Epic Action backdrop

Epic Action movies

Big-scale action movies with city-to-world stakes, massive set pieces, and nonstop spectacle.

Predator: Badlands

11. Predator: Badlands

Action Science Fiction Adventure Epic Action Alien Contact Sci-Fi
7.3

20251h 47min

United States

Director: Dan Trachtenberg

Cast out from his clan, a young Predator finds an unlikely ally in a damaged android and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary.

Themes

Survival under pressure, Clan hierarchy vs autonomy, Belonging and exile, Corporate interference and control, Trust in imperfect allies, Adaptation through improvisation

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Avatar: The Way of Water

12. Avatar: The Way of Water

Action Adventure Science Fiction Epic Action Adventure Epic
7.5

20223h 12min

United States

Director: James Cameron

Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, learn the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure.

Themes

Loyalty under threat, Family resilience under invasion, Belonging across clans, Adaptation to sea life, Adopted family dynamics, Grief and leadership burden

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Mad Max: Fury Road

13. Mad Max: Fury Road

Action Adventure Science Fiction Epic Action Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi
8.1

20152h 1min

Australia, United States

Director: George Miller

An apocalyptic story set in the furthest reaches of our planet, in a stark desert landscape where humanity is broken, and most everyone is crazed fighting for the necessities of life. Within this world exist two rebels on the run who just might be able to restore order.

Themes

Betrayal under pressure, Authoritarian control under siege, Resource scarcity drives pursuit, Loyalty forged through adversity, Leadership through necessity, Survivor solidarity in desert

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Dragon Ball Super: Broly

14. Dragon Ball Super: Broly

Action Science Fiction Animation Epic Action Anime
7.7

20181h 41min

Japan

Director: Tatsuya Nagamine

Earth is peaceful following the Tournament of Power. Realizing that the universes still hold many more strong people yet to see, Goku spends all his days training to reach even greater heights. Then one day, Goku and Vegeta are faced by a Saiyan called 'Broly' who they've never seen before. The Saiyans were supposed to have been almost completely wiped out in the destruction of Planet Vegeta, so what's this one doing on Earth? This encounter between the three Saiyans who have followed completely different destinies turns into a stupendous battle, with even Frieza (back from Hell) getting caught up in the mix.

Themes

Intergenerational conflict, Duty vs survival, Transformation and control, Alliances and betrayal, Exile and revenge, Power and destiny

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Hulu
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Last Duel

15. The Last Duel

History Drama Action Historical Event Historical Drama
7.3

20212h 33min

United States

Director: Ridley Scott

King Charles VI declares that Knight Jean de Carrouges settle his dispute with his squire, Jacques Le Gris, by challenging him to a duel.

Themes

Class and land politics, Legal ritual and dueling culture, Patriarchal authority in marriage, Sexual violence and consent, Social judgment and reputation, Patronage and favoritism dynamics

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Hulu
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Old Henry

16. Old Henry

Western Action Drama Revisionist Western Epic Action
7.3

20211h 39min

United States

Director: Potsy Ponciroli

A widowed farmer and his son warily take in a mysterious, injured man with a satchel of cash. When a posse of men claiming to be the law come for the money, the farmer must decide who to trust. Defending a siege of his homestead, the farmer reveals a talent for gun-slinging that surprises everyone calling his true identity into question.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Trust under threat, Frontier justice and violence, Deception and undercover roles, Legacy vs obsolescence, Family duty under siege

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Prey

17. Prey

Thriller Action Science Fiction Epic Action Alien Contact Sci-Fi
7.1

20221h 40min

United States

Director: Dan Trachtenberg

When danger threatens her camp, the fierce and highly skilled Comanche warrior Naru sets out to protect her people. But the prey she stalks turns out to be a highly evolved alien predator with a technically advanced arsenal.

Themes

Survival under threat, Gendered expectations, Leadership legitimacy, Indigenous resilience, Alien life-form dynamics, Bear attack consequences

Available on

Hulu
Tubi TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf

18. The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf

Animation Action Fantasy Adult Animation Dark Fantasy
7.2

20211h 23min

Poland, South Korea

Director: Han Kwang Il

Escaping from poverty to become a witcher, Vesemir slays monsters for coin and glory, but when a new menace rises, he must face the demons of his past.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Power and responsibility, Trust and suspicion, Fear as social control, Illusion as weapon, Corruption in leadership

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Rurouni Kenshin: The Final

19. Rurouni Kenshin: The Final

Action Adventure History Drama Epic Action
7.2

20212h 18min

Japan

Director: Keishi Otomo

In 1879, Kenshin and his allies face their strongest enemy yet: his former brother-in-law Enishi Yukishiro and his minions, who've vowed their revenge.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Memory and trauma, Revenge cycles, Grudges fueling conflict, Violence as catalyst, Hidden past shaping actions

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Several generations following Caesar's reign, apes – now the dominant species – live harmoniously while humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all he's known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.

Themes

Loyalty and betrayal, Memory and legacy, Leadership under threat, Technology as leverage, Empire building and oppression, Interspecies coexistence

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.