10 most painful action movies ever

Action movies, at their core, thrive on conflict and the physical manifestation of that struggle. Some action movies are just that, filled with only action and no tragedy. Some movies are more grounded. They depict the world of sacrifice and death. These movies are filled with a sense of pain and heartbreak. They do not shy away from depicting the messy reality of combat and injuries.

The pain in these action movies isn't just limited to physical suffering. These movies showcase the emotional and psychological toll that violence can have on individuals. So, let's delve into the world of action movies, which does not glorify violence but rather acknowledges the devastating impact and explores the human impact of it.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the author's opinions. Reader discretion is advised.

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10 most painful action movies ever

1) Saving Private Ryan

This movie truly is one of the most heartbreaking and painful action movies. Three of the Ryan brothers are killed in action. To protect the family from further loss, General George C. Marshall commands Ryan to bring Ryan back to safety. A troop is formed for this task led by Captain John H. Miller. However, the group of men that are tasked to save Ryan are not thrilled to take this task. As their search begins for Ryan, things take a different turn.

The group faces numerous hurdles, and many are killed on their way to save Ryan. They lose all hope and even think that it would be better to find Ryan’s dog tag among the dead soldiers so that they can end their mission and go back to safety. Later, when Ryan is found and is told about the mission to bring him to safety, he refuses to return. He feels he should not be treated in a special manner, and every other soldier should be safe. However, Miller tells Ryan that he will be taking on his post and tells him to return to safety and fulfill their mission.

The movie depicts a realistic picture of the human cost of war. The brutal reality of the movie resonates with deep emotions. The destiny of Captain Miller’s squad leaves a lasting impact on the viewers. It makes the viewers think about the immense guilt a survivor of the war might carry. The weight of sacrifice remains long after the movie ends.

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2) Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

Kill Bill: Volume 1 takes the viewers into the world of swords and assassins. It is a world filled with violence and vengeance. During the wedding of The Bride, a group of assassins comes and kills everyone. The Bride is left wounded and wakes up in the hospital four years later to find that she is no longer pregnant. She hatches a plan to take revenge on her former lover and boss, Bill. She starts to hunt them systematically. She starts by killing Vernita Green and then goes to Okinawa.

There, she seeks out the legendary Hattori Hanzo. Hattori forges one of the finest swords for her when she tells him that her target is Bill. Bill is Hattori’s former student. Armed with her new sword, she takes on the challenge to end Bill. The movie ends with a masterful showdown.

It leaves a lasting impact on the viewers. Now, this movie is filled with action sequences from the beginning to the end. However, the movie resonates with a poignant, sad feeling, especially when we focus on the Bride’s story. Her entire quest for revenge is fueled by the profound loss and violation that she has suffered. The sadness can be seen through the Bride’s determined eyes and the quiet moments before the violence erupts.

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3) Man on Fire (2004)

John Creasy is a former Force Recon Marine and CIA SAD/SOG officer. His life is filled with guilt from his past, which makes him to decide to end his life. However, when the gun misfires, he understands that he is destined for something else. He takes on the task to protect Pita Ramos. However, she gets kidnapped, and John gets injured. During their time together, Pita and John started to bond.

Hence, John became enraged after her kidnapping and wanted to save her from danger. However, while he was hunting down the criminals secrets were revealed. His methods are ruthless and effective, and they lead to Pita. Though he saves him, in the end, he is fatally wounded and succumbs to his injuries. John found redemption in protecting Pita and leading her to safety. When his eventual success in rescuing her comes with a cost, the viewers are left with so many emotions. The movie leaves a bittersweet and tragic aftertaste to the action.

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4) Rambo: Last Blood (2019)

Whenever we think of action movies, the Rambo series comes to our minds. These movies are filled to the brim with intense action sequences. However, these movies also resonate with profound sadness. Especially when we think of Rambo: Last Blood and Gabriella’s tragic death. She did not deserve to die. However, the movie has created a profound storyline depicting how sometimes death comes to people you least expect.

Gabriella and Rambo shared a bond during the last ten years they stayed together at his farm. She was like a daughter to him. However, when she gets kidnapped, Rambo tries his best to bring her back. Heartbreak turns to horror when Rambo finds Gabriella in a weakened state at a brothel because she had been drugged continuously.

When Rambo took Gabriella to bring her back to safety, she died due to a drug overdose. Rambo is fueled by rage and takes revenge on the Martinez brothers. However, Gabriela’s death leaves a profound impact on the viewers. Even though the movie is packed with intense action, it is rooted in the tragic situation of Gabriella’s death.

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5) John Wick

A retired legendary hitman’s life takes an unexpected turn when his wife dies and leaves a dog behind for him. The puppy became his only support during the time of such intense grief. However, this fragile peace and hope are also shattered when his beloved puppy is killed by a group of Russian mobsters. The one who killed the puppy, Iosef, is the son of Viggo Tarasof. Viggo Tarasof was once the employer of John.

He knew how brutal and relentless John was. So to protect his son from John’s wrath, he hires John’s former mentor and puts a bounty on John’s head. Fueled by grief and thirst for revenge, John takes on the task to end Iosef. Beneath the incredible action sequences of this movie lies a deep undercurrent of sadness. It’s the story of a man who had finally found some peace and happiness, which gets cruelly ripped away. It is a reminder of how fragile happiness can be and how devastating the consequences of cruelty are.

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6) Logan

Logan is truly one of the saddest action movies. It has left a lasting impact on the viewers, not only because of the way it depicts the end, but also because of the depiction of the vulnerability of such a powerful character. Logan is old, and his healing factor deteriorates with each passing day. His days go on by taking care of Professor Charles.

However, one day he encounters Laura. He gets entangled with Laura and ends up having to protect her from the people pursuing her. Though he was reluctant towards her initially, he slowly started to form a bond with her. The bond between Logan and Laura is incredibly poignant. Logan ultimately becomes a father figure to her. The end of the movie is truly heartbreaking. With inevitable sacrifices, Logan has remained a remarkable action movie with a touch of sadness that lasts long after the movie ends.

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7) The Dark Knight

Though The Dark Knight is known for its intense action sequences, beneath this brilliant movie lies a core of profound sadness. Batman, Harvey Dent, and Gordon form a powerful alliance to take on organized crime.

However, though their efforts succeed initially, many lives are lost. The loss of Rachel Dawes adds a layer of complexity and profound sadness to the movie as well. The loss of innocence is the root of the sadness in this movie. Even with the best intentions and efforts, sometimes situations do not take a positive turn.

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8) Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017)

Bradley Thomas starts to build a life with his wife by selling drugs. However, when a deal goes off, he gets arrested and sentenced to prison for 7 years. During his time in prison, he is given a task to kill a cellmate in Cell Block 99.

Initially, he refuses to accept the task however, he is threatened that the limbs of his unborn child will be sent to him if he does not finish the task. The sheer hopelessness of Bradley’s situation leaves a lasting impact on the viewers. The sad ending of the movie shows the ultimate price he had to pay for trying to have a peaceful life.

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9) Avengers: Endgame

While Avengers: Endgame is packed with epic battles and breathtaking visuals, one cannot ignore the sad undercurrent of the movie. It is a movie that grapples with loss, sacrifice, and the heavy emotional toll of saving the world from danger.

As the story unfolds, the desperation to undo Thanos’s action fuels risky adventures. They revisit past traumas and lose their lives. The sacrifices made throughout the movie are the major source of sadness. From Black Widow’s sacrifice to Tony’s ultimate death, it all resonates with the viewers poignantly.

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10) The Departed (2006)

Colin and Billy are living a double life to go undercover within Costello’s crew. Both men climb the ranks in their respective worlds of crime to gain Costello’s attention. Tension builds, and each of them is made aware of the presence of a rat within the system.

Though the movie is filled with intense action sequences, it is undoubtedly one of the saddest action movies. The corrosive nature of deception has been portrayed in this movie in a nuanced manner. When the viewers witness Captain Queenan’s death, it leaves a lasting impact.

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