Movies on Netflix for your next action thriller to be on Netflix. We’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of 12 must-watch titles that will excite your heart. These films and series feature exciting chases and intense fight scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
12 Must-Watch Movies on Netflix for 2024 The Ultimate Guide to Netflix Movies 2024
The Night and Maria focuses on strong female leads, exciting stories, and intense action scenes. Headshot and Revenger offers nonstop martial arts action to keep you on the edge of your seat—24 Hours with Gaspar and The Big 4 features unique storytelling, engaging characters, and thrilling plots.
If you enjoy suspense and action, check out The Kandahar Hijack and Fistful of Vengeance for a thrilling drama. The Outsider and Sheriff offer complex characters and gripping storylines. For even more action, Xtreme and Badland Hunters will keep you entertained.
The Night Comes for Us
2018 ‧ Action/Thriller
“The Night Comes for Us” is a 2018 action thriller from Indonesia, directed by Timo Tjahjanto. The film features Joe Taslim as Ito, who works as a gangster. He gets caught in a violent conflict within his Triad crime family after he chooses to save a young girl during a massacre.
Maria
2019 ‧ Action/Thriller
“Maria” (2019) is a Filipino action thriller directed by Pedring Lopez. It stars Cristine Reyes as a former cartel assassin who fakes her death to escape her violent past. When her old employers find out she is alive, Maria must fight to protect her new life and get revenge.
The film is recognized for its intense action scenes and Reyes’ strong performance, although some critics think the plot is unoriginal. Despite mixed reviews, “Maria” stands out for its exciting fight choreography and powerful lead, making it an entertaining choice for action fans.
Wu Assassins
2019 ‧ Action/Thriller
Wu Assassins is a Netflix original series that combines martial arts action with supernatural elements. The story follows Kai Jin, a chef in San Francisco who becomes an assassin. His job is to keep powerful mystical abilities away from those who would misuse them.
The action scenes in the series are exciting, featuring impressive martial arts choreography that keeps viewers engaged. The bright and bold visuals enhance the overall experience. Iko Uwais gives a strong performance in the lead role, showing his martial arts skills and adding depth to his character.
24 Hours with Gaspar
2024 ‧ Action/Thriller
24 Hours with Gaspar is a thrilling movie set in a bleak, futuristic world. Directed by Yosep Anggi Noen, it tells the story of Gaspar, a private investigator who has only 24 hours to live. He must solve the mystery of his childhood friend’s disappearance before time runs out. The film grabs your attention from the start, with a strong premise and beautiful visuals. The fight scenes are well choreographed, adding excitement to Gaspar’s urgent quest.
The Big 4
2022 ‧ Action/Thriller
“The Big 4” on Netflix is an exciting film that mixes action with dark comedy. Directed by Timo Tjahjanto, this Indonesian movie follows a group of retired assassins who must return to their old ways because of a determined cop. The film includes thrilling action scenes, creative and gory kills, and a plot that keeps you guessing.
Although its 141-minute runtime may feel long, the movie’s chaotic style makes it a must-see for action fans. The cast, featuring Abimana Aryasatya and Putri Marino, gives strong performances that add depth to the story.
Revenger
2018 ‧ Action/Thriller
Revenger is an exciting Korean action film full of intense martial arts scenes and revenge. The story follows Kim Yool, a former detective who goes to a remote island prison to get back at those who killed his family. While the plot is simple and the characters aren’t very deep, the film shines with its impressive Taekwondo fight choreography.
Bruce Khan gives a strong performance as the vengeful main character, showing a mix of pain and determination even with little dialogue. Although it may not have much emotional depth, Revenger is a thrilling choice for fans of action and revenge stories.
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a compelling Netflix series that tells the true story of the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the series focuses on the eight-day crisis, balancing true events with drama. The actors, including Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, and Pankaj Kapur, deliver strong performances that enhance the story. While the pacing is mostly good, some viewers may find the heavy emphasis on government missteps and negotiations a bit too much.
Fistful of Vengeance
2022 ‧ Action/Thriller
“Fistful of Vengeance” continues the “Wu Assassins” series with exciting martial arts action and supernatural themes. Directed by Roel Reiné, the film follows Kai Jin and his friends as they go to Thailand to seek revenge for a loved one’s death. The fight scenes, led by Iko Uwais, are intense and visually impressive. However, the plot can feel scattered, and the characters do not develop much, making the movie more of a spectacle than a fully engaging story.
Hell Dogs – In the House of Bamboo
2022 ‧ Action/Thriller
Hell Dogs – In the House of Bamboo is a gripping crime drama that explores the dark world of the Yakuza. Directed by Masato Harada, the film tells the story of a traumatized ex-police officer who goes undercover to join a Yakuza group. He befriends one of its most unstable members.
The film features intense action scenes and strong performances, especially by Jun’ichi Okada and Kentarô Sakaguchi. Although the plot can be complicated and the movie feels a bit long, its gritty realism and emotional depth make it a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers.
Xtreme
2021 ‧ Action/Thriller
Xtreme is an action thriller from Spain that offers an exciting and fast-paced story about revenge. Directed by Daniel Benmayor, the film follows Maximo (Teo García), a retired hitman. Together with his sister and a troubled teenager, he seeks revenge on his dangerous stepbrother, Lucero (Óscar Jaenada). The plot is simple and familiar, much like “John Wick” and “Kill Bill.” However, Xtreme stands out because of its bold and exciting action scenes and stylish fight choreography.
The Shadow Strays
2024 ‧ Action/Thriller
“The Shadow Strays” is an exciting Indonesian action thriller directed by Timo Tjahjanto, known for his extreme violence. The film follows Thirteen, a teenage assassin with a good heart, as she fights against a powerful crime group in Jakarta to protect her young neighbor, Monji. The movie includes intense, over-the-top violence and creative fight scenes that highlight Tjahjanto’s skill in the genre. Although the plot uses familiar themes and dramatic elements, the strong action scenes and striking choreography make it a must-see for fans of action and martial arts movies.
Badland Hunters
2024 ‧ Action/Thriller
Badland Hunters is an exciting action film set in a post-apocalyptic world. It takes place in a ruined, earthquake-hit Seoul. The story follows Nam-san, a tough huntsman, as he fights against a mad doctor who performs cruel experiments on humans. The movie features intense fight scenes that blend martial arts and weapons, showcasing the impressive skills of actor Don Lee. Although the plot isn’t very deep and the characters aren’t well-developed, the nonstop action and gritty setting make it a gripping watch for fans of the genre.