When you’re in the mood to live vicariously through characters and high-speed car chases, shootouts or death-defying stunts, just head to Netflix. However, Trina finds a good thing on Netflix’s clunky search apparatus is anything but action-packed. So, to save you time and boredom, we’ve identified the best action movies on Netflix right now, along with reviews from critics and a quick overview. So without further ado, let’s get watching.
10. Outlaw King
Outlaw King, with 6.9 on IMDb and 62 on Rotten Tomatoes. After being declared Out Loud by the occupying English Empire, Robert the Bruce raises an army of Scottish fighters in rebellion. Twists and turns across the Scottish countryside lead this film on an epic, true-to-historical events journey that captures heroism at its core. A genuine David versus the life story, muddy and bloody to a fault, Outlaw King doesn’t skimp on the medieval battle scenes. It should be a series instead of a two-hour movie.
9. The Gray Man
The Gray Man, with 6.5 on IMDb and 46 on Rotten Tomatoes. When the CIA’s most skilled operative, whose true identity is known to none, accidentally uncovers dark agency secrets, a psychopathic former colleague puts a bounty on his head, setting off a global manhunt by international assassins. Add this one to your queue with confidence, action fans. The Gray Man has a great cast, exciting set pieces, and a solid story. An unapologetically pure action movie that’s tremendously entertaining.
8. The Night Comes for Us
The Night Comes for Us, with 6.9 on IMDb and 91 on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s complete madness! The Night Comes for Us is the goriest action flick in recent memory. Indonesian action films have an intensity many of their American counterparts can’t match. Ido, an assassin for the Southeast Asian Triad, turns against his masters when he is ordered to kill a young girl, Rianay. That’s why Edo’s former master sent his ex-friend, Aryan, after both finished the job. There will be blood, lots of it! A bloody thrill ride designed to test the limits of more squeamish viewers.
7. The Outpost
The Outpost, with 6.8 on IMDb and 92 on Rotten Tomatoes. In 2009, 53 American troops were attacked at the remote combat Outpost Keating during the war in Afghanistan. The Outpost tells the story of these soldiers as they attempt to hold off an enemy force that has them severely outnumbered. More alarmingly, the army has stripped a small fortress of its resources, leaving the remaining troops in a dangerous situation. Told with gripping realism, The Outpost is a thrilling technical feat and a worthy tribute to military heroes.
6. Bullet Train
Bullet Train, with 7.3 on IMDb and 54 on Rotten Tomatoes. Ladybug is an assassin who has had bad luck leading to several gigs going off the rails recently. On his latest mission, taking place on the world’s fastest trains, he’s determined to make things go smoothly. But he’s far from the only assassin there, and they all have similar but connected objectives that cause tried chaos to ensue. Bullet Train’s colourful cast and high-speed action are almost enough to keep things going.
5. The Gentleman
The Gentleman, with 7.8 on IMDb and 75 on Rotten Tomatoes. An American ex-pat tries to sell off his highly profitable marijuana empire in London, triggering plot schemes, bribery, and blackmail to steal his domain from under him; the Gentleman is a thrilling ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The movie boasts an all-star cast, with Matthew McConaughey leading the charge as the American ex-pat trying to sell off his business. Colin Farrell also delivers an outstanding performance as a boxing coach, adding some much-needed comic relief to the film.
4. The Old Guard
The Old Guard is a movie that explores the lives of a group of immortal mercenaries who must fight to keep their identities a secret. Charlize Theron leads the cast and delivers a powerful performance as Andy, the team leader. The movie is loaded with action, blood, and guts but also has a more profound message about the consequences of scientific pursuit and capitalist greed.
The Old Guard is set to become a franchise, with the sequel currently in production and set to release in 2023 on Netflix. So, if you have not seen the first movie, now is the perfect time to get caught up.
3. The King
The King, a period drama starring Timothy Chalamet as a young Henry V. When his father dies, Henry is forced to take the crown, but his enemies see him as weak and ineffectual. Robert Pattinson delivers a standout performance as the Dauphin of France, who tries to incite a war with England.
The King is based on Shakespeare’s Henriad plays and does an excellent job of reinventing the characters for a modern audience. The story is compelling, the performances are gripping, and the movie leaves an emotional impact that will stay long after the credits roll.
2. Triple Frontier
Triple Frontier is coming in at number two, a heist film about a group of former Special Forces operatives who team up to rob a drug lord in South America. This action-packed thriller boasts an all-star cast led by Ben Affleck and Oscar Isaac, and it delivers on both the action and the suspense. Triple Frontier is a must-watch for genre fans, with breathtaking scenery, intense set pieces, and a gripping storyline.
1. Extraction
Finally, taking the top spot is Extraction, a non-stop adrenaline rush that stars Chris Hemsworth as a mercenary hired to rescue the kidnapped son of an international crime lord. This film has it all, from high-speed car chases to death-defying stunts, and Hemsworth’s performance is nothing short of spectacular. With a heart-pounding score and some truly stunning action sequences, Extraction is a movie that action fans won’t want to miss.
In conclusion, Netflix may have a clunky search apparatus, but it’s worth digging through to find the gems in their action movie collection. Whether you’re in the mood for medieval battles, high-speed chases, or heist thrillers, there’s something for everyone on Netflix. So grab some popcorn, buckle up, and prepare for a wild ride.
