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The streaming giant offers up an excellent selection of both modern and classic examples that have been sourced from all over the globe. Whether big-budget blockbusters or more modest passion projects, these cinematic set-pieces are some ofthe best action movies to watch on Netflixand are perfect for those looking for a shot of adrenaline on a lazy afternoon or evening.
300 (2007)
Based on the Frank Miller comic book series of the same name,300tells the story of Leonidas of Sparta and the 299 Spartan soldiers who bravely followed him into battle against the Persian forces. Some may choose to see this as an example of how sheer power of will and unyielding determination can help to bring about the impossible, but, for most, it’s just an excellent action flick with great choreography and one or two unforgettable set-piece moments.
Perhaps more than any other director before or since, Zack Snyder really does seem to have a gift foradapting Miller’s signature style for the big screen. The cast also play their part well, with most considering this to be Gerard Butler’s best and most memorable performance to date and the one that really helped to establish him as one of the genre’s heavy hitters.
American Gangster (2007)
Those looking for a good gangster movie would perhaps be better served watchingsomething likeGoodfellas, but anyone who’s after a movie that’s a little more action-oriented will probably preferAmerican Gangster. It’s one of several great Ridley Scott movies starring Russell Crowe and is based on a true story that seems almost too good not to have been completely made up.
Denzel Washington plays Frank Lucas, the former right-hand man of infamous Harlem mob boss Ellsworth Johnson. When Johnson dies from a heart attack, Frank begins to sell heroin and quickly becomes one of the most powerful men in New York. Crowe’s character, Richie Roberts, is one of many law enforcement agents tasked with bringing the drug kingpin to justice.
Batman Begins (2005)
Marvel may be the bigger name inthe world of superhero moviesthese days, but, back in the early two-thousands, all eyes were on the Batman. Christopher Nolan’s fantastic Dark Knight trilogy really helped to bring the superhero genre to the mainstream with its gritty tone, explosive action scenes, andfantastic lineup of memorable villains.
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Following a spell on the sidelines,Batman Beginsrecently returned to Netflix, as too did its much-loved sequel,The Dark Knight. Unfortunately, the third and final part of Nolan’sBatmantrilogy isn’t available on Netflix in the states right now, but, as many consider it to be the weakest of the three movies anyway, this really shouldn’t stop viewers from enjoying the first two.
Blade Runner (1982)
Blade Runneris another great Ridley Scott movie that falls firmly into two different genres and is considered by many to be one ofthe best sci-fi moviesever made. It has plenty of action elements as well though, making it a bit likeThe Matrix: a solid choice for those who are fans of both action and sci-fi flicks.
Based on Phillip K. Dick’s novel,Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, the movie starsHarrison Fordas bounty hunter Rick Deckard, who is responsible for tracking down and killing escaped androids known as Replicants. It’s one of the best-looking movies of the eighties and features an incredible plot with plenty of great setpiece moments.
The Debt Collector (2018)
Considering how little money was spent on its production,The Debt Collectorlooks absolutely fantastic. It perfectly capturesLA’s darker sidein terms of both its visuals and its tone and is able to back all of this up with some impressively well-choreographed hand-to-hand action scenes. For fans of Jesse V. Johnson’s work, it’s very much more of the same.
The plot may be a little basic, but the acting is solid enough throughout and the direction is mostly on point. When all’s said and done, this really isn’t the kind of movie that one watches for its story, with the narrative instead serving more as a vehicle with which to guide viewers from fight scene to fight scene; all of which are perfectly composed to keep the heart pumping at a rapid pace.
Desperado (1995)
Of the three movies that make up director Robert Rodriguez’s Mexico Trilogy, the second,Desperado, is arguably the pick of the bunch. It once again stars Antonio Banderas as El Mariachi, a guitar-playing gunslinger who’s willing to do whatever it takes to avenge his murdered lover. This time, however, he’s joined by Salma Hayek in what many consider to be her breakthrough role.
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The editing and shot composition are fantastic throughout, helping to create one of the best neo-westerns of its era. It’s much much more than just mindless action though, with the narrative offering up a surprising amount of depth and plenty of wonderfully creative and unpredictable moments as well.
Extraction (2020)
Anyone looking for a deep or original plot will probably want to giveExtractiona miss, but those looking for high-octane action that will have them glued firmly to the edge of their seat should definitely consider giving it a watch. Its $65 million budget makes it one of the most expensive Netflix originals to date: a title that it more than lives up to.
The movie was co-written by the Russo brothers and stars Chris Hemsworth as Tyler Rake: a black ops mercenary tasked with saving the kidnapped son of an Indian drug lord. There are some pretty big twists and turns along the way, however, ensuring that viewers are always left guessing what exactly is going to happen next.
Fearless (2006)
First released in Hong Kong in January of 2006, many considerFearlessto be Jet Li’s very best movie of all time and it’s easy to understand why. His performance is excellent and the martial arts on display are some of the finest onscreen showings since the days of the peerless Bruce Lee.
The movie is based loosely on the life of Huo Yuanjia, a talented Chinese martial artist who became famous for defeating foreigners in combat around the turn of the twentieth century. It’s a wild ride from start to finish, and though the ending is a bit of a downer, it’s still well worth watching for the fantastic combat scenes.
Gladiator (2000)
When it comes to directing amazing action movies, few can hold a candle to the great Ridley Scott. The veteran director’s name is firmly attached to some of the genre’s very best movies and franchises of all time, includinghis 2000 masterpiece,Gladiator. With no fewer than twelve Oscar nominations to its name, it’s one of Scott’s most critically acclaimed movies ever and well worth a watch.
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Gladiatortells the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, a high-ranking Roman officer who is forced into slavery following the death of his family. Maximus, who is played by Russell Crowe, eventually becomes a gladiator and vows to work his way up through the ranks so that he can take revenge on the man responsible for the deaths of his family and his former emperor.
Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)
Gunpowder Milkshakeis one of thosemovies that most viewers will forget almost immediately after they’ve watched it. Sadly, there just isn’t enough depth to it to leave a lasting impression. The good news is that most people don’t watch action movies for deep storylines or heartfelt moments. They want excitement, and that is something that Navot Papushado’s movie delivers in great abundance.
In many ways, this is the very embodiment of all style and no substance, but that actually ends up looking a lot better than the negative connotations of that old adage might otherwise suggest. When all’s said and done, it’s definitely worth watching, and, with a sequel currently in the works, there’s every possibility that the returning cast will get a chance to stretch their creative legs a little more next time out.
