Looking for a little adrenaline jolt to yourNetflixviewing? We’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve curated a list of the best action movies on Netflix, from the more adventure-tinged playful flicks to big-budget superhero movies to straight-up kung fu films. It’s the perfect antidote to the same-old-same-old, and Netflix has a pretty swell and diverse library of action films to spice up your night.
Looking for something a little different? Check out our list of bestfantasyandhorrormovies on the platform, or browse our picks for thebest films on the platformacross all genres.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
Editor’s note: This article was updated May 2024 to include Lucy.
‘Lucy’ (2014)
Rotten Tomatoes: 67% | IMDb: 6.4/10
Written and directed byLuc Besson,Lucyis a science fiction action film that starsScarlett Johanssonin the title role, playing a woman who unwittingly gains psychic abilities after a strange drug is absorbed into her bloodstream. As her powers develop, Lucy embarks on a quest for vengeance, soon evolving beyond the confines of human logic and experience. The movie also starsMorgan Freeman,Choi Min-sik, andAmr Waked. While its science might be completely fictional,Lucyhas become a beloved part of the sci-fi genre, bringing in positive (if polarized) reviews and incredible commercial success. What the film lacks in plot, it more than makes up for in visuals, concepts, and performances. The movie is arguably one of Johansson’s best action turns, as the actor portrays a woman transcending the limits of humanity. The movie’s fundamental flaw is the shaky science and, at times, illogical narrative, and this isn’t the movie for you if what you’re looking for is a realistic, hard-science thriller. But as entertaining action movies go,Lucyis as good as it gets.
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‘Extraction’ (2020)
Rotten Tomatoes: 67% | IMDb: 6.8/10
Extraction
It’s no wonder that the action in the Netflix original filmExtractionis spectacular, given directorSam Hargrave’s background as the stunt coordinator for films likeCaptain America: Civil WarandAvengers: Endgame. Scripted byEndgameco-directorJoe Russo,Extractionis a hardened (and extremely violent) actioner that follows a disillusioned mercenary (Chris Hemsworth) tasked with escorting a young kidnapped boy out of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Along the way, he grows fond of the boy and grows into his role as protector. The film is based on the graphic novelCiudadbyAnde Parks, Joe Russo,Anthony Russo,Fernando León González, andEric Skillman.
ThoughExtractionreceived mixed reviews from critics, its popularity with viewers has been sky-high, and the film is one of Netflix’s most-watched original movies ever. The action is outta control in this one, andChris Hemsworthgives a solid lead performance while Hargrave does some very fun stuff with the camera. Gritty and graphic with a unique visual flair,Extractionwill definitely get your blood pumping.
‘Extraction 2’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 79% | IMDb: 7.0/10
Extraction 2
WithExtraction 2, writerJoe Russo(The Gray Man) and directorSam Hargrave(Extraction) team up once again to deliver a tense action thriller. StarringChris Hemsworth(Avengers: Infinity War) reprising the lead role, the movie follows Tyler Rake on a mission to rescue his ex-sister-in-law and her children, who have been imprisoned by her gangster husband. The film also starsGolshifteh Farahani,Adam Bessa,Tornike Bziava,Tinatin Dalakishvili,Olga Kurylenko,Daniel Bernhardt, andIdris Elba.
Extraction 2is a definite improvement on the first, with positive reviews and a nomination for a Hollywood Critics Association Midseason Film Award under its belt. The movie has so much gunplay and brutal fighting, along with numerous mind-blowing set pieces, that your arm will get absolutely ripped from all the fist-pumping. Hemsworth injects his performance with endless charm, and in this second go-around, he gets to really dig into the layers of the character, exploring the mental and physical toll of being a black ops mercenary and the strain of his near-death experience.
‘Ballerina’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 6.2/10
Written and directed byChung-Hyun Lee,Ballerinafollows the journey of an ex-bodyguard as she tries to exact vengeance on behalf of her recently deceased best friend. The film featuresMoney Heist: KoreastarsJeon Jong-seoandKim Ji-hoonas the ex-bodyguard and the sex trafficker antagonist, respectively, withPark Yu-rim(Drive My Car) as the deceased friend and titular ballerina.
Critically acclaimed and a big hit with Netflix’s audience,Ballerinais a wild ride that doesn’t shy away from discussing the horrifyingly poignant undercurrent of sexual slavery in its narrative. A sizzling tale of desperate revenge, the film is stylish both on script and screen, with the high-octane action measured neatly by moments of calm. With a sprinkling of action styles for everyone, from shoot-outs to meticulously designed fight sequences,Ballerinais an action fan’s dream.
‘The Mother’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 43% | IMDb: 5.6/10
The Mother
FromMulandirectorNiki Caro,The Motheris a gripping drama that starsJennifer Lopezas a military-trained assassin dragged out of hiding to protect the estranged daughter she had to give up. Opposite Lopez isGael García BernalandJoseph Fiennes(The Handmaid’s Tale), playing viciously villainous roles that allow her to showcase both her strength and vulnerability.
The Motheruniquely balances gentle heartstring-tugging, explosive action sequences, and captivating fight choreography. With a plot that feels likeTakenmeetsHanna,The Motherimpressively doesn’t shy away from intense drama, showcasing Lopez’s ability to flow from heartbreak to stunts. While the film was rather negatively received by critics, it’s one of Netflix’s most popular movies to date.
‘The Woman King’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 6.9/10
The Woman King
The Woman King is a historical action/drama film about the Kingdom of Dahomey, a powerful nation with an elite warrior force known as the Agojie. The core events follow Nanisca, general of an all-female military unit, and Nawi, an ambitious recruit, who together fight enemies who violated their honor, enslaved their people, and threatened to destroy everything they’ve lived for. Nanisca will prepare her soldiers for a war against the Oyo, another nation that has aligned itself with a group of European slave traders. In addition, Nanisca will seek to free her enslaved people from the Oyo.
Directed by the incomparableGina Prince-Bythewoodfrom a glorious screenplay written byDana Stevens,The Woman Kingis directly inspired by a historical elite all-female warrior unit in West Africa during the 17th century. The film stars iconViola Davisas General Nanisca, the leader of the Agojie, who not only liberates captured civilians who were abducted and trafficked but also trains young women to join her team. The film’s ensemble cast also includesLashana Lynch,Sheila Atim,Hero Fiennes Tiffin,Thuso Mbedu, andJohn Boyega.
Featuring a breakout performance from Mbedu, who holds her own alongside heavy hitters like Davis and Lynch,The Woman Kinghas been praised for its remarkable action choreography and touching story. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and has received critical acclaim, as well as several accolades.The Woman Kingis a masterpiece of perseverance and passion that’s easily one of the most underrated movies of 2022.
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‘Close’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 7.8/10
Noomi Rapacestars inClose, an action film directed byVicky Jewson, who co-wrote the story withRupert Whitaker. Rapace plays Sam Carlson, a bodyguard protecting an heiress from assassins in Sudan. Although completely fictional, the character of Carlson is deeply inspired by one of the world’s leading bodyguards, Jacquie Davis. The film also starsSophie Nélisse,Indira Varma, andEoin Macken.
With impeccable action reminiscent ofJason Bourne,Taken, and theMission: Impossibleseries,Closepresents a refreshing and thoroughly engaging watch. Though the movie received mostly negative reviews, critics did praiseClose’s female-led spin on the classic action film. The narrative is a bit predictable, but that doesn’t detract from the hard-hitting stunts and intricate fight choreography that makesCloseexciting and fun.
‘Kate’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 46% | IMDb: 6.2/10
Directed byCedric Nicolas-Troyanfrom a script byUmair Aleem,KatestarsMary Elizabeth Winstead(Birds of Prey) as a meticulous and highly trained assassin racing against the clock to identify who poisoned her and exact revenge before she dies. Besides Winstead in the lead role, the film also stars the likes ofWoody Harrelson,Michiel Huisman, andJun Kunimura.
Though it received negative reviews for its predictable story,Kateis bursting with intricate and heart-pumping fight sequences, livening up the male-dominated action genre with a colorful and vibrant cinematographic palette. The film takes care to include a variety of action styles, including hand-to-hand combat, gunfire, car chases, and, of course, swords. It’s a dark and beautiful story set against a visually stunning blend of techno-futurism and modern-day Japan.
‘The Gray Man’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 44% | IMDb: 6.5/10
The Gray Man
With a budget of $200 million,The Gray Manis one of the most expensive Netflix films ever made – and it shows in its A-list cast, global set pieces, and high-speed action sequences. The movie centers around a CIA black ops assassin called Six (Ryan Gosling) and fellow agent Dani (Ana de Armas) as they are hunted down by a psychopathic former CIA agent, Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans). The film was directed by theRusso brothers(Avengers: Endgame),Anthony RussoandJoe Russo, from a screenplay that Joe Russo co-wrote with longtime collaboratorsChristopher MarkusandStephen McFeely(Captain America: The Winter Soldier). The movie also boasts an ensemble supporting cast that includes the likes ofJessica Henwick,Regé-Jean Page,Wagner Moura,Dhanush,Alfre Woodard, andBilly Bob Thornton.
From the uncovering of dark agency secrets to tense hostage situations,The Gray Manis everything you want from a flick like this. The movie did receive its share of negative reviews, but the ensemble cast and slick action sequences make up for whatThe Gray Manlacks in terms of narrative. The film did extremely well with viewers, with over 250 million hours watched on Netflix.
‘6 Underground’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 36% | IMDb: 6.1/10
6 Underground
From director Michael Bay, 6 Underground centers on a group of elite individuals that track down criminals and terrorists that the government won’t pursue. The action film stars Ryan Reynolds alongside Mélanie Laurent, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Ben Hardy, Adria Arjona, and Dave Franco as ghost One, Two, Three, Four, Five, and Six, respectively.
Directed byMichael Bayfrom a screenplay byDeadpoolwritersPaul WernickandRhett Reese,6 Undergroundis a vigilante action movie starringRyan Reynolds,Mélanie Laurent,Manuel Garcia-Rulfo,Adria Arjona,Corey Hawkins,Ben Hardy, andDave Franco. Reynolds leads the ensemble as a billionaire who fakes his death and puts together a team of highly skilled operatives to take down criminals and tyrants.
6 Undergroundis perhaps the most unhinged film of Michael Bay’s career, and that is no small statement. The filmmaker behind Hollywood’s biggest blow-stuff-up features like theTransformersandBad Boysfilms actually manages to go even more extreme with this Netflix original. A globetrotting action film that ultimately failed to make a mark on critics,6 Undergroundis borderline incomprehensible, but no one watches a Bay film for the plot. If you want maximum “Bayhem,” the moviedelivers on all fronts.
