Well, it’s been almost a year in the making, but the list is finally complete. I took submissions, rewatched scenes over and over again, and finally reached some conclusions. A few caveats, however, before we begin.

I’ve only included films released before 2007. Although I’m sure 300 could give some of these selections a run for their money, it’s just too soon.

I’ve judged these films basically on six criteria. Things I like to see in an action sequence. Some of my favorite action sequences are, at their core, exercises in creative problem solving under pressure. With that in mind, I’ve highlighted the following…

1. Originality of Concept

We’ve all seen a car chase, but what about a car chase on the moon?! Okay, that never happened, but if it did, that would be, like, a point.

2. Intensity

In many ways, this is the whole point of an action sequence. And, as we’ll see, it can redefine what an action sequence is.

3. Beauty

Eye candy, or at least good cinematography, counts.

4. Speed

Think of this as a strength of field category. Whatever is difficult to do, is more difficult fast, and usually more entertaining.

5. Unpredictability

Can I guess how the hero is going to get out of this situation? If so, I have much less reason to watch.

6. Realism

Note, this is an “ism.” If it feels like it could happen, the intensity tends to go up. Scientifically (or at least probabilistically), almost none of these sequences could actually happen.

Where possible, I’ll embed or link to the sequence online, but I recommend that you rent or buy in order to get the full experience on a larger screen. Also, where possible, I’ll use the sequence’s DVD chapter title as a naming convention.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, what I’m judging here are action sequences. There are many crappy, crappy films with good action sequences and many good action films (and entire director or franchise oeuvres for that matter) that don’t have singular sequences that stand out on their own. To give you a small example, Run Lola Run will not appear on this list because, in spite of being a fantastic action film (which made my Top 50 Action Films list years ago) it does not have a single action sequence that defines it. It is, basically, one long (and awesome) action sequence.

And, though I say “of all time” and consider myself a bit of an action aficionado, there are only so many films I have seen, so feel free to point out the gaps in my international or films-made-before-1970 education as we go. I’m always up for seeing more of my favorite genre.

Tomorrow, we begin with #50. I’ll give you a hint. It’s from a film with a question for a title.