Best Action Movies on Netflix

Whether it’s the intensity in Deva’s eyes as he massacres a crowd of goons in Salaar (2023) or Kate’s determination as she destroys anyone in her path to revenge in Kate (2021), these action movies on Netflix are bound to leave you speechless as these heroes take on their respective enemies through well-choreographed sequences that are as rooted in their specific cultures as they are fantastical.

Here are the five best action movies on Netflix:

Hanna (2011)

When done well, action combined with sci-fi and drama leads to masterful narratives like Hanna. If you liked the Jason Bourne franchise, this action movie is right up your alley.

Hanna (Saoirse Ronan) and her father, Erik (Eric Bana), live in the remote lands of northern Finland.

Erik is a former CIA operative and has passed on his knowledge of survival tactics to Hanna and trained her as an assassin. He needs Hanna to kill Marissa (Cate Blanchett), a senior CIA officer, before she kills them first.

Saoirse Ronan is the heart of this film. Teen action films are few and far between, and Ronan does an excellent job with her well-choreographed action sequences. The soundtrack fulfils its purpose of building tension as the plot unfolds.

Upgrade (2018)

This action movie takes a unique approach to the theme ‘technology will overthrow us all’. Grey Trace (Logan Marshall-Green) does not like technology that makes human intervention redundant. His wife, Asha (Melanie Vallejo), works for an autonomous vehicle tech company that does precisely that—negates the need for human driving.

Due to unavoidable circumstances, Grey is offered a chance to install a chip in his brain that helps with his motor skills. Does he take the opportunity, even if it means resigning to technology taking over his body

This action film has humour, a fast pace, fighting scenes that will stay with you for a while, and a unique perspective on how far AI can go. Filled with plot twists, incredible performances, and a revenge arc, it will keep you hooked.

Kate (2021)

How far can an assassin’s moral code go when it comes to not killing children as collateral?

Kate (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is about to go on her final mission because of this moral dilemma. She wants to retire and start afresh. A night out with a stranger throws a spanner in her plans. She is forced to enter the world of crime and deceit for more than just a mission.

The assassin’s revenge trope is treated very well in this film. Winstead’s acting chops and her ability to execute dangerous stunts stand out. It will remind you of other great action movies like the John Wick franchise. This is the movie for you if you want a female-led rendition of that vibe.

The Gray Man (2022)

If you love action movies with stunning locations, The Gray Man is the perfect action movie.

Court Gentry (Ryan Gosling), a convicted-murder-turned-CIA-assassin, is on a secret mission as ‘Sierra Six.’ After realising he was sent to kill his predecessor ‘Sierra Four’, he must figure out what is happening.

Multiple powerhouses are a part of this action movie. Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans) is a formidable former CIA agent. Then there’s the Lone Wolf, played by Dhanush of Asuran (2019) and Pudhupettai (2006) fame. Other notable characters include Julia Butters, Ana De Armas, and Jessica Henwick.

With a solid storyline accentuated by exciting action sequences and beautifully curated locations, The Gray Man exudes versatility at its peak in all departments. Of course, the fact that the Russo brothers directed it may have something to do with this.

Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire (2023)

If there’s anyone who does action movies well, it’s Telugu cinema. Salaar was the highest-grossing Telugu film of 2023.

The story's core is quite simple: Two inseparable childhood friends, Deva (Prabhas) and Vardha (Prithviraj Sukumaran), are caught in the crossfire when there’s unrest within a kingdom. They go from not leaving each other’s sides to becoming part of warring factions. Then there’s Aadhya (Shruti Haasan), a business tycoon’s daughter who escapes an abduction attempt by her father’s enemies and finds refuge in the school that Deva’s mother (Easwari Rao) runs.

This action film has multiple threads that connect to create a story so engaging you won’t mind the long run time of ~3 hours. Since this action movie is Part 1 of the franchise, a lot of world-building takes place to set the foundation. 

It has the typical masala action scenes that South Indian movies are known for. The soundtrack is upbeat, and all the fight sequences demand cheering.

The bond between Deva and Vardha will tug at your heartstrings. Prabhas and Prithviraj display a sense of brotherhood that is so pure you will wonder if Salaar is nothing but a story of two friends trying to find their way back together.