From “The Killer” to “Hard Boiled,” director John Woo has given us some of the most thrilling action movies ever made. But which of his films is the best?
Here are our picks for the top 5 best John Woo movies:
5. Face/Off (1997)
Starring Nicolas Cage and John Travolta as arch-enemies Sean Archer and Castor Troy, “Face/Off” is a high-octane thrill ride from start to finish. After undergoing surgery to assume each other’s identity, the two men find themselves in a race against time to stop a terrorist plot—and save their own lives. Featuring some of the most inventive action sequences in any John Woo movie, “Face/Off” is a must-see for action fans.
The Plot
In Face/Off (1997), agent Sean Archer (Cage) is on a mission to track down terrorist Castor Troy (Travolta). To do this, he undergoes surgery to have his face surgically swapped with Troy’s so that he can infiltrate Troy’s organization. However, things quickly go awry, and Archer finds himself on the run from the very people he is trying to catch. With time running out, Archer must find a way to clear his name and stop Troy before it’s too late.
The Acting
One of the most impressive aspects of Face/Off (1997) is the acting by both Cage and Travolta. They both embody their characters so thoroughly that it’s often difficult to tell them apart. In addition, they both display a tremendous range, convincingly portraying both good guys and bad guys. It’s no wonder this movie is considered one of their best performances.
The Action
In addition to being well-acted, Face/Off (1997) is also packed with non-stop action. There are car chases, gunfights, explosions, and more. This is the movie for you if you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping thrill ride.
Face/Off (1997) is a must-see for fans of action thrillers. With solid performances by Cage and Travolta and some of the best action sequences of the 1990s, Face/Off (1997) is a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
4. Broken Arrow (1996)
In “Broken Arrow,” John Woo teams up with action superstar Wesley Snipes for a pulse-pounding tale of stolen nuclear weapons. Snipes plays Major Vic Deakins, an Air Force pilot who hijacks two atomic missiles and threatens to detonate them unless he receives a hefty ransom. It’s up to his former co-pilot Riley Hale (Tom Berenger), to stop him before it’s too late. Featuring some truly jaw-dropping action set pieces, “Broken Arrow” is one of Woo’s most underrated films.
The Plot
The plot of Broken Arrow is pretty straightforward, but that’s not necessarily bad. The movie is fast-paced and action-packed, with plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers engaged. Travolta and Slater both give strong performances, and the chemistry between them is electric. The action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting, making for a delightful experience.
The Acting
Both Travolta and Slater turn in solid performances in Broken Arrow. Travolta is convincing as an action hero, while Slater portrays the perfect villainous foil. The two have great on-screen chemistry and play off of each other well. The supporting cast is also strong, played by Samantha Mathis and Howie Long rounding out the main characters.
The Action
The action in Broken Arrow is top-notch. From the plane crash in the opening scene to the showdown between Travolta and Slater, there are plenty of thrilling moments to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The movie features some impressive special effects, and the stunts are well executed. Broken Arrow is worth checking out if you’re a fan of action movies.
Broken Arrow is a fun, fast-paced action thriller that features strong performances from its leading men, John Travolta and Christian Slater. This movie is worth checking out if you’re looking for a mindlessly enjoyable way to spend two hours.
3. Hard Boiled (1992)
Owning one of the most iconic gunfights in movie history, “Hard Boiled” cemented John Woo as an international action icon. The film stars Chow Yun Fat as Tequila Yuen, a cop who goes undercover to take down a gang of gun smugglers. But when his partner is killed, Tequila sets out for revenge— Unleashing a torrent of bullets along the way. If you’re looking for non-stop thrills, look no further than “Hard Boiled.”
It is a movie about a tough Hong Kong cop who plays by his rules and is hell-bent on revenge when his partner is killed. The film stars Chow Yun Fat as Tequila Yuen, Tony Leung Chiu Wai as Tony related chases, and Teresa Mo as Teresa Woo.
The movie has some excellent acting by Chow Yun Fat and Tony Leung Chiu Wai. The plot is okay, but the action and Chow Yun Fat’s performance make this movie great. The cinematography is also excellent, with some great shots of Hong Kong.
If you’re a fan of action movies or Chow Yun Fat, I recommend you check out Hard Boiled. It’s one of his best movies, and it’s definitely worth watching.
2. The Killer (1989)
Widely considered to be John Woo’s masterpiece, “The Killer” follows an assassin who falls in love with a nightclub singer and decides to quit his job to protect her. But when his last career goes wrong, he finds himself embroiled in a bloody battle to save her life—and his own. Featuring some of the most stylish action scenes ever put on film, “The Killer” is a must-see for fans of martial arts movies.
The Killer is a highly stylized and ultra-violent crime thriller from the talented John Woo. The movie stars Chow Yun-Fat as an assassin who needs to kill five more people to retire and spend the rest of his life with his girlfriend (played by Sally Yeh). However, after he blinds a young woman during a shootout, he begins to develop a conscience and decides to help her out. This put him on the radar of the police, the mob, and the target of his next job.
The Plot
The Killer’s plot is pretty straightforward, but the execution makes it so effective. The action is non-stop and incredibly brutal, yet it’s also choreographed with such style and grace that you can’t help but be impressed. The acting is also top-notch, with Chow Yun-Fat giving one of his best performances as the conflicted assassin.
In addition to being an adrenaline-pumping thrill ride, The Killer is also surprisingly funny. Several hilarious scenes are scattered throughout the film, which helps offset the violence. Overall, The Killer is a stylish and exciting crime thriller that is well worth seeking.
If you’re a fan of John Woo or Chow Yun-Fat, you’ll want to check out The Killer. It’s a stylish, violent, and often funny movie that is sure to entertain.
1. A Better Tomorrow (1986)
Arguably the most influential gangster movie ever made, “A Better Tomorrow”, follows two brothers on opposite sides of the law—on a reformed criminal, the other a ruthless killer. When his boss betrays the latter, he seeks revenge with help from his brother— sparking a deadly war between rival gangs. A certified classic, “A Better Tomorrow” is not only one of John Woo’s best films but also one of the best films.
It’s no secret that the 80s was a great decade for movies. From classics like The Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to action-packed films like Die Hard and Predator, there was something for everyone at the theater. But if we’re being honest, the best movie of 1986 was undoubtedly A Better Tomorrow.
The Plot
Let’s start with the plot. ABetter Tomorrow tells the story of two estranged brothers who are forced to reunite when one of them, Ho (played by Leslie Cheung), gets involved with a Triad gang. The story is compelling, and the chemistry between Cheung and costar Ti Lung is electric.
The Acting and The Action
But it’s not just the plot that makes this movie great. The acting is phenomenal across the board, with each actor bringing their character to life in a way that feels completely real. And of course, we can’t forget about the action. The shootout scene in the film’s climax is one of the most intense and well-choreographed action sequences in cinematic history.
A Better Tomorrow is simply a masterpiece from start to finish. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and watch it as soon as possible. You won’t regret it.
These are our picks for the top 5 John Woo movies of all time— but what are yours? Let us know in the comments below!