Movies Like White House Down: 20 Action Missions to Save

Looking for super action and rescue mission, I recommend watching similar movies like White House Down. According to my view, below are some of the best choices available for you. The recommended movie is drawn from the heroic action deeds of the character who protects the deadliest attacks and encounter big conspiracies.

I think most of the described movies have preplanned campaigns to rescue, stop terrorist networks, recover from hijackers, and find out sinister plans.

20 Movies Like White House Down

I watched the mentioned short film stories that may provide you with the best similar movies to White House Down. These movies are highly suggested stuff before you are planning to watch more action.

Violent Night (2022)

“Violent Night” is a thrilling action movie based on Christmas in which protagonist Santa fights to recover the hostage of innocents. The story revolves around Santa Claus, played by David Harbour, who finds himself battling a group of mercenaries that has taken a wealthy family hostage in their own home. The film also features Alex Hassell, John Leguizamo, and Beverly D’Angelo in prominent roles.

The movie had its world premiere at the New York Comic Con on October 7, 2022, and Universal Pictures released it in theatres across the United States on December 2, 2022. While “Violent Night” received mixed reviews from critics, it performed well at the box office, grossing $76 million worldwide. 

Under Siege (1992)

Under Siege (1992) is an action-packed thriller written by J. F. Lawton and starring Steven Seagal as a former Navy SEAL. The plot revolves around Seagal’s character, who finds himself in a high-stakes situation when a group of soldiers, led by Tommy Lee Jones, takes control of the U.S. Navy battleship Missouri.

The film, released on October 9, 1992, achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, earning two Academy Award nominations for sound production and grossing over $156.6 million worldwide. ‘Under Siege’ is often regarded as one of Steven Seagal’s finest works. While a sequel, ‘Under Siege 2: Dark Territory,’ followed in 1995, it didn’t enjoy the same level of acclaim as its predecessor.

Con Air (1997)

Con Air (1997) is an action-packed thriller, directed by Simon West who performed really well at the box office. Penned by Scott Rosenberg and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the film unfolds on a Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System aircraft, humorously referred to as ‘con air,’ during a daring prison break. 

‘Con Air’ soared into theatres on June 6, 1997, under the Buena Vista Pictures. It proved to be a box office sensation, raking in over $224 million, surpassing its $75 million production budget. While critical reception was mixed, the film garnered praise for its star-studded lineup, captivating score, and exhilarating action sequences.

The Commuter (2018)

The Commuter (2018) is an action movie that revolves around a character who gets affected by a murder conspiracy. In 2018, the movie was directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and written by Philip de Blasi, Byron Willinger, and Ryan Engle. The movie weaves a narrative around a man who innocently becomes entangled in a murder conspiracy when he encounters a mysterious woman during his daily train commute.

This is a highly-rated movie similar to White House Down, so go with this on-screen play. The movie had its premiere in New York City on January 8, 2018, and subsequently hit theatres in the United States on January 12, 2018, courtesy of Lionsgate. It then made its way to the United Kingdom on January 19, 2018, distributed by StudioCanal.

Air Force One (1997)

Air Force One (1997) is an action-packed political genre movie that unveils the conspiracy to hijack a plane by terrorists. Director Wolfgang Petersen helmed the thrilling political action film which featured an ensemble cast of young characters. The screenplay, penned by Andrew W. Marlowe, revolves around a daring hijacking of Air Force One by terrorists and the President’s heroic efforts to rescue the passengers and reclaim the aircraft.

‘Air Force One’ soared at the box office, becoming a major hit and ranking as the fifth highest-grossing film of 1997, with worldwide earnings of $315.2 million. It also garnered positive reviews from critics and secured two Academy Award nominations in the categories of Best Sound and Best Film Editing, although it did not win either, ultimately losing out to the epic film ‘Titanic.

The Rock (1996)

The Rock (1996) is an action-filled plot that revolves around the story to defend the area and people against the conspiracy. In the movie, the Pentagon organize a unique team, consisting of an FBI chemist and a former SAS captain, along with a group of SEALs. Their mission is to penetrate Alcatraz, where a traitor general and a band of Marines have taken tourists hostage. 

The threat is awful: the general plans to launch rockets filled with deadly nerve gas at San Francisco. To tackle down, the government spent $100 million on the families of 83 soldiers who died in missions led by the general and later denied by the Pentagon. The film delivered a thrilling experience to audiences, combining high-octane action with a suspenseful plot.

Olympus Has Fallen (2013)

Olympus Has Fallen (2013) is an action genre movie based on a political theme that unfolds the attack on the White House. The screenplay, penned by Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt, lays the foundation for the ‘Has Fallen’ film series, making it the inaugural instalment.

The central narrative revolves around a North Korean-run guerrilla attack on the White House, with a focus on the efforts of disgraced Secret Service agent Mike Banning to rescue U.S. President Benjamin Asher.

‘​Olympus Has Fallen’ was released in the United States on March 22, 2013, under the FilmDistrict banner. Despite a production budget of $70 million, the film managed to rake in an impressive $170 million at the global box office.

Die Hard (1988)

Die Hard (1988) is an iconic American action film that unfolds the brave story of a detective job. The screenplay was penned by Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza, drawing inspiration from Roderick Thorp’s 1979 novel ‘Nothing Lasts Forever.’ 

The plot of ‘Die Hard’ centers around New York City police detective John McClane, portrayed by Willis. McClane finds himself involved in a disturbing terrorist takeover of a Los Angeles skyscraper while attempting to settle with his estranged wife.

The development of the film began when 20th Century Fox hired Stuart to adapt Thorp’s novel in 1987. Stuart’s draft received an immediate green light from Fox, driven by the studio’s enthusiasm to produce a summer blockbuster for the following year.

London Has Fallen (2016)

“Released in 2016, ‘London Has Fallen’ is an American film based on a political theme that reveals the dangerous conspiracy of the deadliest attack on the G7 leaders. The movie serves as the second instalment in the Has Fallen film series, following the 2013 film ‘Olympus Has Fallen,’ directed by Antoine Fuqua.

The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, and Morgan Freeman in prominent roles. The movie unfolds a gripping narrative that revolves around a sinister plot to assassinate the world leaders of the G7 during their attendance at the British Prime Minister’s funeral in London. 

Secret Service agent Mike Banning, portrayed by Gerard Butler, takes centre stage as he endeavours to protect United States President Benjamin Asher from a looming threat posed by Islamic terrorists.

Speed (1994)

Speed (1994) is a pulse-pounding American film that’s about the severe attack of terrorists on a bus. The movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Jeff Daniels, Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, Dennis Hopper, and Joe Morton.

The heart-pounding plot of ‘Speed’ revolves around a high-stakes situation where a terrorist has prepared a bus to explode if its speed drops below a treacherous 50 miles per hour. Speed is a top-rated movie like White House Down for the viewers.

The film made its Hollywood premiere on June 7, 1994 and was subsequently released in the rest of the United States on June 10, 1994. ‘Speed’ achieved both critical acclaim and remarkable commercial success, grossing an impressive $350.4 million at the box office. This financial achievement was particularly impressive considering the film’s budget, estimated to be in the range of $30-37 million.

Additionally, it solidified its place in cinema history as the fifth highest-grossing film of 1994, leaving an indelible mark on the action film genre.

Taken (2008)

Taken (2008) is an action-filled movie that reveals the story of kidnapping by Albanian human smugglers. The story was crafted by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen. The compelling plot of ‘Taken’ revolves around Bryan Mills, an ex-CIA officer played by Liam Neeson, who embarks on a relentless mission to rescue his teenage daughter, Kim, and her friend Amanda. The Albanian human traffickers kidnapped the two girls.

Taken is one of the suspense narrating action movies like White House Down. Its international distribution was handled by 20th Century Fox, making it accessible to a global audience. The Taken film was met with significant acclaim and helped solidify Liam Neeson’s reputation as an action movie icon, known for his tough and resourceful character in the film.

The Bourne Identity (2002)

“The Bourne Identity,” released in 2002, is a gripping suspenseful story film that draws its inspiration from Robert Ludlum’s 1980 novel of the same name. Directed by Doug Liman, the screenplay was penned by Tony Gilroy and William Blake Herron.

The film stars Matt Damon in the leading role of Jason Bourne, a man plagued by psychogenic amnesia who embarks on a quest to unearth his true identity. His journey unfolds against the backdrop of a secret conspiracy deeply fixed within the CIA. 

The superhit blockbuster earned fame as movies similar to White House Down. The franchise is renowned for its fascinating mix of spying, action, and conspiracy, with Matt Damon’s portrayal of the enigmatic Jason Bourne captivating audiences worldwide.”

Lone Survivor (2013)

“Lone Survivor,” released in 2013, is an action film that takes its inspiration from the nonfiction book of the same name, authored by Marcus Luttrell in collaboration with Patrick Robinson. This sensational narrative is set against the backdrop of the conflict in Afghanistan and unfolds the harrowing events of Operation Red Wings, an ill-fated United States Navy SEALs mission. 

The mission’s objective was to locate and apprehend the Taliban leader Ahmad Shah. A pivotal element of the operation was the deployment of a four-man SEAL surveillance team. However, the mission faced catastrophic challenges that ultimately resulted in tragic consequences. If you have explored White House Down similar movies, then also watch these recommended trailers.

The production process of “Lone Survivor” was initiated after Peter Berg’s initial encounters with Marcus Luttrell in 2007. The result is a compelling and intense cinematic portrayal of real-life heroism and sacrifice in the face of adversity.

In The Line Of Fire (1993)

“In the Line of Fire,” a 1993 thriller film directed by Wolfgang Petersen, boasts a star-studded cast, including John Malkovich, Rene Russo, and Clint Eastwood. The screenplay, penned by Jeff Maguire, unfolds a fascinating narrative centred around a disappointed and fanatical former CIA agent who becomes determined to assassinate the President of the United States. 

In this high-stakes game of cat and mouse, he must struggle with the relentless Secret Service agent hot on his trail. Notably, Clint Eastwood’s character stands out as the sole active-duty Secret Service agent who remains from the detail responsible for guarding President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas, during the tragic events of his assassination in 1963. 

This historical connection adds depth to the film’s storyline and the character dynamics at play. Moreover, it stands as a thrilling testament to the tense world of presidential security and political conspiracy.

Skyscraper (2018)

“Skyscraper,” a 2018 thriller film, marks a departure for director Rawson Marshall Thurber, who is known for his comedy work. The film’s plot revolves around Will Sawyer, portrayed by Dwayne Johnson, a former FBI agent. Sawyer finds himself in a high-stakes situation when he must rescue his family from the newly constructed, record-breaking Hong Kong skyscraper.

The building, hyped as the tallest in the world, becomes the backdrop for intense action and suspense as terrorists set it ablaze in a bid to extort the property developer. “Skyscraper” represents Thurber’s first raid into the action thriller genre, demonstrating his versatility as a director. 

Additionally, it marks his second collaboration with Dwayne Johnson, following their previous work together on “Central Intelligence” in 2016. The film combines breathtaking visuals with heart-pounding action, making it an engaging addition to the action thriller genre.

Red Dawn (1984)

“Red Dawn,” a 1984 action thrilling movie, is directed by John Milius and features a screenplay co-written by Kevin Reynolds, and Milius. The movie presents a fictional scenario of World War III, a focal point on the invasion of the United States by a coalition of Warsaw Pact, Soviet, and Latin American nations. 

The plot follows a group of teenage guerrilla fighters known as the Wolverines, who operate in Soviet-occupied Colorado. This resilient band of young rebels takes on the invading forces in a battle for their homeland.

“Red Dawn” is known for its intense action sequences and the portrayal of a patriotic struggle against foreign invaders on American soil. It remains a memorable entry in the action drama genre, capturing the spirit of resistance and resilience against overwhelming odds.

Vantage Point (2008)

“Vantage Point” is a 2008 action film helmed by director Pete Travis and penned by Barry L. Levy. The movie’s central narrative revolves around an assassination attempt on the President of the United States, which occurs in Salamanca, Spain. This gripping event unfolds through the unique vantage points of various characters.

Each character provides their own perspective on the incident, offering a multi-layered and fragmented account of the assassination attempt. The movie has been likened to Akira Kurosawa’s renowned film “Rashomon,” which also employed a storytelling technique involving multiple perspectives. 

However, while “Rashomon” explores the subjective nature of truth, the film aims to piece together a comprehensive and truthful account of the events by revisiting them from different viewpoints. The movie delves into themes of kidnapping, assassination, and terrorism, delivering a thrilling and suspenseful narrative that keeps viewers engaged as they uncover the complete picture of the complex incident.

Executive Decision (1996)

“Executive Decision” is an action-packed thriller film directed by Stuart Baird that reflects the chivalric work of the main protagonist to rescue victims. The film’s gripping plot revolves around the daring rescue of an airliner that has been hijacked by terrorists. To prevent the threat and save the passengers and crew, a small and highly skilled team is tasked with boarding the plane mid-flight. Their mission is to neutralize the terrorists and regain control of the aircraft.

Upon its release in the United States on March 15, 1996, “Executive Decision” achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. It grossed an impressive $122 million at the box office, surpassing its $55 million budget, making it a notable entry in the action thriller genre.

The Sum Of All Fears (2002)

“Sum of All Fears” (2002) is an espionage thriller based on Tom Clancy’s novel. The film delves into a complex and sinister plot designed to provoke World War III between the United States and Russia. When the Russian president unexpectedly passes away, global tensions soar. 

As if that weren’t enough, the situation is compounded by the mysterious disappearance of nuclear scientists and the looming threat of a nuclear detonation on U.S. soil. To avert this catastrophic crisis, a young CIA analyst named Jack Ryan, portrayed by Ben Affleck is tasked with unraveling the conspiracy and identifying those responsible.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) is based on the heroic work of the main character who leads from the front to complete the mission. Following the monumental events in New York alongside his fellow Avengers, Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America (Chris Evans), finds himself residing in the nation’s capital, trying to acclimate to the complexities of modern life. 

However, when a S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague comes under attack, Rogers becomes entangled in a complex web of conspiracy that threatens the entire world. Teaming up with the resourceful Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and a fresh ally known as the Falcon, Rogers embarks on a mission to uncover a conspiracy. As they dig deeper, they face an unforeseen challenger that tests their resolve and resourcefulness.

White House Down Plot

John Cale, a police officer portrayed by Channing Tatum, experiences a setback when he’s denied his desired role of protecting President James Sawyer, played by Jamie Foxx, as a Secret Service agent. To avoid disappointing his daughter, Cale decides to take her on a White House tour. 

However, during their visit, a well-armed paramilitary organization launches a sudden attack and takes control of the White House. With the nation’s government demolishing into confusion, the responsibility of rescuing his daughter, the president, and the entire country falls directly on Cale’s shoulders.

Box Office Collection 

Conclusion

I consider that the above-described films will definitely provide viewers with a valuable overview of the complete action in which the protagonist is often involved in brutal activities. In addition, these films reflect the conspiracies against the protagonist or main personalities. So, if you really want to enjoy movies like White House Down, then you must watch them whenever you are looking for some real action thrills.