Let’s face it—Netflix has become the place to go for film fans seeking major thrills, eye-popping action, and tales that don’t give you time to catch your breath. With new releases coming out nearly every week, it’s simple to lose yourself in the never-ending scroll. That’s where I step in—I’ve trawled through the mess (and watched a lot of explosions sit through) to compile the definitive list of the best Netflix original films you can immerse yourself in immediately. From heists and gunfights to immortals and even a kaiju, this countdown has a bit of everything.
10. Wingwomen
Starting things off with a sleeper choice. Wingwomen lacks the same glow as some of Netflix’s big names, but that’s all part of its appeal. It’s plucky, creative, and shows you don’t have to spend blockbuster funds to offer a stylish, enjoyable ride. Think of it as the hidden action movie that catches you off guard.
9. Triple Frontier
Five ex-Special Forces soldiers get back together for a final mission in the depths of the jungles of South America, and naturally, nothing goes as planned. Starring Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Pedro Pascal, Charlie Hunnam, and Garrett Hedlund, this heist thriller soon becomes an action survival story. Greed, loyalty, and moral ambiguity create tension from beginning to end.
8. Gunpowder Milkshake
Imagine John Wick with neon lights, excessive flair, and an all-female powerhouse cast. Karen Gillan plays a hitwoman who has to guard a kid and must join forces with her estranged mom (Lena Headey) and a team of assassin-librarians played by Carla Gugino, Michelle Yeoh, and Angela Bassett. It’s unapologetically fun, stylish, and a mess.
7. The Harder They Fall
This is not your average Western. The Harder They Fall reimagines actual people from the Old West, with Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Regina King, and LaKeith Stanfield heading an amazing ensemble. Full of swagger, vengeance, and a phenomenal soundtrack, it’s as new as it is filmmaking—a Western for the modern crowd.
6. The Old Guard & The Old Guard 2
Charlize Theron fronts a team of immortal fighters who’ve been secretly guiding history for centuries. The original movie serves up gritty, affecting action, and the follow-up ups the ante with fresh characters and even larger battles. Collectively, they’re a demonstration that Netflix has learned how to develop a franchise that is worth watching.
5. Extraction & Extraction 2
Chris Hemsworth abandons Thor’s hammer for assault weapons as Tyler Rake, a mercenary with nothing to lose. The first one is a relentless rescue operation in Dhaka, while the second one takes it up another notch with crazy stunts, one-take combat scenes, and Idris Elba entering the fray. If you’re looking for plain adrenaline, this is it.
4. The Gray Man
Ryan Gosling plays Sierra Six, a CIA hitman pursued by sadistic nemesis Chris Evans, who steals every scene with scene-stealing fervor. This slick action, globe-hopping espionage, and loaded cast (Ana de Armas, Billy Bob Thornton) make it worth watching. Bonus: a sequel is already in production.
3. Da 5 Bloods
Spike Lee blends history, adventure, and raw emotion in this story of Vietnam veterans who return to the jungle to find their fallen leader—and a hidden fortune. Poignant, thrilling, and deeply human, it’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll. Chadwick Boseman’s appearance adds even more weight, making it unforgettable.
2. Godzilla Minus One
Godzilla has never been better. This Oscar-winning film brings us back to the post–World War II Japan, where a shell-shocked pilot is forced to confront the fury of Godzilla. Epic and emotional at the same time, it’s a monster flick with a heart. Bonus: you can watch it in black-and-white for added gravitas.
1. RRR
If you’ve heard the hype, believe it. RRR is a three-hour Telugu-language epic that feels like the most entertaining rollercoaster you’ll ever ride. It follows two revolutionaries who form an unbreakable bond while fighting British colonial rule. Expect breathtaking action, heartfelt drama, and the kind of spectacle you’ll want to rewatch immediately.
Not in the mood for holiday high-stakes action? Netflix has a crazy holiday universe of its own. From A Christmas Prince to The Princess Switch and so forth, these interconnected holiday films are teeming with Easter eggs, cameos, and brilliantly sloppy continuity. It’s disorganized, it’s absurd, and sincerely, that’s precisely why the fans adore it.