10 Made-for-TV Action Movies That Are Just As Good As Theatrical Releases

The limitations that come with the television medium have not been enough to keep some made-for-television action films from holding up well to those released on the big screen. With TV films, audiences often expect a low-quality film, as the budget is minimal compared to that of a film released in theaters. However, there are some exceptions. Many made-for-television horror and sci-fi films have proven to have the same effect on audiences as big Hollywood releases.

The same can be said for the action genre. Of course, a large screen is ideal for the fast pace and high levels of energy expected from the genre. The visual and sound quality of a movie theater prompts a more immersive viewing experience. yet, Made for TV Action films like Duel And LA Takedown Show the TV medium is not to be underestimatedAnd a similar experience can be had on a smaller scale.

10

The Brotherhood of Justice (1986)

Aired on ABC

In the mid-80s, a group of high school students in Texas searched for anyone they suspected of vandalizing school property. The means of punishing the high school students and getting their message across was extreme and inspired many films and television specials about teen vigilantes. One of the films is The Brotherhood of Justice. Keanu Reeves stars in the TV film as Derek, the leader of the film’s titular group of vigilantes. which becomes increasingly violent in their attempts to punish vandalism.

Along with Reeves, Lori Loughlin, Billy Zane and Kiefer Sutherland also star in the film. While the latter isn’t displaying the sort of action hero persona he would eventually become known for, it’s still fun to see him in an action setting early in his career. Although The Brotherhood of Justice Has the star power of an action film on the big screenThe low-intensity levels and lack of an action-packed ending help make sense as to why it’s made for TV.

9

The California Kid (1974)

Aired on ABC

Both Martin Sheen and Nick Nolte rose to fame in the ’70s, but an underrated entry in their filmography is the TV movie The California Kid. Released in 1974, The California Kid Follows Sheen’s character, Michael McCord, as he enters a town known for its strict speed laws. Michael comes to town on a mission to uncover the truth behind his brother’s death, which he suspects has something to do with a local sheriff, portrayed by Vic Morrow.

The action in The California Kid Is not nonstop, but it is quite compelling, especially as it is coupled with the mystery surrounding the crooked sheriff’s intentions. The story is simple, however The performances of the cast and the thought-out characters are just enough to keep the audience anticipating How Morrow and Sheen’s characters will confront each other.

8

Babylon 5: In the Beginning (1998)

Aired on TNT

Just a few weeks before the premiere of Season 5, Babylon 5: In the beginning is the second film in the Babylon 5 Franchise. The space opera franchise is Set in the titular space station, which is seen as the hub for diplomacy and trade. In the beginning Provides additional information on how the space station was created by detailing a war between humans and aliens.

Seeing the conflict that fueled the premise of the beloved sci-fi series is a treat for fans, but casual audiences can still enjoy the film just as much. Similar to these Babylon 5 the whole series, In the beginning Is well written and plays on complex themes That still allows audiences to easily give their undivided attention. Of course, the multi-layered stories presented inside In the beginning are accompanied by captivating action sequences and impressive special effects from a TV movie in the late 90s.

7

Terror on the Beach (1973)

Aired on CBS

A few years later starred in Steven Spielberg’s DuelDennis Weaver directed another made-for-television film with a similar setup. in Terror on the beachWeaver plays a father whose family is heading to the beach for a much-needed vacation. Conflict immediately forms when a bus recklessly drives them off the road. From that moment on, the family was constantly harassed by the group of people on the bus.

There is a large amount of action involved Terror on the beachAs well as some elements of horror. Terror on the beach Draws many comparisons to the premise in Wes Craven The hills have eyeswhich came out later in the 70s. Although the quality of acting and intensity of scares in Terror on the beach Not as high as Craven’s film, it still manages to hold its own, providing an ample amount of chills due to its troubled antagonists.

6

The Deadly Tower (1975)

Aired on NBC

Kurt Russell is no stranger to the action genre. Before starring in films like Escape from New York And Big Trouble in Little ChinaRussell directed the television film The Deadly Tower. The film is based on the shooting at the University of Texas in 1966With Russell playing the real-life gunman responsible for the high number of deaths. It’s not often that Russell plays a truly chilling antagonist, but he confidently takes on the role in The Deadly Tower And plays it convincingly.

Although there is some dramatization, as expected from any action film based on a true story, the events presented in The Deadly Tower are largely accurate to what happened in real life. There is a large amount of action and violence throughout, and A well-crafted tension that builds throughout the film’s hour and a half runtime.

5

By Dawn’s Early Light (1990)

Aired on HBO

William Prochnau’s book, Trinity’s child, Details a nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union And was made into a TV movie By Dawn’s early light. There are some notable changes made in By Dawn’s early lightIncluding an added romantic subplot, but otherwise, the film closely follows Prochnau’s story. The special effects are not the best for a TV movie, but they are good enough and are effective in establishing the tension of the film.

The action and tension in By Dawn’s early light are balanced with drama and make for a well-rounded viewing experience. Moreover, like many action films released in theaters, By Dawn’s early light consisted of strong performances by well-known actors. Rip Torn and Powers Boothe are two standouts from the cast, as is James Earl Jones, who earned an Emmy nomination for his supporting role.

4

Jesse Stone: Stone Cold (2005)

Aired on CBS

In addition to his role as Thomas Magnum in Magnum P.IOne of Tom Selleck’s more well-known TV characters is Jesse Stone. The character comes from a series of detective novels Written by Robert B. Parker, which have been adapted into numerous made-for-TV movies. The first is Jesse Stone: Stone Coldwhich introduces Selek as a police chief who investigates a number of similar murders.

Selleck is a strong lead for the film as he handles playing the moody, tired detective with ease and establishes Jesse as someone audiences should root for. Accompanying Selleck is Stone colds cast, which includes notable actors such as Viola Davis, Stephen McHattie and Jane Adams. The action is not that strong Stone coldConsidering a majority of the film is focused on establishing Selleck’s character. however, The audience’s response Stone cold Was strong and allowed to make a total of nine television films.

3

Treasure Island (1990)

Aired on TNT and in theaters outside the United States

Author Robert Stevenson Treasure Island is a book that has been adapted many times into film and television series. One of the best adaptations, and one of the most faithful to the original text, is Fraser Clarke Heston’s Treasure IslandWith Christian Ball and Christopher Lee. The story follows two men, Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver, who are on the search for the famous treasure left behind by a deceased pirate, Captain Billy Bones. The close similarities between Treasure Island and Stevenson’s book are what the film holds up to theatrical action and adventure films.

The action scenes in Treasure Island are attention-grabbing and there are hardly any moments where the film’s plot drags and risks losing the audience’s attention. Similarly, as eye-catching as the riot in the film was Charlton Heston. As the antagonist of treasure island, Heston made it clear that Long John Silver was not a character to be messed with, but he displayed a certain charisma that drew the audience into his performance. The appeal of him as an actor explains how Heston’s filmography was as great as it was.

2

LA Takedown (1989)

Aired on NBC

Unlike many made-for-TV films, LA Takedown Would eventually have a theatrical release and become a standout film in its director’s catalog, but with a few changes made to its casting and name. Written and directed by Michael Mann, LA Takedown is centered around Scott Plank’s detective character as he is on the hunt for a notorious criminal played by Alex MacArthur. Man planned to release LA Takedown Like a TV showBut when NBC didn’t pick up the series, it was released as a film on the network instead.

A few years later, Mann would transform the history of LA Takedown For the big screen, remaking it under this name FeverWhich would soon be considered by many as Mann’s best film. unfortunately, LA Takedown is often viewed by most as just a setup for the iconic film. However, there’s a lot to enjoy about it on its own. Despite the lack of violence and profanity seen in the remake, LA Takedown Has impressive high-stakes action And the film does a fine job of developing its main characters in its limited 92-minute runtime.

1

Duel (1971)

Aired on ABC

Steven Spielberg expertly fuses the action and horror genres in his television film Duel. Eventually earning a theatrical release with an extended cut, Duel First premiered on ABC. Duel Follows Dennis Weaver’s character David on a long drive, which quickly becomes dangerous when a semi-truck driver harasses him. To make matters worse, the identity of Duels antagonist is never revealed.

The cat-and-mouse dynamic between David and the semi-truck driver results in heart-pounding action sequences. The high levels of tension in Duel are equal to that of a blockbuster thriller And keep the audience engaged the entire time. DuelThe story is simple, but very effective, because not only the hearts of the audience race, but also their minds. The mystery of the antagonist’s identity leads to many theories about who it is and what their reasons for threatening David’s life are.