Action cinema is one of the most popular film genres, with long fights, chases, explosions, and memorable one-liners among its many special effects and stunt work. Moviegoers have been treated to a number of action-packed productions over the years; some have been so popular that they have even managed to produce a fourth installment, as is the case with the John Wick franchise.While a lot of films that fall into this category are excellent, some action films undoubtedly manage to stand out more, and that is also because of the compelling protagonists. It’s the ideal time to honour some of the most recognisable action heroes in movie history, from The Bride in Kill Bill to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic role. 1. The Terminator – ‘Terminator 2: Judgement Day’ (1991) In the second installment of the Terminator series, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Arnold Schwarzenegger reprises his role. The film follows the well-known figure as he now has to defend Sarah Connor’s (Linda Hamilton) 10-year-old son John from an additional, even more potent cyborg.The second James Cameron film on this list, Terminator 2 is an epic action-packed adventure from the 1990s that serves as a reminder to viewers of all the great things about the franchise, including, among many other things, its renowned leading man who is terse and emotionless and who continues to play a significant role in modern pop culture. 2. John McClane – ‘Die Hard’ (1988) Bruce Willis portrays a New York City police officer in John McTiernan’s smash hit who tries to rescue his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) and numerous other people who are held hostage by a group of terrorists led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) during a Christmas party.It makes sense that the movie is so well-liked given all the arguments about whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie and the associated Internet memes. What distinguishes it from other action films with a dash of comedy and romance is Willis’ portrayal of John McTiernan, who is still a beloved hero even after all these years. 3. Neo – ‘The Matrix’ (1999) The Wachowski sisters’ sci-fi classic The Matrix, starring Keanu Reeves as a computer hacker, introduced viewers to a complex, compelling underworld where he learned that life as we know it is nothing more than a sophisticated cyber intelligence deception. Reeves played Neo, a.k.a. The One, long before his John Wick days, which are just as good and perhaps even more iconic. The mysterious (and fashionable) Matrix character has won many fans’ hearts over the years, quickly rising to the status of favourite action hero (even though he tends to think more than he speaks). 4. Rick Deckard – ‘Blade Runner’ (1982) Ryan Gosling starred in the highly acclaimed and visually stunning Blade Runner 2049, which made its debut a few years ago. The movie is fantastic, but it probably wouldn’t exist today if Harrison Ford hadn’t paved the way for it in 1982; the movie in which he stars introduces audiences to a dystopian 2019 future. Four replicants that have returned to Earth are being pursued and killed by Ford, who plays a former bounty hunter.Action films became popular in the 1980s during this period, and Ford’s Deckard character an ambitious bounty hunter and a man of few words—played a significant role in popularising the genre. 5. John Rambo – ‘First Blood’ (1982) The first Rambo movie, First Blood, was directed by Ted Kotcheff and starred Sylvester Stallone as the lead character. A veteran who must run into the mountains to fend off his pursuers is the main character in this 1982 film.It is only fitting that Stallone’s character is regarded as one of the greatest action heroes (or antiheroes, in this case) to have ever appeared on screen since the film was a huge hit when it first came out. Rambo, a tough and valiant man who conveys a potent message on emotional vulnerability despite having post-traumatic stress disorder, lives with this disorder.