Action films generally contain a lot of physical stunts, fighting, and chase scenes. They usually feature a male action hero battling incredible odds against a villain. While traditionally aimed at young male audiences, some modern action films now include stronger female leads to broaden appeal. The James Bond franchise exemplifies popular action films, following a secret agent who uses weapons and vehicles to defeat villains threatening global security.

2. In General…
In general, action films include a lot of continuous high energy, a lot of
physical stunts and activity as well as chase scenes and fighting
scenes.
Action films mostly have props that would be related to fast paced
action like weapons, sports cars which are usually used in the final
scene where the hero becomes triumphant over the villain.
The main action usually centres around a male action hero who is
powerful and dominant. Women in action films usually play the roles of
accomplices or romantic interests of the male hero, however some
modern action films have started featuring strong female characters to
broaden demographic appeal.
The main male character almost always has a struggle against
incredible odds that usually involve life threatening circumstances that
are created by the villain.
Action films have traditionally been aimed at male audiences, aged 13
to mid-30s. Action films are some of the most popular films in the
American and world-wide markets.

3. Popular Action Films
The James Bond collection of films are some of the most popular action films in the
world with worldwide grossing profit of over $6 billion. The first James Bond; Dr No
was released in 1962 and it follows the stereotypical action layout, with James
Bond played by Sean Connery battling the mysterious Dr No, a scientific genius
bent on destroying the U.S space programme. The most recent James Bond is
Skyfall. Daniel Craig is the actor who plays the part of James Bond and in Skyfall,
the hero once again goes up against a villain, this time Raoul Silva; a man from M’s
past whom there is a score to be settled with.

4. The First Action Film…
(The great Train Robbery –
1903)
The Great Train Robbery is essentially the
first action film to have ever been made. It
was made in 1903. The film is 12 minutes
long and is about some bad guys
perpetrating a heist on a train with people
being robbed at gun point. There is also fight
scenes, people getting shot and even a
small explosion. One aspect of the film has
been used in many modern action films, this
being the fight scene on top of the moving
train where someone gets thrown off. It has
been likened to a silent version of Broken
Arrow.

5. Actors
Jason Statham
and Angelina Jolie
are two of the
most renown
action film stars.
Jason Statham has been in;
- The Expendables 1, 2 & 3
- Transporter 1, 2 & 3
- The Mechanic
- Blitz
Angelina Jolie has been in;
- Tomb raider
- Wanted
- Gone In 60 Seconds
- Salt

6. Directors
Michael Bay is one of the most famous action film directors. He is known
for directing high-budget action films that are known especially for their
fast edits, stylistic visuals and extreme use of special effects. He directed
Transformers 1, 2 & 3 and Bad Boys 1 & 2.

7. Awards
The Saturn award for best action or
adventure film is one of the most
prestigious awards that an action film
can receive. ‘Fast and Furious 6’ won
the 2014 award. ‘Salt’, ‘The Dark
Knight’ and ‘Casino Royale’ have
also won the award in previous.