In the wide world of Netflix, action fans are always searching for thrilling movies to get their hearts racing. Here, we put together a list of the best action movies ever, ranging from explosive blockbusters to hidden gems. These films promise to take viewers on a rollercoaster ride, packed with excitement, jaw-dropping stunts, and heart-pounding moments.
Get ready for a diverse selection of intense showdowns, epic battles, and gripping stories that have left a lasting impact on the action movie scene. Whether you’re in the mood for superhero adventures, mind-bending sci-fi, or classic tales of vengeance, this handpicked list guarantees an exciting journey through the good action movies to watch. So, grab your popcorn, turn down the lights, and get set for a movie marathon filled with non-stop thrills and cinematic greatness, all from the comfort of your living room.
Table of Contents
20 best action movies on Netflix
The Big 4 (2022)
Cast: Abimana Aryasatya as Topan, Putri Marino as Dina, Lutesha as Alpha, Arie Kriting as Jenggo, Kristo Immanuel as Pelor
Directed by Timo Tjahjanto
If you’ve seen “The Night Comes for Us,” you’ll likely remember it because director Timo Tjahjanto is known for his intense and unique action scenes. In late 2022, he returned with a Netflix original called “The Big 4.” The film follows a group of assassins compelled to act when their mentor is killed. Think of it as a live-action version of Looney Tunes, but with bazookas. It is the best action movies ever.
The Batman (2022)
Cast: Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne, Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle, Jeffrey Wright as Lt. James Gordon, Colin Farrell as Oz, Paul Dano as The Riddler
Directed by Matt Reeves
In March 2022, director Matt Reeves took charge of the Dark Knight saga with “The Batman,” a blockbuster action film. The sequel has already been announced. Initially released in theaters, it’s now available on HBO Max and other streaming platforms. The movie is a bold reboot of the iconic superhero, featuring impressive craftsmanship from Reeves and captivating performances by Robert Pattinson, Zoe Kravitz, Paul Dano, and more. It is the best action movie you should never ignore.
Desperado (1995)
Cast: Antonio Banderas as El Mariachi, Salma Hayek as Carolina, Joaquim de Almeida as Bucho, Cheech Marin as Short Bartender, Steve Buscemi as Buscemi
Directed by Robert Rodriguez
Coming right after the do-it-yourself indie hit “El Mariachi,” Robert Rodriguez took things up a notch with a larger budget in this 1995 action film. Antonio Banderas plays the lead role as a musician seeking revenge against a drug lord who killed his lover. The movie also marks a breakthrough performance by Salma Hayek. Consider it, as it is one of the best action movies on Netflix.
Bullet Train (2022)
Cast: Brad Pitt as Ladybug, Joey King as Prince, Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Tangerine, Brian Tyree Henry as Lemon, Andrew Koji as Kimura
Directed by David Leitch
This movie gained more popularity on Netflix after its December 2022 release, consistently ranking in the top ten for weeks. It’s the ideal choice when you want to unwind for a couple of hours. Starring Brad Pitt as an assassin, the story unfolds on a train filled with other assassins, leading to the expected dose of violence. It’s a fun and somewhat silly film that fits perfectly into the Netflix vibe. If you are looking for the best action movies of all time, consider them.
Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
Cast: Alexander Skarsgård as Nathan Lind, Millie Bobby Brown as Madison Russell, Rebecca Hall as Ilene Andrews, Brian Tyree Henry as Bernie Hayes, Shun Oguri
Directed by Adam Wingard
Adam Wingard, known for “The Guest,” directs this ultimate showdown between the iconic monsters Godzilla and Kong. With a playful and gleeful approach, Wingard brings B-movie vibes to an A-budget project, making it consistently ridiculous but incredibly fun. The film understands the need for larger-than-life escapism, delivering an entertaining experience that truly grasps the assignment. Go for it because it is one of the good action movies on Netflix.
Dune (2021)
Cast: Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica , Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto Atreides, Jason Momoa as Duncan
Directed by Denis Villeneuve
In 2021, Denis Villeneuve, known for his smart blockbusters, released an acclaimed adaptation of Frank Herbert’s novels. “Dune” premiered on HBO Max and in theaters, quickly gaining massive worldwide acclaim and success. Timothée Chalamet stars in this sci-fi epic, which won six Oscars in 2021, making it the most-awarded film of the year. The second part of the story was delayed to 2024 due to a strike, but the first half is available on Netflix to ease the wait.
Gladiator (2000)
Cast: Russell Crowe as Maximus, Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus, Connie Nielsen as Lucilla, Oliver Reed as Proximo, Richard Harris as Marcus Aurelius
Directed by Ridley Scott
This film, the first Best Picture winner of the new millennium, is a beloved period action classic. Russell Crowe delivers his most iconic performance as Maximus, a Roman general whose family is murdered by the ruthless ruler Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Forced into slavery, Maximus becomes a gladiator, fighting in arenas for a chance at ultimate revenge.
Heat (1995)
Cast: Al Pacino as Lt. Vincent Hanna, Robert De Niro as Neil McCauley, Val Kilmer as Chris Shiherlis, Jon Voight as Nate, Tom Sizemore as Michael Cheritto
Directed by Michael Mann
Let’s talk about one of the best movies from the ’90s featuring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. It’s a gripping cat-and-mouse game between a seasoned criminal and a relentless cop. Even after nearly three decades, “Heat” has stood the test of time and is considered a masterpiece. The release of “Heat 2” in 2022 brought many viewers back to this classic.
The Harder They Fall (2021)
Cast: Jonathan Majors as Nat Love, Zazie Beetz as Mary Fields, RJ Cyler as Jim Beckwourth, Edi Gathegi as Bill Pickett, Chase Dillon as Young Nat
Directed by Jeymes Samuel
In late 2021, “The Harder They Fall” came and went too quickly, but it’s a gem that deserves a larger audience on Netflix. Jonathan Majors leads this stylish Western, packed with attitude, memorable characters, and brilliant set pieces. With an incredible cast including Idris Elba, Zazie Beetz, Regina King, Delroy Lindo, Lakeith Stanfield, and Danielle Deadwyler, this film is destined to become a classic as its stellar cast solidifies its status as an acting legend.
Hardcore Henry (2015)
Cast: Sharlto Copley as Jimmy, Danila Kozlovsky as Akan, Haley Bennett as Estelle, Tim Roth as Henry’s Father, Andrei Dementiev as Slick Dmitry
Directed by Ilya Naishuller
If you’ve ever wished for a movie that feels like playing a first-person shooter video game, “Hardcore Henry” is the one for you. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, the plot takes a back seat to the adrenaline-pumping lunacy of the first-person perspective. Strap in for an exercise in style as the increasingly powerful hero takes on enemies in this unique cinematic experience.
Public Enemies (2009)
Cast: Johnny Depp as John Dillinger, Christian Bale as Melvin Purvis, Marion Cotillard as Billie Frechette, Billy Crudup as J. Edgar Hoover, Stephen Dorff as Homer Van Meter
Directed by Michael Mann
Let’s start with a film from 2009 where the great director Michael Mann focused on the American mob’s history. “Public Enemies” tells the story of John Dillinger (Johnny Depp) and the FBI agent (Christian Bale) chasing him across the Midwest. Shot on digital, some missed the film’s greatness due to its unique look. It’s an underrated big-budget epic that’s worth another watch, offering plenty to admire in the world of cinema history.
The Killer (2023)
Cast: Michael Fassbender as The Killer, Tilda Swinton as The Expert, Charles Parnell as The Lawyer – Hodges, Arliss Howard as The Client – Claybourne, Kerry O’Malley
Directed by David Fincher
Jumping ahead to 2023, we have a film directed by the talented David Fincher. In “The Killer,” Michael Fassbender delivers his best performance in years as an icy hired assassin dealing with the aftermath of a job gone wrong. The movie explores the life of a self-proclaimed perfectionist, adding humor and thrills to the mix. It’s considered one of the best films of 2023, offering a compelling and alternately hysterical and thrilling experience. You should watch it as it is one of the best new action movies.
RRR (2022)
Cast: N.T. Rama Rao Jr. as Komaram Bheem, Ram Charan as Alluri Sitarama Raju, Ajay Devgn as Venkata Rama Raju, Alia Bhatt as Sita, Olivia Morris as Jennifer
Directed by S.S. Rajamouli
Let’s start with a blockbuster from 2022 that gained massive popularity, especially in the United States after landing on Netflix. “RRR” is an action-packed film that’s hard to define in just one category. It’s a mix of everything – musical, romance, comedy, action, drama. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it in this movie. It’s the kind of film that you might want to watch more than once to catch all the elements. RRR is one of the best netflix action movies.
The Raid 2 (2014)
Cast: Iko Uwais as Rama, Yayan Ruhian as Prakoso, Arifin Putra as Uco, Oka Antara as Eka, Tio Pakusadewo as Bangun
Directed by Gareth Evans
Now, let’s talk about a fantastic action movie from a few years back. Gareth Evans took everything he did in his breakthrough hit, “The Raid,” and cranked it up to 11 in “The Raid 2.” If you love incredible action choreography, unbroken takes, and physics-defying stunts, this film is for you. It’s considered one of the best action movies of the last decade, delivering a thrilling experience from start to finish.
The Raid (2011)
Cast: Iko Uwais as Rama, Ananda George as Ari, Ray Sahetapy as Tama, Donny Alamsyah as Andi, Joe Taslim as Jaka
Directed by Gareth Evans
Branded sometimes as “The Raid: Redemption,” this is simply one of the best action movies from the 2010s. It’s as fast-paced as a speeding bullet, following a police squad trapped in a building controlled by a ruthless drug lord. The entire building becomes a deadly gauntlet, making it a must-watch for action movie enthusiasts.
Triple Frontier (2019)
Cast: Ben Affleck as Tom ‘Redfly’ Davis, Oscar Isaac as Santiago ‘Pope’ Garcia, Charlie Hunnam as William ‘Ironhead’ Miller, Garrett Hedlund as Ben Miller
Directed by J.C. Chandor
Let’s begin with a Netflix original from early 2019 that often doesn’t get the credit it deserves. Written by Mark Boal (known for “The Hurt Locker”) and directed by J.C. Chandor (who directed “Margin Call”), “Triple Frontier” features a fantastic ensemble cast including Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Garrett Hedlund, and Pedro Pascal. The story revolves around a group of former U.S. soldiers attempting a heist in South America. It’s a classic action movie with a stellar modern cast.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
Cast: Shameik Moore as Miles Morales, Hailee Steinfeld as Gwen Stacy, Brian Tyree Henry as Jeff Morales, Luna Lauren Velez as Rio Morales, Jake Johnson as Peter
Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson
This one is a treat for Netflix subscribers, arriving on the platform shortly after its theater release and Blu-ray launch. “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” sets a high standard for big-budget blockbuster sequels. It not only develops the themes of the first movie but also lays the groundwork for what seems to be one of the best trilogies in superhero history. Packed with creativity and detail, it’s the kind of film you’ll want to enjoy repeatedly.
Snowpiercer” (2013)
Cast: Chris Evans as Curtis, Jamie Bell as Edgar, Tilda Swinton as Mason, Ed Harris as Wilford, Song Kang-ho as Namgoong Minsoo
Directed by Bong Joon-ho
Before winning an Oscar for “Parasite,” Bong Joon-ho created a hit with the 2013 sci-fi action flick “Snowpiercer.” Starring Chris Evans, Song Kang-ho, Tilda Swinton, Octavia Spencer, and John Hurt, the film serves as a brilliant allegory for society. Set on a train divided into classes, it depicts a revolt of the oppressed. With striking visuals and ambitious storytelling, “Snowpiercer” continues to gain esteem, especially now that Bong Joon-ho is a famous name. Watch this best action movie on Netflix now.
Skyfall (2012)
Cast: Daniel Craig as James Bond, Javier Bardem as Silva, Naomie Harris as Eve, Judi Dench as M, Ralph Fiennes as Gareth Mallory
Directed by Sam Mendes
As the Daniel Craig era of James Bond comes to a close, it’s a good time to appreciate his entire run, with “Skyfall” arguably standing out as the centerpiece. Directed by Sam Mendes and beautifully shot by Roger Deakins, the film delves into the history of 007. Featuring a compelling villain performance by Javier Bardem and excellent supporting work from Albert Finney and Judi Dench, “Skyfall” is a cinematic masterpiece. Skyfall is one of the famous and best action movies on Netflix.
Silverado (1985)
Cast: Kevin Kline as Paden, Scott Glenn as Emmett, Kevin Costner as Jake, Danny Glover as Malachi ‘Mal’, Rosanna Arquette as Hannah
Directed by Lawrence Kasdan
Now, let’s talk about one of the best Westerns from the ’80s, directed by the great Lawrence Kasdan. “Silverado” boasts a rock-star ensemble of young actors from the ’80s, including Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Danny Glover, and Kevin Costner. The movie is still a smart, funny Western that has stood the test of time thanks to an incredible cast. Silverado is one of the best action movies that you will enjoy.
