Matt has been writing for MovieWeb since 2021, specializing in horror, animation, and 80s and 90s films. He obtained his first degree in Media Writing from Greenwich University.
In relation to the course, Matthew spent some time writing as an intern for music and lifestyle magazine Guestlist.
Matthew also has a Masters degree in Marketing and has worked several PR jobs where writing duties included creating press releases, quotes and byline-articles.
From the silent swashbuckling days of The Mask of Zorro and The Three Musketeers in the 1920s to the cutting-edge Avatar movies of more recent years, action movies have always been a big draw and a perfect form of escapism for viewers. While the fast-paced, chaos-inspired nature of the genre generally lends itself to graphic violence and adult content, it has proven capable of adapting and thriving across a whole spectrum of demographics, from the child-focused heroics of PAW Patrol to the bloodthirsty carnage of Kill Bill.
Here, though, we’re focusing on those movies that nail that sweet spot in the middle – movies that thrill and excite without relying on excessive blood and profanity. These 10/10 action movies are the perfect flicks for the entire family to enjoy, delivering heart-pounding set pieces and high-octane exhilaration without ever feeling too intense, too complex, or too unpleasant for younger viewers.
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2010)
The original How to Train Your Dragon is a rip-roaring animated action adventure packed with heart, humor, and high-stakes heroism. The movie is set in the Viking village of Berk, where residents are locked in a long-running battle with marauding dragons, who frequently wreak havoc in their hometown. The story follows a young outcast named Hiccup who befriends one of the dragons and quickly discovers that things are not exactly as they seem in the conflict between Vikings and dragons.
A critical and commercial success, it soared to $494.9 million at the box office and boasts a near-perfect score of 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, with many praising the visual spectacle of its high-flying action set pieces and the heartfelt, emotional storytelling. A live-action How to Train Your Dragon remake was made in 2025, which remains largely faithful to the original while updating the visuals utilizing cutting-edge technology, offering a more grounded aesthetic that may appeal more to viewers who prefer their fantasy action with a touch of realism.
‘The Karate Kid’ (1984)
The Karate Kid is the perfect flick for both younger audiences discovering the franchise for the first time and those who grew up re-enacting its iconic scenes in front of the mirror. It’s an all-time classic that has spawned a seemingly never-ending run of sequels, spin-offs, and remakes – including the hugely successful Netflix show Cobra Kai.
A defining movie of the 1980s, it still holds up remarkably well. It’s a timeless underdog tale of a teenage outsider subjected to relentless bullying who finds purpose, discipline, and confidence after being taken under the wing of the wise and eccentric Mr. Miyagi, a humble handyman with formidable martial arts skills.
While there are plenty of intense, masterfully-choreographed fight sequences, at its core, it’s a heartfelt story about mentorship, perseverance, and discovering your self-worth, offering a powerful moral lesson to younger viewers while providing older audiences with plenty of action, genuine emotion, and a satisfying hit of nostalgia.
‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ (2020)
Expectations for 2020’s Sonic the Hedgehog movie were not high to begin with. First and foremost, up until that point, Hollywood had had a very rocky relationship with video game adaptations, with most completely missing the mark. Secondly, there was the outrageous and downright creepy CGI rendering of Sonic. Everyone’s favorite speedy blue hedgehog now sported smaller eyes, human-like teeth, a gaunt face, and realistic body fur — truly a thing of nightmares.
Anyway, as these concerns were voiced via social media, the studio took note. The result was a family-friendly live-action thrill ride featuring a newly designed CGI Sonic. The movie went on to become a box office smash hit, setting the benchmark for video game adaptations that followed and spawning two sequels. Particular praise was also given to Jim Carrey for his return-to-form role as the wacky villain Dr. Robotnik.
‘Spy Kids’ (2001)
During his early career, Robert Rodriguez established himself as one of the decade’s most daring and creative directors, becoming a poster boy along with the likes of Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith for the independent movie boom in the early ’90s. Known for his brutal, stylized violence and schlocky B-movie/grindhouse sensibilities, previously demonstrated in the likes of El Mariachi, Desperado, From Dusk Till Dawn, and The Faculty. Rodriguez decided to roll the dice and pivot into more family-friendly territory with Spy Kids in 2001, and quite frankly, it was a revelation.
Kind of James Bond with kids, the story follows two young siblings, played superbly by Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara, who quickly learn the family business of international espionage in order to rescue their parents. Working with a host of previous collaborators, including Antonio Banderas, Cheech Marin, and Danny Trejo, Rodriguez manages to make a family movie that doesn’t talk down to kids and has to resort to an abundance of toilet humor, slapstick gags, or an overload of bright colors and loud noises to keep them entertained.
‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ (2017)
While the original Jumanji may not have been Robin Williams’ biggest commercial or critical hit, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many kids who grew up on the late comedian’s classic ’90s movies. A legacy sequel was a risky move, given how closely it was tied to Williams’ performance and the nostalgia surrounding it, even if it does star some of the era’s biggest names, including Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, and Kevin Hart.
Yet, against the odds, the new adventure manages to honor the spirit of the original while carving out a fresh identity for a new generation of audiences. Instead of simply rehashing the same plot, it re-imagines the concept, with the characters being sucked into the jungle through an old video game console, forcing them to adapt to both the perilous wilderness they’ve found themselves in and the new gaming avatars they’ve inhabited. Anchored by the chemistry of its lead actors, it’s a hilarious, action-packed adventure movie that delivers some of the most visually spectacular action set pieces in recent history, as its protagonists race through the jungle on stolen motorbikes, frantically struggle to escape a stampeding herd of rhinos, and engage in hand-to-hand combat with human foes and wild animals alike.
‘Ant-Man’ (2015)
Unlike DC’s often darker, more adult-oriented superhero output, Marvel’s catalog is rife with action romps perfect for the whole family, with the odd exceptions, of course, like Logan and Deadpool. Ant-Man stands out as a particularly fun movie that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. Paul Rudd delivers a typically charming performance as Scott Lang and his superhero alter-ego Ant-Man. Armed with a suit that allows him to shrink, gives him superhuman strength, and lets him control an army of ants, he must use his new skills to prevent the dastardly Yellowjacket from stealing the technology and using it as a weapon for evil.
Smaller in scope than many of its Marvel counterparts, Ant-Man is ideal as a standalone movie that doesn’t overwhelm those new to the franchise with colossal battles spanning dimensions, timelines, and countless superheroes, nor does it require extensive pre-existing knowledge of the franchise’s wider lore. It’s a straightforward sci-fi action adventure whose high-octane thrills are balanced with sharp comic relief, earning its place among the most accessible and entertaining entries in Marvel’s expansive canon.
‘Men in Black’ (1997)
After successfully transitioning from beloved sitcom actor to certified action star thanks to the enormous success of Bad Boys and Independence Day, Will Smith’s next move was to broaden his audience further by starring in the more family-friendly Men in Black alongside veteran actor Tommy Lee Jones. Another blockbuster hit for Smith, it gives the buddy-cop formula a fresh twist by taking it intergalactic as the duo plays special agents tasked with protecting the Earth from the scum of the universe.
Its high concept, explosive action sequences, impressive visual effects, quirky humor, and magnetic lead performances landed it high praise, resulting in Will Smith’s highest-ever-scoring movie on Rotten Tomatoes, an achievement that still holds true to this day.
‘Star Wars’ (1977)
Not only is Star Wars among the most iconic movies of all time, responsible for one of the industry’s biggest franchises, but it also gave birth to the modern sci-fi blockbuster, transforming sci-fi into the major, high-grossing, action-oriented format that continues to dominate the box office today. Additionally, it has the unique quality of being a totally different viewing experience for children and adults.
While it’s nigh-on impossible for audiences of any age not to be enchanted by the excitement, wonder, and visual spectacle, for kids, it’s a clear-cut battle between good and evil, one full of peculiar space creatures, colorful lightsabers, and high-speed dogfights. Adults, on the other hand, will notice the political undertones and recognize the more subtle aspects of the story and characters at play – the moral ambiguities, the struggles between hope and fear, and the acceptance of one’s personal responsibility. This dual appeal is a large part of the reason why the movie has proven to be such an enduring work of art, spanning generations and appealing to viewers across all demographics.
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