Today movies consist of comic book superheroes with powers that we would never see on a normal day. Most heroes are godlike, Supermen flying in the skies, speedsters running faster than the speed of light, hulking monsters with the strength of 100 men. What we haven’t seen in a while is a hero that doesn’t need to rely on power to save the day, but rather their skill or wit to save the world or stay out of trouble.
With only a handful of people with the ability to do this without superpowers, we made a list of the best and capable action heroes that don’t need any sort of superpower to be a hero.
John Wick (John Wick Trilogy)
Starting off the list is the ex-assassin that singlehandedly took down a gang after they killed his dog and threatened him. He’s a master of weapons, martial arts, driving, and so much more. Although he’s not necessarily painted as a hero due to his questionable methods, he does have noble intentions and he doesn’t target anyone outside of the man that has threatened him.
Played by action hero Keanu Reeves, he makes the list simply because he is one of the only heroes on this list that can easily take on several enemies and has proven so on many occasions.
John McClane (Die Hard Series)
The old cop who never seems to catch a break and the center of the Die Hard series John McClane is often a man of action. Like many heroes on this list would prefer straight-up fight guns blazing than watch his enemies take advantage of him in any way.
Although he isn’t the flashiest hero on this list, he does have the most experience taking on terrorists, gangsters, kidnappers, and more. And he’s successful every single time.
It’s safe to say that most bad guys think twice before messing with John McClane.
Rick O’Connell (The Mummy Original Trilogy)
Arguably the least popular hero on this list, it doesn’t mean he’s any less bada**. Rick O’Connell is a former soldier turned adventurer after stumbling upon the cursed grave of the evil Egyptian priest Imhotep.
He’s the guns in his small group of family and friends and has proven to be a worthy adversary on several occasions, with his vast knowledge of weapons and kicking a**. He has literally taken on Imothep head-on, despite the mummy’s clear advantage and is the true definition of fearless.
He’s definitely someone we want on our team on an exploration.
Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games Series)
The girl on fire is a must-have on this list solely on her willpower and willing to do what’s right. Katniss spent a majority of the Hunger Games series at odds with just about everyone rooting against her.
Katniss is an expert marks(wo)man, a pro scavenger and she is the leader of a revolution, all at around 21 years of age. Although she’s not a natural leader or a people person, Katniss fights for what’s right and will protect anyone in her family with no hesitation.
Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones Series)
A name everyone knows. Since the 80s, Indiana Jones has made his claim to fame being the charming and adventurous explorer and nazi punching action hero. Played by the great Harrison Ford, Indiana Jones is the second mega-franchise created by George Lucas.
Indy is on this list for a variety of reasons, not only is he an explorer and archeologist but he has also been a hero and inspiration for us all. He stands up for what is right and rarely looks for riches but rather discoveries that can help mankind.
Lara Croft (Tomb Raider Series)
Like Indiana Jones, Lara Croft also made her claim to fame being a fearless explorer with extensive knowledge of kicking butt and taking names. Whether you prefer the Alicia Vikander version or the original Angelina Jolie, make no mistake the character itself is an action hero.
She has been able to take on literal armies on her own, discover things that have been lost for thousands of years, all while remaining a socialite, true to her family name.
James Bond (James Bond Series)
Another well-known action hero that has taken on many incarnations. One thing that has never changed is James Bond’s uncanny ability to save the world in one way or another. Whether he’s fighting your typical Russian spy or the stereotypical world domination, he seems to always come up on top.
James Bond has set the standard for spy movies and his legacy continues after a long history. Although many have tried to copy the success of Bond, no one will ever have the swagger he does when he’s saving the day.
The Bride (Kill Bill)
A product of the great Quentin Tarantino’s creation, The Bride is a former assassin who left the life but is forced back into it after her ex brutally murders her current husband and leaves her for dead. As one of the ultimate revenge movies, the Bride cuts through the goons trying to take her down and she gets her revenge while taking hundreds with her.
Although her methods aren’t heroic by any stretch of the imagination, she is independent, resourceful and one of the bravest heroes on this list.
Jason Bourne (Bourne Series)
A product of secret experimentation, Jason Bourne is the best spy in the world. Able to take on the CIA while attempting to hide, Jason Bourne is dangerous and terrifying to his enemies. As a master of disguise, weapons, fighting, linguistics, and so much more, Bourne shows you don’t need powers to be considered a superhero.
in his various movies he has always come up on top regardless of his odds and he continues to be the hero through it all. Like any hero on this list, he is not someone you want as your enemy.
Batman (DC Comics)
As the catalyst for vigilantes and many of the heroes on this list, Batman is the ultimate powerless superhero. Although he is one of the only DC superheroes without powers, he has accomplished so much and he has gained the respect of just about everyone.
He’s a founder of the Justice League, the head of the Bat-family, the reason the craziest villains are in Arkham and not to mention he’s a multi-billionaire. He doesn’t even need an introduction as he is so well known and many can agree that he’s the greatest action hero with no superpowers.
