10 Action Movies Critics Loved That You Probably Haven't Seen

The action genre is known for its intense fight sequences and bloody violence, but this isn't the only reason to recommend these movies. Many underrated action films that fewer audiences are aware of incorporate fast-paced action choreography and incredible stunts that hold viewers' attention while adding innovative storytelling techniques and emotional journeys for the characters. While high-octane action movies typically do well at the box office even if the reviews aren't as strong, there are rare cases when critics adore action films, and they don't reach the widest possible audience.

While critical and audience opinions can be very different, these films are favorites among reviewers for a reason. These projects don't skimp on violence but understand how to balance gore with intricate storytelling. There were many underrated action movies in 2024 that audiences will have a chance to revisit as they get added to streaming services. However, it's not just recent additions to the genre that should get their due. Films from every decade have made their mark on action cinema and deserve to be recognized for their contributions to film and the stylization of action and fight scenes.

10 The Night Comes For Us (2018)

Directed by Timo Tjahjanto

The Indonesian thriller The Night Comes for Us is a terrifically violent addition to the action genre, pushing the boundaries of what can be shown on film and leaving a mark on everyone who watches it. Thanks to the extreme level of violence, the graphic details of The Night Comes for Us almost immediately desensitized the viewer to the gore, allowing them to view it as outlandish and thrilling fiction. Though the plot can be a little thin, the fun of The Night Comes for Us is how the story is crafted in order to elevate the action.

As Ito carves his way across the film, his nemesis and former friend, Arian (Iko Uwais), is in hot pursuit, and the two actors are well-matched in terms of fighting skills.

Joe Taslim stars as Ito, a man who defects from his participation in organized crime and spends the rest of the movie fighting off the people coming after him. As Ito carves his way across the film, his nemesis and former friend, Arian (Iko Uwais), is in hot pursuit, and the two actors are well-matched in terms of fighting skills. Watching Ito fearlessly fight against the men who would cut him down and prevent his escape keeps the audience enthralled from start to finish.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
The Night Comes For Us (2018)	92%	83%

9 RRR (2022)

Directed by S. S. Rajamouli

The emotionally impactful and action-packed historical epic RRR was immediately heralded as one of the most innovative action movies of the decade upon its release. Telling the sweeping story of a pair of friends and revolutionaries, Raju (Ram Charan) and Bheem (N. T. Rama Rao Jr.), RRR is a fictionalized version of the real lives of Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, who fought against British oppression and colonialism in India. Everything from the visual effects to the heart-pounding score completely immerses the viewer in this tale of triumph over subjugation.

One of the most famous parts of the movie, the musical sequences featuring the award-winning song "Naatu Naatu," showcases what RRR does best. Though it grapples with real and harrowing historical subjects, the movie and its characters never lose their hope and commitment to their cause. Since RRR was added to Netflix, the film has grown in popularity on the international stage. Every action fan deserves to lose themselves in the inspirational and brilliantly choreographed tale of RRR.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
RRR (2022)	96%	94%

8 Sisu (2022)

Directed by Jalmari Helander

Set during World War II, the Finnish action movie Sisu pokes fun at some of the over-the-top dramas within the genre. Similar in tone to movies like Inglourious Basterds, Sisu is so bloody and packed with gore that it's almost impossible to see through the carnage during the outlandish battle sequences. However, this is the fun of a film like Sisu, which revels in its extremities and pulp influences, creating a world where the biggest moments in history are as cinematic as possible.

Of all the historical epics to come out in the 2020s, Sisu stands apart and will likely be remembered as a worthy successor to the films that influenced it. Jorma Tommila stars as Aatami Korpi, the one-man army who takes on a legion of SS soldiers invading Lapland and attempting to rob him of the gold he discovers. As the action escalates and Aatmai faces increasingly outlandish threats, Sisu only leans into its intensity, leaving audiences breathless by the time the credits roll.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
SIsu (2022)	94%	88%

7 Lady Snowblood (1973)

Directed by Toshiya Fujita

One of the most influential action movies of the 1970s, Lady Snowblood, is a must-watch film for fans of Quentin Tarantino or any modern director who draws from the Martial Arts genre. One of the best female-led Martial Arts movies, Lady Snowblood, is largely considered the pinnacle of the action-revenge genre, with the unforgettable Meiko Kaji leading the cast as the titular Lady Snowblood. Not only are the fight sequences bloody, but they're also gorgeously composed and look as much like a dance as they do a battle.

With time, Lady Snowblood has reached viewers on an international scale and is still remembered thanks to the many films that it inspired. While Kill Bill is the most famous film that references Lady Snowblood, it's well worth viewing the original to see the skill and precision that went into making this unforgettable project. The sequel, Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance, is a strong return to form for both the lead actress and director, continuing the epic tale with panache.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Lady Snowblood (1973)	100%	86%

6 Polite Society (2023)

Directed by Nida Manzoor

Without the work of the cast of Polite Society, this recent action movie wouldn't have been possible. They bring to life the writer-director Nida Manzoor's work faithfully, breathing life into the close family dynamic that's essential to the plot. The story revolves around Ria (Priya Kansara) as she becomes obsessed with preventing her sister Lena (Ritu Arya) from getting married to a suspicious man and giving up her dreams. Ria is defined by her love of stunt work and obsession with becoming a stuntwoman like her hero, Eunice Huthart.

Manzoor cemented herself as a filmmaker to watch in the coming years, as her TV show Lady Parts has also garnered attention from fans of her work.

Polite Society is in conversation with many different niches of cinema, from Martial Arts films to classic Bollywood musicals. Though Polite Society had a limited release, it connected deeply with the audiences who saw it and received positive reviews from critics who praised the tight script and feminist themes. Manzoor cemented herself as a filmmaker to watch in the coming years, as her TV show Lady Parts has also garnered attention from fans of her work.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Polite Society (2023)	91%	84%

5 The Day Of The Jackal (1973)

Directed by Fred Zinnemann

The Day of the Jackal has recently re-entered the cultural conversation thanks to the popularity of the new Peacock TV show of the same name that modernizes the story. While Eddie Redmayne plays the mysterious and brutal Jackal in the new series, Edward Fox was the first to portray the elusive assassin. The French action thriller is not quite as high-octane as some of the other entries, but its slow build of tension and fantastic characters keep the audience enthralled from beginning to end.

The differences between The Day of the Jackal show and the movie are numerous, as the older film is of its time, lacking the technologies and innovations that have altered crime and investigations forever. However, this is part of the charm of the 1973 movie, as it's reminiscent of a time when espionage and political intrigue seemed even more possible, and gentleman spies and assassins could be around every corner. The Day of the Jackal deserves to go down in history as a classic addition to the genre.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
The Day of the Jackal (1973)	91%	88%

4 The Man From Nowhere (2010)

Directed by Lee Jeong-beom

The Man From Nowhere (2010)

Though The Man From Nowhere made waves in South Korea, it didn't make as big an impact internationally. However, those who did watch this violent project were swept away by the incredible story and the lead performance by Won Bin. His character, Cha Tae-sik, is a man who ends up on a harrowing odyssey while protecting a young girl. Though little is known about Tae-sik, his abilities and decisive wins in battle make him a compelling protagonist to watch.

Touching upon drug trafficking, organ harvesting, and a conspiracy that goes further than the audience would believe, The Man From Nowhere balances its intensity with a soft sensitivity.

The violence and gore inherent to the story of The Man From Nowhere aren't for the faint of heart, but for those who like a decent amount of blood in their action films, it's the perfect project. Touching upon drug trafficking, organ harvesting, and a conspiracy that goes further than the audience would believe, The Man From Nowhere balances its intensity with a soft sensitivity. The relationship between Tae-sik and So-mi (Kim Sae-ron), the child he cares for, strikingly juxtaposes the brutality of the movie's world.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
The Man From Nowhere (2010)	100%	90%

3 True Romance (1993)

Directed by Tony Scott

Unfortunately, the rave reviews that True Romance received in 1993 didn't save the action movie from flopping at the box office. The star-studded project barely broke even at the worldwide box office, making a little over $13 million against a budget of $12.2 million (via Box Office Mojo). Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette lead the project as young lovers who accidentally find themselves on the wrong side of a mob boss and on the run with a bag full of illegal drugs.

Since True Romance was released, it's developed a cult following. Written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott,True Romance combines the best parts of both filmmakers' talents. While many fans of Tarantino and action film buffs are well aware of the movie, it has yet to connect with a wider mainstream audience. This is a shame since it's likely that most viewers would instantly see why critics were such big fans of the ensemble drama.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
True Romance (1993)	93%	93%

2 Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003)

Directed by Prachya Pinkaew

Considered one of the best Thai Martial Arts films of all time, Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior has the kind of innovative fight choreography and skilled performances that most action movies can only dream of. Using no CGI or wires, the performers execute mind-bending stunts and immerse the viewer in the world of Ong-Bak. Tony Jaa is the heart and soul of the Ong-Bak movies, anchoring the projects through his unmatched abilities.

Though the Ong-Bak trilogy is Jaa's most famous work, he's been part of many stellar action movies that showcase his skill as a martial artist. The chase scenes are one of the most memorable parts of Ong-Bak, as watching Jaa race down twisting streets and dodge impossible obstacles will get the audience's heart pounding. It's no surprise that critics immediately connected with Jaa as a protagonist and recognized the longevity of Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003)	85%	84%

1 Riders Of Justice (2021)

Directed by Anders Thomas Jensen

Riders of Justice

Comedy

Action

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Mads Mikkelsen
Nikolaj Lie Kaas
Andrea Heick Gadeberg
Lars Brygmann

Release Date: November 19, 2020
Runtime: 116 minutes
Director: Anders Thomas Jensen
Writers: Nikolaj Arcel, Anders Thomas Jensen

Mads Mikkelsen stars in Riders of Justice, the Danish action-comedy that flew under the radar due to its pandemic-era release. However, this doesn't change the fact that Riders of Justice immediately connected with critics thanks to the darkly comic tone and Mikkelsen's incredible performance. Though most American audiences associate Mikkelsen with his work in the TV show Hannibal, he's an effective action star who commands attention onscreen. Every move Mikkelsen makes as the fearsome Markus in this classic tale of vengeance is utterly believable.

Mikkelsen isn't the only reason that audiences should be more aware of Riders of Justice. The fight scenes are compelling, and it's easy to connect to the emotional thrust of the story. Throughout the film, Markus attempts to reconcile with his daughter, Mathilde (Andrea Heick Gadeberg). Some viewers might be hesitant to watch Riders of Justice because it's in Danish. However, as an action movie, it's easy to understand the fight sequences and big emotional beats of Riders of Justice without understanding the language.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Riders of Justice (2021)	96%	89%

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