Mark Wahlberg's Best Action Movies: Ranked!

Hey guys! If you're anything like me, you love a good action movie, and when it comes to action flicks, Mark Wahlberg is a total legend. From playing a tough cop to a grizzled war veteran, Wahlberg consistently delivers high-octane performances that keep us on the edge of our seats. So, let's dive into a countdown of some of his absolute best action films. Get ready for explosions, intense fight scenes, and plenty of that classic Wahlberg charm!

1. Shooter (2007)

Shooter is a high-octane action thriller where Mark Wahlberg plays Bob Lee Swagger, an expert marksman framed for a crime he didn't commit. This movie is a wild ride from start to finish, packed with intense sniper action, thrilling conspiracy twists, and Wahlberg's signature grit. It's a classic tale of betrayal and revenge, and Swagger's determination to clear his name is absolutely captivating.

One of the things that makes Shooter so compelling is the attention to detail in the sniper sequences. The filmmakers clearly did their homework, and the movie is filled with realistic depictions of long-range shooting techniques. You'll see Swagger calculating wind speed, adjusting for bullet drop, and using all sorts of gadgets to make those impossible shots. It's like a master class in marksmanship, and it adds a layer of authenticity to the action.

But Shooter is more than just a technical exercise. It's also a gripping story about a man who is betrayed by his own government. Swagger is a patriot who has dedicated his life to serving his country, but he's ultimately used as a pawn in a political game. This betrayal cuts deep, and it fuels his desire for revenge. As he unravels the conspiracy, he encounters corrupt politicians, ruthless mercenaries, and double-crossing agents. The stakes keep getting higher and higher, and you're never quite sure who to trust.

Wahlberg delivers a fantastic performance as Bob Lee Swagger. He perfectly captures the character's stoicism, his expertise, and his burning desire for justice. You can feel his pain and anger as he's forced to go on the run, and you're rooting for him every step of the way. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Michael Peña, Danny Glover, and Kate Mara all turning in memorable performances. Shooter is a must-see for action fans, and it's one of Wahlberg's most underrated films.

2. The Departed (2006)

Okay, so The Departed isn't purely an action movie, but it's got enough intense moments and Wahlberg being a total badass to earn its spot. He plays Staff Sergeant Dignam, a foul-mouthed, no-nonsense cop in Boston's Special Investigations Unit. This role won him an Oscar nomination, and for good reason! Dignam is the kind of character you love to watch – tough, sarcastic, and fiercely loyal.

The Departed, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a masterclass in crime drama, set against the backdrop of the Irish mob and the Massachusetts State Police. The story revolves around two central characters: Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), a state trooper secretly working for mob boss Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson), and Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio), an undercover cop infiltrating Costello's crew. As both men delve deeper into their dangerous double lives, the tension ratchets up to unbearable levels, leading to a series of shocking betrayals and violent confrontations.

Wahlberg's Dignam is the perfect counterpoint to the scheming and deception that permeates the film. He's the guy who cuts through the BS and speaks his mind, no matter the consequences. He's constantly at odds with Sullivan, whom he suspects of being a mole, and he's fiercely protective of Costigan, even though he knows the undercover cop is playing a risky game. Dignam's loyalty and integrity make him a compelling character, and he provides some much-needed comic relief in a film that's otherwise incredibly dark and tense.

The action sequences in The Departed are brutal and realistic, reflecting the gritty world that Scorsese creates. There are no stylized gunfights or elaborate chase scenes; instead, the violence is sudden, chaotic, and often shocking. When Dignam finally unleashes his fury, it's a moment of pure catharsis. Wahlberg's performance is so raw and believable that you can feel his rage and frustration. The Departed is a complex and morally ambiguous film, but Wahlberg's Dignam provides a moral compass, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there are still people willing to fight for what's right.

3. Contraband (2012)

In Contraband, Wahlberg is Chris Farraday, a former smuggler who has left his shady past behind to provide for his family. But when his brother-in-law gets into trouble with a ruthless drug lord, Chris is forced to return to his old ways to protect his loved ones. This movie is a non-stop thrill ride, filled with daring heists, dangerous confrontations, and plenty of high-stakes action.

Contraband is a remake of the Icelandic film Reykjavik-Rotterdam, and it transplants the action to New Orleans and Panama. The film follows Chris as he assembles a crew of smugglers and embarks on a perilous journey to transport counterfeit money across international borders. Along the way, they encounter corrupt officials, rival gangs, and treacherous double-crossers. The stakes keep getting higher and higher, and Chris must use all of his skills and cunning to survive.

Wahlberg is perfectly cast as Chris Farraday. He brings a sense of world-weariness and determination to the role, and you can feel his desperation as he tries to protect his family. He's a tough guy who can handle himself in a fight, but he's also a loving husband and father who is willing to do anything for his loved ones. The supporting cast is also strong, with Kate Beckinsale as Chris's wife, Ben Foster as his troubled brother-in-law, and Giovanni Ribisi as the menacing drug lord.

The action sequences in Contraband are well-executed and exciting. There are plenty of car chases, shootouts, and hand-to-hand combat. The film also does a good job of building suspense, as Chris and his crew navigate the treacherous world of international smuggling. You're never quite sure who to trust, and the constant threat of betrayal keeps you on the edge of your seat. Contraband is a solid action thriller that showcases Wahlberg's versatility as an actor. It's a crowd-pleasing film that delivers plenty of thrills and excitement.

4. Lone Survivor (2013)

Lone Survivor is based on the true story of Marcus Luttrell, a Navy SEAL who was part of a mission to capture or kill a Taliban leader in Afghanistan. Wahlberg portrays Luttrell with incredible intensity and heart. This movie is a harrowing depiction of the brutal realities of war, and it's a powerful tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the American military.

Directed by Peter Berg, Lone Survivor is a visceral and unflinching account of Operation Red Wings, a mission that went horribly wrong. Luttrell and his team were ambushed by Taliban fighters in the mountains of Afghanistan, and they were forced to fight for their lives against overwhelming odds. The film pulls no punches in depicting the violence and chaos of the battle, and it's a truly harrowing experience to watch.

Wahlberg delivers a career-defining performance as Marcus Luttrell. He captures the character's toughness, his loyalty, and his unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers. He undergoes a physical and emotional transformation throughout the film, as he is forced to endure unimaginable pain and suffering. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, and Ben Foster all turning in memorable performances as Luttrell's teammates.

Lone Survivor is a difficult film to watch, but it's also an important one. It's a reminder of the sacrifices that our soldiers make every day to protect our freedom. The film is also a testament to the power of the human spirit, as Luttrell and his teammates refuse to give up, even in the face of certain death. Lone Survivor is a powerful and moving film that will stay with you long after you've seen it.

5. Pain & Gain (2013)

Okay, Pain & Gain is a bit of a departure from the other films on this list, but it's still got plenty of action and dark humor. Wahlberg plays Daniel Lugo, a bodybuilder who gets caught up in a crazy scheme to kidnap and extort a wealthy businessman. This movie is based on a true story, and it's a wild and often hilarious ride.

Directed by Michael Bay, Pain & Gain is a black comedy that tells the story of the Sun Gym gang, a group of bodybuilders in Miami who turned to crime in the 1990s. Lugo, along with his accomplices Adrian Doorbal (Anthony Mackie) and Paul Doyle (Dwayne Johnson), hatch a plan to kidnap and extort Victor Kershaw (Tony Shalhoub), a wealthy businessman who frequents their gym. Their plan quickly spirals out of control, leading to a series of botched kidnappings, gruesome murders, and hilarious mishaps.

Wahlberg is perfectly cast as Daniel Lugo, the narcissistic and delusional ringleader of the Sun Gym gang. He brings a sense of manic energy to the role, and he's always scheming and plotting. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Mackie and Johnson providing plenty of comedic relief as Lugo's dim-witted accomplices. Pain & Gain is a controversial film, due to its depiction of real-life events, but it's also a highly entertaining one. It's a dark and twisted comedy that will leave you laughing and shaking your head at the same time.

Honorable Mentions

Of course, no list of Mark Wahlberg action movies would be complete without mentioning a few honorable mentions:

• Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
• Mile 22 (2018)
• Uncharted (2022)

So, there you have it, folks! My top picks for the best Mark Wahlberg action movies. Whether you're a fan of intense thrillers, gritty crime dramas, or over-the-top comedies, Wahlberg has something for everyone. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready for some serious action!