No matter how much the film industry evolves, action movies remain a consistent favorite, and it's not hard to see why. At their core, action movies are cinematic adrenaline. They're cathartic. They let us watch death-defying stunts, last-minute escapes, and chases through chaotic cities from the comfort of our couches. It's super entertaining, but its draw is rooted in our need to see heroes overcome almost anything.
Whether we're watching a mercenary fight his way through a war-torn city or an immortal warrior quietly contemplate her next move, the appeal goes deeper than just explosions and slow-motion punches. That's exactly what Netflix has tapped into with its expanding slate of original action movies. Looking for some of the most exciting? Here are the best Netflix original action movies available to stream right now.
Extraction (2020)
Extraction sees Chris Hemsworth portray Tyler Rake, a mercenary with a death wish and a heart buried beneath layers of trauma. The story begins when Rake is hired to rescue an Indian crime lord's son from dangerous kidnappers stationed in Bangladesh. What makes this film different from those with similar storylines is its fast pace and graphic portrayal of violence. Director Sam Hargrave, a former stunt coordinator, expertly created some of the best action sequences for this film, which can only be described as epic and super brutal. Beyond the bloodshed, Extraction tackles things like redemption and the human cost of violence through a protagonist who is as broken as he is capable.
The Old Guard (2020)
The Old Guard introduces viewers to a group of immortal warriors led by Andy, portrayed with stoic intensity by Charlize Theron. The plot kicks into gear when the team is ambushed during a mission. They eventually realize that they've been set up by a pharmaceutical executive named Steven Merrick, whose evil plan involves capturing and experimenting on them. His goal is to ultimately learn the secrets behind their immortality. The fight sequences are carried out with extreme precision to reflect the team's centuries of combat experience. But in the story's quieter moments, it low-key challenges the idea of invincibility, presenting immortality not as a superpower but as an existential dilemma.
The Gray Man (2022)
The Gray Man stars Ryan Gosling as Sierra Six, a CIA operative whose discovery of agency secrets turns him into a target. Pursued by the unhinged Lloyd Hansen, played with manic glee by Chris Evans, the story plays out as a globe-trotting cat-and-mouse game. Directors Anthony and Joe Russo developed a series of elaborate action sequences that include a tram chase across Prague, a fight inside a broken-down mansion in Croatia, and even some shenanigans that involve a hedge maze. The story also deals with things like loyalty and the moral ambiguity of espionage. But the movie's biggest strength lies in its commitment to spectacle, with each sequence growing in scale and intensity.
Back in Action (2025)
Back in Action sees Cameron Diaz return to acting after a really long hiatus. She stars as Emily, an ex-CIA agent alongside Jamie Foxx's Matt (also an ex-CIA agent) in a breezy yet sharp action-comedy about the pair getting drawn back into the chaos that comes with the job. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their banter brings life into a plot that easily swings between danger and domestic absurdity. The action may not break much new ground in terms of execution, but it's a stylish, self-aware ride that plays to the strengths of its actors and finds success in its charm. Additionally, the film's heart lies in questions like whether we ever really leave the past behind.
Havoc (2025)
Havoc sees Tom Hardy step into the role of Patrick Walker, a detective navigating a grim, corruption-ridden city in a desperate bid to rescue a politician's estranged son. Director Gareth Evans delivers exactly what audiences might expect from the action expert which is tightly executed, bone-crunching fight sequences that are as meticulously crafted as they are brutally efficient. But beneath the violence is a character-driven story anchored by Hardy's haunted performance because Evans builds a world where moral lines blur and survival becomes its own kind of justice. Gritty, relentless, and unflinching, Havoc is also about what's left when the dust settles.
Red Notice (2021)
Star power takes center stage in Red Notice, an action-comedy that unites Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot for a globe-trotting heist. The trio plays to their strengths, too. Johnson plays John Hartley, the no-nonsense lawman, Reynolds leans into his trademark sarcasm as Nolan Booth, and Gadot exudes charisma as wildcard Sarah Black. The film wastes no time in ramping up the energy with a series of twisty set pieces that range from daring museum thefts to exotic chase sequences. Director Rawson Marshall Thurber leans into the absurdity, letting the film's self-aware tone carry the story even when the logic starts to waver. Still, Red Notice delivers fast-paced fun, sharp banter, and three A-listers clearly enjoying the ride. It's pure escapist entertainment, and sometimes, that's more than enough.
Where To Stream The Best Netflix Original Action Movies
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