Action Packed: Thrilling Adventures From The 2000s

Noura Haddad
Noura HaddadJanuary 1, 2026
The 2000s was a decade that saw the rise of action-packed movies that took audiences on thrilling adventures through time and space. From sci-fi epics to fantasy blockbusters, this era had something for every fan of the action genre. With the advancement of technology and special effects, filmmakers were able to push the boundaries of what was possible on screen, creating immersive and exhilarating experiences that captivated viewers worldwide.

One of the defining characteristics of action movies from this decade is their ability to blend genres, combining elements of science fiction, adventure, and fantasy to create unique and captivating storylines. Whether it's a group of archaeological students trapped in the past or a sheriff's deputy fighting an alternate universe version of himself, these movies took audiences on wild rides that were full of twists and turns. With their high-octane action sequences, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes, it's no wonder that many of these films have become cult classics and continue to be beloved by fans today.

In this list, we've curated some of the best action movies from the 2000s, featuring a mix of big-budget blockbusters and smaller, more niche films that are sure to appeal to fans of the genre. From the futuristic world of Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines to the fantastical landscapes of The Forbidden Kingdom, these movies showcase the diversity and creativity of the action genre during this decade. So, buckle up and get ready to experience some of the most thrilling adventures of the 2000s.

With a range of films that are sure to appeal to different tastes and preferences, this list is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to explore the action movies of the 2000s. Whether you're a fan of sci-fi, fantasy, or just great storytelling, there's something here for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as we take you on a journey through some of the most action-packed movies of the decade.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
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Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

#1

It's been 10 years since John Connor saved Earth from Judgment Day, and he's now living under the radar, steering clear of using anything Skynet can trace. That is, until he encounters T-X, a robotic assassin ordered to finish what T-1000 started. Good thing Connor's former nemesis, the Terminator, is back to aid the now-adult Connor … just like he promised.

2003109 min
ActionThrillerScience Fiction
6.2
7035 votes
The One
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The One

#2

A sheriff's deputy fights an alternate universe version of himself who grows stronger with each alternate self he kills.

200187 min
ActionScience FictionThriller
6.1
1671 votes
Déjà Vu
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Déjà Vu

#3

Called in to recover evidence in the aftermath of a horrific explosion on a New Orleans ferry, Federal agent Doug Carlin gets pulled away from the scene and taken to a top-secret government lab that uses a time-shifting surveillance device to help prevent crime.

2006126 min
ActionThrillerScience Fiction
6.9
5114 votes
Next
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Next

#4

Las Vegas showroom magician Cris Johnson has a secret which torments him: he can see a few minutes into the future. Sick of the examinations he underwent as a child and the interest of the government and medical establishment in his power, he lies low under an assumed name in Vegas, performing cheap tricks and living off small-time gambling "winnings." But when a terrorist group threatens to detonate a nuclear device in Los Angeles, government agent Callie Ferris must use all her wiles to capture Cris and convince him to help her stop the cataclysm.

200796 min
ActionScience FictionThriller
6.1
3152 votes
Timeline
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Timeline

#5

A group of archaeological students become trapped in the past when they go there to retrieve their professor. The group must survive in 14th century France long enough to be rescued.

2003116 min
ActionAdventureScience Fiction
5.7
1133 votes
The Forbidden Kingdom
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The Forbidden Kingdom

#6

An American teenager who is obsessed with Hong Kong cinema and kung-fu classics makes an extraordinary discovery in a Chinatown pawnshop: the legendary stick weapon of the Chinese sage and warrior, the Monkey King. With the lost relic in hand, the teenager unexpectedly finds himself travelling back to ancient China to join a crew of warriors from martial arts lore on a dangerous quest to free the imprisoned Monkey King.

2008104 min
ActionAdventureFantasy
6.6
1845 votes
Inuyasha the Movie: Affections Touching Across Time
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Inuyasha the Movie: Affections Touching Across Time

#7

InuYasha is a half-demon who was trapped in the Legendary Tree and was set free by Kagome, a girl who traveled 500 years through time. This time, both of them will have to face Menomaru, a Chinese demon whose father, known as Hyoga, came 300 years ago to invade Japan, but was stopped by InuYasha's Father. InuYasha and Kagome, along with Sango, Miroku, Shippou, Kaede and Myoga, will try to stop Menomaru in his becoming the most powerful demon ever.

200199 min
ActionAnimationAdventure
7.5
191 votes
Stargate: Continuum
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Stargate: Continuum

#8

Ba'al travels back in time and prevents the Stargate program from being started. SG-1 must somehow restore history.

200898 min
ActionAdventureScience Fiction
7.2
560 votes
Returner
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Returner

#9

A young woman from the future forces a local gunman to help her stop an impending alien invasion which will wipe out the human race.

2002116 min
ActionAdventureScience Fiction
6.5
243 votes
Yatterman
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Yatterman

#10

Gan and his girlfriend Ai are mild-mannered toy shop owners by day but, when evil lurks, they transform into superheroes Yatterman 1 & 2. With the help of a dog-shaped robot, Yatterwoof, they take on the Doronbow gang, lead by the sexy Lady Doronjo. Together, they must stop the evil gang from finding the four magical skull pieces that will allow them to control the world!

2009111 min
ActionComedy
6.1
85 votes
Timecop 2: The Berlin Decision
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Timecop 2: The Berlin Decision

#11

20 years after a set of events, the Time Enforcement Commission (TEC), is still going strong. Now Brandon Miller a TEC operative, believes that they have a responsibility to change history hoping that the world will be better but Ryan Chan another Tec operative stops him but kills the woman he loves in the process.

200381 min
ActionScience Fiction
5.6
122 votes
Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning
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Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning

#12

Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning begins with Captain James B. Pirk of the starship Kickstart shipwrecked on the 21st century Earth with his crew. Originally from the distant future, Pirk and his crew traveled back in time to save the Earth from hostile aliens, but lost their ship and became stranded. Pirk's daily routine consists mainly of stuffing his face at the local fast food restaurant, and he is finding it difficult to convince the ladies he is, in fact, an intergalactic space hero from the future. As the prospects for humanity's conquest of space look increasingly bleaker, Pirk comes up with a questionable plan to save mankind's future...

2005103 min
Science FictionActionComedy
6.7
72 votes
Planet of the Apes
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Planet of the Apes

#13

After a spectacular crash-landing on an uncharted planet, brash astronaut Leo Davidson finds himself trapped in a savage world where talking apes dominate the human race. Desperate to find a way home, Leo must evade the invincible gorilla army led by Ruthless General Thade.

2001120 min
ThrillerScience FictionAction
5.8
4292 votes
Star Trek
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Star Trek

#14

The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals. One, James Kirk, is a delinquent, thrill-seeking Iowa farm boy. The other, Spock, a Vulcan, was raised in a logic-based society that rejects all emotion. As fiery instinct clashes with calm reason, their unlikely but powerful partnership is the only thing capable of leading their crew through unimaginable danger, boldly going where no one has gone before. The human adventure has begun again.

2009127 min
Science FictionActionAdventure
7.4
10248 votes
Cyborg She
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Cyborg She

#15

A lonely university student develops a romance with a beautiful interesting woman, who turns out to be a cyborg from the future.

2008120 min
ActionComedyRomance
7.2
142 votes

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