There’s no shortage of action movies available to stream for audiences looking for an exhilarating viewing experience. The fans on Letterboxd – a fast-growing social platform for film buffs – have made it easy to decide which ones to watch first, as only the best action movies get the highest scores on their site.
From the gritty superhero movie that revitalized the genre, The Dark Knight, to the disturbing neo-noir picture with an unforgettable premise, Oldboy, the highest-rated action films on the platform should be considered essential viewing for fans of the genre.
Oldboy (2003) – 4.31
Director Park Chan-wook was making disturbing movies with shocking twists long before Parasite, with Oldboy being the most noteworthy one. The neo-noir action film follows a recently released convict, Dae-su, as he finds himself entangled in a massive conspiracy being manipulated by mysterious forces.
It’s a film that’s best seen knowing as little as possible about its unsettling (and controversial) premise. Fans can expect a perfect combination of thrilling action sequences and tear-jerking emotional scenes that will stay with them long after they’ve seen the movie.
The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (2002) – 4.31
• Available to stream on HBO Max
Director Peter Jackson’s incredible ability to weave a complex epic tale together in a seamless way is underscored in the iconic The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Its second installment, The Two Towers, follows the riveting adventures of Frodo and Sam as they meet the One Ring’s former keeper. Of course, the storylines revolving around Gandalf and Saruman, as well as Merry and Pippin, are just as entertaining to watch.
Its fantastical and cohesive narrative make its numerous epic events easy to follow, especially since they’re all presented through stunning visual imagery that transports viewers to Frodo’s world.
The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001) – 4.32
• Available to stream on HBO Max
The Fellowship of the Ring is undoubtedly a classic at this point, as it has been endlessly praised for its cutting-edge visual effects, perfect score, and flawless editing. There was a lot of pressure on director Peter Jackson to deliver a strong first entry in the trilogy, and he manages that and so much more with the original LoTR film that says true to the source material.
Aside from the introduction of likable characters like Frodo and villains like Sauron, the movie is best remembered for its accurate depiction of Middle-earth’s vastness and magical atmosphere.
Ran (1985) – 4.37
• Available to rent on Apple TV
Only director Akira Kurosawa could turn William Shakespeare’s King Lear into an epic action film set in 16th century Japan and elevate it. This is exactly what Ran is, and why it’s still such an impressive film decades after its initial release.
The grand scale and ambitiousness of the movie wowed audiences and critics back then, and continues to influence cinema today. The film is as much about the horrors of war as it is an intimate look into how one family struggles for power and control in the middle of it all.
The Empire Strikes Back (1980) – 4.40
• Available to stream on Disney+
It’s not an overstatement to say that the Star Wars franchise completely transformed cinema, and although it’s mostly made up of sci-fi films, they do have exciting action weaved into them. The Empire Strikes Back is still often considered the best entry so far, as it depicts the war between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance in the most breathtaking way.
It’s also the movie that introduces iconic characters like Yoda and Emperor Palpatine. These characters and their stories have become immovable parts of pop culture, and continue to influence and define an entire generation today.
The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003) – 4.40
• Available to stream on HBO Max
In large part thanks to its prequels that perfectly set the stage for each storyline’s rewarding conclusion, The Return of the King is often considered the best movie in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Director Peter Jackson thrust viewers right back into the epic adventure, this time with Aragorn facing an important decision, Gandalf leading men in battle, and Frodo struggling in the heart of Mordor.
The last leg of the incredible journey is also its most thrilling part, which is, of course, made even better by the improved visual effects, faultless score, and powerhouse performances.
The Dark Knight (2008) – 4.43
• Available to stream on HBO Max
Most fans would agree that The Dark Knight is director Cristopher Nolan’s best entry in the popular trilogy. The sequel follows Batman’s increasingly difficult war on crime in Gotham, which almost always seems to lead him to the Joker.
The superhero movie is grittier than most, as aside from its heavy atmosphere, it tackles hard-hitting themes like morality and identity. Its rousing action sequences are just as entertaining to watch as its more intimate and well-written scenes that underscore its legendary characters’ personal dilemmas and desires.
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018) – 4.44
• Available to rent on Apple TV
Directors Rodney Rothman, Peter Ramsey, and Bob Persichetti give audiences a brilliantly complex and fascinating origin story for the fan-favorite, Miles Morales in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse. Viewers jump deep into the multiverse as Miles tries to figure out how to work with various versions of Spidey to take down the big baddie, Kingpin.
The beautifully-animated film does away with the tired old superhero formula and boldly presents something genuinely new in the oversaturated genre. It has been praised for the way its striking visuals complement its action sequences, making it almost impossible for any viewer to take their eyes off the screen.
Seven Samurai (1954) – 4.52
• Available to stream on HBO Max
Arguably director Akira Kurosawa’s most recognizable work, Seven Samurai is a must-see foreign film. It takes place in a village where poor and overworked farmers call on seven wandering samurai to help them fend off a greedy group of bandits.
The movie is known for popularizing the use of multiple cameras to better capture complicated fight scenes. Improvisations by its talented actors also contribute to making the action sequences feel more realistic and dangerous. It’s a classic for a reason, and while it may not be for everyone, those who are interested in the most influential films in the genre should definitely watch it at least once.
Harakiri (1962) – 4.55
• Available to rent on Apple TV
Director Masaki Kobayashi tackles the multifaceted subject of seppuku in a thought-provoking way through the action drama film, Harakiri. It revolves around the story of a samurai who wants to die by suicide, which becomes the center of dilemma for the characters around him.
The movie boldly questions the supposed honorable act by presenting an absorbing narrative full of corruption, poverty, and hypocrisy. Its thoughtful dialogue and slow pace contribute to the film’s intense atmosphere and important message. It dares audiences to ask what it means to have false honor in the face of entrenched power, and how that continues to impact humanity today.