What gives Meaning/Drama to a Film Starring a Killer?

So my question is: what separates one action flick from another and what did you like/dislike about them?

For example: Reservoir Dogs and Armored.

Reservoir Dogs is highly respected. And does feel more meaningful as you watch it, but when you think it through there's not really much character development. *Spoiler* In the end Harvey Keitel does try to help Tim Roth and then is betrayed by Tim Roth which has a Shakespearean element of drama/betrayal.

Armored is not highly respected considered more of a pulp film, but has the same basic character arcs. I honestly, don't remember who helps who (because I wasn't that engaged when I watched it.) But you have the same helping/betraying drama.

Both these films are shot in similar confined locations. One seems to be enduring the test of time (Reservoir Dogs) and the other (Armored) is dropping off the radar. Why? Not I agree I think Reservoir Dogs is better than Armored, but what makes the difference in these action flicks?

I don't want this discussion to just be Reservoir Dogs verses Armored, I was just using those as examples.

An action flick I like that I'd bring up is: Payback starring Mel Gibson. I like the politically incorrect hero. I get sick of these standard revenge films. (The wife is murdered in the beginning of the story and the rest of the film is about avenging the wife.) Payback could be considered this, but it's sort of twisted. He's actually not looking for Revenge he's asking for the money that they killed him for! That's a new twist. In a way it's honor or maybe the symbol of his life he's trying to take back. But at every turn in the film it's: "Give me my money or die." It's not revenge. And it doesn't strike that same old I already watched this feel.

An example of a Mel Gibson I didn't get into was Mad Max: to me it was just straight forward revenge. No twists no turns why do I need to see that movie again?

So tell me what do you like and dislike? Why do you like and dislike it?