12 Action Movies From Universal That Changed the Genre Forever

There are movies that define a genre, and then there are films that change it forever. Universal Studios has been home to some of the most groundbreaking action films in cinematic history. These movies introduced unforgettable moments that set new standards for future action movies. Their influence can still be seen in modern blockbusters. Keep reading to discover which films helped shape the world of action cinema.

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Jaws (1975)

Steven Spielberg’s Jaws redefined the thriller and action genres, creating the blueprint for the modern blockbuster. The movie introduced a level of suspense and terror never before seen on screen. The giant shark, combined with John Williams’ unforgettable score, became a cultural phenomenon. Jaws set new standards for tension, pacing, and the use of special effects, making it a game-changer for the action genre.

At the time of its release, Jaws was one of the highest-grossing films ever made. It demonstrated the power of a simple yet terrifying premise, showing that less can be more in the hands of a talented director. The film’s impact is still felt today in both the horror and action genres. It also helped establish the summer blockbuster season, a tradition that continues to this day.

The Fast and the Furious (2001)

The Fast and the Furious introduced a new style of action that focused on street racing and fast cars. The movie brought adrenaline-pumping chase scenes to the forefront, setting the tone for future films about underground racing cultures. It showcased an ensemble cast, led by Paul Walker and Vin Diesel, and gave birth to a franchise that continues to push the boundaries of action cinema. The movie’s influence on car culture and fast-paced action is undeniable.

The film’s success sparked a global franchise that spans multiple sequels, each larger and more thrilling than the last. The series has evolved to include heists, family dynamics, and high-stakes action, but it all started with the street racing story in the first film. The franchise’s ability to blend heart-pounding action with emotional depth has made it one of the most successful in cinema history. The Fast and the Furious continues to shape the genre and attract new fans with each new installment.

The Bourne Identity (2002)

The Bourne Identity introduced audiences to a new kind of action hero—Jason Bourne, a man with a fractured memory and a deadly skill set. This film stood apart from others of its time by combining spy action with intense hand-to-hand combat and car chases. The film’s fast-paced, gritty style and the use of shaky-cam action sequences created a new template for action thrillers. Matt Damon’s portrayal of Bourne brought a refreshing sense of vulnerability to the action genre.

The movie’s influence can still be seen in modern action films that emphasize realism and complex characters. It moved away from the larger-than-life heroes of previous films and made the action feel more grounded. The success of The Bourne Identity led to sequels that expanded the character’s story, making it one of the most influential action franchises. The film helped redefine the spy thriller genre for a new generation.

Jurassic Park (1993)

Jurassic Park revolutionized the action genre by blending groundbreaking visual effects with intense action and adventure. Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece brought dinosaurs to life in a way that had never been seen before, setting the standard for CGI in cinema. The film’s thrilling sequences, such as the T-Rex attack and the velociraptor chase, have become iconic moments in film history. It combined action with awe-inspiring spectacle, capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide.

The film’s influence extended beyond the action genre, shaping the way blockbuster films are made. Jurassic Park demonstrated the power of visual effects while maintaining a strong narrative and character-driven plot. The film also set the stage for sequels, theme park attractions, and a franchise that is still active today. Its impact on both the action and sci-fi genres continues to resonate with filmmakers and audiences alike.

The Mummy (1999)

The Mummy revived the classic adventure genre with its mix of supernatural thrills, historical intrigue, and fast-paced action. Starring Brendan Fraser, this film brought the ancient curse of the mummy to life in an exciting and fresh way. The film’s action sequences, including daring escapes and ancient tomb explorations, kept audiences on the edge of their seats. The blend of humor, action, and supernatural elements helped create a unique action-adventure film.

The success of The Mummy led to a series of sequels and a reboot, influencing many action-adventure films that followed. The film’s emphasis on larger-than-life characters and intense action sequences helped redefine the genre. Its success demonstrated the potential of mixing classic adventure themes with modern action. It remains one of the most entertaining action films to come from Universal.

Back to the Future (1985)

Back to the Future is a genre-defining action film that blends sci-fi, adventure, and action in a seamless, thrilling experience. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film follows Marty McFly as he travels back in time in a DeLorean equipped with a flux capacitor. The high-energy chase scenes, combined with a clever story and iconic time-travel elements, made it a groundbreaking film in its genre. The film’s influence on both action and sci-fi genres is still felt today, with its iconic moments and memorable characters.

The success of Back to the Future inspired sequels and countless imitators. Its time-traveling premise, along with its well-executed action sequences, set a new standard for adventure films. The film’s unique approach to blending genres and creating action set pieces that also serve the story has made it a model for future filmmakers. It continues to be celebrated as one of the most inventive and beloved films in cinema history.

King Kong (2005)

Peter Jackson’s King Kong reimagined the classic tale of the giant ape, blending heart-stopping action with emotional depth. The film’s action scenes, including the famous fight between Kong and a group of dinosaurs, showcased Jackson’s skill at combining special effects with physical action. The movie’s scale and ambition set it apart from other action films, creating a cinematic experience that was both thrilling and emotional. Kong’s journey, from terrorizing New York to his tragic end, added layers of complexity to the film’s action.

King Kong‘s visual effects were groundbreaking at the time, pushing the limits of CGI and motion capture technology. Jackson’s use of these effects, combined with his knack for action sequences, set new standards for action films of the 21st century. The film’s epic scope, alongside its focus on character-driven action, made it a defining moment for Universal’s action catalog. It remains one of the most memorable reboots in film history.

The Incredible Hulk (2008)

The 2008 reboot of The Incredible Hulk brought a new energy to the superhero action genre. Starring Edward Norton as Bruce Banner, the film delved into the internal struggle of the character while delivering explosive action scenes. The Hulk’s rampages, particularly the battle with the Abomination, set new standards for superhero action sequences. It showed that the Hulk could be both a tragic character and an unstoppable force, creating a fresh perspective in the genre.

This version of The Incredible Hulk helped lay the foundation for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), influencing future superhero films. The film’s intense action, combined with a darker, more grounded tone, differentiated it from other superhero films at the time. Its success helped shape the direction of the MCU, making it a pivotal moment in the evolution of superhero action. The Hulk became a staple in action films, with his iconic transformation continuing to captivate audiences.

The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

The Lost World: Jurassic Park took the excitement and tension of the first film to new heights with more action-packed sequences. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie brings dinosaurs back to life with even more intensity and spectacle. The action is relentless, from the T-Rex attack to the daring rescue mission, all set against a lush jungle backdrop. This sequel expanded the world introduced in Jurassic Park, turning the franchise into a larger-than-life action adventure.

The film’s groundbreaking visual effects and thrilling set pieces set a new standard for summer blockbusters. It helped solidify the Jurassic Park franchise as one of the most successful in action cinema. The use of practical effects, combined with CGI, made the dinosaurs more realistic and the action scenes even more intense. The Lost World proved that sequels could build on the action of the original while introducing even greater thrills.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is one of the most influential action films ever made, thanks to its groundbreaking special effects and thrilling action sequences. Directed by James Cameron, it combines science fiction with heart-pounding action, as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800 returns to protect a young John Connor from the new, more advanced T-1000. The film’s blend of high-tech visuals, explosive chases, and memorable one-liners made it a touchstone for action films in the ’90s. The iconic liquid metal T-1000 remains one of the most famous cinematic villains.

The movie redefined the action genre by pushing the limits of CGI, especially with the shape-shifting T-1000. It showcased how technology could be integrated into action sequences to create jaw-dropping moments. Terminator 2 became a cultural touchstone and remains a prime example of how to blend thrilling action with a compelling story. The film’s influence is still felt today in both science fiction and action cinema.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight changed the superhero genre forever, bringing a level of depth and complexity to its action sequences. The film, which follows Batman as he faces the Joker, is widely regarded as one of the best superhero movies ever made. Its darker tone and high-stakes action raised the bar for what comic book adaptations could achieve. Heath Ledger’s unforgettable performance as the Joker added a layer of psychological intensity that had never been seen in action films before.

The film’s action is masterfully crafted, combining breathtaking chase scenes, intense fight sequences, and a layered plot. The Dark Knight redefined superhero action by exploring themes of chaos, morality, and sacrifice, making it resonate with a broader audience. Its success influenced not only future superhero films but also the way action sequences were handled in more serious, dramatic narratives. It remains a touchstone in action cinema, influencing both the genre and how we view comic book films.

Snowpiercer (2013)

Snowpiercer is a high-concept action film that blends dystopian science fiction with intense action and social commentary. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, the film is set on a train carrying the last remnants of humanity in a frozen post-apocalyptic world. The protagonist, played by Chris Evans, leads a rebellion against a class-based society that has formed aboard the train. The film’s unique setting and thrilling action sequences made it stand out as a fresh take on the genre.

The movie’s unconventional approach to action, with claustrophobic train corridors and brutal close-quarters combat, set it apart from typical action films. It blends social commentary with high-energy sequences, exploring themes of class struggle and survival in a confined space. Snowpiercer‘s success helped bring international cinema to the forefront of the action genre, proving that action films could deliver both visceral excitement and profound messages. It remains one of the most unique and impactful action films of the 21st century.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.