37 Best Action Movies on Netflix Today

Like every other movie genre, Netflix has a rich library of action-packed movies. From epic fight scenes filled with stunt works and bullets to intense chases with explosions and bodies flying around, these movies spark an adrenaline rush that heightens viewers’ interests.

Netflix has carefully curated its action movie category to include classics from the 90s to recent blockbuster films. Therefore, if you’re a movie enthusiast or enjoy the electrifying experience of action movies, continue reading this guide to explore the best action movies on Netflix today.

Quick overview of the top 10 best action movies on Netflix

The best action movies on Netflix today

Here’s a list of the best action movies on Netflix today:

1. The Big 4

If you love The Night Comes for Us?, you’ll definitely enjoy The Big 4. Timo Tjahjanto, the director of both movies, came in his bag, delivering thrilling action scenes. He released this Netflix original about four retired assassins who cross paths with their ex-leaders daughter and resume action to avenge his death.

Tjahjanto perfectly blends the movie’s violence, bazookas, explosions, and intense plot with comedic conversations. The characters portray their roles so well that you wouldn’t realize you’ve spent over 120 minutes watching a movie.

2. Bullet Train

Although Bullet Train was released in July 2022, it became available on Netflix in December. It was received well by viewers as it appeared on the top movies on Netflix for weeks.

Bullet Train is a fast-paced, colorful action movie. Brad Pitt plays the role of an assassin who unfortunately finds himself on a train with fellow assassins. As the plot develops and the movie gets violent, it turns out their missions are connected. This is surely a good watch!

3. Den of Thieves

Den of Thieves portrays the struggle between criminals pulling a heist on the Federal Reserve Bank and law enforcement trying to prevent it. Christian Gudegast carefully selected the perfect person to bring life to each character in this movie. From Gerard Butler, the Sheriff’s Department unit’s leader, to Pablo Schreiber, who planned the heist.

This movie generally delivers epic action scenes and impeccable performances that viewers appreciate. So, after you watch Den of Thieves, sit back and prepare your minds for a more intense sequel.

4. Hardcore Henry

Hardcore Henry takes viewers through a thrilling experience in the first-person perspective. Henry, the protagonist, has just woken up from a trance with no memory of his past. However, he must achieve his aim of rescuing his wife and discovering his identity against all odds. He’s fully armed to fight adversaries and wade off distractions. Prepare for unmatched violence and hardcore action with Hardcore Henry.

5. The Harder They Fall

The excellent Jeymes Samuel directed The Harder they fall with an incredible cast starring Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Regina King, Danielle Deadwyler, Lakeith Stanfield, and other phenomenal actors. It is a crime movie that follows the story of an outlaw who gangs up with criminals to kill a crime boss. This movie is undoubtedly a good watch!

6. The Hunger Games

Gary Ross perfectly adapted Suzanne Collin’s book with the same title. However, he altered a few aspects of the book so that the movie could qualify as a stand-alone film. The actors also understood the assignment, portraying their roles impeccably. Jennifer Lawrence played the role of Katniss, the protagonist.

The Hunger Games takes viewers to a dystopian world where two teenagers from the 12 districts of Panem are selected to fight to the death. Check out this movie on Netflix to experience how the strong characters deliver a brilliant storyline.

7. King Kong

If you’re a fan of monster adventures and movies, you should check out this one directed by Peter Jackson. It follows the experience of a movie crew on Skull Island— particularly the lead actress’s ordeal with a giant ape. It is a remake of the 1993 King Kong, starring Adrien Brody, Naomi Watts, and other brilliant actors. King Kong is available on Netflix.

8. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Peter Jackson introduced The Lord of the Rings franchise in 2001 with The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Each of the movies in the trilogy is fascinating and action-packed. The franchise’s Oscar awards and nominations testify to its entertaining works. Watch movies in the Lord of the Rings trilogy on Netflix while they are still available– free advice!

9. The Mask of Zorro

Zorro is a masked vigilante with a sword to protect the victimized and poor. Martin Campbell found the perfect person to play the role of Zorro in the movie Antonio Bandera. The movie did so well in film houses and on streaming services that it encouraged Martin Campbell to extend the plot in the sequel. The sequel was released in 2005 and is available on Netflix.

10. Minority Report

Steven Speilberg’s movie adaptation of Phillip K. Dick’s book is arguably one of his best creative works. In the movie, Precrime, an elite law enforcement squad, can predict crimes and restrain criminals beforehand, using special powers.

Tom Cruise plays the role of a man arrested for a crime he did not consider. He didn’t even know the alleged victim. Watch the movie on Netflix to discover how he solved the mystery and vindicated himself.

11. The Gray Man

The Russo brothers, Anthony and Joe Russo, have secured their spot as top film directors for their creative work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They co-directed Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. In 2022, they again showcased their creativity by directing an adaptation of Mark Greaney’s The Gray Man.

The protagonist of the star-studded espionage movie Court Gentry, with the code name Sierra Six, worked as a secret agent for the CIA. Early into the movie, he discovers the CIA has an ulterior motive early and turns on them. The plot eventually develops into a battle between Court Gentry and Lloyd Hansen, a psychopath.

12. Road House

Road House is a classic starring Patrick Swayze as a cooler in a roadside bar in Missouri. As the plot develops, he crosses paths with a powerful enemy, igniting the violent brawl that dominates the show. Kelly Lynch played the role of the local doctor that Swayze fell in love with, Sam Elliott, his friend, and Ben Gazarra, the major antagonist.

The sequel to Road House 2 was released in 2006. If you enjoy classics, try this movie out on Netflix.

13. Top Gun

Tom Cruise, starring as a United States naval fighter weapons school student, goes the extra mile to learn from a civilian outside the classroom walls. The movie centers on his experience and adventure as a major contender for the top gun trophy in the school. Did he win the trophy? Check out Top Gun on Netflix to find out.

In 2022, a sequel to Top Gun, Maverick, was released. If you don’t want flashbacks or thoughtful comments to fly over your head, you should watch this classic before you watch the sequel.

14. RRR

S.S. Rajamouli, the director of Baahubali and Magadheera, raised the bar with RRR. Although it’s an action movie, it has a perfect blend of various genres like comedy, romance, and musical. In addition, RRR has a terrific storyline and stunts like the Fast and Furious franchise. It promises over 180 minutes of non-stop entertainment.

15. Resident Evil

Resident Evil is a movie adaptation of a video game of the same name. Peter W.S. Anderson did a masterpiece depicting the challenges in the Capcom video game and how the first-person character fights to survive. You’ll love this action movie, from the intense action scenes comprising shootings and explosions to the captivating storyline.

Resident Evil has different sequels, released randomly. Watch the sequels on Netflix if you want to treat yourself to hours of intense action. Below is a list of the sequels:

• Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)
• Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)
• Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)
• Resident Evil: Retribution (2012)
• Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2017)

16. Day Shift

J.J. Perry, the director of this movie, is a martial artist and stuntman, so it’s no surprise that it is filled with insane action scenes and epic stunts. He also applied his experience from acting in Fast and Furious and John Wick to direct his film.

J.J. Perry introduced the vampire subgenre in a new light. Jamie Fox starred as a vampire hunter who needed to source funds to provide basic things for his daughter. Other notable appearances include Snoop Dog as a vampire hunter and Dave Franco as a deviant bureaucrat. Director J.J. Perry creatively infused comedy, so Day Shift is an entertaining ride of action and laughter.

17. Reservoir Dogs

Reservoir Dogs is Quentin Tarantino’s first shot at directing, and its success is a testament to how much of a creative director he is. Although it’s a classic, the creative scenes, and storyline make it clinch its spot on the top action movies on Netflix– evergreen! If perhaps Quentin had waited a little bit longer and had access to present-day technological sophistication, this movie would have been a bigger buzz.

18. Uncharted

Ruben Fleischer sustained the culture of creating movie adaptations of video games. Uncharted is an entertaining action-adventure movie based on the video game series. Tom Holland starred as Nathan Drake, a young adventurer who embarks on a dangerous mission to recover long-lost treasures. He receives training from a seasoned treasure hunter, Victor Sullivan, played by Mark Wahlberg.

Check this out if you love action movies with a properly arranged sequence of adventures and challenges.

19. Avengement

Avengement is an action film in the true sense of it. Scott Adkins played the role of a lowly criminal who embarks on a revenge mission immediately after he’s discharged from prison. As the plot develops, viewers experience intense violence and bloodshed as the protagonist haunts down those who turned him into the serial killer he has become.

20. The Raid 2

After The Raid’s success, Bareth Evans released another blockbuster as a follow-up. The Raid 2 is an insanely intriguing action movie with intense violence and hardcore stunts. Gareth Evans indeed turned it up to 11 with The Raid 2!

21. Army of the Dead

Army of the Dead is packed with scary and intriguing scenes from the show’s beginning until the end. Dave Bautista features as one of the mercenaries who take up a dangerous challenge after a zombie attack in Las Vegas. Their objective was to pull a heist in the quarantine zone. Stream this movie to see if they successfully wiggled through the midst of the living dead.

22. Wheelman

Wheelman is different from your regular chase action movie. Frank Grillo stars as the movie’s protagonist behind the Wheels almost throughout the runtime– of course, it’s in the title, Wheelman. Wheelman is suspense-filled, having viewers glued to their screens while enjoying non-stop action and stunts.

23. Code 8

Jeff Chan includes superhero stars from Arrow and The Flash, Stephen and Robbie Amell, to deliver his sci-fi blockbuster movie. Code 8 tells the story of a construction worker with superpowers who works with a group of criminals to source funds to help his sick mother.

Like every typical superhero or sci-fi movie, Code 8 introduces abilities enhanced by technology and electromagnetism, improving the intensity of fight scenes.

24. Okja

Okja is a suspense-filled action movie that recounts a young farmer’s struggles to save her dear pig. The actors portrayed the themes of animal activism, scientific ethics, and corporate greed while maintaining the intensity that comes with action movies. Seo-hyun Ahn played the role of Mija, the young farmer, and she sure delivered her role. Check out this movie to see the extent Mija was willing to go to save her super pig.

25. Fistful of Vengeance

Roel Reiné created a masterpiece that matches the quality and creativity of the Netflix original Wu Assassins– if it doesn’t supersede it. Fistful of Vengeance has some elements in common with Wu Assassins, including martial arts display, mysticism, and Asian culture.

As a sequel to the Netflix series Wu Assassins, Roel Reiné also reintroduced stars like Iko Uwais, Lawrence Kao, and Lewis Tan. It recounts how a revenge mission turned into a battle to save the world. Try this show if you love Mortal Kombat or enjoy the actions and stunts in martial arts.

26. Rush

This one is for car enthusiasts and all those who love car racing. Ron Howard takes viewers back to the 70s to experience intense rivalry between Formula One drivers. Most people who have watched this movie enjoyed the racing scenes filled with reckless drifts, loud revving, and the thrill of crossing the finish line.

However, an incident that would change the trajectory of the major characters in the movie happened. You should check out Rush on Netflix.

27. 21 Bridges

The late Chadwick Boseman, an expert at delivering any role he plays, perfectly portrayed Detective Davis in 21 Bridges. Relying on his brilliant mind and precision, Detective Davis locks down the bridges in Manhattan to catch cop killers.

While you may try to picture the bright lights, blasting sirens, and intense chase, it wouldn’t do justice to Brian Kirk’s creative work. Include 21 Bridges on your movie list, and you will have an intriguing experience.

28. The Take

Even with the unexpected silence around James Watckins’ The Take, it still clinched a position among the top 10 movies on Netflix. Although the initial title was Bastille Day, the current title, which you will find on Netflix, is The Take. Idris Elba stars as a CIA agent who works with a pickpocket, played by Richard Madden, to stop a terrorist group in France.

If you’re an action movie lover, you would love the shootout scenes, and if you’re not, you’ll enjoy the brilliant storyline–The Take is a must-watch!

29. Extraction

Once again, the Russo brothers, Anthony and Joe Russo, collaborated with Sam Hargrave to create this action movie. Chris Hemsworth stars as a mercenary, Tyler Rake, whose mission is to rescue a drug lord’s son from the city of Dhaka.

The mission soon became a life battle as he resisted incessant attacks. A fascinating moment was when Tyler Rake single-handedly dismissed violent enemies while scuttling around a high-rise building. You surely can’t wait to witness it– check it out on Netflix!

30. Skyfall

Daniel Craig announced his departure from the James Bond franchise after taking his first role in 2006. However, his era as 007 is arguably irrevocable, and the James Bond franchise lovers would remember his contributions fondly. He showcased this grit and lethal intensity in Skyfall. In the movie, he neglects his personal issues to prevent the occurrence of a severe menace in MI6. You’ll surely love this movie if you’re a big 007 fan.

31. The Old Guard

Walking in the steps of DC Comics and Marvel, Image Studios released a masterpiece– The Old Guard. It follows the story of immortal mercenaries, committed to protecting humanity, on the run from threats seeking to monetize their superpowers. So if you want to chill this weekend, get your snacks and stream this movie on Netflix.

32. New Gods: Nezha Reborn

Ji Zhao directed New Gods: Nezha Reborn, an animated version of one of the ancient myths of China. It follows the story of Nezha as he discovers that he’s the reincarnation of a god and must rediscover his powers to save his family. Whether you’re a fan of animations, superheroes, or mythology, you’ll enjoy New Gods: Nezha Reborn.

33. Ip Man

While directing Ip Man, Wilson Yip found the best person to play the Ip Man, Donnie Yen. Donnie Yen is one of the greatest martial artists, and he proves this while playing this role. The movie follows the life of a skilled fighter who aims to save his people from unfavorable conditions in China. All you need to do to have a good time is avoid distractions so you’ll not miss epic scenes.

34. Da 5 Bloods

Excellent Spike Lee outdid himself by directing this timeless and intriguing blockbuster movie. It follows the story of four American veterans returning to Vietnam to recover their squad leader’s remains years after the war. Check out this movie to see what happens as they travel together.

35. The Wandering Earth

The Wandering Earth, as the name implies, is a blockbuster on an end-time disaster. Released in 2019, the special effects and intriguing storyline gave viewers premium satisfaction and entertainment so much that the movie made about $700 million from countries worldwide. You’ll love this movie if you are interested in planets and the solar system.

36. Triple Frontier

Triple Frontier recounts how a group of former special forces executes a dangerous mission without considering the negative consequences. The show is star-studded, with actors like Ben Affleck, Pedro Pascal, Oscar Isaac, Gareth Hedlund, and Charlie Hunnam. Although Triple Frontier was released in 2019, its violence, action, and plot make it top-tier. You should give it a try!

37. The Woman King

This blockbuster movie takes viewers back to the 19th century, telling the story of the warriors of Dahomey. Viola Davis plays the role of General Nansica, the one who screens and trains members of the all-female military. Gina Prince-Bythewood perfectly portrays the theme of gender equality without altering the intensity of the violence in the movie.

Conclusion

Several movies fall under the action category. However, we understand that some do not offer the pulsating and sensational feeling that actual action movies give. That’s why we have decided to curate this list of 37 Best Action Movies on Netflix to save you time, stress, and data.  

We recommend watching with your friends, family, or movie buddy so you don’t experience the thrills alone. In the comment section below, let us know what action movie you’ll watch first!

FAQs