Action movies are the kind of movie we try to keep to ourselves when someone asks about our favorite genre of movies. There is an absurd element in these films that nobody wants to admit because we want others to take us seriously. Still, there is something about these blockbusters that draws many of us to theaters around the world, so there has to be something that makes us almost drool when a new action movie hits the big screen.

It’s time we readily admit that we love these movies and that there is nothing wrong with feeling that way. They touch a very elementary part of our being, and it is time that we recognize this genre. It must be said, however, that the real shame has to do with so many bad action movies out there. These tend to be the ones that draw the ire of moviegoers.

Well, moviegoers or not, we like our action movies, but some standards have to be met so as not to damage the genre further. As such, here are five qualities that are essential:

1. A True Story: It looks like a basic movie, but you’d be surprised how many action movies tend to weave through poor scripts and languid characters. For an action movie to be at least tolerable, it has to move through a standard plot, something most high school English learners know quite well.

2. Stunts, Stunts, and Stunts: What action-packed adventure would be complete without a stunt roster in the ending credits twice as long as the actual movie cast? Stunts are what make up action in action movies. Sure, a well-placed pun can make someone throw a punch, but it’s not the same.

3. Betrayal – If someone is stabbed in the back, literally or figuratively, there will surely be some level of revenge, and with it there will be a plethora of action sequences that will make your heart race and pump blood.

4. Multiple love interests – The action hero always seems to catch the girl. One is the necessary love that is involved in an important plot. The other happens to be the girl from the side of the bad guys. She has a heart of gold, but was lured into a life of crime. They both pull on the hero’s heart, but only one will make it to the end of the film.

5. A hero who is a creator of words: Nothing, but nothing, comes close to being an essential quality of action movie than the hero with a witty form of words. Sometimes a well-placed knife on an enemy or a passionate hug with a pretty girl can only be punctuated with a murderous phrase.