Ridham Vashishth
Action movies have always been the cinematic adrenaline shot we often seek to escape the monotony of everyday life. Whether it’s the high-speed car chases weaving through bustling city streets, the pulse-pounding martial arts duels, or heart-stopping stunts from skyscraper heights, action films offer viewers a taste of the exhilarating and the impossible. It’s no surprise that they rank amongst the most popular genres for movie buffs. From action comedies that tickle our funny bones amidst the chaos and animated escapades that cater to the child in all of us to gripping action adventures that transport us to uncharted territories – action films come in various flavors, and each has its charm. This list will dive into the best action movies available on Peacock, ensuring something for every action fan. Prepare for a cinematic journey that promises edge-of-the-seat moments and unbridled entertainment.
13. The Killer (2024)
‘The Killer’ is directed by John Woo, renowned worldwide for his Gun Fu (a combination of Guns and Kung Fu) movies. The film focuses on an assassin and a cop who are caught in the middle of a whirlwind that results from a job that the assassin failed to carry out. Divided by nature but united by chaos, the two people have to find a way to keep themselves alive while the people around them try to kill them. Can they work together? Starring Nathalie Emmanuel and Omar Sey, ‘The Killer’ is an action-packed movie with ample amounts of thrill and drama. You can watch it here.
12. The Hunt (2020)
Craig Zobel’s ‘The Hunt’ offers a visceral depiction of the American class struggle. We have a bunch of working-class people who are being hunted by the elites for sport, an event that takes place every year. Among the hunted is a woman named Crystal who takes the matter into her own hands, going after the elites and all those trying to kill her. While this is the plot, it is the execution and the subject that matter more. Gory death scenes and the sheer brutality and ruthlessness of hunting for sport hit different when you see humans are the ones hunted. The movie stars Betty Gilpin, Hilary Swank, Wayne Duvall, and Ethan Suplee. You can watch ‘The Hunt’ here.
11. Point Break (1991)
The cult classic movie ‘Point Break’ stars Keanu Reeves as FBI Agent Johnny Utah, who infiltrates a group of surfers, led by Bodhi, played by Patrick Swayze, who are believed to be robbers who have been robbing banks wearing the masks of ex-US presidents. Whether and if yes, how Utah manages to gather evidence proving that the surfers are indeed the robbers takes the shape of an engrossing unfolding of drama that is outright “cool.” The movie also stars Gary Busey, Lori Petty, and John C. McGinley and has been directed by Kathryn Bigelow. You can enjoy it here.
10. The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil (2019)
Directed by Lee Won-tae, ‘The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil’ is a South Korean action thriller. When crime boss Jang Dong-soo is attacked by someone who seems to be a serial killer, he makes a deal with homicide cop Jung Tae-suk, who is leading the investigation into the series of murders committed by the same killer. Whoever catches the criminal gets to “keep” him. So the question is: How tough can it be to be on either side of the law and yet work together towards the same objective? Starring Ma Dong-seok, aka Don Lee, as Jang Dong-soo, and Kim Mu-yeol as Jung Tae-suk, ‘The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil’ is a true-to-form action thriller packed with both action and thrill. You can watch it here.
9. The Northman (2022)
‘The Northman’ is a historical action drama based on the Scandinavian legend of Amleth. It stars Alexander Skarsgård as Prince Amleth, who vows vengeance after witnessing his father’s murder and his mother’s abduction at a young age. He flees his kingdom and returns as an all-grown Viking raider. With a visually stunning take on Norse mythology and Vikings, ‘The Northman’ tells a powerful tale of betrayal and revenge, underscored by family dynamics and magical symbolism. Co-starring Ethan Hawke, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Willem Dafoe, the film is directed by Robert Eggers. It can be streamed here.
8. Apocalypto (2006)
Directed by Mel Gibson, ‘Apocalypto’ is set in the Mayan civilization. It is a hero’s journey, that of a Mayan man named Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood), who is taken captive along with many others of his tribe by Mayan raiders. However, he manages to hide his pregnant wife, Seven (Dalia Hernández), and young son, Turtles Run, before being taken. How he survives amidst the torture by the raiders, headed by Zero Wolf (Raoul Trujillo), and how he escapes and returns to save his family are portrayed effectively in this historical drama. The film received multiple nominations, including at the Oscars, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs. You can stream ‘Apocalypto’ here.
7. The Boondock Saints (1999)
‘The Boondock Saints’ is an action thriller directed by Troy Duffy. Set in Boston, it follows Irish twin brothers Connor (Sean Patrick Flanery) and Murphy (Norman Reedus) MacManus, who become vigilantes after encountering the Russian mafia. Inspired by their faith, they embark on a quest to cleanse their hometown of crime, drawing the attention of FBI Special Agent Paul Smecker (Willem Dafoe).
The ensemble cast features Willem Dafoe, Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, David Della Rocco, and Billy Connolly. ‘The Boondock Saints’ distinguishes itself with its intense action, dark humor, and moral dilemmas. As a film that delves deep into the complexities of justice, vengeance, and divinity, it warrants its spot on this list and is recommended for those seeking a thrilling yet thought-provoking watch. You can stream the film here.
6. Ip Man (2008)
‘Ip Man’ is a Hong Kong biographical martial arts film directed by Wilson Yip, spotlighting the life of Ip Man, the grandmaster of Wing Chun martial arts and Bruce Lee‘s revered teacher. Based in Foshan during the turbulent period of the Sino-Japanese War, this action film offers an insight into the trials and tribulations of a man who stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. The movie boasts an ensemble cast with Donnie Yen, who portrays Ip Man, supported by actors like Lynn Hung, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi, Tenma Shibuya, Gordon Lam, Fan Siu-wong, Simon Yam, and Xing Yu.
Having garnered appreciation and accolades, ‘Ip Man’ stands out not only for its impeccable martial arts choreography but also for its strong narrative. It’s a testament to the indomitable spirit of a man against overwhelming odds and serves as a poignant reminder of the historical events it’s rooted in. It is a must-watch for fans of both history and martial arts. You can stream it here.
5. Ip Man 2 (2010)
A sequel to ‘Ip Man,’ this movie is also directed by Wilson Yip, with Donnie Yen returning as the titular character. The film’s story revolves around a quarrel between the students of Wing Chun and Hung Ga, two different martial arts styles. While Ip is the teacher of the Wing Chun students, the students of Hung Ga follow Master Hong Zhen Nan, played by the great Sammo Hung. To find out who among the two masters is able to establish their supremacy, you can watch the movie here.
4. The Expendables (2010)
‘The Expendables’ brings together some of the all-time-great action stars the world has ever seen to give cinephiles a no-holds-barred epic-scale action movie. The stellar cast includes Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Steve Austin. The story follows the titular group of mercenaries led by Barney Ross, tasked with bringing down a dictator in Vilena in the Gulf of Mexico. As regular a job as it seems for the team, things get complicated when it is revealed that the dictator is a puppet in the hands of an ex-CIA agent. Bringing this guy down is not easy, and the team faces various obstacles in its action-filled and blood-spilled endeavor. A must-watch for lovers of the action genre, ‘The Expendables’ is directed by Stallone himself. It can be streamed right here.
3. Ambulance (2022)
Helmed by Michael Bay, ‘Ambulance’ features Jake Gyllenhaal and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as adoptive brothers Danny and Will Sharp. When Will, an army veteran, reaches out to Danny, a criminal, for money for his wife’s treatment, Danny offers him a chance to take part in a bank heist. The elaborate heist goes wrong, and the brothers are forced to hijack an ambulance with a patient and a medical technician to escape the cops, who are chasing them with all their strength. The movie has the quintessential Michael Bay stuff, like car crashes, explosions, and gripping action. However, it is the use of drones that adds to the thrill of the chase in Los Angeles. ‘Ambulance’ is based on the Danish movie of the same name by Laurits Munch-Petersen. You can watch it here.
2. Monkey Man (2024)
Dev Patel made his directorial debut with ‘Monkey Man,’ a gory action thriller fueled by a man’s urge for vengeance. Kid (Patel) makes money by participating in underground fights, training himself for the right moment to take revenge on the person responsible for his mother’s death. He wears a monkey mask, inspired by tales of Lord Hanuman, which he heard as a kid. However, the powers he is fighting against, controlled by a spiritual guru named Baba Shakti (Makarand Deshpande) and his minion, the corrupt cop Rana Singh (Sikandar Kher), are overwhelming, and he has to go beyond his usual tricks if he wants to fulfill his “wish.” With stylized action sequences that are highlighted using great camera work, as well as the incorporation of Hindu mythology, ‘Monkey Man’ is a rare action movie you can watch right here.
1. Sicario (2015)
Helmed by Denis Villeneuve, ‘Sicario’ follows FBI special agent Kate Macer, who joins a joint task force whose objective is to bring down a powerful Mexican drug cartel and disrupt its operations. However, as the mission progresses, Macer realizes that there’s a bigger game at play, and she is just a pawn. As bodies pile up, her disturbed self struggles to navigate it all. Meanwhile, her teammates continue with straight faces, keeping her in the dark. Will Kate figure out the truth? And even if she does, can she do anything about it? The charm of ‘Sicario’ lies not in the action but in how the action is mixed with the silence that seems to be a manifestation of the hidden secrets. With compelling performances by Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, and Josh Brolin, among others, ‘Sicario’ is a must-watch action movie you can stream right here.
Read More: Best Action Movies on Apple TV+
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