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What are the most iconic action film franchises of all time?

Dejon Lunt

When it comes to iconic action film franchises, there are a few that always come to mind. The first that comes to mind is the James Bond series, which has been going strong for over 50 years. With its suave, sophisticated hero, colorful villains, and memorable gadgets, James Bond has become a cultural phenomenon. Another iconic franchise is the Die Hard series, which has been entertaining audiences since 1988. Bruce Willis' portrayal of John McClane, a tough cop who always finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, has become a hallmark of the action genre. The Matrix franchise is also a classic. With its groundbreaking special effects, iconic characters, and intricate storyline, it redefined what was possible in the action genre. The Rambo series is another legendary franchise, with Sylvester Stallone's portrayal of ex-green beret John Rambo becoming an icon of the 1980s. Finally, we can't forget about the Terminator series, which has been thrilling audiences since 1984. With its mix of sci-fi and action, its unforgettable villain in the form of the T-800, and Arnold Schwarzenegger's iconic portrayal of the titular character, it remains one of the most beloved franchises in movie history.

While these franchises are some of the most iconic of all time, there are other noteworthy franchises that are worth mentioning. For example, the Indiana Jones series deserves recognition for its thrilling adventure scenes and Harrison Ford's charismatic performance as the titular character. Of course, the Fast and the Furious franchise cannot be overlooked, with its high-octane car chases and charismatic cast of characters. The Mission: Impossible series also deserves a spot on this list, with its thrilling action scenes, intricate plots, and Tom Cruise's consistently daring stunts.

However, when we look at what truly makes a franchise iconic, it's not just about thrilling action scenes or charismatic characters. It's about longevity and cultural impact. It's about movies that have become ingrained in our collective consciousness, that have spawned imitations, parodies, and homages. It's about movies that are still entertaining us decades later.

In that vein, I have to give a special nod to the Rocky series. While it may not be as explosive as some of the other franchises on this list, Rocky has endured because of its deeply emotional story and iconic underdog hero. Sylvester Stallone's portrayal of Rocky Balboa, a working-class boxer who rises to the top through sheer grit and determination, has inspired countless imitations and homages. It's a story that resonates deeply with people all over the world, regardless of their age, gender, or background. That's why, to me, the Rocky series is one of the most iconic action film franchises of all time.