WordofMany

Best movies on netflix

the 20 best action movies on netflix (updated march 13 2025)

By Anya Petrova

Published: 13 Mar 2025

Okay, folks, let's talk action movies. I recently spent a weekend binge-watching Netflix, and, let's just say, my sofa is now imprinted with my shape. But out of the cinematic chaos emerged some real gems! This list is my personal top 20 –– because let's face it, everyone has a different idea of what makes an action movie great. What's your definition? Let me know in the comments!

person relaxing on sofa with popcorn and remote | Image: Supplied

The High-Octane 20 (as of March 13, 2025):

This list isn't in any particular order (because ranking action movies is like comparing apples and grenades –– impossible!). I tried to pick a variety, a smorgasbord of explosions and adrenaline. Ready? Let's dive in!

Extraction 2: Chris Hemsworth doing what he does best: kicking butt and taking names.
The Gray Man: Stylish, intense, and packed with star power. Ryan Gosling delivers.
The Night Agent: This one hooked me from the beginning. Fast-paced and suspenseful.
Luther: The Fallen Sun: Idris Elba brings his A-game. Dark, gritty, and full of twists.
Knives Out: Okay, it's technically a mystery, but the action scenes are brilliant and unexpected.
Red Notice: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot? Need I say more?
The Adam Project: A time-traveling adventure with some seriously cool fight scenes.
Spiderhead: A mind-bending thriller with some intense moments.
The Old Guard: Charlize Theron leads a team of immortal mercenaries—what's not to love?
Army of the Dead: Zombies and a heist? Pure genius.
6 Underground: Michael Bay madness at its finest. Expect lots of explosions.
Kate: A stylish, violent, and surprisingly emotional assassin thriller.
Extraction: The prequel to number one on my list! Still a total blast!
The Harder They Fall: A western with a modern twist and some awesome fight choreography.
Sweet Girl: A revenge thriller that'll keep you on the edge of your seat.
Outside the Wire: Sci-fi action with robots and plenty of gunplay.
Project Power: Superpowers and crime—a surprisingly fun combination.
F9: The Fast Saga continues its high-octane escapades.
Jolt: Kate Beckinsale kicks ass and takes names in this action-packed revenge flick.
Interceptor: A lone soldier defends a missile base from a coordinated attack. Intense and gripping.

collage of action movie posters | Image: Supplied

Honourable Mentions (Because I couldn't choose!):

There are a ton of other great action movies on Netflix that almost made the cut. Some of my near-misses include The Accountant, Triple Frontier, and Hypnotic. What did I miss? Let me know!

Beyond the Explosions: What Makes a Great Action Movie?

So what separates the truly great action flicks from the rest? For me, it's more than just explosions (though, those are always a plus!). It's the characters. The story. The emotional depth. A truly awesome action movie makes you feel something—whether it's fear, exhilaration, or maybe even a little bit of sadness. It has a great soundtrack too! What do you look for in a great action movie?