In the cinematic realm, action has always been such a genre that thrills audiences with high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping plots. Over time, the action film landscape has evolved beyond explosions and car chases. With improved filmmaking techniques and an even more enormous canvas provided by streaming services like Apple TV+, the category of action movies covers a range of genres these days-from laugh-out-loud comedies to riveting action adventures and gripping war movies.

Today’s action films ingeniously combine stories with the dynamism of their lead characters, setting new standards and pushing boundaries. This combination is taken to a whole new level on Apple TV+, offering an array of movies for action seekers and the general audience alike. In this article, we bring you a heart-pounding list of the best action films available on Apple TV+. Buckle up for a cinematic experience like no other!

10. The Family Plan (2023)

Helmed by Simon Cellan Jones, ‘The Family Plan‘ is an action-packed comedy. The plot gets rolling when Dan, a retired government assassin, becomes targeted by old enemies. In response to the threat at hand, he quickly loads up his wife and children- including a 10-month-old baby-into their minivan for a cross-country road trip to Las Vegas. Expect intense action with comic elements as the family tries to navigate through difficult situations during their unplanned road trip. You can stream it here free.

9. Ghosted (2023)

‘Ghosted’ is an action-adventure romantic comedy film directed by Dexter Fletcher. The movie has been empowered by a storyline inked by four of the most seasoned writers, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Chris McKenna, and Erik Sommers. The leading role in this movie is played by Chris Evans as the unassuming Cole Turner, who falls in love with the mysterious art dealer Sadie Rhodes, played by Ana de Armas. As the story progresses, what was to be a romantic night in transforms into an across-the-globe spy adventure when Cole discovers the real identity of Sadie, who has been a CIA agent all along. Along with these comes the pulsating performance of Adrien Brody, Mike Moh, Tate Donovan, Amy Sedaris, Lizze Broadway, Mustafa Shakir, Anthony Mackie, John Cho, and Sebastian Stan. With this storyline blending romance, comedy, and heart-pounding action, ‘Ghosted’ deservedly takes its position to provide an all-new take on action and keep viewers stunned with its plot twists. You can see this here.

8. Wolfs (2024)

Jon Watts’ ‘Wolfs’ follows two incompatible fixers, Brad Pitt and George Clooney, whose latest job of “taking care” of a dead body gets them pulled into a night of underworld mayhem. Getting rid of the dead body was complicated enough, and now they have to protect themselves and the body from Albanian bullets. Subtle in action and humor and garnished with onscreen chemistry between Pitt and Clooney, ‘Wolf’ is the film that entertains and satisfies. You can watch it here.

7. The Instigators (2024)

‘The Instigators’, a heist action comedy by Doug Liman, teams a Marine veteran with an ex-con for a heist. Rory, the veteran played by Matt Damon, needs money to fix his relationship with his emotionally estranged son and, as a last resort, agrees to pull off a heist with Cobby, an ex-con, played by Casey Affleck, to steal money from an election event. However, things do not go as planned, and Rory and Cobb soon find themselves running from cops and mobsters. The film isn’t an all-out action flick but incorporates action and comedy in a balanced manner. As Rory and Cobb try to flee for their lives, we get funny moments and conversations underscored by Doug Liman’s effective execution of action. You can watch ‘The Instigators’ here.

6. Finch (2021)

‘Finch’ is a post-apocalyptic survival film steered under the adept direction of Miguel Sapochnik. The gifted Tom Hanks and Caleb Landry Jones bring the tale to life. Delving into a desolate Earth, the story revolves around an aging man, Finch. As Finch grapples with the reality of his impending demise, he undertakes the mission of building a humanoid robot to look after his beloved dog, Goodyear. As they journey toward a safer haven amidst unpredictable climatic threats, the narrative beautifully juxtaposes the themes of survival, technology, and human emotions. Alongside Hanks and Jones, the layers in the film are deeper through the characters brought to life by actors such as Samira Wiley, Laura Harrier, and Skeet Ulrich. While ‘Finch’ may not boast of a sprawling trophy cabinet, it stands out for its unique premise and heartfelt execution. A definite inclusion for one looking at a touching tale of humanity, resilience, and unwavering companionship. You can see the film here.

5. The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2022)

Helmed and co-written by Peter Farrelly, ‘The Greatest Beer Run Ever‘ is a biographical war comedy-drama film based on the book written by John “Chickie” Donohue and Joanna Molloy. The film tells an audacious story of Donohue, played by Zac Efron, who embarks on an unlikely endeavor during the Vietnam War: delivering beers to his enlisted buddies. Among the turmoil of war, the story comes across as heartwarming, full of friendship, humor, and bravery. Russell Crowe, Jake Picking, Kyle Allen, Will Ropp, Archie Renaux, Will Hochman, Matt Cook, and Kevin K. Tran add to the amazing cast by enhancing this weird war-time story with their flair. The funny, dramatic, and historical tale of ‘The Greatest Beer Run Ever’ deserves a place, simply for the weirdness of its storyline, underpinning how far one would go for one’s friends and cold beer, hence making it a must-watch for both war and comedy fans. You can see the movie here.

4. Emancipation (2022)

‘Emancipation‘ is a historical action film precisely helmed by Antoine Fuqua that throws us back to the 1860s Louisiana post-President Abraham Lincoln’s momentous Emancipation Proclamation. Based on the horrific stories of two enslaved Black men, Gordon and “Whipped Peter,” the film is most recognizable from a haunting photograph showcasing the scars of slavery. Will Smith gives a riveting performance as a runaway slave making his way through the perilous swamps pursued relentlessly by a cold-blooded slave hunter played by Ben Foster. Charmaine Bingwa elevates the story even more as an enslaved mother. The atmospheric nature of the film, with a desaturated color tone, provokes raw emotion. Based on its historic setting and powerful acting, particularly from Smith, ‘Emancipation‘ is a testament to the human spirit’s toughness and is a must-watch for those who want to explore, in depth, the painful pages of history. You can see the film here.

3. The Gorge (2025)

Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy star as two elite snipers guarding a top-secret gorge from opposite sides in Scott Derrickson’s sci-fi action movie ‘The Gorge.’ What’s in there? Nobody knows, and nobody even wants to know. Their job is to guard it for 365 days sans contact with the outside world. In other words, they only have each other’s physical presence, which can only be realized using binoculars without establishing any form of connection. However, as days pass, loneliness brings the two snipers together, and the human urge to communicate makes them take a step that turns out to be potentially fatal. After all, the gorge is not empty. Entertaining and captivating, ‘The Gorge’ amalgamates sci-fi, action, romance, and thrill rather well, and the resulting mix is underscored by our urge to know the unknown. You can see the film here.

2. Greyhound (2020)

‘Greyhound’ is a gripping war film that thrusts viewers into the unforgiving waters of the Battle of the Atlantic, whereby Commander Ernest Krause, on his maiden wartime mission, is in the thick of things, tasked with defending an entire Allied convoy from marauding German U-boats. The ensemble cast includes the one and only Tom Hanks, Elisabeth Shue, and Stephen Graham. With major pandemic-plagued delays in release, ‘Greyhound’ had some tough times, but it finally found its way to the audience on Apple TV+. Its realistic take on naval warfare earned it significant appreciation, including a nomination for Best Sound at the 93rd Academy Awards. ‘Greyhound’ finds its way onto this list because it’s visceral, seat-of-your-pants marine action married to a testament of leadership, duty, and survival against impossible odds. You can stream the film here.

1. Napolean (2023)

Joaquin Phoenix plays Napoleon Bonaparte in Ridley Scott’s biographical war drama. The film is a half-and-half between Napoleon’s mental state and his abilities as a commander and later as an emperor on the battlefield. However, his relationship with his wife Joséphine – played by Vanessa Kirby – and how it affected him plays second fiddle to this war-ridden drama that sacrifices the human element of the film to its epic war genre as it dives into enthralling visuals of historical wars. Nominated for three Oscars and 4 BAFTAs – amongst other award nominations and some wins – ‘Napolean’ is a visually pleasing war drama that is replete with action. You can watch it here. Read More: Best Family Movies on Apple TV+