A Collider feature by writer Safwan Azeem revisits the 2000s to rank the six worst R-rated action films of the decade, arguing that truly terrible action movies are more entertaining to dissect than merely forgettable ones. The piece highlights an era known for chaotic CGI, odd casting decisions and over-the-top set pieces, critiquing each film for issues such as incoherent editing, tonal whiplash and underused star power.

Among the films singled out are Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (2002), criticised for disorienting editing and video-game-style action that leaves Antonio Banderas and Lucy Liu's characters underdeveloped; 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001), starring Kurt Russell and Kevin Costner, faulted for lurching between comedy and brutal violence despite a promising Elvis-heist premise; and Punisher: War Zone (2008) with Ray Stevenson, described as relentlessly graphic to the point of becoming surreal rather than gritty. The full list continues with three further entries not detailed in the available excerpt.