Best Action Movies on Netflix Right Now (2023)

Whether you’re in the mood to weave through busy city streets at top speed, break the bones of every henchman in the warehouse, or exact revenge on the big boss that killed your dog, Netflix has countless training videos … I mean action flicks … for you to enjoy. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to discover which among them is the right one for you. Thankfully, we’re here to help and have assembled a rotating list of the Best Action Movies on Netflix right now.

NOTE: The following titles are streaming on the U.S. version of Netflix.

The Adam Project (2022)

It is an outstanding combination when Shawn Levy (Free Guy, Stranger Things, Deadpool 3) and Ryan Reynolds get together. Feeling like a throwback to science-fiction films of the 1980s, The Adam Project is one part Star Wars and one part Back to the Future, with plenty of Spielbergian action and flare. While The Adam Project starts quietly enough as it builds the chemistry between its main characters (played by Ryan Reynolds and Walker Scobell), the film soon explodes into an all-out action showcase of laser swords and stylish hand-to-hand combat, quickly making it one of the best action movies Netflix has to offer.

If you’re concerned about the consequences of time travel and how interacting with yourself can do irreparable damage to the timestream, have no fear because this movie throws all the rules out the window. Once you set your trepidation aside and accept the terms as they are, The Adam Project amounts to one of the most enjoyable films of 2022 so far and a great action flick for viewers of all ages. If you’re looking for a film that packs punches in both visual and emotional capacities, The Adam Project will bring a smile to your face while fueling the fires of your action-loving heart.

Army of the Dead (2021)

Your mileage for Zack Snyder’s unique film style may vary from one film to another, but the man sure knows how to make a zombie action movie. Following a zombie outbreak in Las Vegas, Army of the Dead finds a group of mercenaries infiltrating Sin City to attempt the ultimate gamble. Located at the epicenter of a zombie-infested quarantine zone is $200 million in cold hard cash, but getting to it won’t be easy.

Army of the Dead stars Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Ana de la Reguera, Omari Hardwick, Theo Rossi, Matthias Schweighöfer, Nora Arnezeder, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tig Notaro, Garret Dillahunt, and more. I wouldn’t get too attached to any of them. Army of the Dead is ruthless, and not everyone will escape this trip to the City of Second Chances. Why? It might have something to do with the zombie tigers, undead hordes, and back-stabbing criminals lurking around every corner. Feel free to cash in your chips for a great time with this action-packed zombie romp that launched a new franchise if that sounds like a good time.

Day Shift (2022)

When was the last time you watched a vampire action movie that knew how to kick ass without taking itself too seriously? J.J. Perry’sDay Shiftis a comedic roller coaster of unearthly delights, with Jamie Foxx, Dave Franco, and Snoop Dogg taking center stage for a vampire hunter thrill ride. From the film’s first encounter with an agile vampire,Day Shiftestablishes a tongue-in-cheek approach to taking bloodsuckers off the map by any means necessary. InDay Shift, Foxx plays a vampire hunter on the verge of losing his family unless he makes a big score while vanquishing the undead. Franco stars as Seth, a pencil-pushing narc with a bizarre fate I won’t spoil here. Snoop Dogg plays Big John Elliot, a seasoned, blunt-smoking vampire hunter dripping with charisma. Together, the team uncovers a plot for vampires to expand into new territory, which would suck.

With lots of over-the-top action, witty banter, gore, and chemistry between Foxx and Franco,Day Shiftcould surprise you. I think it’s one of the better vampire films of recent years and one of the better action movies on Netflix.

Da 5 Bloods (2020)

Spike Lee’sDa 5 Bloodsisn’t your typical action movie. The film follows four veterans and friends on an emotional journey to close a horrific chapter in their lives and reclaim a treasure they left behind. Starring Delroy Lindo, Clark Peters, Norm Lewis, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Jonathan Majors, Chadwick Boseman, Mélanie Thierry, and Veronica Ngo,Da 5 Bloodsblends intense firefights with nail-biting hostage negotiations and shattered egos.

Lee brings his signature style to this gripping war-related drama, paving the way for inspiring shots and powerhouse performances from the cast. War will take more from the group before their mission is complete, and the group will need to push themselves to physical and emotional limits before they can rest. Among many action movies on Netflix,Da 5 Bloodsincludes a delicate balance of heroism and scenes of growth and strength of character. If you dig action with a loaded clip of catharsis and closure, check outDa 5 Bloods.

Fistful of Vengeance (2022)

Netflix’s Wu Assassins might not have gotten a second season, but it did score a follow-up film that takes the fantasy-tinged martial arts action setup to new heights. A Fistful of Vengeance stars Iko Uwais, Lewis Tan, Lawrence Kao, JuJu Chan, Pearl Thusi, Francesca Corney, Jason Tobin, Rhatha Phongam, and Simon Kuke in a hunt for Tommy’s (Kao) sister’s killer. The journey takes a group of warrior friends to Thailand, where a battle that defies the laws of reality is taking place. To solve the mystery of Jenny’s killer and defend humanity from an unprecedented evil, Kai (Uwais), Lu Xin (Tan), and Tommy will have to summon more than courage to defeat their enemies and win the day. Much like Wu Assassins, Fistful of Vengeance is fueled by hard-hitting action, mesmerizing martial arts, and supernatural shenanigans that are sure to light up your screen. This movie is a must-see romp for fans of Headshot, The Raid: Redemption, and other notable Indonesian action movies that get your blood pumping and your heart beating like you might not live to see tomorrow.

The Gray Man (2022)

The Gray Manfeatures solid performances from the film’s leading players, including Ana De Armas, Billy Bob Thornton, Jessica Henwick, Alfre Woodard, Regé-Jean Page, Dhanush, and more. The film also boasts balls-to-the-wall action sequences of which Netflix spared no expense. As bombastic as any theatrical blockbuster, a sequel and spinoff inThe Gray Manuniverse have already been greenlit. Get on the ground floor by watching the first film in the franchise right now.

What do you get when you pair two of Hollywood’s biggest stars with a brotherly duo at the top of the filmmaker food chain? The launch ofThe Gray Manuniverse! Exploding onto Netflix this month,The Gray Manstars Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans as CIA operatives on opposite sides of the spectrum. Based on the 2009 novel of the same name and helmed by The Russo Brothers,The Gray Mantells the story of an agent whose true identity is known to none uncovers sark agency secrets, and a psychotic former colleague puts a bounty on his head. A global manhunt ensues, resulting in action, deception, and a mustache on Evans’ face you won’t soon forget.

Lesson Plan (2022)

If you enjoy movies likeDangerous MindsorThe Substitute, you might want to enroll in Netflix’s Polish revenge thrillerLesson Plan. Daniel Markowicz directs from a script by Daniel Bernardi about a former cop (Piotr Witkowski) who, after a teacher dies, takes a job managing a classroom of toughs to get close to the heart of the crime. The closer the former cop gets to his students, it becomes clear the institution is where some of the city’s young and notorious criminals gather to terrorize beyond the schoolyard.

Lesson Planis unique among most Netflix action movies in that the violence is slightly more realistic than one might expect. The hits land hard. However, there’s little in the way of outrageous sound effects and exaggerated contortions to push things over the top. Sometimes, simple is better or entertaining enough to warrant a portion of your Friday night chill time. I like giving foreign action movies a chance and expanding my horizons. If you can forgive a modest budget and some telegraphed fight choreography,Lesson Planwill teach you a few things about action movies. Oh, and yes, there is an English-language dub.

Lost Bullet (2020)

Take your beret out of the closet and order a baguette with your next meal because we’re going to France for the French action thrillerLost Bullet. Guillaume Pierret directs from a script co-written by Pierret, Alban Lenoir, and Kamel Guemra.Lost Bulletfocuses on Lino (Alban Lenoir), a street-savvy ex-con and getaway driver who engineers vehicles for cops in charge of cleaning up the streets. When his mentor dies at the hands of dirty cops, Lino must use his skills to outrun those trying to silence him and place him behind bars for their crimes.

If car chases and crashes are your jam, you’ll want to punchLost Bullet‘s gas pedal. The movie might not be as stylish asBaby Driveror defy gravity like theFast and the Furiousfranchise, but there’s plenty of destruction and derring-do to be had. Before you ask, yes, there is an English-language dub.

Lou (2022)

Make way for Allison Janney to join the ranks of action badasses like Sigourney Weaver and Jamie Lee Curtis! InLou, a storm rages. A young girl gets kidnapped, and her mother teams up with a mysterious woman for a thrilling and emotional rescue mission. Hailed as a throwback action movie circa the 1980s or 1990s,Louis taking action fans by surprise. Janney shines as Lou, a take-no-prisoners recluse with demons squirming beneath her skin. Wrecking shop as much as John Wick, Lorraine Broughton, or Joey King’s Princess, Lou’s situational awareness is off the charts, and Janney goes above and beyond, delivering a brutal and believable performance. Lou’s companion, Hannah (Jurnee Smollett), also brings the pain in this gripping action movie. Together, both women are out for blood because hell hath no fury as a mother scorned. Whoever took Hannah’s daughter is in for a world of pain.

The Night Comes For Us (2018)

Undoubtedly the most brutal film on this list,The Night Comes for Ustakes everything you love about Indonesian martial arts movies and cranks those elements to eleven. To be blunt, this movie makes Gareth Evans’The Raidseries look tame by comparison. Directed by Timo Tjahjanto (May the Devil Take You), and starring Joe Taslim (Mortal Kombat,The Raid: Redemption) and Iko Uwais (Snake Eyes,The Raid: Redemption),The Night Comes for Usis a relentless ballet of brutality that presents audiences with more broken bones than an ICU full of failed daredevils. I recently watched this movie for the first time and have no shame in admitting that I spent much of the film with my fist in my mouth, my teeth gnawing on knuckles, and nearly breaking the skin.

In addition to telling a compelling story about a high-ranking enforcer who turns against a crime syndicate populated by like-minded killers, The Night Comes for Us is also a testament to how many martial artists can create compelling drama with the use of fights that’ll have you holding your breath until the last body has hit the floor.

Outside the Wire (2021)

Do you know what this list needs? A sci-fi action film starring a cybernetic Anthony Mackie fighting to prevent a nuclear attack! Mikael Håfström directs this uneven but engaging action flick set in the future. InOutside the Wire, a drone pilot (Damson Idris) pairs with a top-secret android officer (Anthony Mackie) to shut down a nuclear threat. The film features plenty of laser gunplay, busy battlefields, robot soldiers, and stakes that keep getting higher. While you can sometimes feel the budget inOutside the Wire‘s green screen backdrops and standard sci-fi weapons tech, the movie still makes a valiant effort to build a complex world. Additionally, it’s fun to watch Mackie do his thing. If you enjoy apocalyptic science-fiction settings and Mackie playing it straight in outrageous scenarios, giveOutside the Wirea shot.

Point Blank (2019)

Anthony Mackie is pulling double duty with our latest update to this ongoing list of action films. Before equipping his body with cybernetics forOutside the Wire, Mackie teams up with Frank Grillo forPoint Blank, a crime-oriented action movie that shows what happens when opposites attract. InPoint Blank, an ER nurse (Mackie) and a career criminal (Grillo) are forced into an unlikely partnership to take down a ring of corrupt cops threatening the lives of both their families.

Point Blankbrings intense firefights, high-speed car chases, and narrow escapes to Netflix for an action movie worth checking out. Light on plot,Point Blankrelies on the chemistry between Mackie and Grillo to spice up a classic scenario of two opposing personalities sharing a common bond. If you’re looking for a reliable buddy action vehicle about badasses on a quest to resolve their respective problems by taking out swaths of bad guys, check outPoint Blank.

Project Power (2020)

Jamie Foxx owns our updates for this month by having two movies on this list. Directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, with a script byThe Batmanco-writer Mattson Tomlin,Project Poweris a super-powered comic book-style action movie about control, dominance, and changing the hierarchy of power in a city controlled by fear. Jaime Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Dominique Fishback star inProject Power. The story revolves around a pill that gives users unpredictable superpowers for five minutes—sold on the streets of New Orleans, a teenage dealer, a local cop, and an ex-soldier team up to take down the dealer responsible for the pill’s circulation.

Filled with fancy effects, intense superpower battles, and many attitudes,Project Powerturns up the heat by delivering in-your-face action, drug-addled antics, and a lesson about the value of remaining true to oneself. If you’re looking for something mindless, fun, and freaky, grab a drink and pop a pill of Netflix’sProject Power.

Red Notice (2021)

I’m adding Red Notice to this list because Dwayne Johnson is now tearing up the box office charts after releasingBlack Adamin theaters. Will it blow you away? Probably not, but it stars three of Hollywood’s biggest stars in an over-the-top action vehicle made during the Covid pandemic. With limited resources and a stop-and-start production,Red Noticeis a Frankenstein of a green screen and limited set design that still manages to pack a punch. Fueled by the personalities of Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot,Red Noticeincludes plenty of playful dialogue, massive explosions, and backstabbing galore.

There’s nothing wrong with an action movie that permits you to shut your brain off and shove popcorn into your face.Red Noticeis one of those, and I can think of worse ways to spend my time than going on an action-oriented roller coaster of quality with the film’s trinity of stars.

Sweet Girl (2021)

Before Jason Momoa puts his swimmies back on forAquaman and the Lost Kingdom, you’ll want to catch him inSweet Girl. The action thriller revolves around a devastated husband who vows to bring justice to the people responsible for his wife’s death while protecting his daughter. You already know how intimidating Momoa can be. Now imagine him as a grieving widower hellbent on revenge.

Brian Andrew Mendoza directs Sweet Girl, an intense and grounded action movie featuring frenzied fisticuffs, a battle inside a bus, asphyxiation by a garbage bag, gritty gunplay, high-speed chases, and more. We’ve all seen how upset Liam Neeson gets when a loved one is taken; now watch Jason Momoa tear thugs a new asshole after they threaten his daughter’s safety.

What do you think are the best action movies on Netflix? Let us know in the comments section below.