How do you define “action” when it comes to movies? Does it have to include a car chase? A shoot out? Explosions? A protagonist hellbent on revenge? Adam Fresco has found all of the above on Prime Video.
See also
* Best new movies & series on Prime Video
* All new streaming movies & series
Bloodshot (2020)
WATCH ON PRIME VIDEOGravel-voiced Vin Diesel is a deceased soldier revived by Guy Pearce’s high-tech agency and transformed into a supercharged revenge-machine. Often silly, but always fun, this slick superhero flick’s cheesy as a Royale with Cheese but satisfying as a cinematic action snack. A guilty pleasure that moves fast, keeps Vin furious, and accelerates through comic book clichés.
The Bourne Identity (2002)
WATCH ON PRIME VIDEOThe first Bourne movie unleashed Matt Damon’s amnesiac secret agent onto our screens, fighting furiously to uncover his forgotten identity and mysterious connection to the CIA. With a taut script from Tony Gilroy, this adaptation of Robert Ludlum’s novel is defty directed a boasts a smashing performance from Damon, his character equipped with as much brains as brawn.
Civil War (2023)
WATCH ON PRIME VIDEOAlex Garland’s harrowing vision of a modern US civil war, as told through the eyes of old-school journalists on a road-trip through hell to interview Nick Offerman’s President. Documentary-style action thrills in an intense and violent odyssey, led by a powerhouse performance from Kirsten Dunst. But it’s a brief cameo by Jesse Plemons in red sunglasses that really lingers. As frightening as is it is riveting.
Constantine (2005)
Watch on Prime VideoOnce you get over the fact that this is not Alan Moore’s blonde, English John Constantine from the original comic books, Francis Lawrence’s version has lots to offer. Keanu Reeves has a supernatural ball as the world-weary exorcist, while Tilda Swinton and Peter Stormare chew scenery. Angels, demons, and a trip to Hell, this is a wild, gothic ride, fusing stand-out visuals, action, horror, and superhero tropes.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Watch on Prime VideoDoug Liman’s sci-fi Groundhog Day takes the Japanese tale All You Need Is Kill and turns it into a brilliantly addictive rollercoaster-ride. Tom Cruise stars as a military public relations officer (and first-class cowardly a-hole), plunged into humanity’s fight against aliens. With a sparkling script by Cruise’s Mission: Impossible writer/director Christopher McQuarrie, and Emily Blunt as a full-metal marine, it’s a joy to watch Cruise live/die/repeat.
The Equalizer (2014)
WATCH ON PRIME VIDEODirector Antoine Fuqua reimagines the TV series of the same name about an avenging angel, casting Denzel Washington as former marine Robert McCall. It’s a slow burner, but like Denzel in Man On Fire, once it gets cooking this “one man against the Russian mob” arc builds to an action-packed climax. It’s a relentlessly tension-filled thriller.
The Equalizer 3 (2023)
WATCH ON PRIME VIDEOAfter an explosive opening, Antoine Fuqua’s third foray into the world of Robert McCall finds a cool-as-an-iceberg Denzel Washington recuperating in a postcard Sicilian town. When the Mafia tries to mess with his newfound friends…well, let’s just say they chose the wrong retired CIA operative to mess with. This is a slowburn study in quiet resolve that builds to a violent, satisfyingly action-packed climax.
Force of Nature: The Dry 2 (2023)
WATCH ON NEONEric Bana brings the sort of soulful gravitas you expect from his dramatic roles to this sequel to 2020’s The Dry, playing a detective investigating a case tied to his past. That’s not an uncommon setup for a mystery, but director Robert Connolly keeps things unpredictable.
Grimsby (2016)
WATCH ON PRIME VIDEOThis bad taste comedic action movie stars Sacha Baron Cohen as a Liam Gallagher-styled Brit football hooligan who discovers his brother (Mark Strong) is a superspy assassin. It’s packed with action and enough disgusting, downright depraved humour to have you giggling guiltily throughout. Just be thankful I don’t have space to discuss the revoltingly hilarious elephant scene…
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Watch on Prime VideoQuentin Tarantino’s war epic balances all-out action with tension, wicked humour, and historical revisionism. Brad Pitt chews through the celluloid as Aldo Raine, leader of the “Basterds.” The opening scene, introducing Christoph Waltz as Nazi Hans Landa, remains one of the most terrifyingly white knuckle moments since Chief Brody nervously watched over the crowded beach in Jaws.
John Wick (2014)
Watch on Prime VideoKeanu Reeves’ former stunt double for The Matrix movies, Chad Stahelski, turned director for this stunning action classic. Who the hell would be dumb enough to kill the dog John Wick’s dying wife gave him? That’s like borrowing Liam Neeson’s lawnmower and not returning it. Anyway, cue a bone-crunchingly fun cinematic delight that spawned an entire universe of sequels, rip-offs, and wannabes.
Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
WATCH ON PRIME VIDEOGerard Butler is the honest Joe who sees the killers of his family escape justice, then takes matters into his own hands. This modern-day Philadelphia-set Deathwish is a bold, bone-crunchingly brutal action movie, pitting Butler’s ingenious vigilante against Jamie Foxx’s bewildered cop. Butler’s portrayal of a man pushed too far shines in a tale that twists, turns, and never lets up.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001, 2002, 2003)
Watch on Prime VideoOkay, so it was released as three movies, but together The Fellowship of The Rings, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King rival the original Star Wars as the greatest action-packed adventure trilogy of all time. Aotearoa’s Peter Jackson took the world by storm with a stunning cast, great direction, and technical virtuosity.
Love Lies Bleeding (2023)
WATCH ON PRIME VIDEORose Glass’ terrific neo-noir involes body building, bugs, and a budding queer romance. By the end, plenty of moral boundaries have been left in the dust, leaving us to consider right from wrong. But moment by moment it’s a nicely grubby genre workout, elevated by Ed Harris’ truly terrifying hairstyle.
The Other Guys (2010)
Watch on Prime VideoWhen cool cop duo Samuel L. Jackson and The Rock take a nosedive off a skyscraper in the first act, mismatched cops Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are the other guys who must stop squabbling and step up. Backed by a stellar cast, including Michael Keaton and Eva Mendes, Adam McKay’s film is crammed with crass comedy, crazy chases, and outlandish action.
Sicario (2015)
WATCH ON PRIME VIDEOBefore Dune, Denis Villeneuve perfected his art in one of the greatest action crime thrillers ever made, starring Emily Blunt as an FBI agent wading deep into the USA’s clandestine war on Mexican drug cartels. Josh Brolin is hard as nails, but it’s Benicio Del Toro that’ll have your jaw on the floor. The film is boosted by stunning cinematography and a scintillating score.
Sisu (2022)
WATCH ON PRIME VIDEOA legendary army commando turned prospector (Jorma Tommila) strikes gold, only to have a rogue Nazi SS-platoon try to kill him and steal his treasure. Stuffed full of outlandish over-the-top violence, the film is a gleefully grisly adult fantasy delivering non-stop comic book mayhem.
Snatch (2000)
WATCH ON PRIME VIDEOGuy Ritchie’s outrageously addictive crime comedy is a blast-and-a-half. There’s Brad Pitt’s hilarious accent and pugilistic prowess, Jason Statham’s cocky cockney, plus the likes of Benicio Del Toro, Dennis Farina, Vinnie Jones and others. Snatch is a rollicking and rowdy ride, full of broad humour, wild violence and bonkers plotting, set in good ol’ London (“you know: fish, chips, cup ‘o tea, bad food, worse weather, Mary fucking Poppins!”).
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
WATCH ON PRIME VIDEOA fist-pumpingly fun belated sequel, worthy of repeat viewings. Tom Cruise’s eternal bad boy pilot takes on his past mistakes and all who dared doubt him in a rollicking, jet-fuelled crowd-pleaser. The third act rips off the original Star Wars Death Star-run, but with this much gleeful abandon, heart and humour, who cares?
Warrior (2011)
WATCH ON PRIME VIDEOGavin O’Connor’s mixed martial arts drama is a highly rewatchable combination of family feels and grueling fight scenes. Estranged brothers Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton literally fight to unite, the actors delivering performances with absolute conviction—plus Nick Nolte is sensational as the boys’ outlandishly drunken bum of a dad.
Titles are added and removed from his page to reflect changes to the Netflix catalogue. Reviews no longer available on this page can be found here.
