Action remains one of Netflix’s most dominant genres, consistently topping the platform’s most-watched lists. In fact, seven of the ten most popular Netflix movies of all time belong to the action category, including Red Notice, Carry-On, The Adam Project, The Gray Man, Damsel, We Can Be Heroes, and The Mother. And the excitement isn’t slowing down—Netflix has more high-octane films lined up for 2025, such as Havoc and The Old Guard 2.
If you’re in the mood for adrenaline-pumping entertainment, head to Netflix’s action section, where you’ll find everything from blockbuster spectacles and heist thrillers to action-packed comedies. To help you decide, we’ve picked three must-watch action films this month: a brand-new action comedy starring two Hollywood heavyweights, an overlooked gem from 2016, and a gripping crime thriller.
Back in Action (2025)
Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz make a triumphant return in Back in Action, a title that perfectly suits their real-life comebacks. Foxx, who survived a life-threatening stroke in 2023, and Diaz, returning to acting after a decade-long hiatus, reunite after their last collaboration in Annie (2014). This Netflix hit follows the duo as former CIA operatives forced back into the world of espionage.
The story kicks off with Matt (Foxx) and Emily (Diaz) on a high-stakes mission that takes a dangerous turn when they are double-crossed, barely surviving a harrowing plane crash. With Emily expecting a child, the couple decides to leave their dangerous careers behind and start a new life. Fast forward 15 years, they are happily married, raising two children in Atlanta. However, when a brawl outside a nightclub puts them back on the radar of old enemies, their peaceful existence is shattered. Now exposed, Matt and Emily must rely on their CIA training to outmaneuver their pursuers and protect their family at all costs.
Stream Back in Action on Netflix.
The Nice Guys (2016)
The Nice Guys (2016) has earned its place as the internet’s favorite cult classic—and for good reason. Directed by Shane Black, this action-comedy delivers a perfect blend of humor, sharp writing, and standout performances from Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling. The duo’s dynamic ranks among Black’s best, rivaling even Lethal Weapon’s iconic pairing of Danny Glover and Mel Gibson.
Set in 1977 Los Angeles, the film follows Holland March (Gosling), a down-on-his-luck private investigator hired to track down a missing porn star. Meanwhile, enforcer Jackson Healy (Crowe) is tasked with protecting Amelia (Margaret Qualley), a young woman caught in a dangerous conspiracy. When Amelia vanishes, March and Healy form an uneasy alliance, uncovering a sinister plot that puts their lives at risk.
The film thrives on the electric chemistry between Crowe and Gosling, blending slapstick comedy with sharp detective thrills. This irresistible dynamic has fueled fan demand for a sequel for nearly a decade, solidifying The Nice Guys as a modern classic.
Stream The Nice Guys on Netflix.
21 Bridges (2019)
Chadwick Boseman was on the rise as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars before his untimely passing in 2020. While he’s best known for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he also proved to be a compelling action star, with 21 Bridges standing out as an underrated thriller. The film follows two criminals, Michael Trujillo (Stephan James) and Ray Jackson (Taylor Kitsch), who, after stealing a massive stash of cocaine from a Brooklyn shop, kill several police officers during their escape.
In response, NYPD detective Andre Davis (Boseman), known for his relentless pursuit of justice, is assigned to lead the manhunt. Determined to trap the fugitives, Davis gets authorization to shut down all access points to Manhattan—closing every bridge, tunnel, and transit route. However, as the investigation unfolds, Davis begins to suspect a deeper conspiracy, one that may involve corruption within his own ranks.
Stream 21 Bridges on Netflix.