20 Action movies that live up to the saying "old is gold"

Modified Jan 15, 2025 13:25 ET

Cary Grant in North By Northwest| Image via Warner Bros. Pictures — Cary Grant in North By Northwest | Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

3) The French Connection (1971)

Scene from The French Connection | Image via 20th Century Fox

William Friedkin's hard-hitting crime action thriller The French Connection redefined the genre. Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider star as two cops out to put a heroin smuggling ring out of business. With its riveting scenes, unadulterated reality, and Oscar-worthy performances, the film has remained an important benchmark for crime dramas.