Looking for heart-pounding thrills without leaving your couch? Netflix’s action movie collection delivers explosive entertainment with just a few clicks. From high-octane car chases to martial arts mayhem, the streaming giant has become a go-to destination for adrenaline junkies seeking their next fix.
Whether it’s watching Chris Hemsworth battle bad guys in Extraction or witnessing Charlize Theron kick butt in The Old Guard, Netflix’s original action films have revolutionized how viewers consume action-packed content. With budgets rivaling traditional Hollywood blockbusters and A-list stars jumping on board, these movies prove that streaming platforms can deliver big-screen excitement right to your living room.
Best Action Movies on Netflix Right Now
Netflix’s action movie catalog features blockbuster hits alongside exclusive original productions. These films combine high-octane thrills with cutting-edge special effects to create memorable viewing experiences.
New Action Film Releases
Netflix added several action-packed titles in 2023, expanding its already impressive collection. Heart of Stone starring Gal Gadot delivers international espionage across breathtaking locations. Extraction 2 brings Chris Hemsworth back for intense combat sequences in snow-covered terrain. They Cloned Tyrone combines action with sci-fi elements featuring John Boyega in a genre-bending adventure. The Mother showcases Jennifer Lopez as an ex-military operative protecting her daughter through pulse-pounding combat scenes.
Hidden Action Movie Gems
Lesser-known action films on Netflix pack substantial entertainment value. Wheelman presents a minimalist thriller following a getaway driver trapped in his car during a heist gone wrong. Close features Noomi Rapace as a counter-terrorism expert protecting a wealthy heiress through intense hand-to-hand combat sequences. Sentinelle offers a French revenge thriller with martial arts expert Olga Kurylenko. The Night Comes for Us delivers Indonesian martial arts action with brutal fight choreography rarely seen in Western films. ARQ combines time-loop mechanics with action elements in a unique sci-fi setting.
Popular Netflix Original Action Films

Netflix’s original action films combine A-list talent with blockbuster production values. The streaming platform invests millions in creating high-octane action content that rivals traditional theatrical releases.
Star-Studded Action Blockbusters
“Extraction” starring Chris Hemsworth features intense combat sequences across Bangladesh’s urban landscape. “The Old Guard” showcases Charlize Theron leading an immortal team of mercenaries through centuries of warfare. “6 Underground” pairs Ryan Reynolds with director Michael Bay for explosive set pieces across global locations. “Triple Frontier” unites Ben Affleck Oscar Isaac in a military heist drama set in South America. “Red Notice” brings together Dwayne Johnson Gal Gadot Ryan Reynolds in a globe-trotting adventure with a $200 million budget.
International Action Movies
“The Night Comes for Us” delivers Indonesian martial arts action with brutal fight choreography. “Space Sweepers” presents South Korean sci-fi action with spectacular space battles visual effects. “Lost Bullet” offers French automotive action with practical stunt work high-speed chases. “Carter” demonstrates Korean single-take action sequences through innovative cinematography. “Blood Red Sky” combines German action horror elements in a unique airplane hijacking narrative. These international titles showcase diverse action styles storytelling approaches from global filmmakers.
Title | Budget (USD) | Lead Star | Release Year |
---|---|---|---|
Red Notice | 200M | Dwayne Johnson | 2021 |
Extraction | 65M | Chris Hemsworth | 2020 |
The Old Guard | 70M | Charlize Theron | 2020 |
6 Underground | 150M | Ryan Reynolds | 2019 |
Triple Frontier | 115M | Ben Affleck | 2019 |
Must-Watch Action Movie Franchises
Netflix hosts an extensive collection of action movie franchises that deliver non-stop thrills across multiple installments. These series offer extended storylines with recurring characters engaging in increasingly spectacular action sequences.
Superhero Action Collections
Marvel’s cinematic offerings on Netflix include multiple entries from the Thor franchise starring Chris Hemsworth delivering thunderous action sequences. The platform features DC Comics adaptations like “Batman Begins” “The Dark Knight” showcasing Christian Bale’s iconic portrayal of the caped crusader. Netflix Original “The Umbrella Academy” presents three seasons of superhero drama featuring powered siblings protecting the world from apocalyptic threats. The streaming service also carries “The Old Guard” franchise starring Charlize Theron leading immortal warriors through centuries of combat.
Classic Action Series
The “Fast & Furious” saga brings high-octane car chases spanning nine main entries with spin-offs like “Hobbs & Shaw.” Netflix streams multiple “Mission: Impossible” films featuring Tom Cruise performing death-defying stunts as IMF agent Ethan Hunt. The “John Wick” series starring Keanu Reeves delivers stylized combat choreography across its available chapters. “The Expendables” collection unites action legends Sylvester Stallone Arnold Schwarzenegger Jason Statham in explosive team-ups. The “Ip Man” quadrilogy showcases Donnie Yen’s masterful martial arts performances depicting the legendary Wing Chun grandmaster.
Top-Rated Action Movie Directors on Netflix
Michael Bay brings explosive spectacle to Netflix with “6 Underground,” showcasing his signature high-octane style with a $150 million budget. Sam Hargrave elevated action choreography in “Extraction” through innovative long-take sequences featuring Chris Hemsworth.
Gina Prince-Bythewood directs “The Old Guard” with a distinct vision, combining supernatural elements with grounded combat scenes. Chad Stahelski demonstrates his martial arts expertise in “John Wick” chapters available on the platform.
Notable action directors on Netflix include:
- Joe Russo & Anthony Russo – “The Gray Man” featuring Ryan Gosling
- J.J. Perry – “Day Shift” starring Jamie Foxx
- Gareth Evans – “The Night Comes for Us”
- Patrick Hughes – “Red Notice” with Dwayne Johnson
- Peter Berg – “Spenser Confidential” starring Mark Wahlberg
Director | Notable Netflix Film | Budget (Million USD) |
---|---|---|
Michael Bay | 6 Underground | 150 |
Russo Brothers | The Gray Man | 200 |
Sam Hargrave | Extraction | 65 |
Patrick Hughes | Red Notice | 200 |
Peter Berg | Spenser Confidential | 87 |
- Michael Bay – Dynamic camera movements with rapid editing
- Sam Hargrave – Practical stunts with immersive cinematography
- Gina Prince-Bythewood – Character-driven action sequences
- Russo Brothers – Large-scale set pieces with ensemble casts
- Patrick Hughes – Comedy-infused action scenes
Action Subgenres Worth Streaming
Netflix’s action catalog features diverse subgenres that cater to specific audience preferences. Each category delivers unique thrills through specialized combat styles battles sequences entertainment formats.
Military and War Films
Military action films on Netflix blend historical accuracy with intense combat sequences. “Da 5 Bloods” showcases Spike Lee’s direction in a Vietnam War narrative featuring complex characters navigating post-war challenges. “Sand Castle” starring Nicholas Hoult presents authentic Iraqi War experiences with detailed military operations. “The Outpost” recreates true events from Afghanistan with tactical authenticity. These films incorporate advanced military equipment technical details battle strategies precise combat maneuvers.
Notable Military Films | Release Year | Runtime |
---|---|---|
Da 5 Bloods | 2020 | 154 min |
Sand Castle | 2017 | 113 min |
The Outpost | 2020 | 123 min |
Martial Arts Movies
Asian martial arts films dominate Netflix’s combat-focused selections. “Ip Man” series features Donnie Yen executing authentic Wing Chun techniques through choreographed fights. “Triple Threat” combines Thai boxing Silat Chinese martial arts in explosive confrontations. “Shadow” presents Chinese wuxia style with artistic wire work elaborate weapon play innovative fight choreography. Indonesian action thriller “The Night Comes for Us” showcases pencak silat through intense close quarter combat sequences.
Top Martial Arts Films | Fighting Style | Country |
---|---|---|
Ip Man | Wing Chun | Hong Kong |
Triple Threat | Mixed Styles | Thailand |
Shadow | Wuxia | China |
The Night Comes for Us | Pencak Silat | Indonesia |
Conclusion
Netflix has revolutionized the action movie landscape by delivering Hollywood-caliber entertainment directly to viewers’ screens. The platform’s commitment to producing high-budget original films while maintaining an extensive library of beloved franchises and international hits makes it a powerhouse in the action genre.
From A-list stars and innovative directors to diverse storytelling approaches and groundbreaking special effects Netflix continues to raise the bar for streaming action content. Whether viewers are seeking explosive blockbusters martial arts masterpieces or military dramas there’s an action-packed adventure waiting to be discovered on the platform.