Exploring the Hidden Gems of Action Movies on Netflix
Netflix has become a go-to platform for streaming action movies, offering an extensive library that spans across genres and countries. While many of these films are well-known and celebrated, there are several hidden gems that have been overlooked or forgotten. These movies, though not as widely discussed, offer compelling stories, intense action sequences, and memorable performances that deserve a second look.
‘Triple Frontier’ (2019)
Directed by J.C. Chandor and co-written by Mark Boal, Triple Frontier is an action-adventure film that follows a group of former U.S. Army Delta Force operators who reunite to plan a major heist targeting a drug lord in South America. The film features a stellar cast including Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Garrett Hedlund, and Pedro Pascal. What starts as a straightforward task turns into a high-stakes struggle for survival, with internal conflicts and greed becoming significant roadblocks.
The film blends elements of heist thrillers and military action, delivering solid action sequences and a gritty tone. Although its narrative isn’t always crisp, Triple Frontier is considered one of the best Netflix films of 2019. It received positive reviews upon release and is praised for its ambitious story and well-performed characters.
‘Source Code’ (2011)
Directed by Duncan Jones and written by Ben Ripley, Source Code is a sci-fi action thriller that follows Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal), a US Army officer sent back in time in an eight-minute virtual recreation of a real-life train bombing. The film features Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, and Jeffrey Wright in supporting roles.
With intelligent writing and a tightly knit narrative, Source Code is a skillfully constructed film that finds its heart in a human story. It combines hard sci-fi with high-energy action design and photorealistic visual effects. Upon its release, the film was well-received by critics and fans alike, earning several accolades and establishing itself as one of the best binge-worthy time loop films.
‘Midnight Run’ (1988)
Directed by Martin Brest and written by George Gallo, Midnight Run is a buddy action comedy starring Robert De Niro as bounty hunter Jack Walsh. The film follows his mission to capture mob accountant Jonathan Mardukas (Charles Grodin) and transport him from New York to Los Angeles. Along the way, the mismatched duo faces challenges from the FBI, the mob, and a rival bounty hunter.
Yaphet Kotto, John Ashton, Dennis Farina, and Joe Pantoliano appear in supporting roles. Midnight Run is a perfect road trip film with buddy comedy and exciting action, elevated by the chemistry between De Niro and Grodin. The film earned several accolades, including a Golden Globe nomination for De Niro, and inspired the Midnight Run Action Pack television films of 1994.
‘True Lies’ (1994)
Written and directed by James Cameron, True Lies is based on the 1991 French crime comedy La Totale!. The film follows Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a government agent struggling to balance his secret life as a spy and his family life. When his wife, Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis), gets involved in his dangerous missions, things take a wild turn.
Tom Arnold, Bill Paxton, Art Malik, Tia Carrere, Eliza Dushku, and Charlton Heston also star in supporting roles. True Lies is a defining action film of its time and one of the most notable James Cameron films of the ’90s. With good comedic timing and thrilling action pieces, it remains an action classic, even if it’s not as talked about as it used to be.
‘Con Air’ (1993)
Directed by Simon West, Con Air is a classic ’90s action thriller that centers on a just-paroled army ranger, Cameron (Nicolas Cage), who is headed home aboard a JPATS aircraft. When serial killer Cyrus “The Virus” Grissom (John Malkovich) hatches a violent prison break, Cameron and U.S. Marshall Vince Larkin (John Cusack) must work together to foil the plan.
The star-studded cast includes Steve Buscemi, Ving Rhames, Colm Meaney, Mykelti Williamson, Rachel Ticotin, Monica Potter, Dave Chappelle, M. C. Gainey, and Danny Trejo. Con Air is considered one of Nicolas Cage’s most notable films and a must-watch for genre fans. Despite mixed reviews, the film became a huge box office success and has amassed a cult following.
‘Baby Driver’ (2017)
Directed by Edgar Wright and starring Ansel Elgort and Lily James, Baby Driver follows Miles (Elgort), a getaway driver who signs up for one last job to clear his debts from crime lord Doc (Kevin Spacey). The film features Jamie Foxx, Eiza González, Jon Bernthal, and Jon Hamm in supporting roles.
The character of Baby is compelling, with a tragic history that finds strength in music. A fast-paced thriller, the film combines romance, action, drama, and crime in a unique way, elevated by symbolic music and color schemes. Baby Driver is one of Edgar Wright’s most notable works, highlighted by its brilliant use of the background score.
‘Collateral’ (2004)
Directed by Michael Mann and starring Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx in leading roles, Collateral follows Max (Foxx), a cab driver hired by Vincent (Cruise) for an unusual fare. Max soon discovers that Vincent is a hitman on a contract killing spree, entangling himself in a deadly game.
The supporting cast includes Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Ruffalo, Peter Berg, Javier Bardem, and Bruce McGill. Collateral is a great showcase of Mann’s signature direction style, delivering a hardcore action thriller with excellent effects and smart dialogue. The film redefined Jamie Foxx’s comedy image, putting him in a gritty role that helped establish him as a dramatic actor.
‘In the Shadow of the Moon’ (2019)
Directed by Jim Mickle, In the Shadow of the Moon follows police officer Thomas “Locke” Lockhart (Boyd Holbrook), who tracks a serial killer resurfacing every nine years. Set between 1988 and 2024, the film explores Lockhart’s endless obsession with the killer and his efforts to solve a crime that defies all scientific explanation.
The film features Michael C. Hall, Cleopatra Coleman, Bokeem Woodbine, Rudi Dharmalingam, and Rachel Keller. Presented through the framework of a sci-fi conspiracy, In the Shadow of the Moon combines mystery, action, and horror in a high-energy story that surprises and thrills the audience. Though underrated, it is easily one of the best sci-fi films of 2019.
