15 Explosive Action Movies On Netflix Right Now (December 2025) & What's Coming In 2026

Are you ready to dive into a world of non-stop adrenaline? As of December 2025, Netflix’s action movie catalog is more robust and explosive than ever, solidifying its commitment to high-octane, blockbuster cinema. The streaming giant continues to invest heavily in original content, delivering everything from gritty military thrillers and slick spy capers to massive sci-fi spectacles that redefine the genre.

This comprehensive guide cuts through the noise, presenting the absolute best action movies currently streaming, alongside a crucial look at the highly anticipated Netflix Original action films slated for release in 2026. Whether you crave intense choreography, massive explosions, or globe-trotting espionage, your next movie night is officially booked with these must-watch titles.

The Current Top Tier: 15 Must-Watch Action Movies on Netflix (December 2025)

The following list features a mix of critically acclaimed and fan-favorite action films that are dominating the Netflix charts right now, categorized by their subgenre for easy selection. These titles represent the pinnacle of action cinema available to stream in late 2025.

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Netflix Original Blockbusters & Spy Thrillers

Netflix has spent billions creating its own cinematic universe of massive, star-studded action films. These are the tentpoles of the platform's library.

• Extraction (2020) & Extraction 2 (2023): Starring Chris Hemsworth as the black-market mercenary Tyler Rake, this franchise is the gold standard for Netflix action. The first film redefined on-screen intensity with its legendary 12-minute 'one-shot' sequence, while the sequel upped the ante with even more brutal, meticulously choreographed fight scenes and an unforgettable prison break. They are essential viewing for fans of military action and intense close-quarters combat.
• Red Notice (2021): An action-comedy that is pure star power, featuring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot. This globe-trotting caper about a top FBI profiler and two rival criminals chasing a priceless artifact is one of Netflix's most-watched films of all time. It’s perfect for those who enjoy witty banter mixed with large-scale set pieces.
• Lift (2024): Kevin Hart leads a crew of international thieves who attempt a mid-air heist on a passenger flight. This action-comedy blends the sophistication of a heist film with the thrills of aerial action, providing a lighter but still exciting cinematic experience.
• The Adam Project (2022): A sci-fi action-adventure starring Ryan Reynolds as a time-traveling pilot who teams up with his younger self. The movie expertly balances heartfelt drama with high-energy action sequences involving futuristic weaponry and aerial dogfights.

Sci-Fi & Monster Action Spectacles

For those who prefer their action to be on a grand, world-ending scale, these films deliver massive visual effects and high stakes.

• Godzilla Minus One (2023): While not a Netflix Original, this Japanese masterpiece found a massive new audience on the platform. It is lauded as one of the best Godzilla films ever made, offering a terrifying, emotionally resonant post-war story with stunning monster action.
• Army of the Dead (2021): Zack Snyder's zombie-heist film blends two genres for a unique action experience. A group of mercenaries ventures into a quarantine zone in Las Vegas to pull off the ultimate casino heist, battling intelligent, fast-moving zombies. It’s a spectacular mix of horror and military action.
• Project Power (2020): Jamie Foxx and Joseph Gordon-Levitt star in this sci-fi thriller where a mysterious pill grants users five minutes of unpredictable superpowers. The action is dynamic and creative, showcasing unique abilities and intense street-level fights.

Intense Thrillers & Gritty Combat

These films focus on raw, grounded action and psychological tension, often involving military or law enforcement themes.

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• Ambulance (2022): Directed by Michael Bay, this film is a relentless, high-speed chase through Los Angeles after a bank heist goes wrong. It’s a masterclass in vehicular action, featuring Bay's signature explosive style and kinetic camera work.
• Captain Phillips (2013): A tense biographical thriller starring Tom Hanks, detailing the 2009 hijacking of the MV Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates. The action is grounded and terrifying, focusing on the psychological battle and the eventual military intervention.
• Da 5 Bloods (2020): Spike Lee's powerful war drama follows four African American veterans who return to Vietnam to find the remains of their squad leader and a buried treasure. The film features intense flashback combat sequences and modern-day action in the jungle.

The Future of Action: Highly Anticipated Netflix Original Movies for 2026

Looking ahead, Netflix is already lining up a formidable slate of Original action films designed to keep subscribers engaged well into 2026. These titles, some of which are already generating significant buzz, promise to deliver fresh concepts and A-list talent.

Confirmed Action Thrillers and Comedies

The 2026 lineup is set to continue the trend of high-concept, genre-blending action that has become Netflix's trademark. The following films are part of the platform's aggressive content strategy.

• Back in Action (2026): This highly anticipated action-comedy marks a significant comeback for a major Hollywood star. The film is expected to deliver a mix of comedic timing and large-scale, international action sequences, positioning it as a major early-year blockbuster for Netflix.
• Ad Vitam (2026): An action thriller that is rumored to explore a darker, more complex narrative. While details are scarce, the title suggests a focus on high-stakes survival and intense, close-quarters action, potentially leaning into a futuristic or dystopian setting.
• Bullet Train Explosion (2026): Scheduled for an April release, this action thriller is expected to capitalize on the success of confined-space action films. The premise likely involves a fast-paced, deadly scenario aboard a train, promising continuous, claustrophobic combat and suspense.
• Havoc (2026): Directed by Gareth Evans (known for the hyper-violent, critically acclaimed The Raid films), this action thriller is one of the most anticipated titles. Evans' involvement guarantees brutal, groundbreaking fight choreography and a relentless pace, making it a must-watch for fans of martial arts and visceral action.
• iHostage (2026): A crime thriller with action elements, this film is set for an April release and will likely focus on a tense, negotiation-heavy scenario that breaks into explosive confrontation. The inclusion of a crime thriller suggests a focus on tactical and strategic action over pure spectacle.

Why Netflix Dominates the Action Genre

Netflix's strategy for action movies goes beyond simply acquiring existing hits; it's about building "topical authority" through consistent, high-quality, and diverse Original content. The platform has become a powerhouse by offering a constant stream of big-budget action films that rival traditional studio releases.

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The Star Power Formula

A key factor in Netflix's success is its ability to secure A-list talent for multi-picture deals. Stars like Ryan Reynolds, Chris Hemsworth, and Dwayne Johnson have become synonymous with Netflix Original action. This strategy ensures massive global viewership right from the premiere, turning action films into instant events. The names themselves are a guarantee of a certain level of production value and excitement.

Genre Diversity and LSI Keywords

Netflix doesn't rely on a single type of action. They strategically cover all major subgenres, appealing to a wider audience. This includes:

• Military Action: (e.g., Extraction, Da 5 Bloods)
• Action Comedy: (e.g., Red Notice, Lift)
• Sci-Fi Action: (e.g., The Adam Project, Project Power)
• Martial Arts/Gritty Action: (Anticipated with Havoc)
• Heist Thrillers: (e.g., Army of the Dead, Lift)

This wide net ensures that search terms like "best action thrillers on netflix," "action comedy netflix," and "sci-fi action movies" all lead back to their Original content, building a robust topical authority around "peliculas de accion en netflix."

The Global Appeal of Action

Action is a universally understood language, making it the perfect genre for a global streaming service. Films like Extraction and the upcoming Havoc have simple, compelling premises that translate across cultures without heavy reliance on dialogue, making them instant hits in every territory Netflix serves. This focus on global appeal is what drives the massive budget allocations for these projects, ensuring the spectacle is worth the subscription.

How to Choose Your Next Action Fix

With so many options, deciding what to watch can be tough. If you are looking for:

• Maximum Choreography and Intensity: Start with Extraction 2. Its action is unparalleled on the platform.
• Pure Blockbuster Fun and Star Power: Go with Red Notice for a light-hearted, high-budget adventure.
• A Unique Genre Blend: Try Army of the Dead for its mix of zombies and heist tropes, or Godzilla Minus One for a critically acclaimed monster spectacle.

The Netflix action library in December 2025 is a treasure trove of adrenaline. Start streaming one of the current hits today, and keep an eye on the 2026 slate—the biggest explosions are yet to come.