Cinema is, first and foremost, a visual medium, and no genre maximizes visual experience like action. While action movies can be family-friendly, the R-rated ones usually provide the best bang for your buck through their no-holds-barred approach to violence and concepts. From intense psychological thrillers to more humorous narratives,Netflixhas loads of movies like that in their catalog that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Read on to discover our handpicked selection of the best R-rated action movies you can stream right now on Netflix.
For more recommendations, be sure to check out our lists of thebest movies on Netflix, thebest shows on Netflix, and thebest thrillers on Netflix.
Editor’s note: This article was updated December 2024 to include The Harder They Fall.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
‘The Harder They Fall’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 6.6/10
The Harder They Fall
The Harder They Fall, co-written and directed byJeymes Samuel, follows the release of Rufus Buck (Idris Elba) from prison, leading to his sworn enemy, Nat Love (Jonathan Majors), rounding up a gang to seek vengeance. However, little do they know that Buck has his own gang ready to fight, with an explosive encounter inevitable. Astutely directed by Samuel in his first feature — one that would win him a BAFTA for Outstanding Debut —The Harder They Fallis a gritty, action-packed tale of revenge. Packed full of charisma and style, this is one for Western fans. -Jake Hodges
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‘3:10 to Yuma’ (2007)
Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 7.6/10
3:10 to Yuma
3:10 to Yumais a 2007 Western action drama directed byJames Mangoldand adapted fromElmore Leonard’s eponymous 1953 short story, which was previously adapted as a classic 1957 movie. StarringRussell CroweandChristian Bale, the film follows a down-on-his-luck rancher who takes a job escorting a wanted outlaw to justice to make enough money to pay off his debts. The film’s ensemble cast also featuresPeter Fonda,Gretchen Mol,Alan Tudyk,Logan Lerman, and more.
3:10 to Yumadebuted at number one at the box office at the time of its premiere and received largely positive reviews. While remakes generally have the cards stacked against them, Mangold’s take on the classic story was hailed as an improvement on the 1957 movie, with special praise for the writing, direction, and performances. The movie also went on to receive a number of accolades, including Academy Award nominations for Best Original Score and Best Sound Mixing.
‘Hit Man’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 6.8/10
An off-beat rom-com thriller,Hit Manwas produced and directed byRichard Linklater, who also co-wrote the screenplay with starGlen Powell. Inspired bySkip Hollandsworth’s eponymous 2001 Texas Monthly article, the film follows a New Orleans professor (played by Powell) who unexpectedly becomes an undercover operative for the police department, posing as a hit man for sting operations. While this strange side gig leads him to deep psychological and existential questions, it also brings him in contact with a woman trying to escape her abusive marriage, and soon, the two sides of the man collide in increasingly complicated ways. Besides Powell, the film also starsAdria Arjona,Austin Amelio,Retta,Molly Bernardand more.
Hit Manpremiered at the 2023 Venice International Film Festival, where it received near-universal acclaim, with praise for its romance, narrative, and performances. The movie is arguably Powell’s best one yet, showcasing the actor’s ability to believably slip into vastly different personas while retaining a sense of charm. Darkly comedic, philosophically deep, and wildly entertaining,Hit Manis easily one of 2024’s best comedies.
‘The Killer’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 6.7/10
The Killer
Based on the eponymous French graphic novel series written byAlexis “Matz” Nolentand illustrated byLuc Jacamon,The Killeris a 2023 action thriller film directed byDavid Fincherand written byAndrew Kevin Walker. The movie starsMichael Fassbenderas an unnamed assassin who seeks vengeance after a hit goes wrong, leading to violent consequences for those he cares about. The film also featuresArliss Howard,Charles Parnell,Kerry O’Malley,Sala Baker,Sophie Charlotte, andTilda Swintonin supporting roles.
The Killerpremiered at the 2023 Venice International Film Festival, where it received favorable reviews from critics. A character-driven movie with an intense psychological narrative, the film features a perfect performance by Fassbender, who brings a sense of menace and conviction to his inscrutable hitman. Further elevated by David Fincher’s unerringly stylish direction,The Killeris an enthralling actioner that flows from scene to scene with an air of inevitability.
‘The Old Guard’ (2020)
Rotten Tomatoes: 80% | IMDb: 6.7/10
The Old Guard
Directed byGina Prince-Bythewoodand written byGreg Rucka,The Old Guardis an action fantasy thriller based on Rucka’s eponymous graphic novel series. The film follows an ancient band of immortal warriors who discover that the secret of their existence has been leaked to an unknown source, making them fight to retain their freedom.CharlizeTheronleads the film’s ensemble cast, which also includesKiKi Layne,Matthias Schoenaerts,Marwan Kenzari,Luca Marinelli,Harry Melling,Veronica Ngo, andChiwetel Ejiofor.
The Old Guardpremiered on Netflix in 2020, quickly becoming one of the streamer’s most successful titles ever. The film received critical acclaim as well, with praise for its explosive action set-pieces and emotional depth. It’s a unique, thoughtful spin on the superhero movie genre, fulfilling the need for spectacle while also examining the psychological toll of violence.The Old Guardalso received a number of accolades, and asequel film has been completed, though its release date is yet to be announced.
‘Oldboy’ (2003)
Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 8.3/10
Directed and co-written byPark Chan-wook,Oldboyis a South Korean action-thriller loosely adapted from the eponymous Japanese manga written byGaron Tsuchiya. The film starsChoi Min-sikas a man who is imprisoned in a sealed hotel room for 15 years without knowing why he is there or who his captor is. When he is eventually released, he sets out on a quest for vengeance, complicated by an unexpected romance. The movie stars Choi Min-sik,Yoo Ji-tae,Kang Hye-jung, and more.
Oldboywas a critical and commercial success that also won a number of accolades, including the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. The movie has received great acclaim for its unfiltered emotional depth and intense action sequences, particularly its iconic single-shot corridor fight sequence that has inspired countless homages in films and shows in the years since its release. Widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time,Oldboy’s success also inspired amuch less successful American remakestarringJosh Brolinin 2013.
‘Extraction’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 67% | IMDb: 6.8/10
Extraction
Written byJoe Russoand directed bySam Hargravein his directorial debut,Extractionis an action-thriller film that starsChris Hemsworthas disillusioned Australian mercenary Tyler Rake. Adapted from the graphic novelCiudadbyAnde Parks, Joe Russo,Anthony Russo,Fernando León González, andEric Skillman, the movie follows Rake on a mission to rescue a young kidnapped boy in Dhaka, Bangladesh while fighting off attacks from gangsters and corrupt police. Besides Hemsworth, the movie also starsRudhraksh Jaiswal,Randeep Hooda,Priyanshu Painyuli,Golshifteh Farahani,Pankaj Tripathi, andDavid Harbour.
Extractionwas themost-streamed title on Netflixwhen it debuted in 2020, going on to become one of the streaming service’s most successful originals ever. While the film received mixed reviews from critics, the movie’s action sequences are undeniably spectacular, with a well-paced, blood-pumping storyline.Hemsworth delivers a solid lead performance in the lead role as well, but the focus of the movie is firmly on the violence. A sequel,Extraction 2, was released in 2023, and athird film in the seriesis currently in development.
‘21 Jump Street’ (2012)
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 7.2/10
21 Jump Street
Adapted from the eponymous TV show,21 Jump Streetis a buddy cop action comedy film written byJonah HillandMichael Bacalland directed byPhil LordandChristopher Millerin their live-action directorial debuts. Hill also stars in the movie alongsideChanning Tatum, withBrie Larson,Dave Franco,Rob Riggle,Ice Cube, and more in supporting roles. The film follows two young police officers who go undercover as high school students to bring down the supplier of a dangerous new synthetic drug.
21 Jump Streetpremiered at the 2012 SXSW festival and was both a critical and box-office success. A surprisingly self-aware satire of classic teen movies, the film is a fun laugh-out-loud comedy where the humor is decidedly low-brow, but the production is polished and well-delivered. Anchored by the chemistry between Hill and Tatum, the movie’s success led to a sequel,22 Jump Street, and a female-led spin-off has been in development since 2015.
‘Baby Driver’ (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 7.5/10
Baby Driver
Written and directed byEdgar Wright,Baby Driveris a heist action film that starsAnsel Elgortas a getaway driver with insane road skills and a love of great music. Despite trying to leave the life of crime, he’s coerced into working one last job when a crime boss threatens his girlfriend. Besides Elgort, the movie also starsLily James,Eiza Gonzalez,Jon Hamm,Jamie Foxx, andJon Bernthal.
Baby Driverpremiered at the 2017 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, where it received near-universal acclaim from reviewers. The movie was also a runaway success at the box office, with fans and critics praising the film’s direction, performances, action sequences, and pitch-perfect soundtrack.Baby Driverreceived numerous accolades, including nominations for three Academy Awards and a Golden Globe. A stylish, well-crafted thriller,Baby Driveris one hell of a ride. A sequel movie has been in the works for years now, with Wright announcing in 2021 that the script had been completed.
‘Triple Frontier’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 70% | IMDb: 6.5/10
Triple Frontier
Triple Frontieris an action-adventure film directed byJ.C. Chandor, who also co-wrote the script withMark Boal. Part military drama, part action-packed heist, the movie starsOscar Isaacas Santiago “Pope” Garcia, a former Special Forces agent-turned-private military advisor who gets his old crew back together to rob a powerful drug lord. Besides Isaac, the film also starsBen Affleck,Charlie Hunnam,Pedro Pascal,Garrett Hedlund,Adria Arjona, and more.
Triple Frontierpremiered in 2019 and received largely positive reviews from critics, with significant praise for its direction, performances, and script. While the film’s narrative can be a bit uneven, the movie shows surprising emotional intelligence, looking beyond the explosions and thrilling heist scenes to explore the true cost of unrelenting greed. While it does that,Triple Frontieralso presents enough heart-pounding action to keep you engaged from start to finish and an excellent soundtrack composed byDisasterpeace.
