The best action movies of 2016

Ryan Reynolds' labor of love finally made it to the big screen in 2016, and it was worth the wait. The Merc with a Mouth did huge numbers at the box office, and the sequel should, too.

Nobody does action comedy like Shane Black, who returned to his buddy-cop roots in this delightful romp.

A superhero epic that had genuine stakes for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this release put it in very good hands now that the Russo Brothers are taking over the "Avengers" franchise as well.

No one asked for Antoine Fuqua to remake this, but we're glad he did. The titular group has great chemistry, but the real highlight is Peter Sarsgaard as the mustache-twirling villain.

"Dr. Strange" showed that Marvel could do a magic movie, too. Benedict Cumberbatch is perfect as the haughty surgeon-turned-sorcerer, and the supporting cast is top-notch as well.

The first "Jack Reacher" was incredibly underrated, and this one is no different. Tom Cruise seems to really enjoy playing this character, and we wouldn't be opposed to him having a third go-around with this former military police officer who can't stop fighting injustice and breaking henchmen's bones.

Ben Affleck's "Accountant" shouldn't be as entertaining as it is. Its premise (on-the-spectrum accountant is also a gun-toting superman) is nearly offensive, but he's believable enough as the character to make it all work. The gunfights and chases are top-notch, too.

Another "Ip Man" movie, another kick-ass martial arts spectacular. This one features a young Bruce Lee as well as Mike Tyson playing a Triad heavy. It's bonkers.

After nearly a decade away, Matt Damon and Paul Greengrass returned to for their fifth collaboration. Shaky cam, high-speed chases, crazy stunts and CIA intrigue abound.

How do the "Purge" movies keep getting better? Frank Grillo returns to help save a presidential hopeful who wants to stop the annual Purge once and for all but not if some shadowy figures can stop them first. Do they succeed? You'll have to watch to find out.

While "Suicide Squad" was not particularly twisted or good, for that matter, it was a lot of fun. The action scenes owe a lot to a movie like "John Wick," but, hey, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?

While not all the principals are back, for reasons related to the plot and because Ang Lee was busy with other products, this sequel to the modern classic has some really great stunts and set pieces that make it well worth a watch, even if you haven't seen the first one.

The cast of this movie is insane. It's pulpy as heck. The script is full of cliches, but those things are cliches for a reason. John Hillcoat doing cops and robbers is something well worth your time.

We're not sure who was clamoring for a sequel to "Mechanic," but we're glad someone did! Jason Statham needs to pull off three impossible assassinations in order to save the love of his life from the villain. It's absurd and 100 percent fun.

The Rock and Kevin Hart are a fine comedic duo. There's as many laughs in this one as there are pulse-pounding action sequences, too.

Jane Austen meets "28 Days Later" is something that's too audacious not be be seen. Lots of swords and great costume design in this one. The book's pretty good, too.

Possibly the best new "Trek" yet. The cast is locked in and raring to go throughout, and we're happy that a fourth entry in the new series is on its way, too.

They got most of the gang back together for this one and somehow provided even more eye-popping spectacle than the first time around. We're not sure aliens can mount a third offensive, but we wouldn't be surprised if they did.

It was a year of sequels, and the magic thieves were at it again with this exciting high-wire act. This movie is just flat out fun.

Mel Gibson is by all accounts a troubled, oft-reprehensible person, but the man knows how to be an action star.