In the shadow of `Die Hard`: 4 underrated action movies of the 90s that are better than you think

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Do you think you've seen all the best action movies of the '90s? Have you watched "Bad Boys" to death and know the quotes from "Pulp Fiction" by heart? But in the shadows of the titans of the genre lie true treasures. Forget for a while about Schwarzenegger and Jackie Chan. We have prepared for you films that you may have heard of in passing but have long since forgotten.

"The Last Boy Scout"

Director: Tony Scott

Starring: Bruce Willis, Damon Wayans, Chelsea Field

Year: 1991

Private detective Joe, once a hero for saving the president, now struggling with alcoholism and family issues, takes on the job of protecting a stripper. But she is murdered. Joe, along with the victim's boyfriend, ex-American football star Jimmy, starts their own investigation.
A young black man in a red sports jacket and a young white man in a leather jacket are walking through an underground parking lot
Scene from the film 'The Last Boy Scout'
This film is often overshadowed by Willis's other works, but it's a great example of a buddy movie with dark humor, funny dialogues, and quality action.

A Kinopoisk user with the nickname KIKIMER believes that this film cannot be replicated:
[Such films] never have sequels, and you simply can't remake them. It's one of those rare cases where everything comes together perfectly in a movie. A great team of director, producer, screenwriter, and mega star Bruce Willis, making the film destined for success.
Now, as Willis is ending his career due to illness, and new films with him are unlikely, such older works as "The Last Boy Scout" become especially valuable. It's a chance to see the actor in his best form once again.

"Rapid Fire"

Director: Dwight H. Little

Starring: Brandon Lee, Powers Boothe, Nick Mancuso

Year: 1992

In Chicago, a war is raging between mafia groups. Student Jake Lo, whose parents died in China, accidentally witnesses a murder committed by the leader of one of the gangs. Now, he is being hunted. Jake is skilled in martial arts and can defend himself, with the help of police officer Mac Ryan.
A young man in a fighting stance prepared to fight with a man standing with his back to the camera
Scene from the film "Rapid Fire"
"Rapid Fire" is the last completed film of Brandon Lee, the son of martial arts master Bruce Lee. Unfortunately, this film is often overlooked due to Brandon Lee's tragic death during the filming of "The Crow." But the film definitely deserves attention. It's a dynamic action movie with well-choreographed fights, where the heroes are ordinary people trying to cope with challenges.
"Rapid Fire" – Trailer
Moreover, it's Brandon's first American project, which also includes a reference to his legendary father. In one scene, a police officer asks the main character to "air out his fists of fury" ("Fist of Fury" is a cult film with Bruce Lee).

A film critic from "KinoPoisk" under the nickname T.J vlasov describes "Rapid Fire" as follows:
There is one very significant feature of a good action movie: you want to watch it over and over again without losing interest. This film belongs to that category.

"Hard Target"

Director: John Woo

Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Yancy Butler, Lance Henriksen

Year: 1993

In New Orleans, a young woman searches for her missing father, a Vietnam veteran. She is assisted by Chance Boudreaux, a former Marine. They discover that the woman's father was homeless and most likely murdered. Chance learns about a gang that organizes human hunts for the wealthy, using the homeless as targets. Chance and the woman become the hunted.
Young Jean-Claude Van Damme with long hair looking to the side
Scene from the film 'Hard Target'
This is one of Jean-Claude Van Damme's best yet forgotten films. It is also the Hollywood debut of director John Woo. His signature style is clearly evident in the film. The charismatic villains played by Lance Henriksen and Arnold Vosloo are especially memorable. In some episodes, they even outshine Van Damme's main character.
'Hard Target' – Trailer
According to "KinoPoisk," the film was the first major Hollywood production directed by an Asian filmmaker. Woo would go on to prove many times that Universal Pictures made the right choice in hiring him. Four years after "Hard Target," he would direct another iconic film, "Face/Off."

For many, John's debut Hollywood work is one of the best of the '90s. The film is rewatchable and doesn't age. Film critic Phill Gun is certain of this:
I was 11 years old when I first watched this film. I didn't just watch it; I rewatched it hundreds of times. I would rewind scenes and watch them in slow motion, frame by frame, with adoring eyes following Van Damme's movements.

"Ronin"

Director: John Frankenheimer

Starring: Robert De Niro, Jean Reno

Year: 1998

After the Cold War, mercenaries known as "Ronins" remain in demand. A mysterious client assembles a team in Paris to steal a secret briefcase. It turns out that a reward has been placed on the same briefcase by other groups. Former CIA agent Sam and his team must complete the mission, but they will have to learn to trust each other, something they have never done before.
Jean Reno and Robert De Niro in black with badges that say "security" on their chests
Scene from the film "Ronin"
This is not just an action film, but a movie with a well-developed plot. The main highlight of the film is, of course, the legendary Robert De Niro: he perfectly embodies the role of the ex-CIA agent.

Particularly noteworthy are the realistic car chases, which can be considered some of the best in cinema history. According to "Kinopoisk", 80 cars were wrecked and 300 stunt drivers were involved in their filming.

An IMDb user with the nickname BroadswordCallinDannyBoy rated the film 10 out of 10, calling it a spectacular work that doesn't compromise for special effects:
What makes these unusual films what they are is the plot. No film can compromise on this, and in recent years Hollywood has only been showcasing its million-dollar special effects and two-cent storylines. This film has both thrilling scenes and a well-developed plot.
Didn't get enough of this selection? Earlier, our editorial team talked about 13 interesting action films with a Christmas atmosphere.