Looking for the best action movies to get your heart racing? We’ve compiled a list of the best action movies that promise thrilling sequences, intense characters, and jaw-dropping stunts. Whether you’re a fan of sci-fi adventures, explosive thrillers, or intense hand-to-hand combat, these best action movies have something for everyone. Keep reading to find out which films made the cut!
Table of Contents
1. Dune: Part Two
Release Date: 2023–2024
Genres: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Action
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac
Where to watch: HBO Max
“Dune: Part Two” is one of the best action movies of the year, picking up where the first film left off. Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) is now fully embracing his destiny as a leader on the desert planet of Arrakis. With incredible battle sequences and high-stakes confrontations, the movie takes action to new heights. The stunning visuals, combined with breathtaking sandworm fights and political intrigue, make it a must-watch for fans of epic sci-fi action.
2. The Old Guard
Release Date: 2020
Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Cast: Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts
Where to watch: Netflix
If you’re looking for one of the best action movies with a unique twist, “The Old Guard” is a must-see. This film follows a group of immortal mercenaries led by the fierce Andromache (Charlize Theron). The action sequences are impeccably choreographed, and the emotional depth of the characters adds a strong layer to the explosive fights. The battle scenes are intense and impactful, making this film stand out in the genre.
3. Bad Boys: Ride or Die
Release Date: 2022
Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime
Director: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah
Cast: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
“Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is one of the best action movies to feature thrilling car chases, explosive shootouts, and hilarious banter between the iconic duo, Mike (Will Smith) and Marcus (Martin Lawrence). This movie delivers high-energy action alongside humorous moments, blending the two perfectly for an unforgettable experience. With intense shootouts and wild car chases, it’s no wonder this movie continues to be among the best action movies out there.
4. Back in Action
Release Date: 2023
Genres: Action, Comedy, Thriller
Director: Seth Gordon
Cast: Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx, Glenn Close
Where to watch: Netflix
“Back in Action” is another one of the best action movies that blends high-paced action with humor. When a retired CIA agent (Cameron Diaz) teams up with a tech mogul (Jamie Foxx) to uncover a conspiracy, the movie is filled with intense action and clever comedy. The stunts are impressive, the car chases are exhilarating, and the fast-paced nature of the plot makes it a must-watch for action fans.
5. Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2
Release Date: 2023
Genres: Action, Drama, Thriller
Director: Sukumar
Cast: Allu Arjun, Fahadh Faasil, Rashmika Mandanna
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
“Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2″ is one of the best action movies that continues the saga of Pushpa Raj (Allu Arjun), an outlaw fighting against powerful forces. The action sequences are intense, with brutal hand-to-hand combat, large-scale battles, and stunning visual effects. Each fight scene is crafted with precision, making it a captivating experience for fans of action thrillers.
6. Extraction
Release Date: 2020
Genres: Action, Thriller
Director: Sam Hargrave
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Rudhraksh Jaiswal, Randeep Hooda
Where to watch: Netflix
“Extraction” is one of the best action movies with relentless action and intense fight sequences. The film follows mercenary Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth) as he is tasked with rescuing the kidnapped son of an international crime lord. The movie’s fight choreography is breathtaking, featuring brutal close combat and high-speed chases. For fans of gritty action, this is one of the best action movies you can stream today.
7. The Fall Guy
Release Date: 2024
Genres: Action, Comedy, Adventure
Director: David Leitch
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Steve Carell
Where to watch: TBD
“Fall Guy” brings together a mix of comedy and action, making it one of the best action movies to come out this year. With daring stunt work and wild escapades, Ryan Gosling plays a stuntman who must take on a rescue mission. The movie delivers explosive stunts, humorous moments, and fast-paced action, which make it an exciting ride from beginning to end.
8. Carry-On
Release Date: 2024
Genres: Action, Thriller
Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Cast: Tom Hiddleston, Priyanka Chopra, John Boyega
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
“Carry-On” is an intense action film and one of the best action movies you can watch this year. It follows an international spy, played by Tom Hiddleston, who must deal with a deadly covert operation. The action is non-stop, from gripping chase scenes to intense firefights. The movie’s international espionage theme, combined with its action sequences, sets it apart as one of the best action movies to watch right now.
9. Marco
Release Date: 2024
Genres: Action, Drama
Director: Ridley Scott
Cast: Matt Damon, Natalie Portman, Benedict Cumberbatch
Where to watch: TBD
“Marco” brings the historical journey of Marco Polo to life in one of the best action movies of the year. Matt Damon stars as the famous explorer who embarks on dangerous travels filled with action and intrigue. The epic landscapes, sword fights, and tense battles are incredible to watch. With grand action sequences and historical themes, it ranks as one of the best action movies for history buffs and fans of adventure alike.
10. Godzilla Minus One
Release Date: 2023
Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Director: Takashi Yamazaki
Cast: Hiroshi Abe, Minami Hamabe
Where to watch: TBD
“Godzilla Minus One” delivers thrilling action in one of the best action movies for fans of monster films. As Godzilla rampages through Japan, humanity must find a way to stop the kaiju before it destroys everything in its path. This movie features breathtaking special effects and epic battle scenes that are a must-watch for fans of action and sci-fi. It’s another best action movie that showcases some of the most thrilling monster action on screen.
