Clint Eastwood in “Gran Torino” (2008)
The actor and director was 78 years old when this drama came out, but the movie’s at its best when the Hollywood icon reverts back to his macho man roots, like in this scene when he kicks the crap out of a 20-something punk who’s been harassing his neighbor.
Sean Connery in “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” (2003)
The former James Bond was 72 when this action movie about literary icons teaming up to save the world hit theaters. Don’t forget: He was of retirement age when he partnered up with Nicolas Cage to take down terrorists in “The Rock.” But here’s a scene proving that Connery could pull off playing Allan Quartermain — the world’s greatest adventurer — just before he actually retired.
Helen Mirren in “Red 2” (2013)
This Oscar winner not only receives compliments for her beauty in her old age, she knocks out, guns down and blows up assassins in both “Red” and “Red 2” — the latter of which was amidst its theatrical run when she was 68 years old.
Danny Trejo in “Machete” (2010)
Director Robert Rodriguez gave this character actor his first turn as an action hero at the age of 66 when “Machete” grew from a “Grindhouse” trailer to a feature film. Trejo didn’t let him down. Critics didn’t really think he needed a second outing three years later, though.
Ian McKellen in “Lord of the Rings” (2001)
Whether playing a powerful wizard or a mutant freedom fighter, Ian McKellen brings a level of badasssery to his roles that few will ever achieve. Perhaps no scene is more representative of that than when McKellen, as Gandalf, tells the Balrog, “You shall not pass!” at the ripe age of 62.
Patrick Stewart in “Star Trek: First Contact” (1996)
Patrick Stewart is one of the most respected actors of his — or any — generation, due in no small part to his commanding screen presence. At age 56, Stewart again played Capt. Jean Luc Picard in “Star Trek: First Contact,” laying out exactly why he will not retreat from the Borg threat.
Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Terminator Gensiys” (2015)
Action icon Arnold Schwarzenegger has been kicking ass onscreen for decades. In 2015 at age 68, Schwarzenegger took on the only opponent who could give him a real fight: himself. The Governator fought a younger version of himself in the international blockbuster “Terminator Genisys.”
Sylvester Stallone in “The Expendables 2” (2012)
Sylvester Stallone can make us cry as Rocky Balboa and cheer when he’s kicking enemy ass. In action sequel “The Expendables 2,” Stallone held his own against Jean Claude Van Damme even at age 66.
Charles Bronson in “Death Wish V: The Face of Death” (1994)
One of the greatest onscreen tough guys of all time, Charles Bronson laid down a path of hardcore action for decades on the silver screen. In one of his last roles, Bronson returned as vigilante Paul Kersey in “Death Wish V,” in which the 73-year old still displays more machismo than any of the mobsters he has to fight.
