Summary

• The best action shows on Netflix offer a mix of original and licensed series, making for an exhilarating viewing experience.
• Netflix’s action series are filled with intense fight sequences, explosions, car chases, and all the action tropes imaginable.
• From anime adaptations to video game-inspired shows, Netflix’s action content has received critical acclaim and international success.

The best action shows 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.

25 The 100 (2014-2020)

A Post-Apocalyptic Series Brings Teens Back To Earth

Originally a CW drama series, The 100 takes the audience on a post-apocalyptic journey for exactly (and fittingly) 100 episodes. Set after nuclear events have rendered the Earth seemingly uninhabitable for humans, what’s left of humanity is living in a space station known as the Ark, cobbled together from the stations of several different countries. When it’s no longer a viable option for survival, 100 juveniles imprisoned for crimes on the Ark are sent to Earth with monitoring bracelets to see if the planet is survivable. That’s how the journey begins.

What follows is the story of how humans survive nuclear fallout and space travel, but also just what being a survivor means. The main characters are frequently tasked with impossible choices, meet warring factions, and have to choose between staying alive or truly living. Eliza Taylor as Clarke led a mostly unknown cast of young actors through a stellar series that examines some of the darker sides of human nature.

24 Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (2023)

Motion Turns The Brian Lee O’Malley Graphic Novels Into An Action-Packed Netflix Show

Netflix released the anime series Scott Pilgrim Takes Off in 2023, and the animated reimagining of the Scott Pilgrim graphic novels instantly became one of the best action series on the platform. The cast of the live-action Edgar Wright movie Scott Pilgrim vs. The World all reprised their roles, and the unique visuals combined with the bombastic yet stylistic action of both the movie and the original comics translate incredibly well to the cartoon format.

In this version of the story, Scott dies in his first battle with Matthew Patel, and Ramona learns he might still be alive and sets out to find him. Despite the change in plot Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is just as full of action and video game-inspired fight sequences as the live-action movie that made the cast so beloved in the roles they’re reprising, and the Netflix action series received widespread critical acclaim, with 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and a nomination at the Critics’ Choice Awards.

23 Arcane (2021- )

The League Of Legends Universe Proves Is Suits Action-Filled Shows As Well As Games

Arcane: League of Legends remains one of the most successful Netflix video game adaptations and ranked in the Top 10 on Netflix charts in 52 countries. The series follows two sisters, Jinx and Vi, who are on opposite sides of a war in Piltover City. The series also acts as a prequel to the video games, which gives it a chance to tell a story without being beholden to the story of the actual game itself.

Arcane has gorgeous animation and a diverse cast of characters, and the same abilities that make them popular in the original game also make for some truly unforgettable action sequences in the show. This action series on Netflix was the first video game adaptation to win at the Annie Awards (which it swept) and Emmy Awards (Outstanding Animated Program).

22 Warrior Nun (2020-2022)

The Netflix Action Series Whose Popularity Kept It Alive

Warrior Nun is an interesting success story because, after Netflix canceled it following two seasons, fans’ protests helped it end up being picked up outside of Netflix for a movie trilogy. However, the two seasons of the acclaimed action series remain on Netflix for subscribers to enjoy over and over again. Alba Baptista plays Ava, a young woman who learns she is destined to become the new Warrior Nun after her predecessor dies.

Alba joins an elite fighting team working for the Church to destroy demons, but learns that not everyone can be trusted. This Netflix show blends the supernatural with historical mystery and intrigue to create a truly unforgettable experience. The fight sequences in Warrior Nun are especially noteworthy, and a key reason the backlash from Netflix’s cancelation was so strong. The series is also great at developing the relationships of the characters alongside the action so the audience truly cares about them.

21 Squid Game (2021– )

The Action-Packed K-Drama That Won Six Primetime Emmy Awards

Netflix even developed an actual game show inspired by the series

Squid Game was the surprise hit of 2021. The South Korean survival series became one of the best action shows on Netflix released that year and ended up with several Golden Globes. Squid Game is similar to the movie Battle Royale, but with playground-inspired death games. The show’s overarching social commentary also adds many thematic layers to Squid Game, making it feel bizarrely relatable to Netflix’s millions of subscribers despite the unique dystopian premise. Netflix renewed Squid Game for a second season, which is currently in development.

The show has been so popular for the platform, that Netflix even developed an actual game show inspired by the series. The reality competition series takes the games from Netflix and brings them to life in less lethal ways, allowing fans to enjoy the less bloody action while waiting for season 2 to complete.

20 Alice In Borderland (2020– )

Based On The Haro Aso Manga Series

The Netflix action series Alice in Borderland is a series that shares a lot in common with Squid Game. However, instead of the impoverished playing kids’ games to the death, Alice in Borderland has people sucked into virtual-reality games of survival, with no idea of how they got there or even if the world they are in is real.

One of the best action series on Netflix, Alice in Borderland had its second season air in 2022, with the story becoming even more twisted. Beloved characters died, and the hapless Ryōhei finally reached his end game, but it wasn’t exactly what he or the viewers were expecting. Season 3 is in development at Netflix despite the first two seasons adapting the entirety of the manga series, so there will still be more surprising story points on the way.

19 All Of Us Are Dead (2022– )

High School Students Fight Back Against Zombie Outbreak

Released in 2022, All of Us Are Dead took a refreshingly different approach to zombies to create a truly action-packed Netflix series. The zombies in All of Us Are Dead were mostly teenagers, and survivors have to run for their lives from their former friends and classmates. Moreover, some of those infected became “halfbies,” who retain aspects of their humanity while gaining the strength and resilience of the zombies.

The existence of halfbies means that All of Us Are Dead includes plenty of semi-superpowered fight scenes in addition to the horror-fueled zombie moments. Despite the undead usually being monsters reserved for scary movies, All of Us Are Dead proves that they’re just as suited for high-octane stories that try to excite more than scare (although the Netflix series has more than its fair share of jumpy moments too).

18 Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)

Cilian Murphy’s Historical Mobster Series Is Unrelenting On Action

Scores are settled through guns and violence on these mean English streets

The British period drama Peaky Blinders centers around the incredible power of criminal organizations during the early 20th century. Events are set between 1919 and 1933 during a time of both upheaval and prosperity around the world between the first two World Wars. Scores are settled through guns and violence on these mean English streets. There’s never been a series of fist fights put on TV quite as gritty as those throughout this action series on Netflix, especially in period dramas.

What really sells all this conflict is the depth of the characters. With Cillian Murphy leading the way as Tommy Shelby, the cast rises to the occasion, winning several British and Irish television awards throughout Peaky Blinders’ six seasons. Every season is on Netflix, so fans can binge-watch the series from start to finish.

17 The Umbrella Academy (2019-2024)

The Netflix Adaptation Of The Gerard Way & Gabriel Ba Graphic Novels Is A Non-Stop Rollercoaster

The Umbrella Academy is a Netflix show focusing on an adoptive family of super-powered individuals who all share the same mysterious birth date. The group were adopted by an eccentric genius and trained to be superheroes. As adults, the siblings of the Umbrella Academy struggle from their damaged childhood, trying to find their place in the world, and failing to stop the apocalypse — and the fact all this happened in just the first season clearly demonstrates why Umbrella Academy is one of the best action shows on Netflix.

The second and third are just as thrilling and action-packed, and The Umbrella Academy season 4 rounds off the intense and fast-paced tale once and for all with an expectedly explosive finale. Inspired by the graphic novels of the same name, the series appeals to both comic fans and those unfamiliar with the source material.

16 Altered Carbon (2018-2020)

The Action-Packed Netflix Sci-Fi That Pulls No Punches

In Altered Carbon, humans survive indefinitely as their consciousness is passed from body to body, although the cerebral premise never stops each episode from being packed full of action and intense moments – although the fact the story centers around a murder investigation helps facilitate many of the best action scenes in the show. There are some incredibly breathtaking stunts throughout both seasons and brilliant fight choreography.

However, largely thanks to the high cost of production, Netflix ended Altered Carbon after two seasons and 18 episodes. Nonetheless, it remains one of the best action shows on Netflix, and the greatest high-concept sci-fi twist on the noir genre since Blade Runner and earned two Primetime Emmy nominations during its run. Those who are primarily family with Renée Elise Goldsberry through her work in musicals like Hamilton or Girls5eva will also enjoy seeing her in a very different project.

15 The Witcher (2019- )

High-Fantasy Action That Few Shows Outside Netflix Can Match

Based on best-selling books and video games, Netflix’s The Witcher follows Geralt of Rivia, a lone warrior who carries out the contractual killing of several magical beasts. The Witcher tells the fascinating story of Geralt of Rivia, the sorceress Yennefer, and the Crown Princess Ciri of Cintra. While the third season of The Witcher in 2023 was the last for Henry Cavill in the role of Geralt, the series will continue on with Liam Hemsworth in the lead.

The Witcher contains some of the best action and fight sequences of any show on Netflix, with the diverse range of monsters Geralt squares up against making for some truly unforgettable moments. The popularity of the franchise has led Netflix to develop spin-offs for the world as well. The Witcher: Blood Origin is also available on the platform with more spin-offs in development.

14 Queen Of The South (2016-2021)

One Woman’s Rise To Becoming Queen Of A Drug Cartel Offers Non-Stop Action

The heart-racing and action-packed thriller Queen of the South on Netflix follows Teresa Mendoza (played by Alice Braga), a young Mexican woman on the run after her drug-running boyfriend was killed by a notorious cartel. While focusing on Teresa’s efforts to avenge her lover’s murder, this series also documents Teresa’s rise from a struggling money changer on the streets of Sinaloa to the queen of her own empire.

With a fast-paced plot and plenty of action in exotic locations such as Bolivia, Malta, Mexico, Texas, and Arizona, Queen of the South is among the most action-packed shows on Netflix for audiences looking for great crime dramas. The series garnered several Imagen Award (recognizing Latin excellence in the entertainment industry) nominations, including back-to-back-to-back nominations for Braga as lead actress.

13 Fauda (2015-2022)

The Israeli Action Thriller Series That Dissects A Complex Conflict

Netflix typically has content tailored to each territory where it has a subscriber base, but it’s also strived to broaden international content for each of the countries where it operates. That means countries that stream in some European nations are also available in North America, some that are based in Australia are available in Europe, etc. They’re often captioned or dubbed into multiple languages for their international releases. One of the most groundbreaking foreign-language action series on Netflix, Fauda sees a group of Israeli undercover operatives engage in covert missions in the West Bank.

This series has received widespread praise, particularly for its sincere portrayal of both its Israeli and Palestinian characters as well as their trials and tribulations. What makes Fauda one of the best action series on Netflix is that its white-knuckle action is tempered by a look at the private lives of the Palestinians. There is a lot more to this foreign-language series than just the gunfights, and despite releasing almost a decade ago it remains among the most intense action-heavy shows on the platform.

12 The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)

A Bloody Tale Set In Saxon Britain Filled With Uncompromising Action

Netflix subscribers seeking to be transported back to a time of knights in shining armor, wars that were fought with axes and spears, and hordes of ferocious Viking invaders should look no further than The Last Kingdom. This series follows the adventures of Uhtred, a Saxon man whose family was killed and village sacked by Danish forces, and who was subsequently adopted by a highly-respected Danish warrior.

One of the Netflix shows for lovers of medieval stories, The Last Kingdom is a British TV series that lasted for five seasons with 46 episodes — and when it comes to historical and bloody action sequences, few offerings on Netflix can match it. It was nominated for a handful of Royal Television Awards in the UK as well as a Critics Choice Award in the US for Best Foreign Language Series.

11 Supernatural (2005-2020)

One Of The Best Paranormal-Rich Action Series Ever Made

Supernatural ended up as one of the longest-running fantasy shows on TV, and despite concluding many years ago, still has an incredibly loyal fanbase thanks in no small part to finding its way to Netflix, where it’s found footing as one of the platforms best action shows. Much of this is due to the relationship between protagonists and brothers Sam and Dean Winchester, the array of intriguing encounters with monsters and human guest stars, or riveting storylines such as Castiel’s brief defection to the dark side.

Every season of Supernatural is full of action throughout, and Netflix subscribers seeking a long-running show they can sink many hours into without realizing due to fast-paced, high-energy storytelling need look no further. The series features multi-season arcs as well as standalone episodes, so fans can start and stop as arcs complete or binge-watch as they choose.

10 Bodyguard (2018)

Richard Madden Spy Series From The BBC

Bodyguard sees Richard Madden deliver a convincing performance as elite bodyguard David Budd, who is assigned to protect Home Secretary Julia Montague, a controversial political figure whose life is in danger due to a devious plot. While often finding himself at odds with Montague, Budd also struggles with the PTSD that he suffers as a result of his military service in Afghanistan.

While only six episodes long, Bodyguard packs plenty of high-impact intrigue into its runtime. This Netflix action show excels at dealing with content such as government abuse of power for the sake of national security, the struggles of coping with PTSD, and conspiracies of terror. Madden won a Golden Globe for his performance and the series received multiple Primetime Emmy (US) and BAFTA (UK) nominations as well.

9 Money Heist (2017-2021)

The Spanish Heist Action Series On Netflix That Never Slows Down

Globally regarded as one of the best action shows on Netflix, the Spanish-language psychological thriller Money Heist revolves around Tokyo, a young woman with a proven record for pulling off bank heists, as well as seven other robbers. They have all been recruited by one man to pull off the largest heist in history. The mastermind of this heist, The Professor, conceived it with one goal in mind; to take control of the National Coinage and Stamp Factory of Spain and print out 2.4 billion Euros in cash.

Each episode is filled with suspense and stunning plot twists, as this group of bandits interact with hostages and the outside world. The popularity of the series has seen Netflix produce two spin-offs for the show: Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area and Berlin.

8 Narcos (2015-2017)

The Hit Crime Series About Pablo Escobar That Moves A Mile A Minute

the rise of infamous drug kingpins from the Cali Cartel and the Mexican Guadalajara cartel

Before Pedro Pascal was making waves in shows like The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, he was busy being one of the main characters in this Netflix crime series. Narcos was nominated for three Primetime Emmys and two Golden Globes over the course of its run.

Narcos is among the best action shows on Netflix for subscribers seeking thrills that are based on modern history and real-world crime. Detailing the rise of infamous drug kingpins from the Cali Cartel and the Mexican Guadalajara cartel, Narcos follows DEA agents who went behind enemy lines in an effort to win the war on drugs. After winning several awards, the original Narcos series — which was based on events in Columbia and ran for three seasons — was so popular that a spinoff, Narcos: Mexico, was released a year later.

7 Rise Of Empires: Ottoman (2020-2022)

A Relentless Yet Informative Historical Action Drama

Rise of Empires: Ottoman is an action-packed Turkish docudrama that details Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror established the Ottoman Empire, and the rise of Vlad the Impaler, Mehmed’s childhood friend from the Ottoman courts. Although Rise of Empires: Ottoman concluded after just 12 episodes across 2 seasons, it remains one of the best international action shows on Netflix, especially among those with a historic setting. Daniel Nuță cuts an imposing figure as Vlad the Impaler, revealing why the historic figure — who is most famous for inspiring Dracula — is actually considered a national hero in Romania.

While the series earned several award nominations at film festivals and from critics in its native Turkey, it didn’t receive quite the same recognition around the world. International fans of the show, however, have been vocal about wishing the series could give even more fictional accounts of history during the reign of the Ottoman Empire.

6 Love, Death & Robots (2019- )

The Animated Anthology Series With Many Action-Heavy Stories

While not all of the 35 episodes of Love, Death & Robots are action-driven, those that are make a strong argument for the sci-fi/fantasy anthology being one of the best action shows on Netflix. In season 1, “Sonnie’s Edge” blurs the lines between humans and genetically-enhanced beasts, and “Shape-Shifters” includes possibly the greatest werewolf fight scenes put to screen.

Meanwhile, season 2’s “Automated Customer Service” is a hilariously animated tale of a suburban woman fighting off a futuristic weaponized vacuum cleaner gone rogue. For those looking for truly unique animated action, check out season 3’s “In Vaulted Halls Entombed” and “Jibaro.” With so many stories across the three seasons of Love, Death & Robots there are plenty of action moments throughout, even in the episodes that aren’t necessarily catering to fans of the genre, and the show is truly one of the most unique offerings currently on Netflix.