When it comes to streaming, choosing what to watch can be overwhelming, given the numerous platforms offering a vast array of content. Even narrowing it down to a specific genre does not make it any easier to pick something to watch, beyond the top recommended films that viewers have already seen or plan to skip. Digging up some hidden gems in the action genre, and some that some viewers may have overlooked on their initial release, these titles will give fans of the genre their fill.
Here are 10 perfect action movies if you’re looking for something to stream this weekend.
‘The Shadow Strays’ (2024)
Streaming on Netflix
Director Timo Tjahjanto is one of the best action directors working today, with notable titles under his belt, like The Night Comes for Us, and making the transition to Hollywood with Nobody 2. The Shadow Strays, a Netflix Original production, delivers what fans of the director have come to expect: pulse-pounding, over-the-top, and violent action choreographed to perfection.
Stylized Action From one of Action’s Best Directors
The story, following an assassin who has a change of conscience, also presents a morality play as she abandons her role as a ruthless killer to save the life of a child. Drama, perfectly balanced with explosive action, the film is one of the most explosive action films you will find streaming on Netflix.
‘Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In’ (2024)
Streaming on Hi-Yah! and Kanopy
Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, by director Soi Cheang, is a love letter and an amplification of decades of outstanding martial arts-focused cinema from Hong Kong. Taking place in a version of the once infamous Kowloon Walled City, the action pits rival gangs against each other in the tight confines of a maze-like city ruled by a few strong enough to call it home.
A Love Letter to HK Action Cinema
Interjecting humor, heart, and a fascinating, unwinding mystery between the fisticuffs, many have called the movie the greatest to ever come out of Hong Kong. That claim is not just hyperbole; Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is indeed a must-watch for martial arts fans.
‘Samaritan’ (2022)
Streaming on Prime
Samaritan saw beloved action actor Sylvester Stallone as a retired hero, having gone into hiding after the death of his arch-nemesis and brother. Yet when a 13-year-old super-fan, Sam Cleary, realizes neighbor Joe Smith (pseudonym for Samaratin) is a superhero, he begins to feel empowered and starts pushing back against the local gangs, putting himself in danger and forcing Samaritan to pursue them.
Stallone Steps Into Role of Superhero
Naysayers will point to inaccuracies in powers, tired clichés, and a predictable conclusion, yet those who love a gritty take on the superhero genre, packed with unrealistic action and a very intimidating Sylverse Stallone. Don’t get caught up in details, and Samaratin is a fun ride with engaging dramatic elements and some big-scale brawls.
‘The Good, the Bad, the Weird’ (2008)
Streaming on AMC+ and Kanopy
Back on its release in 2008, The Good, the Bad, the Weird certainly had a lot of buzz behind it. The film offered up a successful blend of spaghetti Western, Eastern martial arts, and slapstick action, in an homage to The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly–set in 1930s Manchuria, the movie would take the same plot approach, with three men racing towards a stashed treasure.
A Korean Classic Worth Revisiting
In the modern cinematic landscape, The Good, the Bad, the Weird remains a bit of a forgotten relic, being released at a time when Korean film was not nearly as on the radar with cinema fans as it is now. But for action fans, it is the perfect time to dig up this gem that delivers explosions, shootouts, fisticuffs, and dark humor all under a stylish and electric visual style.
‘Rage’ (1995)
Streaming on Fawsome
The ’90s were a wild era for action, and arguably, the best when it came to both groundbreaking films and the emergence of smaller productions. Notably, the direct-to-video market opened up the possibility for many new stars to emerge, or at least gain a cult following. Actor Gary Daniels may have never risen in the ranks during the era, but his continued presence in B-movie gems, cool persona, and martial arts prowess made him a welcome lead in countless action films.
’90s Action at Its Most Explosive
Rage is his best film for those looking for action, as the movie is heavy on stunt work, including some mind-boggling, cool car chases. The plot? A man on a mission of revenge after he was done dirty, that is all you need to know to strap in for this underrated gem.
‘Battle Royale’ (2000)
Streaming on Prime
Battle Royale comes with a rather bleak premise: a government program that once a year forces kids to fight to the death to maintain a respectful relationship with authority figures. Some join by choice, but the majority are dragged in and forced to fight for their lives.
A Deadly Game of Survival
This is one highly emotional and tragic ride, with spurts of violence and action aiming for the realism of having a group of kids forced to fight to the death. The action may be messy, but the premise is utterly harrowing, in the best way possible for exploring the inner psyche of children put in a life-threatening predicament and forced to rationalize killing each other.
‘Boy Kills World’ (2023)
Streaming on Hulu
The Bill Skarsgård-led action comedy, Boys Kill World, follows a mute and deaf man named Boy (Bill Skarsgård), who was trained from birth to be a warrior to destroy the tyrannical Van Der Koy family. With an over-the-top narrator, provided by H. Jon Benjamin (of Bob’s Burgers and Archer fame), Boy navigates a world of killers under the employ of the Van Der Koy’s.
Dumb Fun Delivered Fast
While a box-office flop on release, Boy Kills World received a shot at redemption on streaming, garnering a more favorable opinion and a larger audience. The streaming resurgence was thanks to the comedic beats delivered through a voice-over from veteran comedian H. Jon Benjamin, phenomenal fight choreography from Dawid Szatarski, and sleek visuals from cinematographer Peter Matjasko. The film is certainly not without its faults, but for an evening of streaming some action, Boy Kills World will certainly scratch that itch.
‘Django’ (1966)
Streaming on Arrow and Plex
While not quite as revered as Sergio Leone’s work in the spaghetti Western genre, Django and its subsequent sequels have long been held in high regard by fans of the genre. The premise follows a mysterious, coffin-dragging gunslinger who finds himself caught in between two fighting factions in a Western town.
A Gritty and Brutal Western
Like many other spaghetti Westerns, Django is not so much about the plot as it is delivering a gritty yet visually rich version of the favored action sub-genre. Here, actor Franco Nero also provides a performance as a cool and collected anti-hero, which is comparable to the much more championed Clint Eastwood as the ‘man with no name.’ Moreover, Django remains one of the most brutal and gritty franchises to emerge from the era; its influence is evident in Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained, extending beyond its title.
‘Attack the Block’ (2011)
Streaming on Hulu
Set in a South London council estate, Attack the Block sees an unlikely alliance of outcasts and locals having to band together to protect their home from an alien invasion. The movie would mark a breakout performance for John Boyega, who transitions from a thug into the role of a leader fighting against an extraterrestrial threat.
A Groundbreaking Sci-Fi Action Epic
For those who would prefer sci-fi action, Attack the Block brings a raw, real-world energy with inventive special effects that make it the perfect amalgamation of the two genres. Coming with a dark comedic wit and astute social commentary, the movie would also rocket to international success and acclaim. As we are now far removed from 2011, Attack the Block certainly deserves a re-watch, or to be introduced to fellow action fans for the first time.
‘City Hunter’ (2024)
Streaming on Netflix
Based on the classic anime/manga, City Hunter is one of those international action releases that landed on Netflix without much fanfare. This is a shame when considering how perfectly the movie blends comedy with humor. The film follows a suave detective known as City Hunter, who finds himself entangled in a larger conspiracy involving a super serum designed to create violent criminals for a corrupt government organization.
Perfect Blend of Humor and Action
It is a cliché and serviceable plot, but it holds together some great action sequences and some wonderful moments of absurdity, including a peculiar fight on the stage of a cosplay theater. Those who want something more lighthearted, perhaps enjoy it with a partner who does not want action that is bone-crunchingly painful to watch, will want to check out City Hunter.
Release Date
April 25, 2024
Runtime
102 Minutes
Director
Yûichi Satô
Writers
Tsukasa Hojo, Tatsuro Mishima
Producers
Kôsuke Oshida, Shinichi Takahashi
-
Misato Morita
Kaori Makimura
-
Masanobu Ando
Hideyuki Makimura
-
Fumino Kimura
Det. Saeko Nogami
You can view the original article HERE.
