These 17 Action stars are synonymous with their franchises

Every actor strives to find his or her niche in movies. Some achieve fame as the romantic hero, some are known for their horror movies, and some attain popularity for their memorable portrayal of the charming and fearless action heroes. From Sylvester Stallone’s iconic and raw portrayal in the Rambo franchise to Liam Neeson’s adrenaline-pumping action sequences in the Taken film series, here are 17 action stars and the franchises that made them popular.

1. Tom Cruise, Mission: Impossible

The gravity-defying stunts of this spy action franchise have kept the viewers on the edge of their seats. With explosive action and high-stakes missions, as well as scintillating technology and complex plots, the franchise has always upped the ante. But Tom Cruise’s portrayal as the enigmatic Ethan Hunt, who is fearless and tactful, sets the stage for the franchise to grow to even bigger heights. This franchise’s formula of boundary-pushing action is incomplete without Cruise’s inimitable portrayal.

2. Keanu Reeves, John Wick

Keanu Reeves’ brilliant and understated portrayal of a hitman who is forced to take action after a bunch of criminals kills his dog has set the bar high for a modern action hero. The franchise has martial arts combat, riveting gunplay, and an engrossing look into the underworld. Reeve’s performance as the stoic but empathetic protagonist resonates with the viewers and produces a franchise that is unique. The series’ well-crafted action sequences that combine shooting with hand-to-hand combat are iconic.

3. Matt Damon, Bourne

This spy thriller franchise took the genre to new heights when it combined hair-raising action and fight sequences with a layered protagonist who has his own traumas and is caught in a web of lies and deceit. Matt Damon’s portrayal of the amnesiac Jason Bourne is done with perfection and lends the character a raw vulnerability as the protagonist grapples with his haunted past and hunts down the people who made him like this.

4. Daniel Craig, James Bond

Daniel Craig revived the world-famous spy action franchise with his cool, collected, calm, and understated charisma. Even after taking the reins from other heavyweights, Craig holds his own and has made a mark as the suave 007 agent. The franchise is noted for its intriguing espionage, gorgeous backdrops, top-secret missions, and thrilling action, which makes it an unquestioned mainstay of the action genre.

5. Harrison Ford, Indiana Jones

One of the most successful action franchises that is a part of pop culture lore, the film series’ continued presence speaks of its lasting impact. The series has history, adventure, and glorious backdrops that uncover lost civilizations and ancient treasures. But all of this is tied together by its swashbuckling hero, Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones, who is a charismatic archaeologist that happily faces explosive situations. Ford’s portrayal of the fearless, charming, and globetrotting action hero remains evergreen.

6. Sigourney Weaver, Alien

Sigourney Weaver broke stereotypes when she became one of the first few women to lead a sci-fi franchise. Her portrayal of Ellen Ripley, who is resilient, tactful, and intelligent, made her character into a pop culture staple. The franchise’s pulse-pounding horror and action are inimitable, and the progressive visual effects used to portray its otherworldly creatures can still fill a sense of dread.

7. Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Terminator

This franchise is a path-breaking sci-fi action thriller that combines pulse-pounding action and suspense with a unique plot. The movie explores the effects of technology, and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic portrayal of the relentless humanoid machine is a pop culture staple. The movie is known for its revolutionary CGI and helped cement Arnold as a memorable action hero.

8. Bruce Willis, Die Hard

One of the most famous action franchises, this high-octane film series stands tall because of Willis’ iconic portrayal of the everyman cop John McClane, who unwittingly finds himself in precarious situations. The series is also known for its witty one-liners that are spouted by Willis’ character and add a human touch. The films have everything, from white-knuckle action to hair-raising stunts atop an airplane, which, combined with Willis’ relatable performance, makes it all worthwhile.

9. Uma Thurman, Kill Bill

This martial arts action franchise revolves around an unnamed bride (Uma Thurman), who sets out to take revenge against a group of assassins and their leader, Bill, who tried to kill her. Directed in true Quentin Tarantino fashion, the film has some of the most iconic and unique fight sequences, as the movie is inspired by 1970s martial arts movies. Thurman does a compelling job of portraying the blood-soaked bride on a revenge spree across the world.

10. Mel Gibson, Lethal Weapon

This action-comedy defines the American buddy cop genre and revolves around two LAPD detectives who find themselves in various perilous situations. Mel Gibson adds his charisma and dynamism to the role, which is supported in no less measure by Danny Glover’s wit and chemistry. The duo’s partnership lends the franchise its power, which is full of explosive fights, high-octane shootouts, and a compelling blend of action and intrigue.

11. Johnny Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean

Johnny Depp won the audience’s hearts when he essayed the role of the irreverent Captain Jack Sparrow of the high seas with élan. His roguish charm is an iconic aspect of the franchise, which otherwise has plenty of oceanic adventures and perilous situations. The movie’s stunning visuals are paired with the naval battles and sword fights and set amidst a world of twists and surprises. Depp’s portrayal is the epitome of a swashbuckling hero.

12. Hugh Jackman, X-Men

This superhero action franchise first brought the world of Marvel characters to the screen in a serious manner. Hugh Jackman’s gritty portrayal of a superhero who must balance his duties as a savior with personal torments showed the world that action movies can carry profound themes. The franchise has dynamic action sequences and multiple characters that allow for multiple action opportunities. The film also looks at heavy themes such as prejudice and discrimination. Jackman's performance as Wolverine is truly iconic.

13. Sylvester Stallone, Rambo

This franchise is a cornerstone of action cinema and in many ways, gave birth to several action film tropes. Sylvester Stallone’s determined portrayal of a Vietnam War veteran who single-handedly fights against injustice is raw and visceral. The series has relentless action sequences, which have raised the bar of the action genre. This unforgettable franchise has five movies, and Stallone’s wonderful portrayal can never be separated from this franchise.

14. Vin Diesel, Fast and Furious

What began as a street-racing thriller has evolved into a globally successful action franchise that features adrenaline-pumping car races and spectacular stunts. Vin Diesel’s cool charisma adds to the charm, and the movies have tasted success not just on the merit of its action but also on its core focus on family bonds and loyalty. Diesel has truly made the franchise what it is today.

15. Jason Statham, The Transporter

Jason Statham portrays the mercenary driver Frank Martin with great expertise. The movie is full of high-speed car chases and deadly stunts, but Statham’s Martin showcases to the audiences that a fighter can be agile and stylishly maintain control of his environment. The character also has a code of conduct, which makes him admirable. Statham's charisma and physicality bring a level of intensity and authenticity to the character that keeps viewers engaged throughout the film.

16. Liam Neeson, Taken

This action-packed franchise is headlined by Liam Neeson, who plays the role of Bryan Mills, a former CIA operative, who gets into various high-stakes confrontations with international kingpins. Each movie has an international setting and well-choreographed action sequences, which are done to perfection by Neeson. The franchise has three movies and a TV series.

17. Jackie Chan, Rush Hour

This comedy-action franchise is an iconic film series due to the perfect pairing of the martial arts expertise of Jackie Chan and the wisecracking charisma of Chris Tucker. All the movies have high-speed action sequences, whether they are gravity-defying stunts or high-octane car chases. The energy and thrill of the movies are risen by the mismatched agents who add a touch of hilarity to the films as they go about cracking missions. Currently, there are three movies in the series.