The Netflix-industrial complex is alive and well, if the streamer’s near-constant output of satisfyingly formulaic action movies is any indication.
That said, Netflix has released so many original action movies that it doesn’t even have time to make them good anymore, as evidenced by … Well, I won’t name names. (*cough* The Union *cough* Also Atlas *cough*) On the other hand, its most recent original action flick, Carry-On is making waves as one of Netflix’s most popular original productions in recent memory. In fact, it’s poised to become one of Netflix’s Top 10 viewed movies of all time. But does it also rank among Netflix’s 7 best original action movies of all time? Let’s see here…
Rotten Tomatoes ranking: 43%
Action clichés: Retired former military operative regains love of guns; gruff character must begrudgingly look after small child; unspoken existential fear; the presence of J.Lo.
Why we’re still talking about it: Though there are technically other Netflix action movies with higher Rotten Tomatoes scores, The Mother comes out on top due to its extracinematic significance. The Mother, along with 2022’s Marry Me, appeared to restart J.Lo’s dual career as a rom-com and serious action star, leading her headlong into a new storied phase of her career: Phase Oh No What Is She Doing. For that, we are grateful for The Mother.
Rotten Tomatoes ranking: 67%
Action clichés: Zombies; freelance mercenary played by Dave Bautista; deadly heist; patented Zack Snyder slo-mo fights.
Why we’re still talking about it: Zack Snyder has unfortunately received more attention for his dull and dreary Rebel Moon series, but Army of the Dead is a certified cult classic. With over-the-top violence and a solid cast, the movie delivers the brainless and brain-eating thrills that you crave from your regular action meals.
Rotten Tomatoes ranking: 68%
Action clichés: A snarky fighter pilot; intergenerational bonding; an impending assassination; Ryan Reynolds improvising with a 50% success rate.
Why we’re still talking about it: Though heavy on sci-fi – and, to a lesser extent, comedy – The Adam Project has plenty of thrilling action set pieces. And unlike with Deadpool, you can actually stare at Ryan Reynolds’ face the whole time. Forget about the plot! (It involves time travel or something.)
Rotten Tomatoes ranking: 67%
Action clichés: Grim, cynical black-market mercenary; the titular extraction of an important rich kid; unlikely explosions.
Why we’re still talking about it: While not Netflix’s highest-rated actioner, Extraction is likely its most popular. Based on a graphic novel by Ande Parks and the Russo brothers, Extraction stars Chris Hemsworth in a typically charismatic leading man performance. It also has lots of fun surprise explosions, which is what you were really looking for, honestly.
Rotten Tomatoes ranking: 71%
Action clichés: The U.S. Army Delta Force getting name-checked; exotic shots of what is supposedly South America; Latin American crime lords; Metallica soundtrack.
Why we’re still talking about it: Though lesser known among Netflix’s original movie roster, Triple Frontier is easily its best heist movie to date. Packed with energizing action sequences, a thumping rhythm, and a plethora of story turns, Triple Frontier also makes excellent use of its cast, which includes Ben Affleck, Pedro Pascal, and Oscar Isaac.
Rotten Tomatoes ranking: 80%
Action clichés: Superhero characters pulled directly from a comic book series; mysterious backstories; a jaded Charlize Theron; karate.
Why we’re still talking about it: Running the gamut from action to fantasy to thriller and back again, The Old Guard pays expert homage to its comic book source material while introducing viewers to a titillatingly novel group of emotionally damaged superheroes. We’re still waiting for the sequel.
Rotten Tomatoes ranking: 88%
Action clichés: An everyman tasked with saving thousands of people; head-scratching character decisions; full-throated support of the L.A.P.D.; hand-to-hand combat in claustrophobic location; Taron Egerton’s thicc butt.
Why we’re still talking about it: It’s not just one of the highest-rated Netflix original action movies of all time. It’s also one of Netflix’s highest-rated original movies, ever. This may be hard to believe, considering the movie’s genre contrivances and plot holes; however, these are to be expected. Plus, the movie is genuinely funny at times, and never lets off steam as it barrels toward its inevitable conclusion. A perfect undemanding action movie!
