Sure, there are finer points to the action film: the grizzled, Eastwoodian stare; a well-lobbed catch-phrase; the brotherly bonding of cops under fire. But if we're being honest, sometimes we just go for the kabooms. An essential piece of the action formula since 1957's The Bridge on the River Kwai, the not-so-humble explosion puts an exclamation point on stories that often require them. Have a look at our 10 favorites—and be warned, many of these are plot climaxes. Then again, if you haven't already seen Star Wars, we have no words for you.
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