Cult Action Films of the 90s

Description: This film blends high-octane action with a coming-of-age story, as an FBI agent infiltrates a gang of bank-robbing surfers. Its mix of surfing, skydiving, and shootouts makes it a quintessential 90s action flick.

Fact: Keanu Reeves performed many of his own stunts, including the skydiving scenes. The film's title refers to a surfing term where a wave breaks in such a way that it creates a perfect tube for the surfer to ride.

Description: This sequel redefined action cinema with groundbreaking special effects, a compelling narrative, and Arnold Schwarzenegger's iconic performance as the T-800, now protecting John Connor instead of terminating him.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use extensive CGI, particularly in the morphing scenes of the T-

Description: Mel Gibson and Danny Glover return as the mismatched cop duo, Riggs and Murtaugh, facing off against a rogue cop and his gang, with plenty of action, humor, and the introduction of Rene Russo's character.

Fact: The film was the first in the series to be released in the summer blockbuster season. The famous scene where Riggs and Murtaugh jump through a window was inspired by a similar scene in the original "Lethal Weapon."

Description: Harrison Ford stars as Dr. Richard Kimble, a man wrongfully accused of his wife's murder, who must evade capture while trying to find the real killer. This film blends action with a gripping manhunt narrative.

Fact: The film was based on the 1960s TV series of the same name. The famous dam jump scene was performed by Ford himself, without a stunt double.

Description: A bus rigged with a bomb that will explode if it drops below 50 mph - this premise alone made 'Speed' a thrilling ride. Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock's chemistry added to the film's charm.

Fact: The bus jump scene was done for real, with the bus actually jumping over a gap in the freeway. Sandra Bullock was initially reluctant to take the role, fearing it would typecast her as an action star.

Description: Combining action with comedy, this James Cameron film features Arnold Schwarzenegger as a secret agent whose double life is exposed to his unsuspecting wife, leading to a series of hilarious and explosive events.

Fact: The film was originally conceived as a remake of the French film "La Totale!" but evolved into a unique action-comedy. The Harrier jet chase scene was filmed with real Harrier jets.

Description: Bruce Willis reprises his role as John McClane in this third installment, teaming up with Samuel L. Jackson to thwart a terrorist plot in New York City, delivering non-stop action and witty banter.

Fact: The film was originally conceived as a standalone project titled "Simon Says," but was later incorporated into the Die Hard franchise. The famous water tunnel scene was filmed in an actual New York City water tunnel.

Description: A plane full of the most dangerous criminals, a hero trying to save his family, and Nicolas Cage's unforgettable performance make this film a cult classic for its sheer audacity and over-the-top action.

Fact: The film was originally titled "The Crazies." The plane used in the film was a real, modified Boeing

Description: John Woo's signature style of action, slow-motion, and over-the-top drama is on full display as an FBI agent and a terrorist literally swap faces, leading to a mind-bending game of cat and mouse.

Fact: The film's concept was inspired by a Hong Kong film called "The Mask of Zorro." John Travolta and Nicolas Cage had to wear prosthetics for their roles, which took hours to apply.

Description: Although released at the tail end of the 90s, 'The Matrix' redefined action with its innovative 'bullet time' effects, philosophical undertones, and a story about a hacker discovering the truth about his reality.

Fact: The 'bullet time' effect was developed specifically for this film and has since become a staple in action cinema. The Wachowskis wrote the script in just three weeks.