50 Must See Action Movies on Netflix

50 Must-See Action Movies on Netflix

The thing with action movies is their ability to put you on edge and if you are an adrenaline junkie, even the better for you. What better place to look for that fix than Netflix? You can have a diverse library of action movies to always spice up your nights. Here’s a list of the must-see action movies that will absolutely keep you on the edge of your seat and thoroughly impress you. From adventure-themed ones to playful ones and even the big-budget superhero movies, you will be spoilt for choices.

1.  Extraction (2020)

Released in 2020, this popular movie featuring the legendary Chris Hemsworth will absolutely have you wanting for more. It’s a 1-hour 56 56-minute movie that tells the story of a frustrated and disillusioned mercenary tasked with the assignment of escorting a young kidnapped boy out of Dhaka in Bangladesh. On their way, he of course gets fond of the little boy and takes his role as the boy’s protector very seriously. As always, Chris Hemsworth gives an outstanding performance and makes the whole movie worth watching.

2. Ballerina (2023)

This one is a pretty recent one having just been released this year. Directed by Chung Hyun Lee, ‘Ballerina’ tells the story of vengeance. An ex-bodyguard tries to exact revenge on behalf of her deceased best friend. It is a wild ride with this movie as you get to experience a roller coaster of emotions. It also explores the theme of sexual slavery which is something happening so much in our society, especially among victims of human trafficking. With high-octane action scenes, the shootouts have been meticulous and are bound to keep you glued indeed.

3. Heart of Stone (2023)

This 2-hour film is another that will blow your mind. Directed by Tom Harper and featuring the legendary Gal Gadot,  this mission-impossible franchise will absolutely blow your mind. It features the story of artificial intelligence which is something that’s the conversation in our society today. Tasked with the role of protecting a powerful AI for her intelligence, you get to have such a ride with this masterpiece. Gadot gets an opportunity to show off her action skills and you get to be impressed by how good she is.

4. Extraction 2 (2023)

In Extraction 2, we get to continue with the story as it was left in Extraction 1. Hemsworth comes in once again to deliver a tense action thriller with a lot of gunplay and brutal fighting this time round. The movie also has a mind-blowing set of pieces that truly get your heart pumping as you watch it. You can also see improvements from the first one and fans have commented on how impressive it is.

5.  The Mother (2023)

Jennifer Lopez does it again with this 2023 movie. It is quite a gripping drama that uniquely balances heartstring emotions and action sequences and absolutely perfect fight choreography. This movie feels like Taken and Hanna. Lopez plays the role of a military-trained assassin dragged out of hiding in order to protect her estranged daughter whom she had to give up when she was younger. Acting alongside Gael Garcia and Joseph Fiennes, she plays the role so well that you get to believe it’s all real as she showcases both her strength and vulnerability. Her ability to showcase all kinds of emotions from heartstrings to fight stunts will absolutely blow your mind to no end.

6. The Woman King (2022)

Released in 2022, this movie starring Viola Davis and Thuso Mbedu is one of a kind. It’s a movie about the celebration of African culture and perseverance and passion. It honestly makes you proud to be a woman in general as it shows an army of women who protect their territory and that is quite admirable. It’s inspired by the historical event of an all-female warrior unit that was in existence in 17th-century West Africa. This makes it even more impressive and interesting as it is inspired by true events.

7. Bullet Train (2022)

In this masterpiece, the legendary Brad Pitt plays the hell out of his role, something that is so interesting to watch. Bullet Train uses vibrant colours and physical action that keeps you hooked from the word go. Directed by David Leitch, an expert in action movies and stunt choreography, it tells an interesting story of characters whose missions intertwine and unexpected twists get to be revealed. Featuring other great artists like Sandra Bullock, this is the kind of movie that you can’t help but just be impressed by how well-organized and adrenaline-pumping it gets.

8. Close (2019)

This 1 hour 30 30-minute movie is another one that is truly a masterpiece as far as action movies are concerned. Featuring the iconic actor Noomi Rapace, she continues to showcase her well-choreographed skills in martial arts. This is the kind of action movie that automatically reminds you of the Jason Bourne franchise movies, Taken and Mission Impossible. You can therefore imagine the kind of treat you are in for with this masterpiece. It tells the story of a bodyguard protecting an heiress from assassins in Sudan. Even more impressive is that the movie is inspired by one of the leading bodyguards in the world, Jacquie Davis. Even though the movie itself is pretty much predictable, you cannot deny the hard-hitting stunts that put you on the edge of your seat and convince you that those are the best fighting stunts you have ever come across. It is indeed worth a watch and you won’t be disappointed.

9. Kate (2021)

In this movie that’s written like a Jason Statham movie, you are in for a ride.  Of course, you know with Statham you’re expecting a bit of gruffiness and fighting scenes that look so real it’s just enjoyable to watch. The movie stars Mary Elizabeth who plays the role of a meticulous and well-trained assassin who is on a clock. She is trying to figure out who poisoned her and exact revenge before she dies. The movie includes a variety of actions including even hand-to-hand combat, gunfire, car chases of course, and swords. It has amazing cinematography that ends up revealing an amazing storyline set in techno-futurism and modern-day Japan.

10.  The Gray Man (2022)

This movie had a whopping 200 million dollars as the budget. It has been ranked as one of the most expensive Netflix movies but worth it all the same. The high-speed action sequence will absolutely blow your mind and leave you wanting more of it. Moreover, the movie showcases A-list casts and global set pieces. The storyline itself centers around a CIA black ops assassin and fellow agent as they are hunted down by a former CIA agent who’s plainly put quite a psychopath. Featuring Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, and even Chris Evans, this movie is indeed a must-watch. The plot and delivery are so good and well done.

11. 6 Underground (2019)

Released in 2019, ‘6 Underground’ is perhaps one of the most unhinged movies throughout Michael Bay’s career. This action film is incomprehensible but then again with Bay movies, you are not so interested in the plot as much as the action scenes. It is indeed a spectacle as it tells a series of events that keep happening in such a talented manner.

12. Ava (2020)

Directed by Tate Taylor, ‘Ava’ follows the story of a former soldier turned assassin. She completes the mission given to her by her mentor and handler, Duke (John Malkovich). She tries to reconnect with her estranged family and is also I’m the brink of retirement although the others in the agency don’t want her to leave. Ava has to deal with her family drama and at the same time face the truth behind the true nature of her job where her former colleagues hunt her down. In the long run, the main star showcases her strong character and capability even as a daughter and sister. ‘Ava,’ is a breath of fresh air because the action movie scene is crowded with male household names like Jason Bourne, John Wick, and also James Bond.

13. Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)

Released in 2021, ‘Gunpowder Milkshake’ truly stands out. Not only is it an amazing action movie but also an emotional drama about a mother and daughter finally reconciling after previous abandonment. Directed by Navot Papushado, this movie is indeed a must-watch. It has impressive fight scenes that of course keep you glued to it and leave you wanting more. In fact, there should be a franchise to this movie because it was a really amazing movie.

14. The Old Guard (2020)

You know anywhere Charlize Theron is featured that movie is bound to blow your mind, no questions asked. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, ‘ Old Guard is another movie that will absolutely blow your mind. Theron puts her skills to work as she showcases her great martial arts skills in those mesmerizing fight choreography scenes. Even more impressive with this movie is how it doesn’t just offer high scenes and action set pieces but also brings to the table a rare genre. That is, that there is a great toll that comes about when you take someone’s life. The movie showcases empathy which gives an amazing balance between action and humanity. It is relatable and even has a touch of romance to it.

15. The Harder They Fall (2021)

Featuring legendaries like Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, and Regina King among many others, this revisionist Western film is indeed a must-watch. It follows the adventures of a cowboy whose parents were killed by an outlaw. When the outlaw is released from prison, the cowboy reunites with his gang in order to take down the outlaw who murdered his parents. Spoiler alert: he gets to find out that the outlaw is actually his estranged brother. It shows a conflict between family loyalty and vengeance. Even more interesting, it is based on true events that took place in the 19^th century West and it has been well articulated as far as Western action films are concerned.

16. The Night Comes for Us (2018)

Directed by Timo Tjahjanto, this movie has a knack for letting you know that there are so many ways of inflicting pain and violence on the human body in a fight scene. It actually teaches you the art of splatter in a fight scene and makes you appreciate the art of cinematography as far as action, drama, violence, and gore are concerned.

17. Red Notice (2021)

Released in 2021, the movie casts legendaries like Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot. ‘Red Notice’  is one of the most highly-watched Netflix movies in recent times. It scores higher because of its humour and the great performances by the lead actors. Ryan Reynolds for example stars as  Nolan Booth, the world’s second-best art thief, forced to team up with FBI profiler John Hartler, a role played by Dwayne Johnson. They are framed by the world’s best art thief, only known as Bishop( Gal Gadot). Of course, they embark on a cat-and-mouse game as they compete to find a priceless artifact. Apart from the well-performed action scenes, the movie is pretty hilarious too. It is indeed enjoyable and the kind of movie to put on repeat without minding it.

18. Avengement (2019)

It is very interesting to watch Scott Adkins get into all sorts of brawls while always managing to make witty remarks. Directed by Jesse V. Johnson,  this latest collaboration between the DTV action champion Adkins and Jess will absolutely impress you. It is a satisfying kind of movie especially the stunts that it has. As Haleigh Foutch summarized it,

“ if you’re a fan of DTV actioners, this one’s a gem with some genuinely surprising moments of violence.”

19. Triple Frontier (2019)

Released in 2019, the question to ask yourself while watching this movie is, why would you rob a bank when you can put your life on the line as you are stealing money from the cartel? This Netflix-produced movie is an action/adventure movie that gets someone hooked pretty quickly. Featuring iconic actors like Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, and Charlie Hunnam among others, a group of former special-ops soldiers realize that they have not been properly compensated for their years in military service. So what do they do? They decide to get what’s their due, by robbing a drug lord. It is a typical action movie that is bound to impress you with all the stunts and fight choreography. The movie captures perfectly what happens to professionally violent men once the gunfire stops. The trauma and PTSD of it all is not easy to handle. But when you have friends who are more like brothers, their journey becomes a bit more bearable.

20. Arctic (2018)

In this 2018 movie, it showcases how unforgiving mother nature can be. It tells the story of a plane crash survivor who is stuck in the Arctic Circle, awaiting rescue. His routine is then interrupted after a helicopter that would have been his rescue crashes too and the only surviving passenger is badly injured. He tries to ensure that they both survive and get out of this hellhole and that’s where the whole drama revolves around. He embarks on a foot journey across the Arctic, finding himself challenged by every weapon nature can throw his way.  It is a must-watch if you like action and mystery kind of movies. It will of course put you on the edge of your seat always wondering what will unfold next. Directed by Joe Penna, this is indeed a must-watch.

21. Da 5 Bloods (2020)

In this 2020 film, wars and wounds collide and the movie does a great job of showcasing mediation on race, generational trauma, and the American intervention. The film juggles the past and present and follows the story of four black war veterans as they go back to Vietnam, determined to recover a locker of gold bars and the body of their friend who was also the squad leader. The late Chadwick Boseman is indeed good on this movie and the rollercoaster of emotions this movie takes you through is worth the watch.

22. Fast & Furious ( 2009)

This franchise movie is the most popular action movie there is. It now boasts 12 movies and contains elements of action that will keep any action fan glued to it. After learning about the death of someone close to him, Van Diesel who plays the role of Dom, searches to find answers and have his revenge at the same time. It leads him from street races to drug trafficking missions and a run-in with the authorities. It is quite an adrenaline-inducing movie as it features all elements of violence, speeding, and family obligations. As noted by many fans, Fast & Furious is one of the most structurally important and load-bearing movies in the franchise.

23. Goosebumps (2015)

This 2015 movie is inspired by the bestselling young adult books loved by many. The film does a great job of cramming up 60-plus stories in one big monster movie that is so interesting and captivating. It tells the story of Zach Cooper (played by Dylan Minnette), who accidentally frees one of the monsters from the locked manuscripts the author R.L. Stine ( played by Jack Black) keeps in his house. The pages of the book continue to cause a lot of chaos and the movie revolves around trying to put back these monsters into the pages they belong in and stay there for good. It is a good movie both for teenagers and adults if you are into the action/fantasy genre of movies.

24. Hanna (2011)

15-year-old Hanna (played by Saoirse Ronan) has spent all her childhood living off the grid, as she trains to become an assassin. Set in rural Finland, Hanna is raised by her ex-CIA father and is trained to be a killing machine. Hanna gets to understand that her life’s mission is to eliminate a CIA officer who has been hunting them down for so many years. When she’s old enough to embark on her mission, Hanna leaves Finland and journeys across Europe to complete her assignment. The movie is filled with action scenes and fight choreography that just blows your mind because of how attuned they are and how magnificently Saoiese proves to us that she knows her stuff. The depth of her talent is contained in this one genre that is truly amazing.

25. The Orchard (2016)

Directed by Taika Waititi, he once again proves that his talent is just unmatched. The Orchard tells the adventure story of a foster boy and a New Zealand loner who are quite an unmatched duo. They find themselves running in the wilderness after a series of misunderstandings. It is a funny movie with a very witty way of delivery. The action in this movie is not a gut-wrenching, serious kind of action but a hilarious and almost unserious kind of action. All the same, it is a must-watch that will definitely impress you and keep you waiting for more of it. After all, the actors have all outdone themselves with their amazing performances

26. Inside Man (2006)

This is the perfect heist action movie. In this 129-minute movie, the lead character, Dalton Russell ( played by Clive Owen), attempts to rob a bank and take a Manhattan bank hostage and also toy with the NYPD detective who tries to negotiate with them. Denzel Washington plays the role so well that he embarks on a cat-and-mouse game with these robbers. Directed by Spike Lee,  he does a great job with this first big-budget movie. It is a crime thriller movie that gets you hooked from the word go. It is worth the watch indeed.

27. In the Line of Fire (1993)

In the context of the movie, 30 years after President Kennedy is assassinated, a former secret service agent for the president’s convoy still hasn’t gotten over the president’s death. Played by the iconic Clint Eastwood, he is the only remaining person on the for e that was there when Kenniwas murdered and the guilt he has proves to be too much. In order to redeem himself, he tries to exert revenge and the drama starts there. This is the kind of action movie that will keep you glued to it and even side with the main character rooting for him as he tries to find out who killed the president and have his vengeance.

28. Outlaw King (2018)

Outlaw King is set in early 14^th century Scotland during the Scottish Wars of Independence, also known as Braveheart times. Chris Pine plays the role of the Scottish king, Robert the Bruce who finds himself leading a rebellion against the English King Edward 1. This act causes him to be labeled an outlaw. He embarks on a guerilla mission to retake the lands that were stolen from them by the English who even killed their families. It is a plot about taking back power and having your vengeance. If sword action blows your mind, then this is the movie for you. It teaches you a bit of history and at the same time blows your mind because the delivery of the plot has also been done so well. Besides, this is one of the most unforgettable Chris Pine roles.

29. Project Power (2020)

Imagine having a pill that can give you five minutes of pure power. The question is, would you take it? In this science fiction action film, we are introduced to a trio that consists of a police officer, a soldier, and a drug dealer. They work together in order to halt the distribution of this drug that has hit the streets of New Orleans. It is a typical action movie that showcases the drama behind fighting a drug dealer and corrupt authorities. Directed by Henry Joost, it’s indeed a must-watch as it will keep you glued, always anticipating what will go down next.

30. Rocky (1976)

Whenever you hear the name Sylvester Stallone, ‘Rocky’ is what comes to mind. Almost half a century later, this movie still manages to make waves in the film industry. The world was first introduced to Rocky, an amateur boxer with the heart of a champion. He is challenged to face Apollo Creed in a fight and it is up to Rocky to show the world what he got. This movie is nostalgic and heartwarming and of course very quotable. It captures perfectly boxing action and if this is one sport that excites you, then ‘Rocky’ won’t disappoint.

31.Rush(2013)

Released in 2013, this movie is another that indeed impresses anyone who is into action movies. It revolves around the story of Formula One rivals who are racing to claim the 1976 world championship title. The rivals, played by Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl fuel each other in order to win, race faster, and even push harder. That is until disaster comes knocking. It features plenty of action and takes time to explore the personal and psychological loves of the characters involved. It is a perfect movie made even more interesting with the Formula One sports touch.

32. The Negotiator (1998)

Revolving around the story of a Chicago-based hostage negotiator, Danny Roman (played by Samuel Jackson), ‘The Negotiator is absolutely the kind of movie that will keep you glued and asking for more. As a negotiator, he has never met a situation he couldn’t diffuse but when his partner discloses a scheme to embezzle money from the department’s disability fund, Danny finds himself framed for his partner’s murder. He decides to take back control after his career and reputation is put on the line. He does this by holding members of the Internal Affairs Division hostage while trying to prove that he is innocent. Drama ensues when a rival negotiator, Chris Sabian tries to diffuse the situation.

33. The Nice Guys (2016)

Set in 1997 Los Angeles, this film follows the story of two private detectives ( played by Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling) who team up in order to investigate the alleged suicide of a porn star who is past her prime. What begins as an odd pairing proves later to be an evolving friendship. The drama folds into a conspiracy that involves Detroit’s auto industry. The shootouts and fight stunts in the movie will for sure impress you even as you follow the quite interesting and well-written plot.

34. This is the End (2013)

This 2013 action movie is quite hilarious, to say the least. In fact, world destruction had never seemed so funny as portrayed in this meta-comedy about Hollywood, rapture, and survival of the fittest theme. Directed by Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg, the satire in the actors’ public personas in an attempt to deliver their lines has been done perfectly. As appreiby fans and movie critics, this movie is, “the wildest screen comedy in a long time, and also the smartest, the most fearlessly inspired, and the snort-out-loud funniest.”

35. Hardcore Henry (2015)

Released in 2015, this movie is the perfect replication of a first-person shooter video game. With this movie, you feel like you’re indeed in a video game. It has adopted a unique style of storytelling that leaves you craving for more. It is a typical action movie surrounding several shootout scenes and car chases and that’s where the whole thrill of the movie lies. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, this is the kind of movie that grips viewers with the leading character using his powerful menace to put his enemies in their place. It had an adrenaline-pumping nuance which is what makes the movie worth watching.

36. Army of the Dead (2021)

Released in 2021, ‘Army of the Dead’ shows a long overdue triumph with Zack Snyder’s Justice League role. Featuring Dave Bautista, this action/ Zombie hybrid movie is one that makes you laugh and have some anxiety all at the same time. It also has amazing ratings, just going to show what an amazing movie it is. All lead actors have done a good job in showcasing their talent and skills, especially with the stunts and fight choreography.

37. The Sleepover (2020)

In this family-friendly Netflix original, we get to meet Malin Akerman and Joe Manganiello who do an outstanding job in playing their roles. The movie tells the story of teen siblings who discover that their seemingly normal mother is actually a very skilled fighter who is in a witness protection programme. It is an action/comedy movie that is mind-blowing indeed. Directed by Trish She, she captured the theme of action and making it fun while at it.

38. The Apostle (2018)

The Apostle is a horror/action movie that features a deliberately made stomach-turning violence. The gore in it is what makes many fans be glued to it but when all is said and done, the plot of the movie is also really good. Set in the 20^th century period, it tells the story of Dave Stevens, an Englishman who tries to infiltrate a remote cult with the aim of rescuing his sister.

39. The Ice Road (2021)

In this movie, we get to see Liam Neeson in all his glory. After ‘Taken,’ he gets to make a comeback with this fun action movie. He plays the role of an ice driver who embarks on a rescue mission over frozen water. It is a modernized take on the wages of feat with the ability to keep you glued and very much interested.

40. Uncharted (2022)

Even though movie critics are harsh with this movie, it is still a gem as far as interesting action movies are concerned. It is an adventure game series movie about a strong-willed explorer, Nathan Drake whose adventures leave you wanting more from him. Moreover, the kivie has a fun y and physical performance from Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg who are one of a kind when it comes to funny action movies. They definitely did not disappoint with this one too.

41. RRR ( 2022)

The r’s here stand for rise, roar, and revolt. International audiences have most definitely risen in response to this South Indian action cinema. Even more impressive and unique, the movie is an action musical that you cannot help but just get hooked to. It is funny, bloody, and kinetic. What more could you honestly ask for? For 187 minutes of it, you get to have a rollercoaster of emotions and have a good time while at it.

42. Spiderman (2022)

The Spider-Man series is the epitome of a fun action movie. This Marvel original is witty, and interesting, not to mention that the plot is quite captivating and interesting. Not only is it an action-packed superhero film but also a movie that has provided cultural touchstones. For instance, “with great power comes great responsibility.” This is a popular line in the movie that continues to make Spiderman such a classic.

43. Enola Holmes (2020)

Enola Holmes is a fun kind of action movie that the whole family can comfortably watch. It has a very funny and witty edge that definitely makes you want to watch it over and over again. Milly Bobby Brown who plays the role of Enola Holmes outdoes herself and proves to audiences what a talented young woman she is. She plays the role of the younger sister of the legendary Sherlock Holmes, Britain’s most famous detective. It was a successful movie that did so well and continues to be a gem.

44. Dune (2021)

This movie was one of the best films of 2021 as far as science-action fiction is concerned. It has a visionary and futuristic edge that does so well in the delivery of the storyline and plot. Released in 2021, the amazingly done costumes also capture one’s attention to mention the stunts are so well done.

45. Gladiator (2000)

The sword and sandals kind of action that dominates this movie is just so impressive! I mean, who knew that you could fight in sandals and look so formidable? This movie did so well that the lead actors, Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix were nominated for 12 Oscars. Further, the movie took home five awards for Best Picture, actor, costume design, visual effects, and sound.  To put it simply, it is an amazing movie that has captured so well the historical sport of gladiation.

46. Cold Pursuit (2019)

This movie revolves around the story of a man who is a snowplow operator. His son dies because of a heroin overdose and the father decides to get some vigilante justice by taking down the drug cartel selling these drugs. He uses his plow as the weapon of choice. Played by Liam Neeson, he does an outstanding performance that keeps you hooked from the word go. It is a snowy action thriller that will indeed make you feel like vengeance and revenge-themed movies should be your favourite.

47. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

This is a history of war film and the most influential war movie since ‘All Quiet on the Western Front.’ This 1998 movie has been ranked as one of the greatest directorial accomplishments in cinema. The battle scenes especially are remarkable because of their authenticity and capture the theme of World War 2 so perfectly. It is a must-watch if you are a history buff and love action movies at the same time.

48. Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)

Running for 1 hour, and 53 minutes, this is the kind of action that is a bit of fantasy hence why it just mesmerizes anyone who’s lucky enough to watch it. Hands down Adam Wingard just managed to show off his skills and talent by managing to bring about some type of glee and a breath of fresh air to this movie project. Fans of Godzilla and King Kong get to be in the same room with this masterpiece and see the events unfold. What’s even more interesting is the one one-on-one showdown between Godzilla and Kong that somehow just keeps you glued to it. It’s quite an interesting movie objectively speaking.

49. 2012 (2009)

Directed by Roland Emmerich, the modern king of disaster blockbusters, this is another action movie on Netflix that is absolutely worth the watch. The movie tells the story of an apocalypse foretold to come to pass three years later. It’s all about the world blowing up and the drama that ensues thanks to that. As many fans have agreed, the movie is worth the watch since the plot and cinematography have been delivered so perfectly.

50. Desperado (1995)

Forget Zorro. This movie right here is what made fans get to appreciate Antonio Banderas even more. What’s even more impressive is that the director, Robert Rodriguez first attempted the storyline of this movie through a low-budget movie known as El Mariachi. It did well much to his surprise and even made him a star. So in 1995, he remade it on a bigger budget with this gem known worldwide. In the movie, the main lead played by Banderas is a musician who wants nothing else but hey revenge against the drug lord who killed his lover. It is indeed a masterpiece worth watching given how it effortlessly merges the theme of romance and action without losing the authenticity of the plot.

Indeed these movies are a must-watch given how well-produced they all are. Netflix is a huge movie platform that has made it possible to stream online these gems and for that, all fans of action movies couldn’t be happier.