Ah, the golden era of video shops! Those were the days when you'd browse through aisles of VHS tapes, looking for that perfect action flick to get your adrenaline pumping. This collection brings together some of the most iconic action films from that time, each one a testament to the raw energy and unbridled excitement of the genre. Whether it's the high-octane car chases, the explosive set pieces, or the unforgettable one-liners, these films have stood the test of time, offering a nostalgic trip back to when action was king. Here's our list of the top 10 action films from the video shop era, all with that authentic British touch.
Escape from New York (1981)
Description: Kurt Russell plays Snake Plissken, a former Special Forces soldier tasked with rescuing the President from a Manhattan turned into a maximum-security prison. Its dystopian setting and gritty action made it a cult classic.
Fact: The film was shot in St. Louis, Missouri, as New York City was deemed too expensive for the production. Also, John Carpenter wrote the role of Snake Plissken specifically for Kurt Russell.
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First Blood (1982)
Description: Sylvester Stallone stars as John Rambo, a Vietnam War vet who finds himself in conflict with a small-town sheriff. This film launched the Rambo franchise and became a cultural phenomenon.
Fact: Stallone wrote the screenplay himself, drawing from David Morrell's novel. Also, the film's ending was changed from the book, where Rambo dies, to a more hopeful conclusion.
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Commando (1985)
Description: Arnold Schwarzenegger plays John Matrix, a retired Special Forces soldier who must rescue his daughter from a group of mercenaries. Known for its over-the-top action sequences and Schwarzenegger's iconic one-liners.
Fact: The film's famous line "I'll be back" was originally written as "I'll come back," but Schwarzenegger suggested the change. Also, the film's director, Mark L. Lester, was known for his ability to create action-packed scenes on a budget.
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Lethal Weapon (1987)
Description: Mel Gibson and Danny Glover star as mismatched cops Riggs and Murtaugh, whose partnership evolves from tension to camaraderie as they tackle a drug smuggling ring. This film set the standard for buddy cop movies.
Fact: The film was initially conceived as a drama, but the studio pushed for more action and comedy elements. Also, Mel Gibson did many of his own stunts, including the famous scene where he jumps off a building.
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Predator (1987)
Description: Arnold Schwarzenegger leads a team of commandos on a mission in the jungle, only to find themselves hunted by an alien predator. This film combines action with horror and sci-fi, creating a unique cinematic experience.
Fact: The Predator's iconic thermal vision was created using a special camera that captured infrared light. Also, Jean-Claude Van Damme was originally cast as the Predator but was replaced due to creative differences.
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Robocop (1987)
Description: In a dystopian Detroit, a murdered police officer is resurrected as a cyborg law enforcer. This film blends dark satire with intense action, offering a critique on corporate greed and media sensationalism.
Fact: The film's director, Paul Verhoeven, was initially skeptical about the project, thinking it was too American for his taste. Also, the iconic ED-209 robot was operated by a team of puppeteers.
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The Running Man (1987)
Description: Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Ben Richards, a wrongly convicted man forced to participate in a deadly game show where he must outrun and outfight "stalkers" for his freedom. A thrilling blend of action and social commentary.
Fact: The film is loosely based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, but with significant changes to the plot. Also, the film's concept of a dystopian game show was inspired by real-life game shows of the time.
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Die Hard (1988)
Description: Bruce Willis stars as John McClane, a New York cop who single-handedly takes on a group of terrorists in a Los Angeles skyscraper. This film redefined the action genre with its gritty realism and memorable catchphrases.
Fact: The film was originally intended for Frank Sinatra, who had a clause in his contract from a previous movie that gave him the right of first refusal for any sequels. Also, the famous line "Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker" was improvised by Willis.
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Road House (1989)
Description: Patrick Swayze plays James Dalton, a bouncer with a PhD in philosophy, hired to clean up a rowdy bar in Missouri. Known for its over-the-top action and Swayze's iconic dance moves.
Fact: The film was initially panned by critics but has since gained a cult following. Also, the famous throat rip scene was done with a prosthetic neck, as the actor playing the victim was a friend of Swayze's.
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The Terminator (1984)
Description: Arnold Schwarzenegger's portrayal of a relentless cyborg assassin sent back in time to kill Sarah Connor is a cornerstone of action cinema. Its blend of sci-fi, horror, and action elements made it a cult classic.
Fact: James Cameron wrote the script in just three days while he was sick with a fever. Also, the film was made on a relatively low budget, which forced Cameron to be creative with special effects.
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