Final answer:
In the 1970s, martial arts films from Hong Kong became popular internationally, with action stars like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan leading the way. These films focused on elaborate fight choreography and were distinct from American genres like Westerns and science fiction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of action films that became popular in the 1970s, not made in America, were largely in the form of martial arts films from Asia, particularly Hong Kong cinema. These films, unlike the Western films and science fiction of America, offered a new kind of spectacle to audiences, showcasing elaborate fight choreography and physical prowess. Figures such as Bruce Lee brought international attention to the genre with films like Enter the Dragon (1973), and Jackie Chan continued the trend with his unique blend of martial arts and comedy.
These action films provided audiences with a stark contrast to the more technologically driven special effects of American science fiction films or the traditional and eventually less popular Western genre, offering a fresh cultural perspective that appealed to a global audience. The physicality and stylized action of these films had a significant influence on the evolving action genre worldwide, setting a new standard for fight sequences and stunt work that would influence Hollywood productions for years to come.