Top Action Films to Watch on Netflix Right Now | July 2020

For many of us, normal life will be gradually making a comeback, which may mean that we’re having to say goodbye to those boxset binging and intense gaming sessions as we start going back to work. While this may be good news for some, others might be dreading the thought of having to get back into the office and saying farewell to this extra free time. If your return to work is looming, you may be looking at making the most of your final working from home days, and we think there’s no better way than settling in for an action movie marathon. Netflix is packed with action movies at the moment, with a selection of original movies, box office hits and retro classics at your disposal, so today we’ve rounded up a selection of our top picks to get you started.

The Old Guard

Arriving only this month on Netflix is The Old Guard, which stars Charlize Theron and is written by Greg Rucka, based on the comic books of the same name. The movie follows a group of immortal mercenaries as they embark on a revenge mission after their identities are suddenly exposed. The top streamed movie on Netflix over the weekend of its release, it's been highly praised for impressive action sequences and fight scenes.

Bad Boys

No action movie line-up is complete without a few of the classics, and Netflix certainly has a generous helping of those at the moment. One of which is 1995 action comedy Bad Boys, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as a pair of Miami based detectives investigating a case of stolen heroin from the evidence room of their precinct. Another movie that had a fair amount of mixed reviews when it was originally released, over the years it’s gained quite the cult following and has even spawned a couple of successful sequels.

Inception

Considered as one of the best films of the 2010s, Inception stars Leonardo Di Caprio in one of his most iconic roles as a professional thief who has the ability to steal information through dream-sharing technology. Packed with impressive visual effects and some intense action sequences, this award-winning sci-fi action flick will have you gripped from start to finish. Just be warned though, it’ll severely mess with your head.

6 Underground

If you haven’t had the chance to catch this Netflix original yet, now’s your chance. Directed by Michael Bay and with Ryan Reynolds in the lead role, this exciting action thriller follows a tech billionaire who fakes his death and recruits a team of untraceable, off-grid agents who take down terrorists and criminals who are untouchable by the government. Packed with car chases and fast paced action, it’s a must see for any action fan.

Hot Fuzz

Never underestimate the power of British comedy combined with a bit of action. One of Edgar Wright’s famous “Cornetto Trilogy” movies, Hot Fuzz features Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in the lead roles, along with an ensemble of some of the very best British actors. For anyone who’s not familiar with this cult classic, it follows Simon Pegg as a top London cop who’s transferred to a sleepy village in Gloucestershire. However, when a string of gruesome murders take place, things start to get interesting. Full of gorey special effects, plenty of mystery and the classic “buddy-cop” theme with a handful of highly quotable lines, this is one that never gets old.

Extraction

Landing on Netflix earlier this year was Extraction, starring Chris Hemsworth as a black ops mercenary enlisted to rescue the kidnapped son of a drug lord in Bangladesh. This intense and pretty violent flick was one of the top streamed on Netflix the weekend it was released, with many praising Hemsworth’s performance and the impressive action scenes above all.

Kingsman: The Secret Service

Action fans will also be pleased to hear that Kingsman: The Secret Service is another top pick on Netflix right now. The 2014 action spy comedy features an impressive cast including Taron Egerton, Samuel L. Jackson, Colin Firth and Michael Caine. It follows a British intelligence service as they recruit a typical street kid into their training programme to tackle the global threat of a twisted tech genius. It’s full of dark humour, exciting action sequences and impressive performances from the cast.

Total Recall

For those who are fans of a good remake, you’re in luck, as the 2012 remake of the 1990 classic is currently streaming on Netflix. Following a man on the run after a mind-altering procedure goes horribly wrong, this fresh take on the sci-fi classic is packed with intense action sequences along with an impressive cast including Colin Farrell, Bryan Cranston and Kate Beckinsale.

The Town

Finally, we have 2010 crime thriller The Town, which follows a group of Boston bank robbers as they plan their next heist to rob Fenway Park, while the lead thief tries to balance his feelings for the bank manager they kidnapped during their last job. Directed by and starring Ben Affleck, along with Blake Lively and Jon Hamm in supporting roles, this crime drama is packed with gritty violence that will keep you engrossed from start to finish.

That’s just a handful of the suggestions for how you should start your action movie session for the next week or so, and there’s of course plenty more where that came from in Netflix’s current back catalogue. So, kick back on the sofa with a couple of beers and immerse yourself in the action!

Written by Amy Jackson - 13th July 2020