10 Best Action Movies on Netflix: Must-Watch Thrillers This Year

Chad Collins

person holding remote pointing at TV

If you love action movies, Netflix has something for everyone. From explosive action to intense fight scenes, there’s a wide variety of thrilling films to choose from. Get ready for an adrenaline rush with Netflix’s collection of action movies, including high-octane blockbusters and acclaimed masterpieces. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and enjoy these must-watch thrillers of the year.

Adrenaline Rush: Netflix’s Top 10 Action Movies

Get ready to buckle up for an adrenaline-fueled ride! Netflix is packed with heart-pounding action movies that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From intense car chases to epic battles, these films deliver non-stop thrills and excitement. Let’s dive into the top 10 must-watch action movies on Netflix this year:

The Top 10

RankMovie TitleGenreWhy You Should Watch It
1Extraction 2Action ThrillerChris Hemsworth returns as Tyler Rake in a high-octane sequel packed with jaw-dropping action sequences.
2The Old GuardSuperhero ActionCharlize Theron leads a group of immortal mercenaries in this thrilling and thought-provoking action film.
3Red NoticeAction ComedyDwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot star in this globe-trotting heist film filled with humor and action.
46 UndergroundAction ThrillerMichael Bay directs this explosive action film about a group of skilled operatives who fake their deaths to take down criminals.
5The Night Comes For UsActionThis Indonesian action film delivers brutal and stylish fight scenes that will leave you breathless.
6The Raid 2ActionThe sequel to the critically acclaimed “The Raid: Redemption” ups the ante with even more intense and intricate fight choreography.
7John Wick: Chapter 3 – ParabellumNeo-noir action thrillerKeanu Reeves returns as the legendary hitman in this stylish and action-packed third installment.
8Mad Max: Fury RoadPost-apocalyptic actionA visually stunning and relentlessly thrilling ride through a dystopian wasteland.
9The IrishmanCrime dramaMartin Scorsese’s epic crime drama features a star-studded cast and delivers intense moments amidst its slow-burn narrative.
10RRREpic ActionThis Indian Telugu-language film is a visual spectacle filled with over-the-top action sequences and a captivating story.

Note: This list is based on a combination of critical acclaim, popularity, and my own subjective judgment. There are many other great action movies on Netflix, so be sure to explore and find ones that you enjoy.

Top Action Movies on Netflix

Netflix offers a variety of action movies that are sure to get your pulse racing, from explosive thrillers to iconic westerns and captivating superhero adventures.

High-Octane Thrillers

For those who enjoy edge-of-your-seat suspense, Netflix serves up a slate of high-octane thrillers. Chris Hemsworth shines in Extraction, a film teeming with intense fight scenes. The gripping action, combined with Hemsworth’s performance, makes it a must-watch.

Movie TitleStarKey Attributes
ExtractionChris HemsworthExplosive fights, fast-paced

Revolutionizing Westerns

Netflix isn’t just about the future; it also tips its hat to the past with some of the best westerns that have reshaped the genre. These films combine classic western elements with modern twists, creating a fresh experience for viewers.

  • The Harder They Fall – This film stands out with its powerhouse casting, including Idris Elba and Regina King, and innovative storytelling.

Superhero Spectacles

Superhero movies on Netflix bring larger-than-life characters right into the living room. Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans face off in The Gray Man, where espionage and superhuman stunts are front and center.

  • The Old GuardCharlize Theron leads a group of immortal mercenaries, showcasing Keanu Reeves‘ signature action style in a compelling narrative.

Jamie Foxx stars in Project Power, a film that combines the allure of superpowers with the structure of an action-packed crime thriller.

Cinematic Journeys and Adventures

Netflix’s range of action movies takes viewers on exhilarating adventures, from icy landscapes to heat-soaked showdowns. Snowpiercer, a tale set on a train in a frozen post-apocalyptic world, showcases remarkable cinematography and explores the theme of class struggle.

On the warmer side of the spectrum, Heat demonstrates a masterful blend of heists and personal drama, propelled by its star-studded cast and intense action sequences. For fans of fantasy, Netflix offers original films that weave magic and myth into heart-pounding chases and duels.

Revenge drives the narrative in many thrillers, where characters often seek to balance scales tipped by injustice. Assassins and mercenaries populate these stories, exhibiting Hollywood’s knack for crafting hitmen with hearts and codes of honor. In Gunpowder Milkshake, for instance, hitwomen engage in fierce gun battles, adding a twist to the assassin genre.

Here’s a snapshot of action-packed offerings:

  • Fantasy Adventures: Netflix’s fantasy selections combine the mystical with the martial, often featuring unlikely heroes on quest-driven plots.
  • Revenge Thrills: Stories where protagonists pursue payback, often against high-stakes, keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
  • Assassin Action: Slick, professional killers take center stage in movies that blend stealth, strategy, and explosive conflict.
  • Mercenary Missions: Guns for hire facing moral dilemmas add a layer of complexity to traditional shoot-’em-ups.

Netflix originals bring fresh stories, with Hollywood’s finest in front of and behind the camera, ensuring that subscribers have access to top-tier action entertainment.

International Blockbusters

Netflix’s selection of action-packed films isn’t limited by borders. Here are noteworthy picks from Bollywood and Asian cinema that have captivated audiences worldwide with thrilling stunts and engaging storylines.

Bollywood Meets Action

RRR stands as a monumental Bollywood epic, directed by the talented S.S. Rajamouli. It narrates the fictional story of two Indian revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, weaving their tale with ample spectacle and heart. Netflix offers this riveting drama that combines grand actions scenes with powerful performances.

The Best of Asian Cinema

As for films hailing from other parts of Asia, don’t miss out on The Raid, which became a global sensation for its raw and intense fight scenes. Directed by Gareth Evans and led by Iko Uwais, this Indonesian film showcases some of the finest martial arts choreography. Similarly, The Night Comes for Us, also starring Iko Uwais, presents high-octane action with an adrenaline-pumping narrative set in the dark corners of Tokyo.

Groundbreaking Directors and Cast

Netflix’s action movie lineup showcases a variety of talented directors and stellar casts. Jeymes Samuel made waves with “The Harder They Fall,” featuring Jonathan Majors and Idris Elba. Samuel’s unique vision for Westerns breathes new life into the genre. Gina Prince-Bythewood, known for “The Old Guard,” pairs Charlize Theron‘s prowess with a narrative that spins a fresh tale of immortality.

“The Woman King,” directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, brings Viola Davis and Lashana Lynch into the spotlight. They play the Agojie, an all-female group of warriors, and their performances resonate with strength and depth. In the action thriller “Extraction,” director Sam Hargrave and lead Chris Hemsworth deliver intense combat sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

DirectorNotable WorkLeading Actor(s)
Jeymes SamuelThe Harder They FallJonathan Majors, Idris Elba
Gina Prince-BythewoodThe Woman KingViola Davis, Lashana Lynch
Sam HargraveExtractionChris Hemsworth

Chad Stahelski and David Leitch revolutionized action choreography with the “John Wick” series, setting new standards for fight scene cinematography. “Red Notice,” featuring Ryan Reynolds, Dwayne Johnson, and Gal Gadot, combines star power with a fast-paced, globe-trotting adventure. Meanwhile, “Army of the Dead” by Zack Snyder merges an ensemble cast with a heist story set against a zombie-infested Las Vegas backdrop.

Each movie, through its cast and direction, shows a commitment to delivering enthralling stories and memorable high-octane moments. With such names attached, these films represent the pinnacle of action entertainment on Netflix.

Genres and Trends in Action

Action movies on Netflix are showcasing an impressive blend of genres and notable trends, pushing boundaries beyond traditional storylines to captivate audiences with innovation and depth.

Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fusions

Science fiction and fantasy are genres that mix like colors on an artist’s palette when it comes to modern action films. Netflix houses titles like Snowpiercer, directed by Bong Joon-ho, where a perpetual-motion train harbors the last remnants of humanity, featuring an ensemble cast including Tilda Swinton and John Hurt. The fusion of sci-fi elements with action-packed sequences provides a unique experience that resonates with viewers looking for more than just high-octane thrills.

Renewed Interest in Westerns

The resurgence of Westerns combined with action elements signifies a newfound appreciation for this classic genre. Films with a star-studded cast, such as “The Harder They Fall,” rejuvenate the traditional Western with more dynamic and visceral action scenes. These movies may blend the lawless expanse of the Old West with modern cinematic techniques to grab the viewer’s attention.

Action-Packed Dramas

Netflix doesn’t shy away from dramas that are dense with action yet rich in storytelling. Take Spike Lee’s ‘Da 5 Bloods’, for instance, which combines the quest for a hidden treasure with the personal journeys of Vietnam War veterans. The film, starring the late Chadwick Boseman, effortlessly blends emotionally charged drama with the tense action expected from war-themed movies. Additionally, action dramas may explore complex themes like revenge and redemption, often with characters such as assassins, CIA agents, or immortal mercenaries, diving into their psyche while keeping the adrenaline rushing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Selecting a great action movie to watch on Netflix can sometimes be quite a task with the vast number of options available. This FAQ section answers some of the common questions about the top-rated action movies you can enjoy right now.

What are the latest top-rated action films currently on Netflix?

Highly rated recent additions to Netflix include action-packed movies like “The Gray Man” and the musical epic “RRR,” both drawing in audiences with their intense sequences and compelling storylines.

Which action thrillers on Netflix come highly recommended?

Critics and audiences alike praise thrillers such as “The Harder They Fall” for its star-studded cast and “Kate” for its edge-of-your-seat revenge storyline, making them highly recommended on the platform.

Can you list some of the new action movies that are streaming on Netflix this month?

New to the platform this month, action movie enthusiasts can look forward to explosive titles, although specific new releases tend to vary as Netflix updates its catalogue regularly.

What action movies have made it to Netflix’s top 10 recently?

Recent Netflix top 10 charts have featured “Spider-Man 2” and James Cameron’s “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” both being classics that have resonated well with audiences.

Are there any action movies on Netflix that have received high scores on Rotten Tomatoes?

Movies such as “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” boasting a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflect the critical acclaim some of Netflix’s action offerings have achieved.

Which action films on Netflix have the highest ratings on IMDb?

Action movies on Netflix with high IMDb scores include fan favorites like “Skyfall,” showcasing a blend of high-stakes espionage and thrilling action sequences.