Are you bored of scrolling through Netflix in search of the right action film that will satisfy your desire for dynamic thrills? Look no further! We scoured the streaming platform to compile a list of 20 must-see action films that will have you on the edge of your seat. From thrilling chases to amazing battles, these moves have something for any action fan.
Let’s start things off right. Imagine yourself engaged in the exciting world of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, where Keanu Reeves returns with his usual force to fight his way through a never-ending attack of enemies.
You may prefer the high-stakes action of Extraction, in which Chris Hemsworth gives a gut-wrenching performance as a black-market soldier on a mission. For those who enjoy a fast-paced spy thriller, The Gray Man is an emotional trip of covert operations and adrenaline-pumping moments.
These are just a few of the action-packed jewels waiting for you. We’ve created a list of 20 action movies streaming on Netflix that promise nonstop excitement. So grab your popcorn, sit in, and prepare for a cinematic experience that will keep your heart beating and your heart rate rising.
Action Movies Streaming on Netflix
1. Rebel Moon: Part One – A Child of Fire
- Year: 2024
- Runtime: 2h 15m
- Director: Zack Snyder
- Cast: Sofia Boutella, Djimon Hounsou, Charlie Hunnam
Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon is the latest Netflix original, delivering a huge epic adventure. This sci-fi action movie follows a group of rebels as they confront an evil empire, bringing together high-octane battles with spectacular cinematography. Snyder, renowned for his visually stunning moves, applies his signature approach to Rebel Moon, making it a must-see for fans of cosmic action. The choreography of the battle sequences, along with outstanding CGI, make it one of Netflix’s hallmark films for action fans.
2. Upgrade
- Year: 2018
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Director: Leigh Whannell
- Cast: Logan Marshall-Green, Betty Gabriel, Harrison Gilbertson
Upgrade is a sleeper smash in the sci-fi action film genre. Set in a near-future world where AI controls much of society, the film follows a man who becomes disabled after a terrible attack and is given a second chance at life thanks to an experimental implant. The film’s distinct action sequences, which are controlled by the AI’s influence on the protagonist, set it apart. Upgrade has received high recognition from both critics and viewers for its creative battle choreography and tight pacing, making it a must-see action film on Netflix.
3. Damsel
- Year: 2023
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Director: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo
- Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Angela Bassett, Nick Robinson
Damsel challenges the “damsel in distress” a myth. Starring Millie Bobby Brown, the film worries a young woman who is about to be sacrificed to a dragon but handles to fight back. With a strong female lead, the picture blends fantasy and action in a way that will appeal to fans of both genres. The fight scenes, especially against the dragon, are visually fantastic, making Damsel one of the most exciting action movies to release on Netflix in 2023.
4. The Gray Man
- Year: 2022
- Runtime: 2h 2m
- Director: Anthony and Joe Russo
- Cast: Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas
The Gray Man included an all-star cast in one of Netflix’s most successful original action films to date. The Russo brothers (Avengers: Endgame) direct this fast-paced global spy thriller. Ryan Gosling plays a CIA agent on the run after discovering dark agency secrets, while Chris Evans plays his insane enemy. The picture is filled with gunfights, car chases, and outstanding stunt work, making it a must-see for action those who enjoy looking for a rapid thriller with an A-list cast.
5. Baby Driver
- Year: 2017
- Runtime: 1h 53m
- Director: Edgar Wright
- Cast: Ansel Elgort, Lily James, Kevin Spacey
Baby Driver is a heist movie with a twist: the action is timed to a killer soundtrack. Edgar Wright directs the movie, which follows Baby (Ansel Elgort), a getaway driver with a passion for music who finds himself dragged into one final robbery. The car chases in Baby Driver are among the most patiently planned in recent cinema, resulting in a visually amazing action film. Combined with the music-driven tempo, it’s a thrilling trip from beginning to end.
6. Triple Frontier
- Year: 2019
- Runtime: 2h 5m
- Director: J.C. Chandor
- Cast: Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam
Triple Frontier is an exciting action thriller about a squad of ex-special forces soldiers who get together for a heist in South America. The film finds an equal balance between intense action scenes and rich character development, as the men wrestle with loyalty, greed, and the negative effects of their choices. While the theft is the film’s main focus, the surviving sequences in the jungle are equally terrifying. Triple Frontier stands out as a Netflix original because it combines outstanding action with a deep emotional base.
Also Read: How To Quickly Cancel Netflix Subscription In 2024
7. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
- Year: 2024
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Director: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah
- Cast: Eddie Murphy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Taylor Paige
Eddie Murphy returns in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, an adaptation of the popular action-comedy series. While the picture maintains its entertaining beginnings, it ups the level with high-speed chases and shootouts. Murphy comes back to his role as Axel Foley, bringing back the wit and charm that made the original a success, but with modern action sequences that seem new. The combination of humor and action makes for an enjoyable and interesting watch.
8. Extraction
- Year: 2020
- Runtime: 1h 57m
- Director: Sam Hargrave
- Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Rudhraksh Jaiswal, Randeep Hooda
Extraction is one of Netflix’s most popular original films, and for good reason. The film stars Chris Hemsworth as a black-market soldier on a quest to rescue the kidnapped son of an international criminal lord. Sam Hargrave, a seasoned stunt coordinator, directs the film’s rough and tireless action sequences. The showpiece is a 12-minute one-shot action scene that showcases Hemsworth’s martial abilities as well as the director’s talent for choreography.
9. Heart of Stone
- Year: 2023
- Runtime: 2h 2m
- Director: Tom Harper
- Cast: Gal Gadot, Jamie Dornan, Alia Bhatt
Gal Gadot stars in Heart of Stone, a spy thriller with unstoppable action. Gadot plays Rachel Stone, a member of an elite intelligence group tasked with maintaining global peace. The film has high-stakes missions and plenty of explosive action, ranging from rooftop chases to violent firefights. Heart of Stone is a fantastic choice for action fans searching for a female-led thriller because it blends spying with thrilling combat.
10. Godzilla Minus One
- Year: 2023
- Runtime: 2h 8m
- Director: Takashi Yamazaki
- Cast: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe, Yuki Yamada
If you’re a fan of monster movies, Godzilla Minus One is a must-watch. This Japanese kaiju picture returns Godzilla to his roots, with a darker, darker tone. The film’s special effects are incredible as Godzilla wreaks damage on Japan. While the monster battles are the film’s main hook, Godzilla Minus One dives into the human cost of these events, adding depth to the devastation. It’s a visually stunning film that makes a strong contribution to the action genre.
11. The Old Guard
- Year: 2020
- Runtime: 2h 5m
- Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
- Cast: Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts
In The Old Guard, Charlize Theron leads a group of immortal warriors who have been quietly protecting humanity for ages. The film combines dramatic action scenes with a unique, character-driven plot. The hand-to-hand battle is handled, and the film’s look into immortality gives emotional depth to the otherwise conventional action plot. The Old Guard, which combines fantasy and violent fight sequences, is one of Netflix’s best action offerings, and a sequel is in the works.
12. Outlaw King
- Year: 2018
- Runtime: 2h 1m
- Director: David Mackenzie
- Cast: Chris Pine, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Florence Pugh
Outlaw King is the account of Robert the Bruce, a 14th-century Scottish king who launched a rebellion against English power. The film, starring Chris Pine, combines spectacular war sequences with historical drama. The combat scenes are violent and realistic, providing an uncut glimpse at medieval battle. If you enjoy historical action moves such as Brave Heart, Outlaw King is a must-see.
13. RRR (Indian)
- Year: 2022
- Runtime: 3h 7m
- Director: S.S. Rajamouli
- Cast: N.T. Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan, Alia Bhatt
RRR is an Indian action epic that has captured audiences worldwide. The film, directed by S.S. Rajamouli, follows two known rebels in pre-independence India as they create an unexpected friendship while refusing the rule of the British. This film is packed with thrilling action sequences, including jaw-dropping feats and battle choreography. The overwhelming beauty of RRR is unlike anything else on Netflix, combining larger-than-life action with deep storytelling. It’s a must-see for anyone eager to discover world cinema with an action-filled edge.
14. Underground 6
Year: 2019
Runtime: 2h 8min
Director: Michael Bay
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Mélanie Laurent, Corey Hawkins, Adria Arjona
Underground 6 is vintage Michael Bay explosions, high-speed chases, and action-packed sequences that are played up to perfection. Ryan Reynolds is the leader of a group of criminals who stage their deaths in order to bring down some of the world’s worst-known villains. The film is noisy, disorganized, and thrilling, as you’d expect from a big-budget action movie. The quick speed and violent action moments make for an entertaining ride that never lets up. If you want genuine, unfiltered action, Underground 6 has it in spades.
15. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum
- Year: 2019
- Runtime: 2h 10m
- Director: Chad Stahelski
- Cast: Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry, Laurence Fishburne
Keanu Reeves takes back his role as the unstoppable assassin John Wick in the third installment of this action-packed franchise. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum begins up immediately following the events of the second film, with Wick on the run and a bounty on his head. The action moments are masterful stunt choreography, with Reeves delivering bone-crushing combat scenes and exhilarating shootouts. Whether it’s spectacular sword fights on motorcycles or violent combat in New York’s streets, this film never lets up on the excitement. A must-see for everyone who enjoys non-stop action.
16. Bullet Train
- Year: 2022
- Runtime: 2h 6m
- Director: David Leitch
- Cast: Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Bullet Train is a lightning-fast action comedy that takes place almost completely aboard a Japanese bullet train. Brad Pitt plays a clueless assassin charged with retrieving a briefcase, only to realize that he isn’t the only one with deadly intentions. David Leitch (Deadpool 2, John Wick) directs the film, which blends stylish battle sequences with offbeat humor to create an entertaining and exciting action ride. The limited environment of the train heightens the tension, and the film’s varied group of characters makes each fight scene more innovative and interesting.
17. Top Gun: Maverick
- Year: 2022
- Runtime: 2h 11m
- Director: Joseph Kosinski
- Cast: Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly
More than three decades after the original Top Gun, Tom Cruise returns in Top Gun: Maverick, one of the decade’s biggest action blockbusters. The sequel finds Cruise’s character, Maverick, training a new generation of pilots while dealing with his past. The film includes magnificent aerial battle scenes, with genuine jets used for many of the actions, resulting in an accurate and thrilling experience. Cruise’s dedication to realism and practical effects elevates this action film above others in the genre, making it a must-see for thrill seekers and fans of the original alike.
18. The Equalizer
- Year: 2014
- Runtime: 2h 12m
- Director: Antoine Fuqua
- Cast: Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz
Denzel Washington shines in The Equalizer, a dark and violent action-thriller about a guy with a mystery past who fights the Russian mob to save a little girl. Washington’s performance of Robert McCall is intense and quiet, and his organized approach to defeating opponents is satisfying to see. Antoine Fuqua directs the film, which has violent hand-to-hand action, strategic takedowns, and a gripping vengeance storyline. Fans of criminal justice and carefully planned action scenes will find enough to enjoy in The Equalizer. Both original and new fans.
19. Bad Boys for Life
- Year: 2020
- Runtime: 2h 4m
- Director: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah
- Cast: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens
Bad Boys for Life reunites Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett after nearly two decades apart. The third episode in the Bad Boys trilogy features the same explosive action and humorous banter that made the earlier turns popular, but with a modern twist. The film includes high-speed automobile chases, shootouts, and a lot of over-the-top action, all while tackling topics like aging and legacy. Smith and Lawrence’s chemistry is as good as ever, making this a lively and engaging action flick for both series fans and first-time fans.
20. Warcraft
- Year: 2016
- Runtime: 2h 3m
- Director: Duncan Jones
- Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster
Fans of fantasy action will enjoy Warcraft, a visually wonderful version of the renowned computer game franchise. Duncan Jones directed the picture, which is set in a mythical world where humans and orcs are at war. The battle sequences are vast in scope, with superb CGI that brings the game’s characters and locations to life. While the film has divided critics, its action scenes and expand world-building make it a must-see for those who are fans of epic fantasy action. Warcraft, with its epic battlefields, sword fights, and spellcasting, provides a unique blend of fantasy and action for both newbies and experts.
What to Watch First
Okay, if you’re wondering where to begin, let me give you a summary. My top picks? John Wick: Chapter 3, Extraction, and The Gray Man are incredible powerhouses.
John Wick: Chapter 3 is all about next-level action. Keanu Reeves is unstoppable, and what about the fight scenes? Unreal. If you enjoy precision and brilliantly planned mayhem, this is your go-to. Start here trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Then select Extraction. Chris Hemsworth delivers an intense performance in this gritty, fast-paced film. It has heart, but more importantly, it is jam-packed with continuous excitement that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Was that a one-take sequence? Wow. This one delivers.
Finally, finish with The Gray Man. Will Gosling and Evans face off in a stunning spy thriller? Yes, please. It’s stylish, suspenseful, and full of thrilling moments. Perfect for that spy movie fix.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these. Each movie on this list brings something different to the table, so buckle up, grab your popcorn, and get ready for a serious action binge. Netflix has your back!