The Good Old Days: Nostalgic Look at the 20 Greatest Action Stars of the 90s and Early 2000s
In the words of legendary American actor, producer, director, musician, martial artist, and philanthropist, Steven Seagal, ''Action films are great, but an action film that has characters that are compelling and a story that people can care about is something even better. We love to see action heroes that are vulnerable, that are sensitive, that are family people, that are accessible.''
Growing up as a young millennial in Nigeria, entertainment was not just limited to TV shows, music, and sports. The 1990s and early 2000s were a thrilling time for action movies, which played a significant role in shaping our childhood memories. For many Nigerians, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, accessing these movies was not always easy. However, resourcefulness and creativity were key in getting our fix of action-packed entertainment.
From peeping through neighbours' windows to watching trailers on free networks, pirated cassettes, and CDs, we found ways to indulge in the magic of Hollywood's finest. The storytellers who shared their tales of these films with us were like magicians, weaving intricate stories with vivid descriptions that transported us to a world of wonder.
The concept of going to the cinema was not as widespread as it is today, so we had to wait for movies to arrive in Africa after their global release. And when they did, it was a big deal. These movies often came on VHS or later on DVD, and we would eagerly anticipate their arrival at the local video rental shops.
In those days, action stars were the heroes of our imagination. We would distinguish between good and evil using terms like "Actor" (the hero) and "Boze" (the villain). These larger-than-life characters captivated our attention, and their battles became a staple of our entertainment diet.
In honour of those nostalgic days, I've compiled a list of the 20 greatest action stars of the 90s and early 2000s. These individuals brought excitement, thrills, and suspense to the big screen, leaving an indelible mark on our childhood memories.
The List
1 Jackie Chan
2 Keanu Reeves
3 Arnold Schwarzenegger
4 Nicolas Cage
5 Jean-Claude Van Damme
6 Bruce Willis
7 Steven Seagal
8 Tom Cruise
9 Will Smith
10 Wesley Snipes
11 Sylvester Stallone
12 Antonio Banderas
13 Jet Li
14 Matt Damon
15 Dolph Lundgren
16 Pierce Brosnan
17 Chuck Norris
18 Denzel Washington
19 Jason Statham
20 Brad Pitt
Honourable Mentions
Liam Neeson
Michael Jai White
Russel Crowe
Harrison Ford
Vin Diesel
Criteria for the list
Feats
Powers
Cultural relevance
Ideology
Box Office Impact
These action stars brought us unforgettable movies like "Terminator," "Die Hard," "Rocky," "Mission: Impossible," "The Matrix," and many more. Their iconic performances continue to influence popular culture today.
As we look back on those memorable years, we can't help but feel grateful for the impact these action stars had on our childhoods. They inspired our imaginations, fueled our love for adventure, and provided endless hours of entertainment.
So here's to the 20 greatest action stars of the 90s and early 2000s – may their legacy continue to thrill and inspire new generations of fans worldwide!
Thanks for reading.