John Woo stands as a monumental figure in action cinema, renowned for his balletic action sequences, heroic bloodshed themes, and signature directorial style. This guide ranks John Woo’s films, highlighting the distinct phases of his illustrious career, from his groundbreaking Hong Kong period to his Hollywood ventures and return to Chinese cinema. We begin with his Certified Fresh masterpieces, each representing a pinnacle in different eras.
1. The Killer (1989) 95%
Critics Consensus: The Killer is celebrated as a quintessential John Woo action film, lauded for its breathtakingly choreographed violence intertwined with profound philosophical undertones.
Synopsis: Jeffrey, portrayed by Chow Yun-Fat, is an elite assassin with a strong moral compass. His life takes an unexpected turn after he accidentally blinds a singer during a shootout. Driven by guilt and a sense of responsibility, he takes on one last hit to secure her future, leading him down a path of intense conflict and redemption.
Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Danny Lee, Sally Yeh, Kenneth Tsang
Directed By: John Woo
2. Red Cliff (2008) 89%
Critics Consensus: Red Cliff marks John Woo’s triumphant return to Asian cinema, showcasing spectacular battlefield sequences in a grand and visually stunning historical epic.
Synopsis: Set in ancient China, Red Cliff depicts the epic Battle of Red Cliffs during the Three Kingdoms period. Chancellor Cao Cao, with the Han Dynasty emperor under his control, launches a massive campaign against the kingdoms of Xu in the west and Wu in the east. A coalition of allied forces from Xu and Wu, despite being outnumbered, must use their wit and courage to withstand Cao Cao’s overwhelming army.
Starring: Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Fengyi Zhang, Chang Chen
Directed By: John Woo
3. Face/Off (1997) 93%
Critics Consensus: Face/Off is a quintessential 90s action spectacle, celebrated for the electrifying performances of John Travolta and Nicolas Cage, set against John Woo’s signature stylized and over-the-top action sequences.
Synopsis: FBI agent Sean Archer, portrayed by John Travolta, is consumed by his vendetta against terrorist Castor Troy, played by Nicolas Cage. In a desperate attempt to prevent a catastrophic attack, Archer undergoes a radical and experimental face transplant procedure to assume Troy’s identity. However, the plan backfires when Troy, in turn, takes Archer’s face, leading to a chaotic and intensely personal battle between the two men living each other’s lives.
Starring: John Travolta, Nicolas Cage, Joan Allen, Alessandro Nivola
Directed By: John Woo
Following these Certified Fresh films are more highly-rated movies that solidify Woo’s status as an action auteur. These films are celebrated for their innovative action choreography and dramatic storytelling.
4. Bullet in the Head (1990) 100%
Critics Consensus: While currently without a critics consensus, Bullet in the Head is widely regarded as a powerful and intense action drama reflecting themes of brotherhood and the ravages of war.
Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Bullet in the Head follows three Hong Kong friends who become entangled in the chaos of the conflict. As they navigate the dangerous underworld of Saigon, their bond is tested to its limits by violence, betrayal, and the brutal realities of war.
Starring: Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Jacky Cheung, Waise Lee, Simon Yam
Directed By: John Woo
5. Last Hurrah for Chivalry (1978) 100%
Critics Consensus: Currently lacking a critics consensus, Last Hurrah for Chivalry is praised as an early example of Woo’s directorial flair, blending martial arts action with themes of honor and loyalty.
Synopsis: In this wuxia film, a nobleman seeks revenge for his father’s murder. Unable to confront his enemies alone, he hires two skilled swordsmen to aid him. However, the quest for vengeance becomes morally complex as themes of chivalry and sacrifice are explored.
Starring: Wei Pai, Damian Lau, Wei Chiu Hua, Liu Chiang
Directed By: John Woo
6. Hard-Boiled (1992) 92%
Critics Consensus: Hard Boiled is hailed as a landmark action thriller, celebrated for its breathtaking and impactful action sequences that are matched by surprising emotional depth.
Synopsis: Inspector “Tequila” Yuen, portrayed by Chow Yun-Fat, is a Hong Kong police officer determined to bring down a ruthless gun smuggling syndicate after his partner is killed in a shootout. Teaming up with an undercover cop, Alan, they engage in increasingly dangerous confrontations, culminating in an unforgettable and extensive hospital shootout.
Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Bowie Lam, Philip Chan, Tony Leung Chiu Wai
Directed By: John Woo
7. A Better Tomorrow (1986) 93%
Critics Consensus: While a critics consensus is not yet available, A Better Tomorrow is recognized as a highly influential action film that redefined the genre and launched John Woo to international prominence.
Synopsis: Sung Tse-Ho, a seasoned gangster, attempts to turn his life around, but his efforts are complicated by his younger brother, a police officer who resents his criminal past. Caught between loyalty to his former gang and his desire for a better life, Sung must navigate a treacherous path of redemption and familial reconciliation.
Starring: Ti Lung, Chow Yun-Fat, Leslie Cheung, Emily Chu
Directed By: John Woo
8. Once a Thief (1991) 80%
Critics Consensus: No critics consensus available. Once a Thief is a stylish action-comedy, showcasing Woo’s versatility beyond hardcore action.
Synopsis: Joe, Fun, and James are three orphans who grow up to become highly skilled art thieves. Their close bond is tested when romance and betrayal enter the picture, forcing them to confront dangerous enemies and make difficult choices.
Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Leslie Cheung, Cherie Chung, Kenneth Tsang
Directed By: John Woo
9. A Better Tomorrow II (1987) 80%
Critics Consensus: Currently without a consensus, A Better Tomorrow II continues the themes of brotherhood and action, though with a more melodramatic tone.
Synopsis: This sequel follows Lung, the twin brother of Sung Tse-Ho, who is drawn into the criminal underworld in New York. Meanwhile, Ho’s brother, Kit, continues his work as a policeman, and the two brothers find themselves fighting on opposite sides of the law once again.
Starring: Tien Shih, Ti Lung, Leslie Cheung, Chow Yun-Fat
Directed By: John Woo
10. Once a Thief (1996) 80%
Critics Consensus: No critics consensus yet. This Once a Thief appears to be a TV movie or miniseries, distinct from the 1991 film with the same title.
Synopsis: This iteration of Once a Thief presents a love triangle and international intrigue involving an agent, his former lover, and her new fiancé. The synopsis suggests a different storyline from the better-known theatrical film.
Starring: Sandrine Holt, Ivan Sergei, Nicholas Lea, Michael Wong
Directed By: John Woo
11. Manhunt (2017) 69%
Critics Consensus: Currently without a critics consensus, Manhunt marks Woo’s return to action thrillers, blending his signature style with a modern crime story.
Synopsis: Framed for a crime he did not commit, a Chinese pharmaceutical lawyer teams up with a Japanese detective to uncover a conspiracy. The unlikely duo must work together to clear his name and expose the truth.
Starring: Hanyu Zhang, Masaharu Fukuyama, Stephy Qi, Ha Ji-won
Directed By: John Woo
12. Hard Target (1993) 61%
Critics Consensus: Hard Target benefits from John Woo’s stylish direction, but ultimately remains a typical action vehicle for Jean-Claude Van Damme, filled with explosions and familiar tropes.
Synopsis: Chance Boudreaux, a skilled martial artist played by Jean-Claude Van Damme, becomes the protector of Natasha Binder, who is searching for her missing father in New Orleans. They soon uncover a deadly game where wealthy hunters pay to hunt homeless veterans in the city.
Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lance Henriksen, Arnold Vosloo, Yancy Butler
Directed By: John Woo
13. Mission: Impossible II (2000) 56%
Critics Consensus: While Mission: Impossible II might lack narrative depth, it delivers spectacular action sequences that are visually stunning and characteristic of Woo’s directorial style.
Synopsis: Ethan Hunt, portrayed by Tom Cruise, returns in this second installment, tasked with stopping a rogue IMF agent from unleashing a genetically engineered virus. The mission takes him around the globe, filled with high-octane stunts and intense confrontations.
Starring: Tom Cruise, Dougray Scott, Thandiwe Newton, Ving Rhames
Directed By: John Woo
14. Broken Arrow (1996) 53%
Critics Consensus: Broken Arrow offers pyrotechnic action and John Travolta’s over-the-top performance, but it is considered a somewhat underwhelming and forgettable entry in John Woo’s filmography for some fans.
Synopsis: Air Force pilots Vic Deakins and Riley Hale are partners on a top-secret mission involving nuclear weapons. However, Deakins turns rogue, attempting to steal the weapons, and Hale must stop him before disaster strikes.
Starring: John Travolta, Christian Slater, Samantha Mathis, Delroy Lindo
Directed By: John Woo
15. Windtalkers (2002) 32%
Critics Consensus: While praised for its expertly staged action sequences, Windtalkers is criticized for relying on clichés and superficially addressing the historical significance of the Navajo code talkers.
Synopsis: During World War II, Marine Joe Enders is assigned to protect Ben Yahzee, a Navajo code talker whose language is crucial to military communications. Enders must ensure Yahzee’s safety while grappling with the moral complexities of his mission.
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Adam Beach, Peter Stormare, Noah Emmerich
Directed By: John Woo
16. Paycheck (2003) 26%
Critics Consensus: Despite being based on a Philip K. Dick short story with an intriguing premise, Paycheck is often seen as a generic action film, overloaded with chases, shootouts, and explosions, failing to capture the story’s deeper themes.
Synopsis: Michael Jennings is a reverse engineer who erases his memory after completing highly sensitive projects. After his latest job, he receives a paycheck of seemingly worthless items and must piece together the lost memories to understand why his life is in danger.
Starring: Ben Affleck, Aaron Eckhart, Uma Thurman, Paul Giamatti
Directed By: John Woo
This ranking offers a comprehensive look into the filmography of John Woo, celebrating his masterpieces and acknowledging the varied reception of his Hollywood and later works. From the groundbreaking action of his Hong Kong films to the large-scale epics and thrillers, John Woo’s contributions to cinema continue to be discussed and admired by action movie fans worldwide.
