33 Best Action Movies on Netflix You Should Watch

At times, high-flying action, supersonic moves, and killer punches seem to be more pleasing to the eyes than incredibly scary horror or brainless comedy. That’s why Netflix offers a ton of action-packed flicks, ensuring that you always stay on the edge of your couch. But just in case your hunt for an exciting action movie is yet not complete, this comprehensive roundup of the best action movies on Netflix has got you fully covered with a great mix of several different ingredients. So, are you game for the blockbuster action movies on Netflix? Let’s check them out.

Whether you have an unbridled love for action-thrillers or enjoy superhero flicks to the fullest, chances are pretty high that you would find quite a few films that may look bang on for your specific taste. And oh, I have also included some wildcards to ensure the lineup remains unpredictable. Also, if you are a movie buff like us, don’t forget to check our other roundups for Netflix movies.

Note: Though all the action movies mentioned below are available in the USA, some of them may not be currently streaming in other countries like India, UK, Canada, and Australia. So, please do not be disappointed when the checkout link doesn’t offer you the desired result. One more thing worth noting is that the ratings of Rotten Tomatoes have been mentioned in the formats of Tomatometer and Audience Score. 

1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

What better way to kickstart this long roundup than putting one of the best superhero films “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” right at the top? Starring Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, and Hailee Steinfeld, this animated feature film is full of action. The entire plot revolves around the teen Miles Morales who becomes a charismatic Spider-Man to stop a threat to all realities. If you have a liking for an animated feature film, this Academy Award winner flick will charm you no end.

• IMDb: 8.5
• Rotten Tomato: 97% / 93%

Check out Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse on Netflix 

2. The Fate of the Furious (2017)

“The Fate of the Furious” aka Fast & Furious 8 is primed for the movie buffs who never seem to get enough of high-flying action flicks. Featuring big names like Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, and Jason Statham, the F8 is undoubtedly one of the best action movies on Netflix right now. Dom (Vin Diesel) comes across a mysterious woman who gets him involved in the world of terrorism. The entire crew has to get together to not only stop the woman but also save Dom from disaster.

• IMDb: 6.7
• Rotten Tomato: 67% / 72%

Check out Fast & Furious 8 on Netflix 

3. The Incredibles Duology (2008 & 2018)

Produced by Pixar Animation, The Incredibles Duology is a gem for folks who have a huge penchant for superhero movies. The film stars Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, and Sarah Vowell in the lead roles. As the public’s faith in superheroes has seemingly gone down, Helen is given the responsibility to restore it at all hazards. And for that, the champ will have to catch the supervillain. Sounds pretty intriguing, doesn’t it?

• IMDb: 7.7
• Rotten Tomato: 94% / 85%

Check out Incredibles Part 1 and Part 2 on Netflix

4. The Age of Shadows (2016)

I am a big fan of action-thriller films. And believe me, “The Age of Shadows” has impressed me a lot due mainly to the immaculate acting and gripping plot. In this South Korean period action thriller, you would love to watch Korean resistance fighters also knowns as the heroic corps. Both Song Kang-ho and Gong Yoo performed exceedingly well. No wonder, the movie has taken home several awards including the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Leading Actor.

• IMDb: 7.1
• Rotten Tomato: 100% / 82%

Check out The Age of Shadows on Netflix

5. Black Panther (2018)

Based on the Marvel Comics character, “Black Panther” is a treat to watch. Directed by  Ryan Coogler, this superhero movie features Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa in an action-filled avatar. After the demise of his father, T’Challa decides to come back to Wakanda to inherit the throne. But his return triggers a huge tug of war with a mighty enemy. Will the powerful enemy destroy both him and his beloved nation? Well, to discover this very interesting tale, you will have to kickstart the flick.

• IMDb: 7.3
• Rotten Tomato: 97% / 79%

Check out Black Panther on Netflix 

6. Batman Begins (2005)

As a superhero film, “Batman Begins” epitomizes the gold standard. The movie is based on the DC Comics character Batman and stars notable names like Christian Bale, Michael Caine, and Liam Neeson. After witnessing the unfortunate death of his parents, Bruce decides to master the art of fighting to battle against injustice. But when he returns to Gotham as Batman, he faces huge challenges. Will he be able to accomplish his goal?

• IMDb: 8.2
• Rotten Tomato: 84% / 94%

Check out Batman Begins on Netflix 

7. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

There are very few films that have an as everlasting impact as “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. This wuxia film is based on a Chinese novel by Wang Dulu and features Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, and Chang Chen in the defining roles. Master Li offers his jade sword to his beloved but unfortunately, it’s stolen. Will he be able to ever get back this charismatic sword? Unwind this Academy Award winner for Best International Feature Film to discover that fascinating story!

• IMDb: 7.9
• Rotten Tomato: 97% / 86%

Check out Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon on Netflix 

8. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

Should you wish to indulge yourself with an epic space-opera film, go for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” as it’s got all the ingredients to spice up your movie watching. It is the second installment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy and boasts an ensemble cast including Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and more. Rey is willing to master the ways of the Jedi under the guidance of Luke Skywalker to empower the Resistance’s war against the First Order. Will Rey’s ambition ever be fulfilled?

• IMDb: 7.1
• Rotten Tomato: 91% / 44%

Check out Star Wars: The Last Jedi on Netflix 

9. Wanted (2008)

If you are hunting for a pretty good action thriller film, I would recommend you to give a chance to “Wanted”. Starring James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, and Terence Stamp, the film has got a solid story backed by adorable acting. The plot revolves around a dejected account manager called Wesley Gibson (McAvoy), who comes to know that he is the son of a professional assassin. What happens next? Unwrap this movie to find out the whole story.

• IMDb: 6.7
• Rotten Tomato: 71% / 69%

Check out Wanted  on Netflix 

10. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

Directed by Peyton Reed, Ant-Man and the Wasp is a sequel to Ant-Man (2015). The superhero film is based on the Marvel Comics characters Scott Lang / Ant-Man and Hope van Dyne / Wasp. It stars Rudd as Scott Lang and Evangeline Lilly as Van Dyne in the lead roles. Besides, it also includes Michael Peña, Walton Goggins, and Bobby Cannavale in notable roles. The movie was a huge critical and commercial success thanks largely to the action-packed scenes and humor. Moreover, the Rudd and Lilly’s performances were also highly praised. Long story short, if you are a fan of superhero flick, you shouldn’t miss out on this one.

• IMDb: 7.1
• Rotten Tomato: 88% / 75%

Check out Ant-Man and the Wasp on Netflix (Will leave Netflix on 29th July)

11. Layer Cake (2004)

When there is a fabulous blend of crime and action, you get a film like “Layer Cake”. Daniel Craig as always excels and so does his adorable acting. The film is about the life of a drug dealer whose much-awaited retirement plan suddenly comes to a halt when he is compelled to save the daughter of a noted businessman. But his task is not going to be a cakewalk as a lot of unexpected obstacles await him. Not to mention the romance that seems to bring plenty of spice into the play.

• IMDb: 7.3
• Rotten Tomato: 80% / 85%

Check out Layer Cake on Netflix

12. The Dark Knight (2008)

If you have loved watching “Batman Begins”, you would really enjoy catching up with “The Dark Night” which is the sequel to the former. “Christian Bale” has looked rock-solid as Batman. Just when the protagonist thinks that the long-awaited peace has eventually arrived in Gotham City, an incredibly powerful criminal comes to the scene out of nowhere, throwing the entire town into chaos. Can Batman rescue the town one more time?

• IMDb: 9
• Rotten Tomato: 94% / 94%

Check out The Dark Night on Netflix

13. Fearless (2006)

Simply put, “Fearless” is a magnificent Chinese-Hong Kong martial arts film. Following a terrible tragedy, a martial artist (Jet Li) decides to live in a remote village for peace. However, once he goes back to the city, he gets entangled in a duel to the death in order to safeguard the honor of China. What will be his fate?

• IMDb: 7.7
• Rotten Tomato: 73% / 86%

Check out Fearless on Netflix

14. Body of Lies (2008)

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role, “Body of Lies” is the sort of action-thriller film which you would relish watching. The movie is about a CIA agent who gets a lead on a major terrorist leader and decides to catch him alive. But things don’t go as per his plan and he subsequently finds himself in deep trouble. Find out what happens to his mission and where his goal takes him!

• IMDb: 7.1
• Rotten Tomato: 55% / 62%

Check out Body of Lies on Netflix

15. Bright (2017)

Will Smith never fails to impress us with his brilliant acting and fun-loving persona. Well, “Bright” is the one such movie where Smith has looked in his true mettle. So, if you are fond of his acting, keep this urban fantasy crime film on your radar. Talking about the plot, two police officers (one a human and the other an orc) go for a usual night patrol where they come across an unexpected incident.

• IMDb: 6.4
• Rotten Tomato: 26% / 84%

Check out Bright on Netflix

16. Hellboy (2019)

“Hellboy” is a unique superhero film based on the Dark Horse Comics character. I have personally liked “David Harbour” in the title role as he is able to deliver pretty good acting. Caught between the world of supernatural and human, Hellboy is up against an ancient sorceress. The entire movie may turn out to be a good watch if you decide to let your heart rule the way.

• IMDb: 5.3
• Rotten Tomato: 18% / 55%

Check out Hellboy on Netflix

17. The Next Three Days (2010)

A thriller film as impressive as “The Next Three Days” deserves a mention in this lineup. The movie is actually a remake of the 2008 French film Pour elle which means “Anything for Her”. The plot follows a woman who is arrested for killing her boss. Despite being innocent, she is sent to jail for years. But when her life seems to be completely helpless, her husband decides to take on the villains.

• IMDb: 7.4
• Rotten Tomato: 51% / 66%

Check out The Next Three Days on Netflix 

18. Killer Elite (2011)

When it comes to action, very few heroes can deliver punches as effortlessly as Jason Statham. His “Killer Elite” action-thriller movie is based on the 1991 novel The Feather Men by Sir Ranulph Fiennes. In this movie, Jason is playing the role of a retired assassin who is on a mission to rescue his mentor who has been captured. Though the story does seem to be a little predictable, the superb action of Jason Statham will keep your interest alive till the end.

• IMDb: 6.5
• Rotten Tomato: 26% / 42%

Check out Killer Elite on Netflix 

19. Beyond Skyline (2017)

If you are in the mood to try out a post-apocalyptic science fiction film, “Beyond Skyline” would be worth consideration. The movie shows Frank Grillo, Bojana Novakovic, and Iko Uwais in the main roles. It is about a detective called “Mark Corley” who is on a mission to rescue his estranged son and also encounters an extremely dangerous alien invasion. With commendable action and appreciable acting, the movie is more than fine to pass your acid test.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2w1HMGaqFM

• IMDb: 5.3
• Rotten Tomato: 63% / 37%

Check out Beyond Skyline on Netflix 

20. The Avengers (2012)

Time to call the superheroes including Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, and Captain America to save the planet earth from destruction! If you are toying with the idea of watching all the top superheroes in their best form, you should look no further than ” The Avengers”. As Loki is hell-bent on eliminating the earth, the saviors have to give their utmost to restore the peace. However, their path awaits tons of unexpected challenges that can completely throw their strategy out of the circuit.

• IMDb: 8.1
• Rotten Tomato: 92% / 91%

Check out The Avengers on Netflix (will leave Netflix on 29th June)

21. Oblivion (2013)

Though Tom Cruise has starred in several memorable films, I liked him a lot in “Oblivion” because of his commendable acting. If you also admire him, you shouldn’t miss out on this one. In this science-fiction thriller film, you will watch Tom as a daring drone repairman who begins to question his own identity after meeting a mysterious woman. The film also includes Olga Kurylenko, Morgan Freeman,  Andrea Riseborough, and Melissa Leo in important roles.

• IMDb: 7
• Rotten Tomato: 53% / 61%

Check out Oblivion on Netflix 

22. Colombiana (2011)

What makes “Colombiana” a fine bet is the praiseworthy acting of Zoe Saldana. In this French action thriller, you will watch the story of a woman called Cataleya who witnesses the brutal murder of her parents’ death as a child and vows to destroy the villains. However, her path filled with blood and assassination is never going to be easy and may even put her life in danger.

• IMDb: 6.4
• Rotten Tomato: 28% / 67%

Check out Oblivion on Netflix 

23. Furie (2019)

Well, I have specifically saved “Furie” for Netflix users who have a huge penchant for martial arts. In this Vietnamese martial arts film featuring Veronica Ngo, Cát Vy, and Phan Thanh Nhiên, you would relish martial arts in the purest form. The plot follows a woman whose daughter is kidnapped by traffickers. Being extremely vengeful, she unleashes all her might to eliminate the villains. But the only question is will she be able to make a match with the powerful traffickers?

• IMDb: 6.5
• Rotten Tomato: 94% / 90%

Check out Furie on Netflix 

24. Revenge (2017)

How about mixing some horror into action? “Revenge” is a top-notch action-horror film starring Matilda Lutz and Kevin Janssens in pivotal roles. It’s about a young woman who is enjoying a romantic getaway with her boyfriend. Suddenly, she is attacked, beaten black and blue, and left for dead. When she finally recovers, will she forget the incident or take revenge?

• IMDb: 6.3
• Rotten Tomato: 93% / 56%

Check out Revenge on Netflix 

25. The Iceman (2012)

What a nice way to wrap up this extensive roster by including “The Iceman” which happens to be a biographical crime thriller movie based on the real-life of the notorious Richard Kuklinski. In this film, Michael Shannon has donned the role of Richard Kuklinski who has killed more than a hundred people for pleasure. Will his brutality be ever exposed and punished? Though the story picks up a bit slowly, you would soon find yourself entangled in the gripping of the plot.

• IMDb: 6.8
• Rotten Tomato: 67% / 62%

Check out The Iceman on Netflix 

26. Bad Boys (1995)

For all those Will Smith fans looking for a movie with a great mix of action and comedy, Bad Boys could be a showstopper. Yeah, you read that right! Directed by Michael Bay, the movie proved to be a huge commercial success despite getting mixed reviews and even acquiring a cult status. Moreover, the flick also kickstarted the Bad Boys trilogy that includes two sequels such as Bad Boys 2 (2003) and Bad Boys for Life (2020). Talking about the story, it’s about the two friends Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) and Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) who are Miami detectives investigating $100 million of seized Mafia heroin. It’s how they crack the mystery that forms the core of this action-comedy.

• IMDb: 6.9
• Rotten Tomato: 43% / 78%

Check out Bad Boys on Netflix 

27. BuyBust (2018)

Co-written and directed by Erik Matti, BuyBust has received favorable critical acclaim for the social commentary on the controversial Philippine Drug War. The Philippine action-thriller features an ensemble cast including Anne Curtis, Brandon Vera, Victor Neri, and Arjo Atayde. Regarding the plot, it follows a team that has been tasked to conduct a drug bust in a Manila slum. Unfortunately, the entire team falls prey to a trap by evil settlers. It’s how they get out of the trap that makes BuyBust a must-watch for the lovers of action thrillers.

• IMDb: 5.8
• Rotten Tomato: 82% / 67%

Check out BuyBust on Netflix 

28. Cloverfield (2008)

If you have set your sight on a monster film with a good mix of action, I would recommend you to check out Cloverfield. The movie has been directed by Matt Reeves and stars notable actors like Michael Stahl-David, Odette Yustman, T.J. Miller, and Jessica Lucas. The plot is centered around five young New York residents who are fleeing from a dreading monster. As for commercial success, Cloverfield received positive reviews and grossed a whopping $172 million worldwide at the box office against a measure of $25 million budget.

• IMDb: 7
• Rotten Tomato: 77% / 68%

Check out Cloverfield  on Netflix 

29. Den of Thieves (2018)

Den of Thieves aka Criminal Squad is an action-crime film starring Gerard Butler, Pablo Schreiber, and O’Shea Jackson Jr. The plot revolves around a group of County Sheriff Deputies who have been tasked to stop a gang of thieves from robbing the Federal Reserve in Los Angeles. Though the movie received mixed reviews, it did pretty well at the box office grossing $80 worldwide. Thanks to the commercial success, the sequel to the movie has also been announced.

• IMDb: 7
• Rotten Tomato: 41% / 62%

Check out Den of Thieves on Netflix 

30. Avengement (2019)

If full-fledged action flicks drive your fancy, Avengement could be a big hit for you. The British action film has been directed by Jesse V. Johnson and stars Scott Adkins, Craig Fairbrass, and Thomas Turgoose in the lead roles. The story revolves around Cain Burgess who is an exceptionally talented martial artist but has a very bad temper. And it’s this hot temper that often puts him in dangerous situations. Though the story isn’t quite gripping, it’s the screenplay that holds everything together.

• IMDb: 6.5
• Rotten Tomato: 83% / 67%

Check out Avengement  on Netflix 

31. Triple Frontier (2019)

In this movie, five former members of the Special Forces decide to work together once more in order to pull off a huge robbery and overthrow a South American drug lord. It has a number of superstars including Ben Affleck, Charlie Hunnam, Pedro Pascal, Oscar Isaac, and others. Even if it’s not one of the best movies, you’ll still enjoy the action-packed journey. It is a must-watch if you’re a huge fan of the stars in this movie.

• IMDb: 6.4
• Rotten Tomato: 70% / 58%

Check out Triple Frontier  on Netflix 

32. The Gray Man (2022)

The Gray Man was one of the most anticipated action movies of 2022, largely because of its cast. Several of our favorite actors and actresses, like Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, and Ana de Armas, as well as our favorite Indian hero Dhanush, were all featured in this film. While the film may not have won over the critics, the fans were undoubtedly captivated by the thrilling action.

• IMDb: 6.5
• Rotten Tomato: 46% / 90%

Check out The Gray Man  on Netflix 

33. The Mission Impossible Collection (1996 – )

The Mission Impossible franchise is one of the greatest franchises to be ever created in the world of cinema. Our legend Tom Cruise has been delivering top-notch MI movies with incredible action and solid plots for more than two decades now. It is easily a must-watch for all action and spy movie lovers. All the films are wonderfully entertaining and leave your mind blown. With the next installment in the franchise coming up this July, it is now the right time for a rewatch of all the films as well as the newbies can start watching it.

Check out The Mission Impossible Collection on Netflix