Netflix has a treasure trove of action movies that cater to all tastes, from high-octane thrillers to martial arts masterpieces. Whether you’re in the mood for explosive car chases, intense fight scenes, or a gripping storyline, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best action movies currently streaming on Netflix that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
1. Extraction (2020)
- Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Randeep Hooda
- Synopsis: This high-stakes thriller follows Tyler Rake (Hemsworth), a fearless black market mercenary, on a mission to rescue the kidnapped son of an international crime lord. With stunning choreography and intense action sequences, Extraction is a must-watch for fans of gritty action.
2. The Old Guard (2020)
- Starring: Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne
- Synopsis: Based on a graphic novel, The Old Guard follows a group of immortal mercenaries who have protected humanity for centuries. As they face new threats, they must uncover a plot to exploit their abilities. Theron shines as the lead, with exceptional fight scenes and a unique storyline.
3. 6 Underground (2019)
- Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Mélanie Laurent
- Synopsis: Directed by Michael Bay, this film is a classic Bay action flick full of explosions, car chases, and high-energy sequences. Reynolds leads a team of skilled operatives who have faked their deaths to bring down notorious criminals. It’s pure adrenaline-fueled fun.
4. Triple Frontier (2019)
- Starring: Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac
- Synopsis: In this heist thriller, a group of former Special Forces operatives reunites to rob a South American drug lord. With a compelling mix of action and drama, Triple Frontier delves into themes of loyalty, greed, and redemption, offering much more than just gunfights and explosions.
5. Ip Man (2008)
- Starring: Donnie Yen, Simon Yam
- Synopsis: This martial arts biopic follows the life of Ip Man, the legendary Wing Chun master and Bruce Lee’s mentor. Set during the Japanese occupation of China, the film features breathtaking martial arts choreography and a captivating performance by Donnie Yen.
6. Army of the Dead (2021)
- Starring: Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell
- Synopsis: Directed by Zack Snyder, this action-horror film blends the thrill of a heist movie with a zombie apocalypse. A group of mercenaries ventures into a quarantine zone in Las Vegas to pull off a risky heist. With jaw-dropping action scenes and an inventive plot, it’s a wild ride from start to finish.
7. The Raid: Redemption (2011)
- Starring: Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim
- Synopsis: This Indonesian action masterpiece follows an elite SWAT team as they fight their way through a crime lord’s high-rise building. The film is a showcase of brutal, intense martial arts action and has become a cult classic among action movie fans.
8. Project Power (2020)
- Starring: Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
- Synopsis: Set in New Orleans, Project Power follows a former soldier and a cop as they try to uncover the source of a mysterious pill that grants temporary superpowers. The film’s unique concept, combined with exciting action scenes, makes it a fresh addition to the genre.
9. Red Notice (2021)
- Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot
- Synopsis: This action-comedy follows an FBI agent (Johnson) and an art thief (Reynolds) as they team up to catch a notorious criminal (Gadot). With witty banter and plenty of action, Red Notice is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of comedy and thrills.
10. Outside the Wire (2021)
- Starring: Anthony Mackie, Damson Idris
- Synopsis: Set in the near future, this sci-fi action movie follows a drone pilot who teams up with an android officer to prevent a global catastrophe. The film delivers thrilling action sequences and explores themes of ethics and artificial intelligence.
11. The Night Comes for Us (2018)
- Starring: Joe Taslim, Iko Uwais
- Synopsis: This Indonesian film is a relentless, brutal action thriller about an elite Triad enforcer who turns against his organization to protect a young girl. The movie is packed with intense and incredibly choreographed fight scenes, making it a must-watch for martial arts enthusiasts.
12. Blood Father (2016)
- Starring: Mel Gibson, Erin Moriarty
- Synopsis: Gibson stars as an ex-con who must protect his estranged daughter from dangerous drug dealers. This gritty, fast-paced film features Gibson at his best, delivering a raw and compelling performance with plenty of action to back it up.
13. The Foreigner (2017)
- Starring: Jackie Chan, Pierce Brosnan
- Synopsis: This revenge thriller follows a grieving father (Chan) who seeks justice after his daughter is killed in a terrorist attack. As he tracks down the people responsible, he uncovers a web of political corruption. It’s a darker, more serious role for Chan, showcasing his acting range alongside intense action.
14. Mile 22 (2018)
- Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Iko Uwais
- Synopsis: Wahlberg stars as a CIA operative tasked with transporting a valuable informant out of a foreign country. The film is packed with explosive action sequences and features Iko Uwais in yet another standout role, delivering incredible martial arts moves.
15. The Equalizer (2014)
- Starring: Denzel Washington, Chloë Grace Moretz
- Synopsis: Washington stars as a former black-ops operative who takes on the Russian mafia to protect a young girl. This vigilante thriller is intense and stylish, with Washington delivering a powerful performance that makes you root for the hero.
16. Parker (2013)
- Starring: Jason Statham, Jennifer Lopez
- Synopsis: Statham plays a professional thief who seeks revenge on his former crew after they betray him. With his signature charisma and gritty action sequences, Statham brings his A-game to this crime thriller, which also features Lopez in a captivating role.
17. Den of Thieves (2018)
- Starring: Gerard Butler, Pablo Schreiber
- Synopsis: This heist thriller follows an elite unit of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department as they try to bring down a crew planning an ambitious bank robbery. With tense standoffs and intense shootouts, the film is perfect for fans of cat-and-mouse games.
18. Blackhat (2015)
- Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Viola Davis
- Synopsis: In this cyber thriller, Hemsworth plays a convicted hacker who’s enlisted to help track down a dangerous cybercriminal. Directed by Michael Mann, Blackhat blends tech-savvy suspense with fast-paced action and striking cinematography.
19. Wheelman (2017)
- Starring: Frank Grillo, Caitlin Carmichael
- Synopsis: Grillo stars as a getaway driver who must navigate a dangerous situation after a bank robbery goes wrong. This film is a tight, adrenaline-fueled ride that keeps the action rolling and the tension high from start to finish.
20. Safe House (2012)
- Starring: Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds
- Synopsis: Reynolds stars as a rookie CIA agent tasked with looking after a fugitive (Washington) who becomes his reluctant partner when they’re forced to go on the run. With thrilling chase scenes and a gripping storyline, Safe House delivers plenty of action and star power.