The film’s attempt to obscure the identity of Christoph Waltz‘s villain falters, as the reveal of him as the notorious Blofeld is predictable for anyone even vaguely familiar with the series. Moreover, for those who may not recognize the significance, the film does nothing to make the character interesting. The opening action sequence in Mexico City is the film’s peak, and thereafter, it devolves into a predictable formula that offers little to no innovation.
2
‘Jack Reacher: Never Go Back’ (2016)
Directed by Edward Zwick
Before Lee Child‘s iconic action hero, Jack Reacher, gained immense popularity through a successful Prime Video series starring Alan Ritchson, he was portrayed by Tom Cruise in two films. The first Jack Reacher film was a solid action thriller, thanks in part to the adept direction of Christopher McQuarrie. However, the sequel, which marked Cruise’s reunion with Edward Zwick, resulted in a lackluster product that effectively squashed the film franchise’s momentum.
As the story unfolds, Reacher sets out to vindicate an Army Major, played by Cobie Smulders, who faces murder allegations. Unfortunately, the central mystery lacks creativity, feeling formulaic and predictable, while a subplot involving Reacher’s alleged daughter disrupts the film’s pacing. Zwick’s experience with war epics fails to translate effectively to this smaller-scale action film, leading to dull and poorly choreographed fight scenes. Moreover, the chemistry between Cruise and Smulders falls flat, making the film feel like a collective shrug from all involved. The silver lining of its failure is that it paved the way for the streaming series reboot, which has proven to be a much more successful adaptation of the character.
1
‘Dark Phoenix’ (2019)
Directed by Simon Kinberg
As one of the biggest disappointments in recent cinematic history, Dark Phoenix effectively killed off any remaining hope for the X-Men franchise, essentially ensuring that Disney would erase its characters and storylines from existence upon acquiring 20th Century Fox’s assets. Simon Kinberg took the helm as director to adapt the famed Dark Phoenix Saga from the comics, a storyline he had previously helped ruin as a screenwriter for X-Men: The Last Stand.
Kinberg’s efforts have not fared well in the director’s chair, with his only notable films being this one and the equally disappointing The 355. Dark Phoenix is plagued by a subpar script, unengaging direction, and a lackluster villain, rendering it a tedious experience for viewers. Kinberg has owned up to the film’s shortcomings, a rare occurrence compared to other directors of the franchise, such as Bryan Singer and Brett Ratner, who have faced more severe criticisms for their contributions.
