Introduction:
If you’re in the mood for heart-pounding excitement, look no further. Netflix’s current library is packed with action films that deliver everything from gritty revenge stories to high-stakes espionage and spectacular, boundary-pushing set pieces. This curated list highlights the best action movies streaming now to get your adrenaline pumping.
Let’s dive into the top action picks you can stream this year.
10. Last Seen Alive (2022)
This action thriller follows Will Span, an average man whose world shatters when his wife, Lisa, vanishes without a trace during a routine stop on a road trip. His desperate search quickly pulls him into a dangerous web of crime and corruption, forcing him to uncover hidden strengths in a race against time to save her. The movie thrives on its relentless pace and a compelling, gritty performance from its lead, which builds suspense effectively, even when the plot travels familiar ground. A brutal exploration of love and loss, it shows the extreme lengths one person will go to for family.
9. Becky (2020)
A tense home-invasion thriller featuring Lulu Wilson as Becky, a rebellious 13-year-old grappling with family strife. Her weekend at a lake house is violently interrupted by a gang of escaped convicts, triggering a vicious game of cat-and-mouse. Using her wits and ruthlessness, Becky turns the tables on her far more experienced attackers. The film masterfully blends dark humor with shocking violence, resulting in a fierce and unapologetic revenge story powered by Wilson’s ferocious performance. Not for the faint of heart, Becky is a wild and brutal ride.
8. American Ultra (2015)
A chaotic action-comedy starring Jesse Eisenberg as Mike, a directionless stoner whose life revolves around his girlfriend, Phoebe. His mundane existence is upended when he discovers he’s actually a dormant, highly trained government asset. When his lethal skills are activated, Mike is thrust into a violent, over-the-top fight for survival against CIA assassins, all while trying to protect Phoebe and unravel the truth of his past. Directed by Nima Nourizadeh, the film mixes absurd humor, intense action, and surprising heart for a unique twist on the spy genre. Though uneven at times, the chemistry between Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart makes this a cult-classic adventure that feels like The Bourne Identity reimagined as a stoner comedy.
7. Officer Black Belt (2024)
This action-comedy injects fresh energy into the buddy-cop formula. The story centers on Lee Jungo, a famous martial arts star who is unexpectedly drafted into the police force. Teamed with a seasoned detective, Kim Sun Min, he must help take down a powerful crime syndicate. The film stands out for its seamless mix of comedic moments and expertly choreographed fight scenes, balancing slick action with the lighthearted dynamic between the two leads. The charm of the protagonists and stylish direction keep it engaging. While it follows a predictable blueprint, Officer Black Belt remains a highly entertaining action movie.
6. Welcome to the Punch (2013)
A stylish British crime thriller from director Eran Creevy. James McAvoy plays a relentless London detective, and Mark Strong is the elusive criminal mastermind he has pursued for years. When Strong’s character is forced out of hiding, the two form an uneasy alliance to uncover a deeper conspiracy that reaches high into the ranks of law enforcement and government. While the plot prioritizes atmosphere over complexity, the film is notable for its sleek visual design, moody London backdrop, and well-executed action sequences. Bolstered by strong performances and a sharp, noir-inspired tone, it’s a gripping pick for fans of gritty crime thrillers.
5. War (2007)
Directed by Philip G. Atwell, this action thriller follows an FBI agent (Jason Statham) hell-bent on avenging his partner’s murder at the hands of a mysterious assassin known as Rogue (Jet Li). Their cat-and-mouse game plays out against a brutal gang war between the Triads and the Yakuza, filled with betrayals and shifting loyalties. The film features exaggerated gunplay and fierce martial arts fights, perfectly showcasing its stars’ action prowess. While the narrative is formulaic, the movie’s relentless pace, energetic choreography, and a solid twist ending make it a compelling watch for hardcore action fans.
4. Don’t Breathe 2 (2021)
This sequel, directed by Rodo Sayagues, returns to the world of the blind survivor Norman Nordstrom (Stephen Lang). Now living in isolation, Norman has taken in a young girl he rescued from mysterious circumstances. His attempts at a quiet life are shattered when a new group of intruders attacks his home, triggering another vicious fight for survival. The sequel shifts from the claustrophobic suspense of the original toward more action-oriented brutality, focusing on Norman’s deadly skills and his morally complex quest for redemption. It may be less innovative than the first film, but it delivers plenty of grim tension, shocking violence, and furious pacing.
3. Crank: High Voltage (2009)
Directors Brian Taylor and Mark Neveldine deliver an over-the-top sequel that dials the insanity to the maximum. Hitman Chev Chelios survives his fall from the first film, only to have his indestructible heart stolen and replaced with an artificial, battery-powered one. He must now keep his heart charged using increasingly absurd methods while hunting down his enemies. The film fully embraces its video-game-like logic with hyper-kinetic camera work, insane stunts, and dark comedy. While its extreme style is exhausting to some, it’s a non-stop, adrenaline-fueled ride that has earned a dedicated cult following for its sheer audacity.
2. Salt (2010)
In this spy thriller directed by Phillip Noyce, Angelina Jolie plays Evelyn Salt, a brilliant CIA officer accused of being a Russian sleeper agent. Forced to go on the run, she must unravel a sinister conspiracy that calls her identity and loyalties into question. The film keeps viewers guessing with its rapid-fire fight sequences, thrilling chase scenes, and clever twists that blur the lines between hero and villain. Jolie’s performance combines physical intensity with emotional depth, making Salt a captivating protagonist. Though it uses familiar spy tropes, the movie is distinguished by its relentless pace, gritty action, and Jolie’s credible presence as an action star.
1. Steel Rain (2017)
Directed by Yang Woo-suk, this political action thriller centers on a South Korean civil servant and a former North Korean special agent who are thrown together after a sudden coup in the North threatens to trigger a nuclear war. Their desperate mission to protect a key politician swiftly becomes a race against time to prevent all-out war on the Korean peninsula. The film expertly blends intense action with sharp political commentary, exploring themes of loyalty, diplomacy, and the fragile line between peace and global catastrophe. With powerful lead performances and a narrative that balances spectacle with emotional weight, Steel Rain is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that resonates far beyond its action-packed surface.
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