Top 10 Riot Action Films

Description: This classic action thriller by John Carpenter features a police station under siege by a gang, leading to a riot-like situation. It's a tense, claustrophobic experience.

Fact: The film was made on a shoestring budget, with Carpenter using real locations and minimal special effects to create its gritty atmosphere. It was remade in 2005 with a different setting but similar themes.

Description: Set in a dystopian New York, this film follows a gang's journey home after being framed for murder at a massive gang meeting, leading to city-wide riots and turf wars.

Fact: The film was inspired by the novel "The Warriors" by Sol Yurick, which in turn was loosely based on the ancient Greek story "Anabasis." The film's iconic graffiti art was done by real New York graffiti artists.

Description: In this dystopian future, riots are a backdrop to the main event, a deadly game show where prisoners fight for their lives, reflecting societal decay and control.

Fact: The film was loosely based on a novel by Stephen King (under the pseudonym Richard Bachman). Arnold Schwarzenegger performed many of his own stunts, adding to the film's gritty realism.

Description: Spike Lee's masterpiece captures the simmering racial tensions in a Brooklyn neighborhood, culminating in a riot that erupts from a simple misunderstanding.

Fact: The film was shot in just 40 days, and the heatwave depicted in the movie was real, adding to the authenticity of the characters' discomfort and the film's tension.

Description: While primarily a revenge thriller, the film's setting in a riot-torn Detroit adds to the dark, gritty atmosphere, with riots serving as a metaphor for the protagonist's inner turmoil.

Fact: The film was tragically marked by the death of its star, Brandon Lee, during filming. The movie's use of practical effects and real locations helped create its unique, haunting visual style.

Description: A sequel to "Escape from New York," this film features a dystopian Los Angeles turned into a prison island, where riots and chaos are everyday occurrences.

Fact: The film was shot in Los Angeles, with many scenes filmed at iconic locations like the Griffith Observatory. It was intended to be a more satirical take on the original.

Description: While primarily a political thriller, the film includes scenes of riots in New York City following a series of terrorist attacks, showcasing the chaos and military response.

Fact: The film was controversial upon release for its portrayal of the military's response to terrorism, leading to discussions about civil liberties and martial law.

Description: Although a disaster film, it features scenes of societal breakdown and riots as the world faces a sudden ice age, with people fighting for survival in the face of nature's wrath.

Fact: The film used real weather data to simulate the catastrophic events, and some scenes were shot in Montreal to capture the cold weather effects.

Description: While not solely about riots, the film features a pivotal scene where Gotham City descends into chaos, with riots breaking out as Bane takes over. It's a powerful depiction of societal breakdown.

Fact: The film's climax was shot in Pittsburgh, which was transformed to look like Gotham City. The football stadium scene was filmed at Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Description: This sequel to the original "Purge" film takes the concept of a night where all crime is legal to the streets, where riots and anarchy reign supreme. It's a gripping tale of survival amidst societal collapse.

Fact: The film was shot in Los Angeles, with many scenes filmed in real locations to capture the gritty, chaotic atmosphere. The masks worn by the characters were inspired by various cultural and historical references.