5 Great Action Shows You Need to Stream Right Now (That Aren’t The Boys)

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It’s a fantastic time to be an action movie enthusiast! Action films are doing really well on streaming services – even ones that didn’t perform spectacularly in theaters – and there’s a ton of great action TV to binge-watch. While many people immediately think of hits like *The Boys*, there’s actually a diverse selection of action series out there, offering something for all tastes.

If you’re looking for action-packed shows with amazing stunts, exciting plots, and a touch of humor and romance, check out these five series. They cover everything from science fiction to spy stories and superhero adventures—and they’re all different from *The Boys*.

5) Alice in Borderland (Netflix)

If you enjoyed *Squid Game*, you’ll probably like Netflix’s *Alice in Borderland*. This action-packed series, based on a Japanese manga, follows a group of friends who find themselves in a strange, dangerous version of Tokyo. To survive, they must compete in brutal and challenging games. The third season just finished airing last month.

Many viewers and critics have compared this series to popular survival stories like *Battle Royale* and *Cube*, and it’s proven to be very successful. Despite showing quite a bit of violence, it’s been praised for its thrilling story and beautiful visuals. The series focuses on the action, keeping backstory and character development simple. It’s a straightforward, exciting, and fun sci-fi thriller.

4) Reacher (Prime Video)

The series *Reacher*, based on Lee Child’s *Jack Reacher* books, features Alan Ritchson as the main character. Reacher is a former Army military police major who wanders the country, consistently finding trouble and taking on dangerous criminals. Three seasons are currently available, and a fourth is coming soon.

The show *Reacher* has been incredibly popular with viewers and critics alike. One of the things people love about it is that each season features a new location and a different mystery for Reacher to solve, keeping the show exciting even though the core idea is simple. Alan Ritchson is fantastic in the lead role, and the show is packed with action.

3) Twisted Metal (Peacock)

If you’re in the mood for an action-packed show that’s also funny and set in a world after a disaster, check out Netflix’s *Twisted Metal*. It stars Anthony Mackie as John Doe, a man who’s lost his memory and works as a delivery driver. He’s given a strange package and must travel across a dangerous, lawless version of the United States to deliver it, facing tough obstacles and violent bandits along the way.

Twisted Metal is an enjoyable and often humorous series, despite its chaotic and violent action. While it uses familiar story elements, it also offers unexpected depth. The game is known for its exciting car combat and features a memorable villain – a clown driving an ice cream truck! It’s over-the-top, but in a fantastic way.

2) Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Prime Video)

This new take on the 2005 movie *Mr. & Mrs. Smith* blends action, comedy, and romance for a broad audience. The series follows John and Jane Smith, played by Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, who are paired as a married couple while working as spies for a secret agency. As they complete missions together, they begin to fall for each other, adding a layer of complication to their work.

Beyond the exciting action and dangerous missions, this series is a charming look at a blossoming romance. It skillfully balances thrilling stunts and high-energy sequences with the characters’ emotional journeys. The first season ends with a major cliffhanger, but despite a second season being ordered, its release has been postponed for now. Even so, it’s thoroughly enjoyable.

1) Peacemaker (HBO Max)

Don’t let the fact that *Peacemaker* is a superhero show based on DC Comics deter you – it’s a genuinely great action series! Currently in its second season, the show follows Chris Smith, also known as Peacemaker (played by John Cena), after the events of *The Suicide Squad*. He’s reluctantly recruited into a secretive black ops team working for A.R.G.U.S., and ends up alongside a quirky group of agents. Season one centered on battling alien invaders called Butterflies who were attempting a global takeover, while season two explores Peacemaker’s discovery of an alternate universe he considers an improvement over his own.

Peacemaker is a hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt show. It mixes over-the-top action and wild storylines with genuine emotional depth, and features fantastic performances from the entire cast. It strikes a great balance between superhero tropes and straightforward action, making it a show you shouldn’t miss.

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2025-10-08 22:41