There are subs that are oriented for music rather than explosions.
They desirable features include a low system q (0.5-0.7) and relatively lightweight drivers which allow a faster response to a signal and a faster termination at the end. To achieve a low system q which results in a flatter frequency response many such subs are not ported. They generally are relatively inefficient and thus will not boom as loud as other subs. The best I know is the Vandersteen 2wq which is $1300 although you can find it used for less. It has all these features and many other well thought out ideas. It does require a pre out amp in access on your receiver or separates. There is a good review of it on their website
www.vandersteen.com by Richard Hardesty and it is one of his better explanations of the theoretical musical sub. Yes, it does work fine for movies too.
There are other subs of similar design out there but I am not aware of any that are less expensive.