The list of action stars that make the silver screen light up is about a mile long. We all go to the theaters with that feeling of anticipation to see what stunts they’re going to do or how they’ll finesse their way out of a tight bind, inevitably saving the day and riding off into the sunset before the credits roll. But what about those actors who are just as nice to look at as they are to watch kick butt? Here is a list of six action stars whose looks hit just as hard as their punches.
Vin Diesel
He’s all about family, and we’re all about those muscles. Vin has been a mainstay in the action movie genre for decades at this point, and it’s no secret why. Between his engaging fight choreography, impassioned onscreen speeches, and his rugged good looks, it’s no wonder the Fast franchise has been going strong all these years. Dominic Toretto may defy gravity and physics with those car stunts, but he does it while looking like a whole snack. If that weren’t enough, Vin has voiced the character of Groot for Marvel since 2014. It’s not easy to portray complex emotions with only one line throughout an entire story, but Vin succeeded. Who among us can say that they didn’t get a bit misty-eyed hearing, “We are Groot”?
Linda Hamilton
Look, we can all admit that Sarah Connor looked hot in T2 or we as a society can embrace living dishonestly. It’s one or the other, no in-between. Going from a damsel in distress in the first movie to the butt-kicking, no-nonsense mother in the second movie is one drastic transformation. Look at Linda Hamilton’s arms in that black tank top, the dark sunglasses, and the attitude that says she’ll break you in half with no hesitation. John Conner’s mom has got it going on. In addition to her looking amazing, she also displays a level of vulnerability showing that even strong women have feelings and trauma. And neither of those things makes her any less of a strong woman.
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves has been incredibly attractive the entire time he’s been in the spotlight, and it doesn’t seem like he’ll ever let up. Going from a young up-and-comer with a boyish charm and pretty-boy good looks to a seasoned actor who definitely qualifies as a silver fox, Keanu’s face card has never declined. If that weren’t enough, he has always been able to carry an action franchise. Though he seems to have finished his run as once-retired assassin John Wick, Keanu is still doing his thing. He recently has taken up the mantle of rocker boy and revolutionary Johnny Silverhand in the CD Projekt Red series Cyberpunk 2077. Keanu embodies Johnny’s wit and arrogance to a perfect degree. It’s hard to make an objective jerk attractive, but Keanu has done it and gamers are better off for it. Many of us wouldn’t mind having Silverhand hang out in our minds.
Michelle Rodriguez
Tell us if this sentence sounds familiar: “I don’t know if I want to be Letty or make out with her.” From the very second that Michelle Rodriguez pulls up in that purple Nissan and steps out in those camo pants and red tank, it was over. Rodriguez brings to Letty a perfect mixture of rough and tough but a touch of femininity that keeps viewers enthralled. It also doesn’t hurt that Letty is just as talented as the men who surround her. No one would ever look at Letty as simply Dom’s love interest, she can more than stand on her own. Michelle also was able to be a bright spot in the often-forgotten Resident Evil movie from the 2000s as Rain Ocampo. Just goes to show that if you’re looking for a tough but sexy woman to play in your movies, Rodriguez should be at the top of your list.
Michael Jai White
Michael Jai White is amazing at what he does and we love watching him do it. The actor and martial artist has been tearing up the screen since the 90s and has put out outstanding performances all along the way. He’s also an amazing comedic and dramatic actor, able to make viewers laugh as well as sit in stunned silence as he delivers a monologue. White is also one of those actors that even if you might not recognize him by name, you’ve most likely seen him in something. Whether that be in a Tyler Perry movie, as Jax Briggs in a Rooster Teeth Mortal Kombat series, or in a Nicki Minaj video. The man is also easy on the eyes and many have wondered what it’d be like to be wrapped up in those toned and strong arms.
Pam Grier
One of the pioneers of the Blaxploitation genre, Pam Grier has not only been a sex symbol but an inspiration to many in the black community and beyond. She exudes sensuality along with pride and strength that makes her a joy to watch onscreen. If you’ve never had the pleasure of watching a Pam Grier film, might we suggest the following three: Coffy, Foxy Brown, and for a more modern flick, the Tarantino classic Jackie Brown.
