The popularity of streaming platforms has increased exponentially, and that means streamers like Disney+ are in a battle for viewers. As the main source for all things House of Mouse, Disney+ went online in November 2019 with many of the key family-friendly films from the Disney catalog, as well as Marvel and Star Wars. Since then, more action films have been added to lure in older viewers. As a result, Disney+ now has plenty of choices for action movie fans.

Disney+ now offers an extensive amount of variety. There are National Geographic nature documentaries, the Star Wars franchise, and Disney’s classic fairytales. For viewers seeking something upbeat, suspenseful, and jam-packed with action sequences, Disney+ will have you covered. As mentioned before, with Star Wars and Marvel all under the Disney umbrella, Disney+ does not fall short in the action category. Here is our list of the best action movies to watch on Disney+.

35 The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952)

The story of Robin Hood has been implemented deep in folklore and storytelling to the point that his actual origins are largely unknown but date as far back as 1362. Still, the story has developed into a more cohesive narrative, of a man wronged by a corrupt system becoming a righteous bandit that takes from the rich and gives to the poor to disrupt the power to balance.

Disney’s First Attempt at Adapting Robin Hood

Disney’s 1952 version, The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men, while originally met with mixed reviews on release, has since garnered respect as one of the better re-tellings of the legend of Robin Hood. This was in part because of the movie balancing the charm of Disney family-oriented movies and emphasizing character building. Being released in the ’50s, the movie is tame in action compared to today, but it still has fisticuffs, sword fights, and arrow shooting throughout.

34 Jungle Cruise (2021)

Based on the Disneyland theme park ride of the same name, Jungle Cruise follows British scientist Dr. Lily Houghton, who travels to the Amazon jungle with a riverboat skipper named Frank Wolff and her brother McGregor to find the legendary “Tree of Life.” Along the way, they come across numerous obstacles, including others racing to claim the healing tree for themselves.

Beloved Disney Attraction Turned Blockbuster

Jungle Cruise managed to capture that sense of adventure and of other Disney titles like Indiana Jones with its tale of exploration packed with humor and action. The chemistry between Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson, as Dr. Lily Houghton and Frank Wolff, are also one of the more memorable pairings, and the two help carry the film from one scene to the next with their entertaining banter.

33 Around the World in 80 Days (2004)

Loosely adapted from Jules Verne’s 1987 novel of the same name, Around the World in 80 Days follows Phileas Fogg who declares he can race around the world in 80 days in a bid to take the position at the Royal Academy of Science from his snobbish rival. Along the way, he ends up taking on a fleeing thief, Lau Xing, who is trying to return a Jade Buddha statue to China. They soon become pursued by corrupt authorities, with Fogg unaware that Lau Xing is on the run.

An Incredible Race Around the World

Jackie Chan in a buddy comedy is always going to ensure both laughs and action in equal measure, but Around the World in 80 Days actually stands out as one of the best performances from the actor for his stunt work and fight choreography while working in Hollywood. This helps balance out the film’s shortcomings, as it is considered a rather subpar adaptation of the literary classic. Still, plenty of action, great performances, and a wonderfully realized set piece make this a fun popcorn movie.

32 Black Widow (2021)

Read our ReviewA prequel that takes place after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Black Widow follows Natasha Romanoff as she is forced to face her dark past. Notably, her past with the “Red Room,” a covert training program that turned young women into assassins. Natasha reunites with her “family” — Yelena, Melina, and Alexei (also known as the Red Guardian) — to take down the leader of the Red Room, General Dreykov, and its many agents.

Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh Kick Butt

One of the grittier entries into the MCU, Black Widow is one of the more divisive superhero films. On the one hand, you have one of the worst villains in Taskmaster, and its peculiar place among other films also led to some indifference. On the other hand, you have amazing performances from Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh. One thing is for certain: Black Widow offers an abundance of exciting action sequences, and it is one of the most explosive superhero films to date.

31 Free Guy (2021)

Read our Review

Accepting he lives in a chaotic and action-filled world, the life of a bank teller named Guy changes when he learns he is a non-player character (NPC) in a massively multiplayer online game called Free City. In the real world, Guy’s awareness and decision to complete missions in the game and level up bring him infamy, and the legend of the “Blue Shirt Guy” begins to build while its creators scramble to figure out what to do.

NPC Turned Main Character

Ryan Reynolds is as charming as always in Free Guy, with the comedic role of NPC turned hero perfectly suited to his comedic chops. The premise offers a lot of entertainment, especially for gamers aware of many of the medium’s tropes. Still, those who just want an action-packed movie will be just as pleased, thanks to the amount of everyday chaos that plagues Free City and Guy’s subsequent rise to the top among the hordes of players and villains.

30 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is the Original Trilogy-era film that shows the Rebels’ securing of the Death Star construction plans. The viewer spends most of their time with Jyn Erso, the daughter of the Death Star’s designer. Good thing that the designer has left a tiny, but critical spot that will detonate the planet-sized weapon if directly hit.

The Best of the Disney-Era Star Wars Installments

In spite of some rumors about production difficulties, Rogue One plays like a fully-thought-out and well-realized narrative. It does a great job of recapturing the feeling of the old days and still stands as the best film to come from Disney’s time with the IP. Furthermore, it does a terrific job of capturing the style of Lucas’ Original Trilogy.

29 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Even more character-focused than the original film, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 mostly deals with two characters: Peter Quill and Rocket. In terms of the former, it shows his grief over Gamora. As for the latter, that’s the film’s real throughline, and it’s a heartbreaking story of abuse.

A Solid Ending to the Trilogy

While the Rocket flashback sequences can be pretty overwhelming (and also mess with the film’s pacing a bit), they’re as integral to the story as the action sequences. Impressively, the third Guardians film arguably tops its two predecessors in terms of how coherently the action sequences are staged. It’s a solid ending to Gunn’s plan for the IP and thank goodness it saw the light of day, because (with Disney’s temporary firing of Gunn back in 2018) that very nearly didn’t happen.

28 Tron: Legacy (2010)

Before Joseph Kosinski rebooted Top Gun and sent it to new heights, he rebooted Tron to a decidedly more mixed response. But, this story, which has the son of the original film’s protagonist seeking his father in the game world, certainly has its merits. Its biggest draw, however, is that visually, it’s very impressive.

A Feast for the Eyes

Tron: Legacy was absolute dynamite on the big screen, standing as one of the few films that practically necessitated a 3D presentation. Disney+ doesn’t have that, but it’s still a gorgeous and very entertaining film nonetheless. Plus, it helped make stars of Olivia Wilde and Garrett Hedlund.

27 Iron Man (2008)

The one that started it all, Iron Man is the iconic story of Tony Stark, a famous weapons manufacturer who is shown exactly what his tech is being used for. Now, with a slightly less selfish disposition, Stark soars through the sky as Iron Man, taking down terrorists and scrupulous business partners in equal measure. Then there’s this lengthily-named organization that keeps trying to contact him.

The Origin of the MCU

There isn’t a false note in Iron Man, which is pretty darn impressive considering it was essentially shot without a script. In that looseness, Iron Man has an asset that no other MCU film has. Not to mention the fact that seeing Stark build his first suit and get to work is about as endearing as it gets. Iron Man still stands as an example of exactly what the MCU should be, with a unique flair that has gone missing in recent years.

26 Big Hero 6 (2014)

Walt Disney Animation Studios is every bit as capable as Pixar of delivering an astounding film, and Big Hero 6 is proof of that. The narrative follows young Hiro Hamada, who crafts himself a big bubbly robot buddy in Baymax. Now, the two have to team up to stop someone utilizing similar tech for far more nefarious purposes.

An Endearing Story of Friendship

Big Hero 6 benefits from a wonderful, heartfelt script and inventive action sequences in equal measure. Toss in the fact that Baymax is an immediately lovable character and Big Hero 6 should have led to more than a small-screen TV show. In the end, Big Hero 6 is one of the best comic book adaptations of the 2010s.

25 Venom (2018)

Read Our ReviewVenom‘s story revolves around Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy), a journalist on a mission to expose Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed). The latter is the founder of the Life Foundation, who believes that his eccentric experiments on an alien symbiote will change the course of human history. When Eddie unexpectedly stumbles upon their experiment with an insider’s help, the alien symbiote merges with him, providing him with superhuman strength.

Startlingly Entertaining

Venom is an intriguing and amusing film, driven by Tom Hardy’s phenomenal acting as well as some spectacular visual effects. While the script could have used some work, the film as a whole is electrifying and action-packed fun, especially during the exhilarating chase sequences. Even if you’re not a huge Marvel fan, Venom is a terrific film to watch as long as you admire action sequences.

24 Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Read Our ReviewShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings follows Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), a seemingly ordinary young man who was trained for years as an assassin by his father, Wenwu, the leader of the Ten Rings. Although he believes he had left his past behind by fleeing to a different country, it returns to haunt him when the Ten Rings set out in search of a mythical village. Unfortunately, what Wenwu is searching for is no more than a lie.

Bringing Martial Arts to the MCU

The film is a fine addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having been released at the end of Phase Four. Movie aficionados who also enjoy Chinese action films will love this one because it delves deep into Chinese mythology and introduces fascinating creatures such as the Sacred Dragons, the Guardian Lions, and many others. The best aspect, though, is the action choreography, which features a lot of high-octane fights, chases, and martial arts.

23 Brahmastra Part One: Shiva (2022)

In Brahmastra Part One: Shiva, the Brahmansh community has long been guarding the Brahmastra, the most powerful weapon in the universe. As time passed, the Brahmastra was split into three pieces in a battle between good and evil, and each guardian was bestowed with a unique set of powers by their ancestors to keep the pieces from falling into the wrong hands. However, when an evil queen named Junoon (Mouni Roy) emerges out of nowhere in search of the pieces, Shiva (Ranbir Kapoor), who has strange visions relating to Brahmastra, seems to be the last hope of the Brahmansh community.

Endlessly Entertaining Fare

Brahmastra Part One: Shiva is an Indian visual phenomenon. While not flawless, it brings plenty of positive aspects to the table. The film is pretty much a CGI-heavy extravaganza, and it also offers a lovely, albeit conventional, love story and some creatively directed action sequences that will keep you on your toes the entire time.

22 The Incredibles Movies (2004-2018)

The Incredibles follows Bob Parr (Craig T. Nelson) and his wife, Helen (Holly Hunter), who were born with superpowers and have taken on the roles of crime-fighting superheroes, constantly saving lives and averting disasters. However, they are eventually forced to take a civilian identity and live a quiet life with their children, Dash (Spencer Fox), Violet (Sarah Vowell), and Jack-Jack (Eli Fucile), who were also born with abilities. At some point, Bob is faced with another mission that, if it fails, could destroy the entire world.

Unparalleled Family Films

There was a significant time span between the first and second release windows for The Incredibles movies, but that didn’t stop them from dominating at the box office. While the sequel, released in 2018, wasn’t as incredible as the first, action-wise, it was fantastic. If you haven’t seen The Incredibles films yet, you’re missing out on two of the best animated movies of all time.

21 Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

Set in the fabled lands of Persia, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time follows a rogue prince named Dustin (Jake Gyllenhaal), who is wrongfully accused of murdering his father, King Shahraman (Ronald Pickup). In his quest to prove his innocence, he comes across a princess named Tamina (Gemma Arterton), who aids him in his mission for personal reasons. However, they quickly find themselves fighting against the dark forces of the world, who are trying to get a hold of an ancient dagger that has the power to reverse time.

Good Clean Fun

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is a delightful adventure that is made for pure entertainment. It also adds its own touch of gorgeous visual landscapes and clever cinematography to make the whole presentation fairly spectacular. Additionally, there are undertones of famous films such as Indiana Jones and The Mummy, making it all the more appealing to lovers of the action-adventure genre.

20 The Rocketeer (1991)

When it was released in the summer of 1991, The Rocketeer earned lukewarm reviews from critics and was a moderate hit at the box office. In the following years, however, the film found its audience, viewers who appreciated the film’s sense of adventure and the backdrop of 1930s Los Angeles. Based on the Dave Stevens comic, the film follows a daring young pilot (Billy Campbell) who finds a jetpack and uses it to foil a Nazi spy ring.

A Truly Unique Action Adventure

The film is directed by Joe Johnston, who would go on to direct Jumanji and Captain America: The First Avenger. So, as one might imagine, it features some outstanding action sequences, including a finale aboard an exploding blimp. While the film as a whole doesn’t soar as high as its jetpack-powered hero, The Rocketeer retains a certain charm and is a memorable entry from the pre-CGI era of comic book action films.

19 Swiss Family Robinson (1960)

Walt Disney ventured into live-action films in 1950, adapting several classic adventure novels. In 1960, he brought Johann David Wyss’ novel Swiss Family Robinson to life, which told the story of a family shipwrecked on a remote island in the South Pacific. The action gets going with the opening credits, which feature a stormy shipwreck, and peaks in a rousing final battle against a horde of pirates attacking the Robinsons’ home.

Unsurprisingly, a Great Start to Disney’s Live-Action Productions

Directed by Ken Annakin (The Longest Day), the film boasts gorgeous Panavision shots of the island of Tobago and lots of exotic animals, in a prime example of classic Disney movie making. It’s well-crafted, and beloved to this day. All in all, it’s one of Disney’s most worthwhile live-action films from the ’60s.

18 The Narnia Films (2005-2010)

The classic fantasy book series by C.S. Lewis finally received the big-screen treatment — at least for the first three books — courtesy of Disney. It began (and, unfortunately, peaked) with 2005’s The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. The story involves four siblings from World War II-era London, who discover a magical land inside an old wardrobe, where mythical creatures led by the noble lion Aslan (voice of Liam Neeson) battle an evil witch (perfectly played by Tilda Swinton).

A Worthy Adaptation of a Classic Novel

The first of the three Narnia films is the one worth watching. Not only is it the best, it’s more heartfelt and well-written than the two sequels combined. The visual world-building is simply magical to see, and while the level of detail from the books will always be impossible to capture on-screen, the filmmakers did a wonderful job. Moreover, again, Tilda Swinton and the rest of the cast knock it out of the park.

17 John Carter (2012)

One of Disney’s most notorious film flops is actually a pretty entertaining sci-fi action flick that deserves a second look. Based on the Edgar Rice Burroughs books, John Carter tells the story of a Civil War veteran (Taylor Kitsch) who is whisked away to Mars. There, he joins forces with Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins) in a war to rule the planet.

Undeserving of Its Bad Reputation

Directed by Andrew Stanton, the film features a great performance by Kitsch and some outstanding special effects and creature designs. It was a movie that just never stood a chance with its massive budget, but that doesn’t mean it can’t find an audience over time. Considering Disney+ presents it in sterling 4K, now’s the time to revisit this charming action movie.

16 The X-Men Series (2000-2020)

You won’t find all the X-Men films on Disney+, but if you need a Marvel mutant fix, Disney+ has several options. They include 2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand, the final chapter of the original trilogy led by Patrick Stewart (as Professor X) and Hugh Jackman (as Wolverine), featuring some outstanding action scenes and the scene-stealing Juggernaut (played by Vinnie Jones). You can also watch 2016’s X-Men: Apocalypse, the last X-film directed by Bryan Singer and the third prequel film in the “soft reboot” of the franchise, featuring younger versions of the X-Men. Disney+ also offers X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019), the final X-Men film featuring James McAvoy and Jennifer Lawrence, and The New Mutants (2020), a spinoff set in the X-Men cinematic universe.

What to Watch, What to Avoid

The X-Men films can be a mixed bag, but for the most part, they’re energetic, well-cast blockbusters with charm to spare. The highlights? X2 and X-Men: First Class. Ones to avoid? X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men: Dark Phoenix, both of which failed to adapt the same comic storyline.