Not all action films get the recognition they deserve. While blockbusters dominate the box office, some of the best underrated action movies remain hidden gems waiting to be discovered. These films may not have made waves upon release, but they deliver intense thrills, stunning action sequences, and unforgettable performances.
From high-octane martial arts showdowns to gripping heist dramas, these action movies underrated by mainstream audiences deserve a second look. Some gained cult followings over time, while others remain criminally overlooked. Whether you’re a die-hard action fan or just looking for something fresh, this list has you covered.
We’ve compiled 20 of the best underrated action movies that pack a punch. Each of these films brings a unique films are packed with explosive action and compelling storytelling. Get ready to expand your watchlist with these hidden gems!
1. The Night Comes for Us (2018)
This Indonesian action thriller is one of the best underrated action movies on Netflix of the past decade. Directed by Timo Tjahjanto, the film delivers brutal martial arts choreography and relentless violence. It follows a gang enforcer, played by Joe Taslim, who betrays his criminal syndicate to save a young girl. This decision sets off a bloody battle against former allies, including his old friend, portrayed by Iko Uwais.
Despite its impressive fight scenes and high-octane action, this action movie underrated by mainstream audiences didn’t receive the recognition it deserved. However, it has since gained cult status among action fans for its jaw-dropping combat and unflinching brutality. The fight sequences rival The Raid franchise.
The film premiered on Netflix and became a sleeper hit among genre enthusiasts. Critics praised its choreography and cinematography, making it a must-watch for martial arts lovers. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, this is one action-packed ride you shouldn’t miss.
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Director: Timo Tjahjanto
- Main Actors: Joe Taslim, Iko Uwais, Julie Estelle
2. Running Scared (2006)
A hidden gem in the crime-action genre, Running Scared stars Paul Walker in one of his most intense roles. This action movie underrated by general audiences follows Joey Gazelle, a low-level mobster who must recover a missing gun used in a crime before the police—or worse, the mafia—find it. The film takes viewers on a wild, nightmarish journey through the city’s underbelly.
Directed by Wayne Kramer, the movie blends frantic action with a gritty, neo-noir aesthetic. Unlike Paul Walker’s Fast & Furious films, this performance showcases his ability to handle dark, dramatic material. The film’s unrelenting pace, stunning cinematography, and violent set pieces make it one of the best underrated action movies of the 2000s.
Despite receiving mixed reviews at release, Running Scared has since been reappraised by action and thriller fans. Its unique style and gripping tension keep viewers on edge from start to finish. If you’re looking for a chaotic, pulse-pounding experience, this one delivers.
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Director: Wayne Kramer
- Main Actors: Paul Walker, Vera Farmiga, Chazz Palminteri
3. The Man from Nowhere (2010)
This South Korean action thriller is an emotional and intense ride that deserves a spot among the best underrated action movies. The film follows a quiet pawnshop owner, played by Won Bin, whose past as a deadly operative resurfaces when a young girl he cares about is kidnapped by a drug-trafficking ring. His quest for revenge leads to an explosive showdown against ruthless criminals.
The movie gained critical acclaim in South Korea but remained an action movie underrated internationally. Its mix of heartfelt drama and brutal action sequences sets it apart from standard revenge thrillers. Won Bin’s performance is both powerful and heartbreaking, making the stakes feel deeply personal.
With breathtaking knife fights and expertly choreographed action, The Man from Nowhere has drawn comparisons to Hollywood classics like John Wick and Taken. However, its emotional depth gives it a unique edge. For those who enjoy high-stakes action with a strong narrative, this is a must-watch.
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Director: Lee Jeong-beom
- Main Actors: Won Bin, Kim Sae-ron, Kim Tae-hoon
4. Hardcore Henry (2015)
This first-person action film is one of the best underrated action movies for those seeking a non-stop adrenaline rush. Hardcore Henry is filmed entirely from the protagonist’s point of view, making it feel like a live-action video game. The story follows Henry, a man resurrected with cybernetic enhancements, as he fights to save his wife from a telekinetic warlord.
Directed by Ilya Naishuller, the movie stands out for its innovative cinematography and insane action sequences. Despite being a technical marvel, this top underrated action movie by mainstream audiences struggled at the box office. However, it has since found a dedicated cult following.
Sharlto Copley delivers a scene-stealing performance as Henry’s eccentric ally, providing comic relief amid the chaos. If you’re looking for a heart-pounding, experimental action film, Hardcore Henry is a must-watch.
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
- Director: Ilya Naishuller
- Main Actors: Sharlto Copley, Danila Kozlovsky, Haley Bennett
5. Reign of Fire (2002)
A thrilling blend of post-apocalyptic action and fantasy, Reign of Fire is an action movie underrated by many despite its star-studded cast. Set in a world where fire-breathing dragons have taken over, the film follows a group of survivors led by Christian Bale as they battle the deadly creatures. Things escalate when an American dragon slayer, played by Matthew McConaughey, joins the fight.
Despite featuring intense dragon battles and impressive special effects, the movie underperformed at the box office. However, it has gained recognition over the years as one of the top underrated action movies in the sci-fi genre. Its gritty world-building, combined with strong performances.
The film’s dark, medieval-inspired atmosphere sets it apart from typical disaster movies. While critics were initially mixed, fans of dystopian action films have come to appreciate its unique premise and high-stakes storytelling.
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
- Director: Rob Bowman
- Main Actors: Christian Bale, Matthew McConaughey, Gerard Butler
6. The Guest (2014)
Blending action, thriller, and psychological horror elements, The Guest is one of the best underrated action movies of the 2010s. The film stars Dan Stevens as a mysterious soldier who visits a grieving family, claiming to be a friend of their late son. However, as bodies start piling up, his true nature is revealed.
Directed by Adam Wingard, the film expertly mixes slow-burn tension with explosive action sequences. Despite its gripping plot and stylish execution, this action movie underrated by general audiences didn’t receive the mainstream attention it deserved.
The movie features a fantastic 80s-inspired synth soundtrack, adding to its eerie atmosphere. Dan Stevens delivers a chilling yet charismatic performance, making The Guest a must-watch for fans of action-packed psychological thrillers.
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
- Director: Adam Wingard
- Main Actors: Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe, Leland Orser
7. Haywire (2011)
One of the best underrated action movies featuring a strong female lead, Haywire stars MMA fighter Gina Carano in her breakout role. The film follows a highly skilled black ops agent who is betrayed by her employers and forced to fight for survival. With a mix of brutal hand-to-hand combat and realistic action sequences, it’s a perfect action thriller.
Directed by Steven Soderbergh, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Michael Fassbender, Ewan McGregor, and Channing Tatum. Despite its stylish cinematography and expertly choreographed fights, this action movie underrated by mainstream audiences didn’t receive the box office success it deserved.
Carano’s physicality and combat skills bring authenticity to the action, making her a standout in the genre. If you enjoy espionage thrillers with a strong, no-nonsense protagonist, Haywire is a must-watch.
- IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
- Director: Steven Soderbergh
- Main Actors: Gina Carano, Michael Fassbender, Ewan McGregor
8. Outlaw King (2018)
This historical action film is an action movie underrated despite its epic storytelling and breathtaking battle scenes. Starring Chris Pine as Robert the Bruce, Outlaw King tells the true story of the Scottish king’s rebellion against English rule in the 14th century. The film delivers large-scale medieval battles, brutal sword fights, and an emotionally compelling narrative.
Directed by David Mackenzie, the movie showcases stunning cinematography, immersive world-building, and a gripping performance from Pine. Though it was overshadowed by other historical epics, it remains one of the best underrated action movies in the medieval war genre. Fans of Braveheart will find this a worthy follow-up.
The battle sequences are both visually stunning and brutally realistic, adding to the film’s authenticity. If you’re looking for an action-packed historical drama with heart, Outlaw King is a fantastic choice.
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
- Director: David Mackenzie
- Main Actors: Chris Pine, Florence Pugh, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
9. Upgrade (2018)
Upgrade is a cyberpunk revenge thriller that deserves more attention as one of the best underrated action movies of recent years. The film follows a man named Grey Trace, who, after being paralyzed in an attack that kills his wife, is given an experimental AI implant that enhances his physical abilities. With his newfound strength and agility, he embarks for vengeance.
Directed by Leigh Whannell, this top underrated action movie by mainstream audiences blends sci-fi with brutal, well-choreographed action sequences. The movie’s sleek visuals and inventive fight choreography make it feel like a low-budget John Wick with a futuristic twist. Logan Marshall-Green delivers an excellent performance.
With its gripping story, unique action scenes, and thought-provoking themes about technology and control, Upgrade is a must-watch for fans of cyberpunk and high-energy action films.
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
- Director: Leigh Whannell
- Main Actors: Logan Marshall-Green, Betty Gabriel, Harrison Gilbertson
10. Safe (2012)
A high-octane action thriller starring Jason Statham, Safe is compared to more famous films like The Transporter and Crank. The story follows a former elite agent who rescues a young girl with a photographic memory from corrupt cops, the Russian mafia, and Chinese triads, leading to a citywide chase full of intense shootouts and fight scenes.
Directed by Boaz Yakin, the film combines Statham’s signature martial arts skills with a tightly-paced, high-stakes story. Despite delivering non-stop action and an engaging plot, it didn’t receive as much recognition as other action hits of the 2010s. However, it remains one of the best underrated action movies.
With a mix of brutal combat and emotional stakes, Safe offers more than just mindless action. If you love Jason Statham’s work and are looking for a hidden gem, this one is worth adding to your watchlist.
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
- Director: Boaz Yakin
- Main Actors: Jason Statham, Catherine Chan, Chris Sarandon
11. 13 Assassins (2010)
One of the best underrated action movies in the samurai genre, 13 Assassins is a breathtaking Japanese epic directed by Takashi Miike. Set in the late Edo period, the film follows a group of elite samurai who band together on a suicide mission to assassinate a ruthless warlord. Their final battle against overwhelming odds is one of the most intense.
The movie is a remake of the 1963 classic of the same name but adds Miike’s signature brutal realism. It premiered at the Venice Film Festival and received widespread critical acclaim. The final 45-minute showdown is considered one of the greatest action sequences ever filmed, blending strategy, swordplay, and raw intensity.
Despite its stunning cinematography and historical accuracy, 13 Assassins was overlooked at major award shows but won Best Director at the Asian Film Awards. If you’re a fan of samurai films like Seven Samurai or Harakiri, this is an essential watch.
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Director: Takashi Miike
- Main Actors: Kōji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Goro Inagaki
12. The Villainess (2017)
If you’re looking for a female-led action thriller with breathtaking choreography, The Villainess is one of the best underrated action movies to watch. This South Korean gem follows a highly trained assassin, Sook-hee, who is given a chance at a new life—only to be pulled back into the violent world of espionage and revenge.
Directed by Jung Byung-gil, the film was praised for its mind-blowing action sequences, particularly the first-person perspective fight scenes reminiscent of Hardcore Henry. Despite premiering at the Cannes Film Festival and receiving critical acclaim, this action movie underrated by audiences never reached the level of global recognition.
The film’s cinematography and innovative camera work make it stand out, while Kim Ok-bin delivers a powerful performance in the lead role. The Villainess heavily influenced John Wick: Chapter 3 (2019), proving its impact on modern action cinema.
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
- Director: Jung Byung-gil
- Main Actors: Kim Ok-bin, Shin Ha-kyun, Sung Joon
13. Dredd (2012)
One of the most visually stunning and thrilling best underrated action movies, Dredd is an intense adaptation of the Judge Dredd comics. Karl Urban plays the titular law enforcer in a dystopian future where crime runs rampant. Alongside a rookie cop with psychic abilities, he must fight his way up a high-rise controlled by a ruthless drug lord.
Despite its stylish cinematography and brutal action, Dredd bombed at the box office due to poor marketing and competition from bigger releases. However, it gained a massive cult following over time. This action movie underrated at release is now considered one of the best sci-fi action films of the decade.
The film was praised for its use of slow-motion effects (influenced by its drug-themed plot), realistic combat, and Karl Urban’s stellar performance. It won the Golden Reel Award for Sound Editing and remains a favorite among cyberpunk and action enthusiasts.
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Director: Pete Travis
- Main Actors: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey
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14. The Way of the Gun (2000)
A neo-noir crime thriller packed with gritty shootouts, The Way of the Gun is a top underrated action movie for its sharp writing and intense gun battles. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, this film follows two drifters who kidnap a pregnant woman linked to the mob. What follows is a brutal, unpredictable standoff between criminals, hitmen, and desperate fugitives.
While it underperformed at the box office, the film has since been re-evaluated as one of the best underrated action movies for fans of stylish, Tarantino-esque storytelling. The film’s final shootout is considered one of the most realistic and well-executed gunfights in cinema history.
Despite its initial lukewarm reception, McQuarrie’s tight script and masterful direction have earned the film cult status. If you love intelligent crime thrillers with tension-packed action, The Way of the Gun is a hidden masterpiece.
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Director: Christopher McQuarrie
- Main Actors: Ryan Phillippe, Benicio del Toro, Juliette Lewis
15. Black Rain (1989)
A gripping neo-noir action thriller, Black Rain is one of the best underrated action movies from the ‘80s. Directed by Ridley Scott, it follows two New York cops who capture a Yakuza member and must escort him back to Japan. When their prisoner escapes in Osaka, they find themselves caught in a brutal gang war.
The film blends American cop drama with Japanese crime thriller elements, delivering stylish cinematography and intense action. Despite solid performances and a haunting score by Hans Zimmer, this action movie underrated by modern audiences rarely gets the credit it deserves.
It was nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Sound and Best Editing) but didn’t perform as expected at the box office. Over time, it gained cult status, especially for its gritty portrayal of Japan’s underworld.
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
- Director: Ridley Scott
- Main Actors: Michael Douglas, Andy García, Ken Takakura
16. The Last Boy Scout (1991)
An action-packed, sharp-tongued thriller, The Last Boy Scout is one of the best underrated action movies from the ‘90s. Bruce Willis plays a washed-up private investigator who teams up with a disgraced football player (Damon Wayans) to uncover a deadly conspiracy involving sports gambling and corruption.
Written by Shane Black (Lethal Weapon), the film delivers brutal action, dark humor, and some of the best one-liners in action cinema. Despite its explosive action and top-tier performances, this action movie underrated at the time didn’t achieve the blockbuster status of Die Hard, though it has since gained a cult following.
Its witty script and high-stakes plot make it a must-watch. If you love gritty buddy cop thrillers with relentless action, The Last Boy Scout is a forgotten gem worth revisiting.
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Director: Tony Scott
- Main Actors: Bruce Willis, Damon Wayans, Chelsea Field
17. Ninja: Shadow of a Tear (2013)
A hidden martial arts gem, Ninja: Shadow of a Tear is one of the best underrated action movies for fans of intense hand-to-hand combat. Scott Adkins stars as Casey, a skilled ninja seeking revenge after his wife is murdered. His quest leads him through deadly battles against a powerful drug cartel.
Directed by Isaac Florentine, the film boasts top-tier fight choreography by Adkins and action legend Tim Man. Despite its breathtaking stunts, this action movie underrated by mainstream audiences never got the recognition it deserved.
Unlike big-budget Hollywood blockbusters, Ninja: Shadow of a Tear focuses on raw martial arts skill and practical effects. Fans of The Raid and John Wick will love its fast-paced, no-nonsense action.
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
- Director: Isaac Florentine
- Main Actors: Scott Adkins, Kane Kosugi, Mika Hijii
18. The Rundown (2003)
One of Dwayne Johnson’s earliest and best underrated action movies, The Rundown is a high-energy adventure that blends action and comedy. Johnson plays a retrieval expert sent to the Amazon jungle to bring back his boss’s rebellious son. The mission turns chaotic when they cross paths with a ruthless gold-mining tycoon.
Directed by Peter Berg, the film features explosive fight scenes, witty banter, and stunning jungle cinematography. Despite its entertaining mix of humor and action, this top underrated action movie on Netflix at release didn’t perform as well as expected.
The movie showcases one of Johnson’s best early performances, proving his action-hero potential before Fast & Furious made him a global star. If you enjoy adventure-packed action flicks, The Rundown is a must-watch.
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Director: Peter Berg
- Main Actors: Dwayne Johnson, Seann William Scott, Christopher Walken
19. Point Blank (2010)
A relentless French action thriller, Point Blank is one of the best underrated action movies on Netflix in the crime genre. It follows a hospital nurse (Gilles Lellouche) who is forced to break a wounded criminal out of custody after his pregnant wife is kidnapped. With both cops and gangsters hunting him, he has mere hours to save her.
Director Fred Cavayé crafts a tight, fast-paced thriller with stunning chase sequences and brutal fight scenes. Despite its gripping tension and stylish execution, this action movie underrated outside of France never gained the global recognition it deserved. It was later remade in Hollywood, but the original remains superior.
Fans of The Raid and Taken will love Point Blank for its non-stop intensity. It keeps the stakes high from start to finish, making it a must-watch for action lovers.
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
- Director: Fred Cavayé
- Main Actors: Gilles Lellouche, Roschdy Zem, Gérard Lanvin
20. Shoot ‘Em Up (2007)
An absurdly fun and over-the-top action spectacle, Shoot ‘Em Up is one of the best underrated action movies that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Clive Owen stars as a mysterious drifter caught in a chaotic gunfight while protecting a newborn baby. With a sadistic villain (Paul Giamatti) in pursuit, the film turns into a non-stop barrage of creative, high-energy shootouts.
Director Michael Davis delivers some of the most inventive gunfights ever put on screen, blending cartoonish physics with brutal choreography. Despite its wild action and dark humor, this top underrated action movie Netflix was a box-office flop.
If you love non-stop action, ridiculous stunts, and clever gunplay, Shoot ‘Em Up is an absolute blast. It’s pure adrenaline from start to finish.
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Director: Michael Davis
- Main Actors: Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti, Monica Bellucci
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of cinema and looking for hidden gems, exploring some of the best underrated action movies can be a thrilling experience.. For those interested in the latest film industry highlights, check out the insights from the BAFTA 2025 Conclave, where experts discuss the future of filmmaking.
For movie lovers seeking recommendations beyond action-packed thrillers, discovering the 10 Best Movies to Watch When Bored can be a great way to expand your watchlist. Additionally, the 2025 Sundance Film Festival is set to showcase groundbreaking independent films.
