Top 5 Modern Day Action Stars

There's no doubt that action cinema has changed a great deal over the decades, but nothing compares to a good old-fashioned Action Icon. Hollywood has had plenty of huge action stars over the years, so I thought I would take a look at the Top 5 Modern Day Action Stars. This list is obviously completely subjective, and I'm sure I've missed some big names, so please let me know who you're favourite Modern Day Action Star is...

5. Jason Statham

Starting out as a high diver for Great Britain, Jason Statham is an inspiration to all, venturing into modelling, and then into action films. He can wring a one-liner for all it's worth and carries himself with formidable swagger. His fight scenes always look convincing, and his gruff voice is instantly recognisable. 

His Best Role: Frank Martin in The Transporter Trilogy

4. Charlize Theron

At the beginning of the decade I wouldn't have thought I would be putting Charlize Theron on this list, but after terrific turns in Mad Max: Fury Road, and Atomic Blonde, she has become one of the biggest action stars on the planet. Combining terrific acting, grace, and general bad-assery, this is one formidable Woman Warrior. 

Her Best Role: Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road

3. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

Moving from professional wrestling to acting hasn't all been smooth sailing for Dwayne Johnson. It wasn't looking good after The Scorpion King, but with huge amounts of perseverance and winning charm, The Rock has become an industry unto himself. One of the only actors around who can open multiple tent-pole movies per year, all by himself. He also has the comic chops and versatility to elevate anything he's involved in.

His Best Role: Luke Hobbs in The Fast and Furious Franchise

2. Liam Neeson

Ushering a whole new generation of Action Stars, Neeson started a trend of ageing serious actors turning their hands to the Action genre. No one has had as much impact as Neeson though, and whilst we might laugh at the 30 edits needed to get him to jump over a fence, Neeson has carved out his own niche in the market, with Sean Penn, Helen Mirren, and Denzel Washington all following suit. 

His Best Role: Bryan Mills in the Taken trilogy

1. Tom Cruise

There's a moment, about half-way through the Mission: Impossible - Fallout, where I had a quick think and realised that Tom Cruise is probably the greatest action star ever. I know that's a big claim, but this is an actor who is willing to risk everything just to get the shot. He's not afraid to take risks on high concepts either, Edge Of Tomorrow may have been a box office misfire, but it's a fantastic film. Cruise is a true movie star in every sense of the word.

His Best Role: Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible franchise

A controversial list. Where's Sly and Arnie I hear you shout? Well, I did say this was for Modern Day Action Stars, and whilst those 80's icons are still about, their films don't leave the same dents on the cinematic landscape that they used to. 

So let me know, who's your favorite modern day action star? Who would you have added to this list?

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