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What to watch: 7 underrated action movies on Netflix that deserve more attention

Explore 7 underrated action movies on Netflix, including Extraction, Triple Frontier, and The Old Guard, that are full of suspense and entertainment.

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Editorial Team
August 6, 2026
4 min read
There is always something new to watch on Netflix . That also means many older action movies get left behind. From crime thrillers to survival stories , these films still have plenty to offer. Whether it's Chris Hemsworth's high-stakes rescue mission in Extraction , the military heist gone wrong in Triple Frontier , or Charlize Theron's immortal warriors in The Old Guard , these movies are just as entertaining today. If you missed them the first time, now is a good time to catch up.​ What to watch: 7 underrated action movies on Netflix that deserve more attention 1. Carry-On Set on Christmas Eve , the film follows Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton), a TSA officer working at one of the busiest airports in the US. His routine shift takes a dangerous turn when a mysterious man known only as the Traveller (Jason Bateman) blackmails him into allowing a suspicious package through airport security. With his pregnant girlfriend Nora Parisi (Sofia Carson) also at the airport and thousands of passengers in danger, Ethan races against time to outsmart the criminal, uncover the larger conspiracy, and prevent a deadly attack. The movie blends airport suspense with fast-paced action, keeping the tension high until the final showdown. 2. Triple Frontier Former Special Forces operative Santiago ‘Pope’ Garcia (Oscar Isaac) convinces his old teammates, which include Tom ‘Redfly’ Davis (Ben Affleck), William ‘Ironhead’ Miller (Charlie Hunnam), Ben Miller (Garrett Hedlund), and Francisco ‘Catfish’ Morales (Pedro Pascal), to reunite for one final mission. Their target is a powerful South American drug lord whose fortune is hidden in a remote jungle. What begins as a carefully planned heist soon falls apart as greed, survival, and difficult choices put both the mission and their friendship to the test. The movie mixes military action with an engaging story about loyalty and the consequences of chasing one last payday.​ 3. The Gray Man CIA operative Court Gentry, also known as Sierra Six ( Ryan Gosling ), becomes the agency's most wanted man after uncovering classified secrets during a mission. To eliminate him, the CIA hires a mercenary, Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans), setting off a relentless chase across multiple countries. With the help of fellow agent Dani Miranda (Ana de Armas), Six must stay one step ahead while exposing the truth behind the conspiracy. Packed with car chases, hand-to-hand combat, and globe-trotting action, the movie delivers an entertaining spy thriller led by a star-studded cast. 4. Lost Bullet Expert mechanic Lino (Alban Lenoir) has a talent for building high-performance cars and is recruited by a special police unit to modify vehicles for high-speed operations. But when he is falsely accused of murder, the only evidence that can clear his name is a single bullet lodged in a stolen car that has disappeared. Hunted by corrupt officers, Lino embarks on a relentless chase to find the vehicle and expose the real culprits. The French action thriller stands out for its practical stunts, intense car chases, and grounded storytelling. 5. The Old Guard Led by Andy (Charlize Theron), a group of immortal mercenaries has secretly protected humanity for centuries, taking on dangerous missions across the world. Their lives change when former Marine Nile Freeman (KiKi Layne) discovers she shares their extraordinary ability to heal from any injury. As the team welcomes its newest member, a powerful pharmaceutical executive, Steven Merrick (Harry Melling), learns their secret and sets out to capture them for his own gain. Along with its well-choreographed action, the movie looks at the emotional weight of immortality and the bonds shared by its warriors.​ 6. Extraction Black-market mercenary Tyler Rake ( Chris Hemsworth ) is hired to rescue Ovi Mahajan Jr. (Rudhraksh Jaiswal), the kidnapped son of an Indian crime lord, from the streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh. What begins as a straightforward extraction mission soon turns into a deadly fight for survival when Tyler is betrayed and surrounded by rival gangs and corrupt officials. As the bond between Tyler and Ovi grows, the mission becomes about more than just completing a job. The movie is known for its hard-hitting action, close-quarters combat, and an impressive long-take sequence that has become one of Netflix's most memorable action scenes. 7. Day Shift Bud Jablonski (Jamie Foxx) appears to be an ordinary pool cleaner in Los Angeles, but his real job is hunting vampires to provide for his family. Hoping to earn enough money to support his daughter and avoid losing his home, Bud rejoins the vampire hunters' union, where he is reluctantly partnered with by-the-book union representative Seth (Dave Franco). As a powerful vampire queen, Audrey San Fernando (Karla Souza) seeks revenge, Bud finds himself caught in a dangerous battle that tests both his skills and loyalty. With its mix of action, humour, and horror, the movie offers entertaining fight scenes and plenty of fast-paced moments.

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Editorial Team

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