A new year brings new opportunies for film discovery. There is perhaps no better genre to explore such a wide range of films than the action genre. Pure storytelling, physical stakes, and in the end catharsis - these are the films that turn actors into icons. My aim for this challenge is discovery. With that in mind I tried to stay within a general comfort area, but I'm definitely tip-toeing around the edges a little to introduce the less than avid viewer to more that the genre has to offer. I'm so thrilled to get to share this challenge with you this year.
Here's the list for Action52X26. There are 52 action films comprising the main challenge. At the end there will be two bonus sections, each with a theme and a reward to discover later on in the year. You can watch the films in any order you'd like. All 52 films need be logged, reviewed, and tagged actionx52 and actionx526.
The challenge begins on Thursday, January 1, 2026 and ends Thursday, December 31, 2026. Submit your list in the comment section and, keeping in tradition with Michelle, I will select a film for your #52 pick to watch. Your challenge will be deemed complete when the requirements have been met for the first 52 films, but remember that in the end we're just here to have fun watching movies. Don't stress. But if you are stressed, there's no better release than watching things blow up.
This is Michelle's creation so it seems only right we start there.
⏬️⏬️The Prompts
1.  Watch an action film from Michelle's Favorite Movies of All Time
2. Watch an action film releasing in 2026
3. Watch an action film starring Rudy Ray Moore
4. Watch an action film from That’s Fucked Up! 🫣5. Watch an action film directed by Wong Jing
6. Watch an action film from Mexico 🇲🇽 
7. Watch an action film directed by Jesse V. Johnson
8. Watch an action film from 🌈Pride: A Chronological History of Queer Interest & LGBTQ+ Cinema
9. Watch an action film released in 2016
10.  Watch an action film directed by Jamaa Fanaka
11. Watch an action film shot by Arthur Wong
12. Watch an action film starring Christian Slater
13. Watch an action film from India 🇮🇳 
14. Watch an action film from The Anti-Letterboxd 250
15.  Watch an action film starring Stephen Chow
16. Watch an action film released in 2006
17. Watch an action film directed by Andy Sidaris
18. Watch an action film from All Oscar Nominated Movies of All Time
19. In honor of his 75th birthday, watch an action film starring Michael Keaton 
20. Watch an action film released by Vinegar Syndrome Archive.
21. Watch an action film shot by Adam Greenberg
22. Watch an action film starring the one, the only, Nicolas Cage
23. Watch an action film released in 1996
24. Watch an action film from Rarelust Complete List
25. Watch an action film from Russia 🇷🇺 
26. Watch an action film from “Good For Her” Cinematic Universe
27.  Watch an action film starring Sharon Stone
28. Watch an action film spoof
29. Watch an action film directed by Albert Pyun
30. Watch an action film released in 1986
31. Watch an action film shot by Dean Semler
32. Watch an action film from Long, Weird List of Movies
33. Watch an action film from Australia 🇦🇺 
34. Watch an action film starring Michelle Yeoh
35.  Watch an action film directed by Cirio H. Santiago
36. Watch the greatest action film of all time. If you don't want to, ask yourself why?? Then watch any action film you'd like.
37. Watch an action film released in 1976
38. Watch an action film from Black Directors/Global Cinema - An Incomplete/Complete List
39. Watch an action film starring Kevin James
40. Watch an action film directed by Jack Hill
41. Watch a buddy cop action film
42.  Watch an action film from 💩 The Crappy Guide to “So Bad It’s Good” Flicks 💩
43. Watch an action film starring Bolo Yueng
44. Watch an action film released in 1966
45. Sibling rivalry! Watch an action film directed by Ridley Scott
46. Sibling rivalry! Watch an action film directed by Tony Scott
47. Watch an action film from Indonesia 🇮🇩 
48. Watch an action film starring Eddie Murphy
49. Watch an action film from what is reality?
50. Watch an action film directed by Renny Harlin

51. Watch an action film released in 1956
52. Mystery choice from the host

⏬️⏬️Bonus Mission #1
These are 6 insane action movies that may be lesser known to a lot of people that show the more...creative... side of the genre. They are all available to buy or stream but if you can't find them I have included a link for each. Watch them to complete your first bonus mission.
5️⃣3️⃣ A
5️⃣4️⃣ C
5️⃣5️⃣ T
5️⃣6️⃣ I
5️⃣7️⃣ O
5️⃣8️⃣ N
⏬️
⏬️Bonus Mission #2The film industry lost a lot of giants this year. While this list is nowhere near extensive, I wanted to take the time to remember and celebrate those who championed the action genre. Some are much more recognizable than others, but they all had their hand in shaping the industry and their heart in creating a legacy. Watch an action film from each actor below to complete your final bonus mission.
5️⃣9️⃣ Watch an action film starring Wings Hauser
6️⃣0️⃣ Watch an action film starring Robert Redford
6️⃣1️⃣ Watch an action film starring Gene Hackman
6️⃣2️⃣ Watch an action film starring Val Kilmer
6️⃣3️⃣ Watch an action film starring Diane Ladd
6️⃣4️⃣ Watch an action film starring Peter Greene
6️⃣5️⃣ Watch an action film starring Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
6️⃣6️⃣ Watch an action film starring Udo Kier
6️⃣7️⃣ Watch an action film starring Terence Stamp
6️⃣8️⃣ Watch an action film starring Michael Madsen
6️⃣9️⃣ Watch an action film starring Hulk Hogan
7️⃣0️⃣ Watch an action film starring Joe Don Baker
7️⃣1️⃣ Watch an action film starring Richard Norton
7️⃣2️⃣ Watch an action film starring Richard Chamberlain
Challengers