Top 10 Typecast Male Action Stars

Number 10: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

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Kicking off our list is the electrifying star who once known simply as “The Rock.” He started out as a force in the wrestling ring, and rose to action hero status as “The Scorpion King,” before giving us “The Rundown” and “Walking Tall.” He even fought Martian demons in “Doom” and rejuvenated the GI Joe film franchise. We love how tough, yet tender he is. And that cocked eyebrow always means trouble…. Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?

This captivating Swedish actor had us feeling some serious Stockholm syndrome back in his heyday. His career took off after playing imposing Russian boxer Ivan Drago in Rocky IV, but he became an action icon by playing roles like He-Man, The Punisher, and villain Andrew Scott in “Universal Soldier.” No matter what movie he’s in, this 6”5 giant is always an “Army of One.”

Number 8: Vin Diesel

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This Fast and The Furious Star is best known for his deep voice, bald head and for playing heroes with questionable moral fiber. These include his stint as the fur coat wearing agent “xXx,” and the goggle-clad antihero Riddick. He’s a hulking action hero, who’s at his best when using his bare hands and a simple teacup.

Number 7: Jason Statham

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This quick-tongued Brit is equally quick in combat. He made it big in Guy Ritchie crime comedies before using his knowledge of martial arts to become an American action star. He’s all about adrenaline-fueled action, and you gotta love that he performs most of his own stunts and fight scenes.

Number 6: Steven Seagal

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This martial arts master with a ponytail didn’t star in movies, movies were created around him. “Above the Law,” Hard to Kill,” or “Out for Justice:” the titles of his movies say more about him than they do about the films themselves. He relies on his mastery of Aikido, smack talk and dirty fighting tricks to save the day. There’s no one quite like him: he’s so badass we can’t even picture Seagal in a rom-com, which is more than we can say for many of the entries on this list.

Number 5: Jean-Claude Van Damme

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The Muscles from Brussels! Van Damme is all about the super flying and the 360 degree spin kicks. He is best known for facing off against deadly contenders in martial arts tournaments, and for playing a “Timecop,” a “Universal Soldier,” a “Street Fighter” and even dual versions of himself. Yes, it’s true….two Van Damme’s are better than one!

Number 4: Jackie Chan

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This Chinese martial arts legend has been involved with action movies since the early 1970s. He has since become a staple of American action flicks like “Rush Hour” and “Shanghai Knights.” He always performs his own stunts, and throws comedy into his countless insane action set pieces. Just don’t ever expect to see anything resembling a sex scene in his films… Jackie likes to keep it PG.

Number 3: Bruce Willis

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He transformed the action genre by starring as detective John McClane: the man who was always in the right place at the wrong time. Consistently “The Last Man Standing,” Bruce is a box-office juggernaut who is frequently cast as the likeable and wisecracking hero with a moral code.

Number 2: Sylvester Stallone

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This actor is anything but expendable. Fans love him for playing the underdog who rejects society, and for his monosyllabic way of speaking. Personally, we wouldn’t want Rambo any other way. But seriously, what is he saying? Did you get any of that?

Number 1: Arnold Schwarzenegger

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Was there ever any doubt? Taking the top spot on this list is the cigar-smoking muscle-clad governator. Arnold wins this race for being the buffest hero ever to grace the silver screen, but his foreign accent and unique brand of charm didn’t hurt either. Plus, he never disappoints with his hilarious one-liners and over-the-top kills. With so many Hollywood action stars, we’re sure we missed a few. Which is your favorite?