The best action series on Netflix include a strong mix of originals and licensed series that collectively make some of the most riveting and high-octane content available to stream on any platform. The action shows on Netflix include award-winning crime dramas, high-stakes adventure series, fast-paced sci-fi hits, and everything in between. Additionally, the action series on Netflix also includes some of its best international and non-English-language shows, resulting in one of the strongest global selections of action TV on any platform.
Netflix's original programming provides subscribers with quality content unavailable anywhere else, and the action shows on the platform are no different. Many of the best Netflix original shows have been in the action genre, and the streamer also goes out of its way to acquire plenty of action-packed, high-quality licensed shows from broadcast networks and studios too. Subscribers seeking action shows on Netflix are never disappointed, with the best on the platform being non-stop intense watches filled with high-impact fight sequences, explosions, car chases, and almost every other action trope imaginable from start to finish.
35 Legends of Tomorrow (2016-2022)
A Time-Traveling Team Of Heroes And Villains Saves The Day
Legends of Tomorrow
- Release Date
- 2016 - 2022-00-00
- Network
- The CW
- Showrunner
- Phil Klemmer
WHERE TO WATCH
DC's Legends of Tomorrow is one of many CW superhero shows that takes place within the Arrowverse. The series follows a rag-tag group of heroes and villains traveling through space and time to prevent apocalyptic events that would destroy the Earth and time itself. Legends of Tomorrow ran between 2016 and 2022 for seven seasons. New heroes and villains filtered in and out of the series, but Arrow star Caity Lotz starred in all 110 episodes as Sara Lance, aka White Canary.
- Franchise(s)
- Arrowverse
- Seasons
- 7
Spinning out of the CW’s Arrowverse, Legends of Tomorrow pulled characters from Arrow and The Flash to create a team of both heroes and villains to change history. That’s because the show initially kicked off with a time-traveling story that involved stopping a villain in the past before he could change the future.
Over the seasons, however, the show expanded to feature a lot more hijinks and many different kinds of disasters, including team getting stuck in the past or the future. The cast rotates frequently, so there are plenty of new faces throughout the seven seasons, but those changing casts, and their interactions with the other shows in the same universe, help to keep the dynamics fresh.
Unfortunately, the series was canceled on a cliffhanger, so fans just getting into the show will have to expect some story points to be left unresolved.
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34 Outer Banks (2020-)
South Carolina Teens Hunt For Treasure
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Outer Banks
- Release Date
- April 15, 2020
- Showrunner
- Jonas Pate
- Directors
- Jonas Pate
Cast
Chase StokesJohn B. Routledge
Madelyn ClineSarah Cameron
WHERE TO WATCH
Outer Banks follows a group of teenagers in the Outer Banks of North Carolina as they uncover a legendary treasure linked to the mysterious disappearance of the group's leader's father, leading to a series of dangerous and thrilling adventures.
- Creator(s)
- Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, Shannon Burke
Outer Banks is part teen melodrama and part action-adventure series. The series kicks off with a hurricane hiding smugglers looking for treasure that the group of teenagers become interested in and only grows more complicated and action-packed from there.
What drives the show is the bond that they share even as they end up in danger over and over again.
Much of the appeal of the show isn’t necessarily in the action. It’s the relationships among the “Pogues,” the teens from the lower-income neighborhood of the Outer Banks who all see the treasure as a way to finally be able to be as comfortable as the “Kooks,” those from the wealthy area. Their adventure takes them from South Carolina to the Bahamas and South America in the first three seasons alone.
The group of friends find themselves in trouble with the law, wealthy families, and even criminals as they search for different artifacts each season. What drives the show is the bond that they share even as they end up in danger over and over again. They might argue among themselves, but they never abandon one another in times of trouble.
33 Blue Eye Samurai (2023-)
A Female Warrior Goes On A Quest For Vengeance
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Blue Eye Samurai
- Release Date
- November 3, 2023
- Showrunner
- Michael Green, Amber Noizumi
- Directors
- Jane Wu
WHERE TO WATCH
Blue Eye Samurai is a 2023 animated action-adventure series created by Michael Green and Amber Noizumi. Set In 17th-century Japan, Blue Eye Samurai follows a mixed-race Samurai named Mizu who seeks revenge for the man who abandoned her and took her mother. To do so, Mizu will have to disguise herself and assume the guise of a man as she sets forth across a war-torn nation.
The first season of this adult animated series only has eight episodes, so that initial arc is a fairly quick watch. There is plenty of action and drama packed into those eight episodes though.
The series follows a young woman during the Japanese Edo period who is the daughter of a Japanese woman and a white man. A warrior, she goes on a quest for vengeance against four white men who have remained in the country illegally after the government ordered the military to close the borders. Alongside her story plays out the tales of royalty unable to live their own lives, other warriors in dicey positions, and prostitutes trying to make their own way in the world.
Critics and audience have praised the series since it was released. It won seven Annie Awards and four Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards.
Blue Eye Samurai has been renewed for season 2, which is expected to premiere in 2026.
32 Wynonna Earp (2016-2021)
A Modern Supernatural Reimagining Of Wyatt Earp’s History
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Wynonna Earp
- Release Date
- 2016 - 2021-00-00
- Network
- SyFy
- Showrunner
- emily andras
Cast
Melanie Scrofano
Tim Rozon
WHERE TO WATCH
Based on a comic book series by Beau Smith, Wynonna Earp tells the story of the titular heroine who is the great-great-granddaughter of Wyatt Earp. The series follows Wynonna's return to her hometown, where she must do battle with the reanimated criminals previously killed by Earp. Aided by her sister, her great-great-grandfather's immortal partner Doc Holiday, and a member of the US Marshals, Wynonna works to keep Purgatory safe from the revenants.
- Seasons
- 4
Wynonna Earp is inspired by the graphic novel series of the same name. It brings a more supernatural angle to the Western story of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday.
The series initially kicks off when Wynonna (Melanie Scrofano) inherits the family ability to use Wyatt Earp’s gun to send “revenants,” the reincarnated versions of the outlaws her ancestor originally killed, back to Hell. The mythology of the series slowly grows as more demonic entities are introduced, like beings that can steal the faces of other people and angels pledged to protect a supernatural piece of real estate.
The series also explores the legacy of Wyatt Earp beyond Wynonna as she has an older sister and a younger sister who have different supernatural abilities. It also keeps Doc Holliday involved since he was supernaturally trapped in a well for over a hundred years.
If fans are interested in more Wynonna Earp beyond the initial series, a special is available to stream through Tubi as well.
31 One Piece (2023-)
A Live-Action Adaptation Of The Popular Manga And Anime
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One Piece (Live-Action)
- Release Date
- August 31, 2023
- Network
- Netflix
- Showrunner
- Matt Owens
Cast
Iñaki GodoyMonkey D. Luffy
Emily RuddNami
WHERE TO WATCH
One Piece follows young pirate Monkey D. Luffy and his diverse crew as they embark on a daring quest for treasure. Released in 2023, the film brings the adventurous world of the popular manga to life, capturing Luffy's relentless pursuit of the legendary One Piece treasure.
One Piece is one of the longest-published manga of all time. It’s also been adapted into one of the longest-running anime of all time. The live-action series is a Netflix exclusive. While plenty were skeptical of whether the show would work in live-action considering the track record that exists for adapting anime to that format, the show was incredibly well-received for its first season.
The series follows Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) and the band of friends he puts together on their search for what is rumored to be the greatest pirate treasure of all. Luffy continually suggests that he is a different kind of pirate since other pirate captains don’t inspire loyalty, and his efforts to be kind and fair pay off as he assembles a crew made of friends instead of bloodthirsty individuals.
The series has the same energy of its previous incarnations and Godoy is perfectly cast in the lead role. The excitement, the swashbuckling, and the adventure on the high seas with some very creative villains is sure to leave the audience wanting more after each episode.
30 The Gentlemen (2024)
An Aristocrat Deals With His Family's Links To Organized Crime
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The Gentlemen
- Release Date
- 2024 - 2026-00-00
- Writers
- Guy Ritchie
Cast
Theo James
Kaya Scodelario
WHERE TO WATCH
Based on the film of the same name, the Gentlemen is a crime drama series created for Netflix by Guy Ritchie. The series follows Eddie Horniman, who inherits his father's estate, only to discover he has inherited a vast cannabis empire - and all of the rivals that come with it.
- Seasons
- 1
- Creator(s)
- Guy Ritchie, Matthew Read
The Gentlemen was a 2019 crime comedy from prolific British director Guy Ritchie and the filmmaker recently reworked the story into a television spinoff. The series follows Eddie (Theo James) who returns to his aristocratic family following the ing of his father, only to discover that the estate has been being used by a criminal organization. As Eddie tries to free his family from the nefarious connection, he finds himself dragged deeper into the criminal underworld.
Like many of Richie's projects, The Gentlemen combines a fun balance of gritty crime elements and colorful comedic characters. The energetic and wacky misadventures of the series make way for some great action moments that often combine those intense and comedic elements, from shootouts to fist fights to car chases. It is a highly entertaining British caper that convinced many fans that The Gentlemen show was actually better than the movie.
29 The Pacific (2010)
American Soldiers Fight In WWII's Pacific Theatre
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The Pacific
- Release Date
- 2010 - 2010-00-00
- Network
- HBO Max
- Directors
- David Nutter
Cast
WHERE TO WATCH
A companion piece to the WWII miniseries Band of Brother, The Pacific chronicles the lives of three Marines in the 1st Marine Division and their actions in the Pacific Theater of the Second World War. Based on the lives of real men who fought in the war, The Pacific focuses on some of the war's most well-known battles, such as Guadalcanal and the Battle of Iwo Jima. James Badge Dale, Jon Seda, and Joseph Mazzello star as the three main focuses of the series.
- Seasons
- 1
A companion piece to Band of Brothers, tells the true story of American soldiers fighting in the Pacific Theatre during World War II against Japanese forces. Following several real-life soldiers, like Robert Leckie, Eugene Sledge, and John Basilone, the show took a look at the unique battlefields, the brutal combat, and the harsh experiences of the soldiers that differed from those who fought in Europe during the war.
Like Band of Brothers, The Pacific is an impressive feat of cinematic storytelling on the small screen. The battle sequences are as big and epic as the audience sees in typical war movies, making for incredible set pieces. However, The Pacific is also a darker and more brutal series than Band of Brothers, examining the loss of humanity that came with these soldiers fighting in such a manner. It makes the action more visceral and hard to watch, but compelling nonetheless.
28 The Walking Dead (2010-2022)
Survivors Battle For A Future In A Zombie-Infested New World
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The Walking Dead
- Release Date
- 2010 - 2022
- Network
- AMC
- Showrunner
- Frank Darabont, Angela Kang, Scott M. Gimple, Glen Mazzara
Cast
Andrew Lincoln
WHERE TO WATCH
Based on one of the most successful and popular comic books of all time, AMC’s The Walking Dead captures the ongoing human drama following a zombie apocalypse. The series, developed for television by Frank Darabont, follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), who are traveling in search of a safe and secure home. However, instead of the zombies, it is the living who remain that truly become the walking dead. The Walking Dead lasted for eleven seasons and spawned several spinoff shows, such as Fear the Walking Dead and The Walking Dead: World Beyond.
- Seasons
- 11
While The Walking Dead franchise continues to grow with new spinoffs, fans can also watch the original series in its entirety on Netflix. Based on the comic book series by Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead centers on a group of survivors in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse which has changed the entire world. While these people fight to avoid the swarms of undead "walkers", they find that some of the other survivors are even more deadly and sadistic.
The series maintains the comic book's dark tone and brutal violence, making for one of the goriest series on television. It also makes for some memorable action sequences, from characters traveling through zombie-infested cities to Michonne's (Danai Gurira) sword skills to the different factions of survivors going to war. While there's high drama and emotion, the action keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The Walking Dead was a wild and bloody series that lasted for 11 seasons and has six spinoffs to date.
27 The Night Agent (2023-)
An FBI Agent Is Brought Into A Dark Conspiracy
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The Night Agent
- Release Date
- March 23, 2023
- Network
- Netflix
- Showrunner
- Shawn Ryan
Cast
Peter Sutherland-
Hiro KanagawaFBI Director Willett
WHERE TO WATCH
The Night Agent is a suspenseful thriller in which a dedicated FBI agent becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy after answering an emergency line call. Set against the backdrop of political intrigue, the agent uncovers a mole within the White House, posing significant risks to national security.
- Seasons
- 2
The Night Agent marks one of Netflix's most popular new thriller series. The series follows FBI agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), who is assigned to a post in the White House where he sits in a room with an emergency phone line that is only supposed to ring on the most dire of occasions. Of course, a call does come in, and it throws Peter into a vast conspiracy where he becomes the target of some dangerous enemies while trying to uncover the truth.
For fans of political thriller series with a fast-paced energy, The Night Agent is an ideal choice. Peter makes for a stoic and courageous hero who is in over his head but is still determined to see the job through, no matter what. The pulse-pounding action sequences and constant thrill of danger lurking around every corner made for a terrific first season of the show, leading to The Night Agent's fast renewal for a second season.
26 FUBAR (2023-)
A CIA Agent Must Deal With His Daughter Entering The Business
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FUBAR
- Release Date
- May 25, 2023
- Network
- Netflix
- Showrunner
- Nick Santora
Cast
Luke Brunner
Monica BarbaroEmma Brunner
WHERE TO WATCH
FUBAR follows a father and daughter who unknowingly both work for the CIA, discovering their shared secret while handling an undercover mission. This unexpected revelation turns professional operations into a complex family matter, complicating the mission and their personal dynamics. Released in May 2023, it features elements of action and espionage.
- Directors
- Phil Abraham, Stephen Surjik
- Seasons
- 2
With Netflix coaxing one of the biggest action movie stars of all time to the platform, it is no wonder FUBAR is one of the best action series on Netflix. The show makes great use of Arnold Schwarzenegger's legendary status in the action genre as well as his underrated talents as a comedic actor. FUBAR is loosely based on Schwarzenegger's hit movie True Lies, with this story following his adventures as a superspy who learns that his daughter also ed the dangerous world of espionage.
Schwarzenegger is a lot of fun to see back in a role like this that allows him to get into shootouts and fights while also cracking jokes and delivering one-liners. He has great chemistry with the young cast of the movie too, especially Monica Barbaro as his daughter and Fortune Feimster as a member of his CIA team. The action is fun but fits with the show's ability to not take itself too seriously.
Schwarzenegger's True Lies co-star, Tom Arnold, appears in FUBAR.
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