How does one begin to compile a list of the best action movies of all time? It seems a near impossible feat, although many lists exist that boast the most accurate ratings of action movies. The best way to determine the strength of comparable action films, the opinion of the consumer must carry significant weight. The Internet Movie Database allows for just such compilation. According to the IMDB, there are 50 action titles dating back decades that stand out above and beyond all competitors. To name a few, by release date:

1. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
2. Star Wars (1977)
3. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
4. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
5. Fight Club (1999)
6. Gladiator (2000)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2003)
8. Batman Begins (2005)
9. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
10. The Dark Knight (2008)

Action movies have always been a highly popular genre, drawing crowds from every circuit. An important question to consider is what makes a good action movie? What characteristics are present that set the above movies apart from all of the others. That question can be answered by analyzing a few hit action movies and trying to detect the essence of action at its best.

Star Wars (1977)

Movie graphics of late were nothing like we have the technological advances for today, but a barrage of out-of-this-world graphics are not necessarily the main stipulation for an out-of-this-world action film. In fact, 1977 saw the rise of one of the greatest action films of all time, Star Wars. Star Wars was an intense 200-page script that began as a film and ended as a living legend.

"In a galaxy far, far away" the Universe is being controlled by an evil regime, a criminal mastermind. A Jedi Knight gone awry, Darth Vader, is doing the evil bidding of the Emperor throughout the galaxies. Rebel forces have aligned against the Emperor, an alliance whose size pales in comparison to those under the Dark forces. The Death Star was introduced as a battle station with horrifying capabilities, but the plans were stolen by the Rebels and hidden within a maintenance robot that is called R2-D2. The small robot is accompanied by a chatty robot named C-3PO who is charged with its safekeeping.

Through a fortunate series of events, the robots come into the care of an orphaned farm hand named Luke Skywalker. After his only remaining family is murdered, Luke is thrust into a journey that will avenge their deaths and end the Dark forces hold on the Universe forever. Obi-Wan Kenobi is a Jedi Knight who takes Luke under his wing and dedicates himself to helping restore the Death Star plans to Rebel bases. The Death Star continues to destroy planets within the galaxy, searching for the plans and Obi-Wan Kenobi is eventually engaged in battle by a former apprentice, Darth Vader. Obi-Wan is killed and Luke vows to avenge all unnecessary deaths and help to save the Rebel alliance from annihilation from the Death Star.

Action has no limit in the Star Wars saga, as it only intensifies as time wears on. Heated battle scenes and "just in the knick of time" escapes characterize this classic action film and has made it forever legendary.

The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2003)

In the last installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, suspense and action reach its highest peak. Gondor is in unrest, as the dark lord Sauron puts a target on its capital city, Minas Tirith. Pippin unveils the evil plan by accident as his curiosity draws his eyes to the evil orb, against the direction of all members of the fellowship of Rohan. By gazing upon the orb, Pippin is briefly contacted by Sauron and can see future events. Upon hearing the news of an attack, Gandalf warns King Theoden to send an army to Minas Tirith for help, but his pride stops him until there is a formal request for help made by the city. Gandalf rides ahead to make sure that request is given and received.

While Gondor's walls are tested, Frodo and Sam continue their perilous journey to Mordor to destroy the Ring. Gollum acts as their tour guide, extending a faux helping hand, as his real goals center around reclaiming the Ring for himself. Frodo follows Gollum blindly, putting too much trust in him, while Sam sees his true intentions. Sam is unable to convince Frodo of the impending danger and is left behind for a time. Both storylines are marching toward resolution, though good or evil has not yet been determined as the prevailing side. Every second that the Ring is with Frodo it gets harder and harder to detach himself from it, causing great weight to befall him.

An intense battle scene at Gondor culminates into a heroic effort by the fellowship of Rohan, the Elves and troops that have seen the signal for help and have risked their lives for their neighbors and their freedom from evil. Gandalf leads a march on the doors of Mortor in an effort to ensure Frodo's safety and the destruction of the Ring. At the same time, Frodo makes it up the mountain and knows what task awaits him. It is there that Gollum shows his true colors and tries to take back the ring, violently. Sam saves Frodo and the two of them detach the evil powers of the Ring and destroy it once and for all, saving all of Middle Earth in the process.

The Lord of the Rings is characterized by intense battle scenes, heroic nature and mysterious powers that have the ability to control the fate of the entire world; a level of suspense that captures the essence of action.

The Dark Knight (2008)

It has been only a year since the mysterious masked figure, Batman, saved Gotham from the menaces of the Scarecrow. Bruce Wayne is still masquerading as a haughty, self-serving billionaire will no ties to anyone but himself. His real motives are exhibited through his alter-ego Batman, as he struggles to save Gotham city from corruption and violence that ultimately destroyed his family. At the end of Batman Begins, Batman is faced with the presence of a new villain, the Joker. He makes his grand appearance at a bank robbery that goes exactly according to plan, though the plan is not entirely understood by anyone else. Batman, the Dark Knight, faces a new and improved type of criminal mastermind and his own moral issues stemming from his continued presence as a masked vigilante in his beloved city.

Tension builds rapidly throughout this movie, intensifying with every meeting between the literal examples of good and evil. Characterized by heat and danger, The Dark Knight offers the suspense and "edge of your seat" happenings that make up the late and the great of the action films.