Russell Crowehas had a long and successful career spanning across several genres. Hewon an Academy Awardfor Best Actor forhis triumphant performanceinGladiator. He has also been nominated for his performances inA Beautiful MindandThe Insider. He has a charisma that makes him a joy to watch on screen. He completely transforms into any character that he takes on through his physicality and emotional range. Recently, Crowe proved that he can play an effective villain with his performance inUnhinged. Crowe has been the leading man in several iconic action films. Next, he’s set to join the MCU inThor: Love and Thunderas theGreek god Zeus, which, perScreen Rant, has opened the door for the franchise to explore the infamous Olympians.
Crowe was born in Strathmore Park, New Zealand and was introduced to show business at the early age of four. His television debut was on the Australian seriesSpyforce. He continued to appear on television shows, and he also pursued a music career in the 80s. Crowe landed theater roles in the New Zealand production ofThe Rocky Horror Picture Showand the Australian production ofBlood Brothers. From there, Crowe moved to North America and landed films such asVirtuosityandThe Quick and the Dead. Since then, he has become one of the most sought after actors in Hollywood. Let’s dive into his best action movies, ranked.
In 2014, acclaimedfilmmaker Darren Aronofskyadapted the biblical story ofNoah. The film follows Noah (Crowe) after he is given a mission from God to construct an ark before an apocalyptic event. The film is filled with spectacular visuals from beginning to end, and Crowe delivers a fine performance. At the same time, the film features a great supporting cast including Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, Anthony Hopkins, and more. It is a fascinating look into the Biblical story that features a lot of action and great special effects.
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Unhingedshows you the worst-case scenario of road rage. Crowe takes on a role as a villain who stalks a woman (Caren Pistorius) after a road rage incident. The movie is entertaining from start to finish and Crowe delivers a dark and disturbed performance as a mentally ill man. The movie features a great script, filled with twists and turns. It creates suspense and paranoia up until the very end, and Crowe proved that he can take on darker roles.
5Body of Lies
Body of Liesis a spy thriller directed by Ridley Scott. The movie follows CIA Operative Roger Ferris, played by Leonardo DiCaprioon a mission in the Middle East. Crowe plays Ferris' boss, Ed Hoffman, who is the Chief of CIA’s Near East Division. The movie gives you a fascinating look into the world of espionage and international politics. It features a great script, and many memorable action scenes. The chemistry between DiCaprio and Crowe was top-notch from beginning to end.
4The Next Three Days
The Next Three Daysfollows John Brennan (Crowe) who breaks his wife (Elizabeth Banks) out of prison after she is wrongly convicted of murder. We watch as Brennan creates a brilliant plan to free his wife, and the climax of the film is thrilling and filled with suspense. Crowe gives a great performance as a desperate man willing to do whatever it takes to free his wife.
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33:10 to Yuma
3:10 to Yumais a fantastic Western adapted from the 1957 film of the same name. Crowe plays a ruthless outlaw named Ben Wade who is captured by law enforcement. Dan Evans (Christian Bale) and others struggle to transport Wade to prison, with Wade’s killer henchmen on their tail. Bale and Crowe have fantastic chemistry and the movie is great from beginning to end. Crowe was an effective outlaw, filled with charisma. It is a classic Western story featuring great action scenes.
2Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
Peter Weir’s epic filmMaster and Commander: The Far Side of the Worldshowcases the battles that took place at sea during the Napoleonic Wars. Russell Crowe plays Captain Jack Aubrey, a dedicated and skilled sea captain. The movie features great visuals, and Crowe and Paul Bettany deliver fine performances and their chemistry was top-notch. It was a fascinating look into the Napoleonic Wars and the film features a dynamite script.
1Gladiator
Ridley Scott’s Academy Award-winning film was a triumphant achievement for cinema.Gladiatorfollows a General named Maximus (Crowe) who seeks revenge on Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) after his family is murdered and he is sold into slavery. Crowe delivers possibly the finest performance of his career and the film features iconic gladiator fight scenes. The set designs and visuals are breathtaking from beginning to end, and it feels as if you are transported to Ancient Roman times.
