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WeirdThe 17 Best Action Movies on Netflix
By Brett White
@brettwhite
Published
March 11, 2019, 9:00 p.m. ET
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Get your adrenaline pumping with these critically-acclaimed action movies on Netflix.
Photos: Everett Collection ; Illustration: Dillen Phelps
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The Terminator
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
This cyberpunk thriller changed the action movie genre forever when it hit theaters in 1984. James Cameron's low-budget vision of a post-apocalyptic future spawned one of the biggest franchises in movie history, spawned hundreds of imitators, and turned Arnold Schwarzenegger into a household name. The Terminator is the perfect blend of the thriller and sci-fi genres.
[Stream The Terminator on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
This cyberpunk thriller changed the action movie genre forever when it hit theaters in 1984. James Cameron's low-budget vision of a post-apocalyptic future spawned one of the biggest franchises in movie history, spawned hundreds of imitators, and turned Arnold Schwarzenegger into a household name. The Terminator is the perfect blend of the thriller and sci-fi genres.
[Stream The Terminator on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Black Panther
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
This Marvel blockbuster introduced the world to Wakanda, an isolationist African nation with hyper advanced technology and a noble warrior king. Chadwick Boseman heads up an all-star cast (Michael B. Jordan! Lupita Nyong'o! Angela Bassett! Forest Whitaker!) in this game-changing superhero movie. Not only did Black Panther dominate the box office and inspire an entire generation or two, it also won Marvel Studios its first ever Oscars.
[Stream Black Panther on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
This Marvel blockbuster introduced the world to Wakanda, an isolationist African nation with hyper advanced technology and a noble warrior king. Chadwick Boseman heads up an all-star cast (Michael B. Jordan! Lupita Nyong'o! Angela Bassett! Forest Whitaker!) in this game-changing superhero movie. Not only did Black Panther dominate the box office and inspire an entire generation or two, it also won Marvel Studios its first ever Oscars.
[Stream Black Panther on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
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The Hurt Locker
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
This Best Picture winner details the dangerous job carried out by an elite Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team during the Iraq War. Director Kathryn Bigelow injected plenty of real world intensity into this gripping action/drama, enough that you'll think you're watching a gritty documentary. The film stars pre-Marvel Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie, as well as Ralph Fiennes and Guy Pearce.
[Stream The Hurt Locker on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
This Best Picture winner details the dangerous job carried out by an elite Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team during the Iraq War. Director Kathryn Bigelow injected plenty of real world intensity into this gripping action/drama, enough that you'll think you're watching a gritty documentary. The film stars pre-Marvel Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie, as well as Ralph Fiennes and Guy Pearce.
[Stream The Hurt Locker on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
This martial arts film became an international sensation back in 2001, becoming one of the very few action movies to score a nomination for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Crouching Tiger also turned Michelle Yeoh into a superstar, an honor she still enjoys today thanks to the success of Crazy Rich Asians and Star Trek: Discovery. Known for it's breathtaking cinematography and pulse-pounding fight sequences, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a cinematic experience that has to be seen to be believed.
[Stream Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
This martial arts film became an international sensation back in 2001, becoming one of the very few action movies to score a nomination for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Crouching Tiger also turned Michelle Yeoh into a superstar, an honor she still enjoys today thanks to the success of Crazy Rich Asians and Star Trek: Discovery. Known for it's breathtaking cinematography and pulse-pounding fight sequences, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a cinematic experience that has to be seen to be believed.
[Stream Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Jaws
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Steven Spielberg invented the blockbuster film in 1975 with the release of Jaws, a massive movie phenomenon unlike any in film history up to that point. Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw star as three men taking on the unenviable task of tracking and killing a great white shark that's taking a bite out of New England beachgoers. With its mix of suspense and special effects, Jaws defined what a summer movie is.
[Stream Jaws on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Steven Spielberg invented the blockbuster film in 1975 with the release of Jaws, a massive movie phenomenon unlike any in film history up to that point. Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw star as three men taking on the unenviable task of tracking and killing a great white shark that's taking a bite out of New England beachgoers. With its mix of suspense and special effects, Jaws defined what a summer movie is.
[Stream Jaws on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Goldfinger
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
The best-reviewed James Bond movie, Goldfinger drops Sean Connery's 007 into an intricate gold-smuggling plot and finds him at odds with the dastardly Auric Goldfinger. This is the third film in the James Bond franchise, but it's the first that could be considered a true blockbuster (at least in the 1964 sense) thanks to its huge budget and even bigger box office receipts.
[Stream Goldfinger on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
The best-reviewed James Bond movie, Goldfinger drops Sean Connery's 007 into an intricate gold-smuggling plot and finds him at odds with the dastardly Auric Goldfinger. This is the third film in the James Bond franchise, but it's the first that could be considered a true blockbuster (at least in the 1964 sense) thanks to its huge budget and even bigger box office receipts.
[Stream Goldfinger on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
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From Russia with Love
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
1962's From Russia with Love is the rare sequel that was an even bigger success than the franchise-starter. The second James Bond film ups the action as Connery faces off against a SPECTRE assassin played by Jaws' Robert Shaw.
[Stream From Russia with Love on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
1962's From Russia with Love is the rare sequel that was an even bigger success than the franchise-starter. The second James Bond film ups the action as Connery faces off against a SPECTRE assassin played by Jaws' Robert Shaw.
[Stream From Russia with Love on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Dr. No
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
And finally, here's the third Connery-era Bond film on the list, the one that started it all. 1962's Dr. No introduced audiences to Sean Connery's devilishly handsome and dangerously competent super spy, and cinema was never the same again. The disappearance of a fellow agent sends Bond to Jamaica where he uncovers a nefarious plot by the mad Dr. No.
[Stream Dr. No on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
And finally, here's the third Connery-era Bond film on the list, the one that started it all. 1962's Dr. No introduced audiences to Sean Connery's devilishly handsome and dangerously competent super spy, and cinema was never the same again. The disappearance of a fellow agent sends Bond to Jamaica where he uncovers a nefarious plot by the mad Dr. No.
[Stream Dr. No on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
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April and the Extraordinary World
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
This animated steampunk adventure from the producers behind Persepolis and based on the work of graphic novelist Jacques Tardi. In an alternate reality version of 1940s Paris, a young woman named April works to complete her parents' scientific research-research that was interrupted by their abduction. Now April's on the run from scheming adversaries that want to corrupt her family's work.
[Stream April and the Extraordinary World on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
This animated steampunk adventure from the producers behind Persepolis and based on the work of graphic novelist Jacques Tardi. In an alternate reality version of 1940s Paris, a young woman named April works to complete her parents' scientific research-research that was interrupted by their abduction. Now April's on the run from scheming adversaries that want to corrupt her family's work.
[Stream April and the Extraordinary World on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Enter the Dragon
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
Bruce Lee's most iconic role is now available to stream on Netflix! The film cemented Lee's status as the king of martial arts movies and one of-if not the-greatest action movie star of the 20th century, but the hit film would also be the last movie Lee completed before his tragic death. In Enter the Dragon, Lee plays a martial artist working undercover to expose a wealthy narcotics dealer.
[Stream Enter the Dragon on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
Bruce Lee's most iconic role is now available to stream on Netflix! The film cemented Lee's status as the king of martial arts movies and one of-if not the-greatest action movie star of the 20th century, but the hit film would also be the last movie Lee completed before his tragic death. In Enter the Dragon, Lee plays a martial artist working undercover to expose a wealthy narcotics dealer.
[Stream Enter the Dragon on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Hero
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
As for modern martial arts movies, you can't go wrong with Jet Li's action epic Hero. Jet Li plays Nameless, a peerless swordsman and martial arts master with vengeance in his heart. The film also features Donnie Yen, who would later get his own hugely successful martial arts franchise Ip Man and would then appear in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
[Stream Hero on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
As for modern martial arts movies, you can't go wrong with Jet Li's action epic Hero. Jet Li plays Nameless, a peerless swordsman and martial arts master with vengeance in his heart. The film also features Donnie Yen, who would later get his own hugely successful martial arts franchise Ip Man and would then appear in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
[Stream Hero on Netflix]
Photo: Netflix
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Train to Busan
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
South Korea's Train to Busan earned rave reviews back in 2016 thanks to its deft mix of engrossing social commentary and gross zombie violence. For the passengers of this cross-country train, the timing of the zombie apocalypse couldn't be any worse (but then again, when is a good time for a zombie apocalypse?). Watch as trains passengers try to get from point A to point B without becoming brain-hungry monsters along the way.
[Stream Train to Busan on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
South Korea's Train to Busan earned rave reviews back in 2016 thanks to its deft mix of engrossing social commentary and gross zombie violence. For the passengers of this cross-country train, the timing of the zombie apocalypse couldn't be any worse (but then again, when is a good time for a zombie apocalypse?). Watch as trains passengers try to get from point A to point B without becoming brain-hungry monsters along the way.
[Stream Train to Busan on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Raiders of the Lost Ark
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
Harrison Ford added another iconic character to his resume with the release of Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981. Steven Spielberg and George Lucas' throwback to Depression-era action/adventure serials and the pulp heroes of World War II delighted fans and critics alike, creating one of the all-time greatest characters in pop culture. In Indiana Jones' debut film, the daring archaeologist goes in search of the lost Ark of the Covenant-and he punches Nazis along the way!
[Stream Raiders of the Lost Ark on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
Harrison Ford added another iconic character to his resume with the release of Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981. Steven Spielberg and George Lucas' throwback to Depression-era action/adventure serials and the pulp heroes of World War II delighted fans and critics alike, creating one of the all-time greatest characters in pop culture. In Indiana Jones' debut film, the daring archaeologist goes in search of the lost Ark of the Covenant-and he punches Nazis along the way!
[Stream Raiders of the Lost Ark on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Casino Royale
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Daniel Craig kicked off his James Bond career in 2006 with this back-to-basics approach to 007. Gone were the over-the-top shenanigans that defined Pierce Brosnan's '90s run as Bond. Craig's version was a rough and tumble brawler, one that still looked great in a suit (as well as a swimsuit). This was a darker, leaner, and meaner Bond, one that pushed the franchise into the 21st century.
[Stream Casino Royale on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Daniel Craig kicked off his James Bond career in 2006 with this back-to-basics approach to 007. Gone were the over-the-top shenanigans that defined Pierce Brosnan's '90s run as Bond. Craig's version was a rough and tumble brawler, one that still looked great in a suit (as well as a swimsuit). This was a darker, leaner, and meaner Bond, one that pushed the franchise into the 21st century.
[Stream Casino Royale on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
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The Wild Bunch
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
This vintage western flick tells the tale of an aging group of outlaws coming together to pull off one final score before going into retirement. The film stars William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, and Robert Ryan and became a big hit with audiences in the waning days of the western's original glory period.
[Stream The Wild Bunch on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
This vintage western flick tells the tale of an aging group of outlaws coming together to pull off one final score before going into retirement. The film stars William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, and Robert Ryan and became a big hit with audiences in the waning days of the western's original glory period.
[Stream The Wild Bunch on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Thor: Ragnarok
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
Director Taika Waititi took the Marvel Cinematic Universe on a truly wild ride in the third Thor film. The movie, which pairs the God of Thunder with the incredible Hulk and the already drunk Valkyrie, owes way more to '80s action comedies like Big Trouble in Little China than any superhero film. Thor's quest to return to Asgard and save his home realm from the clutches of his totally evil sister Hela (Cate Blanchett) is complicated by his meddling brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and the flamboyant Gamesmaster (Jeff Goldblum).
[Stream Thor: Ragnarok on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
Director Taika Waititi took the Marvel Cinematic Universe on a truly wild ride in the third Thor film. The movie, which pairs the God of Thunder with the incredible Hulk and the already drunk Valkyrie, owes way more to '80s action comedies like Big Trouble in Little China than any superhero film. Thor's quest to return to Asgard and save his home realm from the clutches of his totally evil sister Hela (Cate Blanchett) is complicated by his meddling brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and the flamboyant Gamesmaster (Jeff Goldblum).
[Stream Thor: Ragnarok on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
The follow-up to 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens continues the tale of aspiring Jedi Rey's training as well as the ragtag Resistance's attempts to stay one step ahead of the evil First Order. More than a mere sci-fi sequel, The Last Jedi is loving tribute to Star Wars and a powerful ode to mythology in general, particularly where Luke Skywalker is concerned. And in addition to being a gorgeously shot space epic, there's a whole lot of fun and action to be had, including the hands-down best throne-room fight scene in the entire saga.
[Stream Star Wars: The Last Jedi on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
The follow-up to 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens continues the tale of aspiring Jedi Rey's training as well as the ragtag Resistance's attempts to stay one step ahead of the evil First Order. More than a mere sci-fi sequel, The Last Jedi is loving tribute to Star Wars and a powerful ode to mythology in general, particularly where Luke Skywalker is concerned. And in addition to being a gorgeously shot space epic, there's a whole lot of fun and action to be had, including the hands-down best throne-room fight scene in the entire saga.
[Stream Star Wars: The Last Jedi on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
