5 Action Movie Masterpieces You Probably Haven’t Seen (& Where To Watch Them)

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Action movies have given us some truly memorable films, but many excellent ones don’t get the recognition they deserve. Often, the most popular action movies succeed despite what critics say, becoming huge blockbusters. It’s a genre perfectly suited for big-budget spectacles – audiences love the excitement of fast-paced chases, intense fights, and explosive action. While action films consistently perform well and have spawned many subgenres, some still fly under the radar.

Even really good action movies sometimes don’t do well in theaters, meaning some fantastic films get overlooked. The movies below are all thrilling action experiences, but they haven’t found a large audience – many action fans haven’t even heard of them! Fortunately, they’re still worth watching and are available to stream online.

5) The Raid: Redemption (2011)

Although the popularity of martial arts movies decreased after the 1970s, the genre still delivers incredible films. One example is The Raid: Redemption, an Indonesian action thriller about a police squad attempting to raid an apartment building run by a dangerous drug lord. Featuring Iko Uwais as Rama, a highly skilled and heroic protagonist, the movie is a non-stop, action-packed experience that many consider to be underrated. In the US, you can currently watch The Raid: Redemption on Hulu and Disney+.

4) Dredd (2012)

The 2012 film Dredd quickly became a fan favorite, standing out as a particularly strong R-rated superhero movie. Starring Karl Urban as Judge Dredd (mostly hidden by his famous helmet), the film is based on the popular 2000 AD comic book character. Like other action films where a law enforcement officer battles countless criminals in a single location, Dredd is a faithful and intense adaptation of the source material, delivering a gritty sci-fi experience. Though it didn’t become a mainstream hit, you can now watch Dredd on Vix.

3) Hanna (2011)

Many fantastic action films from the 2010s are overlooked, and 2011’s Hanna is one of them. The movie stars Saoirse Ronan as Hanna, a young girl raised in isolation in Finland by her ex-CIA father, played by Eric Bana. They’re pursued by the CIA, and the film centers around Ronan’s thrilling action sequences. Currently, you can’t stream Hanna for free, but it’s available to rent on Prime Video or Apple TV.

2) Sisu (2023)

Though some initially dismissed it as a John Wick imitation, 2023’s Sisu is a seriously underrated action film of recent years. The movie centers on a former Finnish soldier who must fight for his life against a crooked Nazi officer, resulting in a brutal and intense showdown. Many action fans haven’t discovered it yet, but Sisu is easily one of the best action movies to come out in a long time. You can watch it on YouTube TV or rent it through Prime Video and Apple TV.

1) Hardcore Henry (2015)

Despite a positive reception in Russia, the action movie Hardcore Henry didn’t initially succeed with American critics or at the box office. However, it’s found a larger audience on streaming services. What makes Hardcore Henry stand out is that the entire story is shown from the main character’s perspective – a truly unique and chaotic experience that’s incredibly exciting. You can currently watch it on The Roku Channel.

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2026-06-18 16:10