If you’re anything like us, nothing cures a dull, indecisive movie night like a really good action film. Explosive stunts, high-speed chases, epic battles, bullet frenzies, good guys and bad guys, maybe even a fist fight or two. They’re over the top – but that’s why we love ‘em.
Whether it’s replaying the Marvel movies from start to finish, getting your mates over to watch Die Hard for the twentieth time, or tapping go on a random title on Netflix, action films are a source of fun and energy, and watching them is sure to keep you entertained.
Below are the films we go to when we want to feel the rush.
“Top Gun: Maverick”
Watch on Netflix
Missed out on seeing Top Gun on the big screen? Trust us, it’s just as electrifying from your couch. Starring your old favourites from the 1986 original Top Gun, like Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer, plus some new exciting faces, including Miles Teller and Glen Powell. The story sees Cruise return to his old roots, helping an unlikely crew of pilots navigate a near-impossible mission.
“Deadpool”
Watch on Amazon Prime
This refreshingly irreverent and wildly entertaining superhero film breaks all the rules. Ryan Reynolds stars as Wade Wilson, a smartass mercenary who undergoes an experimental treatment to cure his cancer, only to be left horribly disfigured but with incredible healing powers. It’s sharp, witty, packed with action and super funny. What more could you ask for?
“Die Hard”
Watch on Amazon Prime
Ask anyone their favourite action movie, and they’ll probably say Die Hard. It’s the non-stop, quintessential action film that set the standard for the genre. If you haven’t seen it, here’s the rundown: Bruce Willis stars as John McClane, a New York cop who finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time when terrorists take over a Los Angeles skyscraper during a Christmas party. The result? He has to save the day. ‘Yippee ki-yay, motherf****r!’
“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning”
Watch on Paramount+
Dead Reckoning is the latest instalment in the action-packed franchise, once again featuring Tom Cruise as the tireless Ethan Hunt. There’s high speed chases, motorbikes jumping off cliffs, Cruise performing his own stunts, and even a few satisfying easter eggs that point to previous instalments. In 2023, Variety writer Joe Leydon described the Mission: Impossible films as being that “rare (if not unprecedented) franchise in which each new episode seems bigger, bolder and better than its immediate predecessor.” It’s action at its best.
“Mad Max: Fury Road”
Watch on Stan
Essentially a reboot of the original Mad Max series, Fury Road is a study of humanity, lost civilization and survival. This high-octane thrill ride is set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, where Max and Duriosa (played by Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron) team up to escape a tyrannical warlord. It’s visually stunning, action packed and expertly directed by George Miller.
“John Wick”
Watch on Amazon Prime
In the first John Wick film, Keanu Reeves stars as a retired hitman who goes on a vengeful rampage after some bad guys kill his dog. Rolling Stone ranked the film #3 in best action hits, describing Wick as, “a one-man killing machine that people refer to as a mythological boogieman. You do not want to make John Wick angry, in other words.” Directed by Chad Stahelski, this film is a masterclass in choreographed fight scenes and world-building, and Reeves delivers a magnetic performance.
“The Raid”
Watch on Amazon Prime
The Raid is an Indonesian action film directed by Gareth Evans that has become a cult classic since its release in 2011, and has influenced many of the choreographed fight scenes we now see in other massive action films. Known for its intense and brutal combat and weapons, this story showcases incredible martial arts stunts and non-stop action from start to finish.
“Gladiator” (2000)
Watch on Apple TV+
It wouldn’t be a list of action movies without Gladiator. Ridley Scott’s epic historical action film stars Russell Crowe as Maximus, a betrayed Roman general who seeks revenge against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family. The film’s grand scale, gripping story, and intense battle scenes earned it five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe. A timeless classic.
Catch these titles and more on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Paramount+, Stan, Hayu, Britbox and Apple TV+ on Fetch from Telstra . Happy watching!