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Best action thrillers like the bourne identity

Fans of the high-octane action and intricate spycraft of "The Bourne Identity" are always looking for their next fix. If you crave espionage, hand-to-hand combat, and relentless pursuit, these films deliver similar thrills.

The Bourne Legacy
Jason Bourne
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

When "The Bourne Identity" hit theaters, it didn't just entertain; it redefined the spy thriller for a generation. Moving away from the gadget-laden exploits of James Bond, Jason Bourne brought a gritty, realistic approach to espionage.

The film's shaky-cam style and intense, practical fight choreography felt visceral and immediate. This approach, along with Matt Damon's compelling portrayal of an amnesiac operative discovering his deadly skills, set a new standard.

Many films that followed were clearly influenced by Bourne's success, focusing on highly skilled protagonists operating in a world of shadowy conspiracies and relying on improvisation and hand-to-hand combat rather than high-tech gadgets. These movies often feature protagonists on the run, hunted by their own former agencies, leading to a constant state of tension and thrilling chase sequences across global locations.

Actors like Tom Cruise in the later 'Mission: Impossible' films and Charlize Theron in 'Atomic Blonde' have embraced this more physically demanding, grounded style of action, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in practical stunt work. This genre thrives on putting its heroes in seemingly impossible situations and watching them fight their way out with skill, resourcefulness, and sheer determination. If you appreciate spy thrillers that prioritize intense action and complex, globe-trotting plots, you'll find plenty to love in films that walk in Bourne's footsteps.

14. Red Sparrow (2018)

Red Sparrow features Jennifer Lawrence as a former ballerina who is trained to become a

Red Sparrow

13. Atomic Blonde (2017)

Atomic Blonde stars Charlize Theron as an undercover MI6 agent in Berlin during the Cold War. The film is known for its brutal and highly realistic fight choreography, with Theron doing much of her own stunt work. The stairwell fight scene is particularly impressive and has been widely praised for its intensity and technical skill. The film has a cool, neon-drenched aesthetic that perfectly captures the era.

Atomic Blonde

12. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is a stylish and fun take on the spy genre, set during the Cold War. While more overtly humorous than the Bourne films, it features clever espionage tactics and well-choreographed action sequences. Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer have great chemistry as the mismatched agents, Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin. The film has a distinct visual flair thanks to director Guy Ritchie.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

11. Safe House (2012)

Safe House pits a rookie CIA agent, played by Ryan Reynolds, against a dangerous rogue operative, played by Denzel Washington, in a thrilling game of cat and mouse. The film features intense action and a constant sense of danger as the two characters are forced to rely on each other while being hunted. It explores themes of trust and betrayal within the intelligence community, similar to the Bourne films.

Safe House

10. The Equalizer (2014)

In The Equalizer, Denzel Washington plays a man with a mysterious past who decides to use his lethal skills to help the helpless. Like Bourne, he's a highly capable individual operating outside the system. The film features some brutally effective and creative action sequences, showcasing Washington's character's efficiency and resourcefulness. It's a stylish and gritty take on the lone wolf archetype.

The Equalizer

9. Taken (2008)

Taken introduced Liam Neeson as a retired CIA operative with a very particular set of skills. While perhaps less focused on espionage and more on a personal rescue mission, the film shares the Bourne series' theme of a highly trained individual using their abilities to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Neeson's portrayal of Bryan Mills is intense and utterly convincing, making this a surprisingly impactful action thriller.

Taken

8. Salt (2010)

Salt features Angelina Jolie as a CIA officer accused of being a Russian spy. Much like Bourne, her character is on the run, trying to clear her name while also utilizing her impressive combat and survival skills. The film is full of twists and turns, keeping you guessing about Salt's true allegiances. Jolie performed many of her own stunts, adding a layer of authenticity to the action sequences.

Salt

7. Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)

Mission: Impossible - Fallout is often cited as one of the best action films of recent years, and it's hard to argue. It brings back familiar faces and ups the ante with complex plotlines and non-stop, expertly executed action. Tom Cruise famously broke his ankle during a rooftop jump stunt, but the film kept going, a testament to his dedication. The helicopter chase sequence is particularly thrilling and a technical marvel.

Mission: Impossible - Fallout

6. Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation continues the trend of increasingly elaborate and dangerous stunts in the Mission: Impossible series. Rebecca Ferguson makes a fantastic addition to the cast as Ilsa Faust, a character who is very much an equal to Ethan Hunt. The underwater sequence requiring Tom Cruise to hold his breath for over six minutes is just one example of the film's dedication to practical effects and pushing the boundaries of action.

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation

5. Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)

While part of a different franchise, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol shares the globe-trotting, high-stakes espionage that fans of Bourne enjoy. This film is perhaps most famous for Tom Cruise's incredible stunt climbing the Burj Khalifa, which is a genuinely jaw-dropping moment. Brad Bird, known for animated films like The Incredibles, made his live-action directorial debut here and brought a fresh, visually exciting perspective to the series.

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

4. Jason Bourne (2016)

Years after disappearing, Jason Bourne is pulled back into the world he tried to leave behind in Jason Bourne. Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass reunited for this installment, bringing back the signature Bourne style of gritty, realistic action. This time, Bourne is grappling with even more of his past and the ever-evolving landscape of global surveillance. The film features a massive chase sequence through Las Vegas, showcasing the series' commitment to large-scale spectacle.

Jason Bourne

3. The Bourne Legacy (2012)

The Bourne Legacy takes a different turn, focusing on a new operative, Aaron Cross, played by Jeremy Renner, who is also a product of a similar program to Treadstone. While Matt Damon isn't in this one, the film expands the universe and explores the consequences of Bourne's actions on the wider spy world. It delves into the science behind the enhanced agents, adding a new layer to the established lore. Rachel Weisz joins the cast, bringing a different dynamic to the story.

The Bourne Legacy

2. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

The Bourne Ultimatum is often hailed as the pinnacle of the Bourne trilogy, and for good reason. It brings Bourne's journey for self-discovery to a thrilling, action-packed conclusion (at least, for the original trilogy). The chase sequences are absolutely breathtaking, particularly the Tangier rooftop chase. It's a masterclass in escalating tension and expertly choreographed action. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Film Editing, which is a testament to its tightly wound pacing and relentless energy.

The Bourne Ultimatum

1. The Bourne Supremacy (2004)

Picking up two years after the events of The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy throws Jason Bourne right back into the action. This sequel really ramped up the intensity and set a new standard for shaky-cam action sequences. Paul Greengrass took over directing duties and his raw, visceral style perfectly complements Bourne's desperate quest for answers. Did you know Matt Damon actually did many of his own stunts? His commitment really shows in the brutal, close-quarters combat.

The Bourne Supremacy

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