Definition of action film

The term "action film" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, when cinema began to evolve as a distinct medium. In the 1900s and 1910s, films were often featured in vaudeville shows and nickelodeons, which showcased a variety of entertainment including comedy, drama, and spectacle. As the film industry grew, studios began to produce films that focused on action and adventure, such as westerns, war movies, and serials. The term "action film" gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, as martial arts films and sci-fi blockbusters became hugely successful. Filmmakers like Bruce Lee, Steven Spielberg, and George Lucas helped define the genre, which emphasized high-energy action sequences, suspenseful plots, and memorable stunts. Over time, the term "action film" has come to encompass a wide range of films, from Hollywood blockbusters to indie thrillers, often featuring car chases, gunfights, and hand-to-hand combat.