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Antonio Banderas’ Best Action Movies and Thrillers

December 26, 2024
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Antonio Banderas’ Best Action Movies and Thrillers

Antonio Banderas is a celebrated Spanish actor who’s been gracing the screen (and even the stage) since the eighties. He first became popular after delivering stellar performances in several Spanish films that earned him various awards. Then, the world started to take notice of his talent and ability to perform across genres and even do fantastic voice work.

He branched out into American films in the early nineties and hasn’t looked back since. Despite his tendency to flip-flop between genres, actions, and thrillers appear to be Banderas’ bread and butter. Take a glance at his filmography as of late and most of his film projects could be classified as such. With such an extensive backlist, it can be hard to know where to start. Fear not. Continue reading Banderas’ best action movies and thrillers.

10

‘Once Upon a Time in Mexico’ (2003)

Banderas has worked with filmmaker Robert Rodriguez a few times in his career. Once Upon a Time in Mexico is the third part of Rodriguez’s Mexico trilogy. In it, a man who goes by The Mariachi is approached by a CIA agent who wants justice for his murdered wife.

This is probably the least popular film in the trilogy. In many ways, it’s a rehash of the plot of film two. Still, with Banderas, Salma Hayek, Mickey Rourke, and Eva Mendes, among others involved, it’s hard not to produce a highly entertaining Western romp.

9

‘Bullet Head’ (2017)

In Bullet Head, three criminals must hide away in a warehouse after a robbery gone wrong. The fourth member of their crew was shot dead and they’re waiting for their accomplices to rescue them. They’re not alone. A killer dog used to dogfighting is also stuck inside.

Two Antagonists for the Price of One

Banderas plays Blue, the violent dog’s owner. He commands every scene as he is in, acting as a villain (albeit one we enjoy following). While the four-legged killer is a true terror, Blue is another force to be reckoned with.

8

‘Spy Kids’ (2001)

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Spy Kids

Release Date

April 4, 2001

Runtime

88 Minutes

Not all of Banderas’ actions and thrillers are gritty, rated-R flicks. Case in point: Spy Kids. This Robert Rodriguez film follows siblings Carmen and Juni when their parents go missing. The two discover their parents were top spies and may be connected to other missing agents.

A Great Family Film

Banderas plays Gregorio Cortez, the father. While the children are the stars of the show, it’s anchored by the zany performances of the adults surrounding them. After the first film, viewers can enjoy other installments in this series with surprising guest cameos.

A collage of stills from the shows The Americans, Hannibal and Fargo

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7

‘The 13th Warrior’ (1999)

The 13th Warrior is based on a Michael Crichton novel. Ahmad is exiled to a faraway land due to his affair with the wife of a noble. While on his adventure, he connects with Vikings and becomes attached to a brewing battle they’re facing.

Ahead of Its Time?

This film absolutely flopped at the box office. It didn’t fare well with critics either. Lately, admirers have come out of the woodwork. Not only do they admire the visual aspects of the film, but also the way the filmmakers and actors were able to adapt a complex tale.

6

‘The Mask of Zorro’ (1998)

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Release Date

July 17, 1998

Runtime

137 Minutes

Banderas took on the iconic role of Zorro in The Mask of Zorro. This film revolves around the original Zorro and his successor teaming up for their own plots of retribution. Alejandro Murrieta (Banderas) has a bone to pick with the governor’s associate who led to a previous apprehension.

Why It’s Great

Talk about a star-studded cast. Besides Banderas, there’s Catherine Zeta-Jones and Anthony Hopkins. No minute is wasted in this film. If the characters aren’t actively engaged in trouble, they’re scheming to find their way into it. An action love must check this off their to-watch list.

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5

‘Haywire’ (2011)

haywire

Release Date

November 6, 2011

Runtime

93minutes

Haywire stars Gina Carano as an undercover agent named Mallory. She is set up and ambushed by a member of her team. While Mallory escapes the assassination attempt with her life, she still seeks justice for those who wronged her. Banderas takes on a supporting role as a contact from Barcelona.

More, Please!

Sure, Banderas isn’t the front and center in Haywire, but it still deserves a mention. Not only does his character reveal key details that help Mallory uncover who betrayed her, but he’s captivating to watch. The action scenes are expertly choreographed and leave many viewers wishing this was a series.

4

‘Law of Desire’ (1984)

Law of Desire, or La Ley del Deseo, is a Spanish comedic thriller. Pablo is a film director who hopes his new project will bring happiness into his life. Antonio (Banderas) comes from a conservative family and becomes obsessed with Pablo after viewing one of his films.

A Blend of Elements

Pablo and Antonio’s relationship is at the heart of the movie, as is a third man sharpening the points of this love triangle. Though it’s classified as a comedic thriller, it blends various genres yet still remains cohesive. Law of Desire performed extremely well in Spain and deserves more attention worldwide.

3

‘Babygirl’ (2024)

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Release Date

December 25, 2024

Runtime

114 Minutes

Babygirl is an erotic thriller starring Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson as one half of an unlikely couple. Romy Mathis is a CEO who takes an interest in her much younger intern, Samuel. The two begin a clandestine sexual relationship that tests the boundaries of their professional relationship.

Complicated Relationships All Around

Banderas plays Jacob, Romy’s husband. His character makes this scandalous affair even shadier. While Babygirl‘s steamy trailer has everyone excited about seeing how Kidman and Dickinson play off each other, fans can guarantee Banderas will deliver. Messy relationships in an emotional thriller? Banderas knows a thing or two about that.

2

‘The Skin I Live In’ (2011)

Pedro Almodóvar is a director who Banderas has collaborated with numerous times. The Skin I Live In is a peculiar thriller about a plastic surgeon named Robert who has developed artificial skin that’s resistant to a lot of damage. He’s only tested on mice and now preparing for his first human subject.

If viewers want a bit of horror (and/or eroticism) mixed in with their thrillers, look no further. This is an unabashed weird movie but it’s clear those involved had a clear point. Beyond the disturbing shots are questions about sex, sexual assault, body autonomy, and much more.

1

‘Desperado’ (1995)

desperado

Release Date

August 25, 1995

Runtime

104

The second film in the Mexico trilogy is Desperado. Banderas took over the lead role in the first film. Here, The Mariachi is racked with grief after his lover was killed. He seeks vengeance against the drug lord responsible.

A New Face

It’s difficult to pop into an established franchise and seamlessly fit in. But now it’s impossible to view anyone besides Banderas in the titular role. In this tale as old as time, Banderas delivered humor, toughness, and a bit of vulnerability.


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