Epic Action backdrop

Epic Action movies

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

Dante's Inferno: An Animated Epic

231. Dante's Inferno: An Animated Epic

Action Adventure Animation Horror Epic Action
6.5

20101h 24min

United States, Japan

Director: Lee Seung-Gyu

Dante journeys through the nine circles of Hell -- limbo, lust, gluttony, greed, anger, heresy, violence, fraud and treachery -- in search of his true love, Beatrice. An animated version of the video game of the same name.

Themes

Betrayal and deception, Guilt from infidelity, Power and greed in hell, Confrontation with family, Self exploration under trial, Life and afterlife liminality

Available on

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

Avatar

232. Avatar

Action Adventure Fantasy Science Fiction Epic Action
7.9

20092h 42min

United States, United Kingdom

Director: James Cameron

In the 22nd century, a paraplegic Marine is dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission, but becomes torn between following orders and protecting an alien civilization.

Themes

Tribal sovereignty and exploitation, Cultural survival under pressure, Loyalty vs obligation, Indigenous knowledge vs science, Racial discrimination dynamics, Resource extraction conflict

Available on

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

Mulan: Rise of a Warrior

233. Mulan: Rise of a Warrior

Adventure Drama Action Epic Action Historical Drama
6.6

20091h 55min

China, Hong Kong SAR China

Director: Jingle Ma Choh-Sing

When barbarian hordes threaten her homeland, the brave and cunning Mulan disguises herself as a male soldier to swell the ranks in her aging father's stead. The warrior's remarkable courage drives her through powerful battle scenes and brutal wartime strategy. Mulan loses dear friends to the enemy's blade as she rises to become one of her country's most valuable leaders — but can she win the war before her secret is exposed?

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Leadership under fire, Resilience through adversity, Gender barriers in enlistment, Power and succession, Peace through alliance

Available on

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

Black Dynamite

234. Black Dynamite

Comedy Action Parody Epic Action
7.4

20091h 25min

United States

Director: Scott Sanders

This is the story of 1970s African-American action legend Black Dynamite. The Man killed his brother, pumped heroin into local orphanages, and flooded the ghetto with adulterated malt liquor. Black Dynamite was the one hero willing to fight The Man all the way from the blood-soaked city streets to the hallowed halls of the Honky House.

Themes

The man oppressor, Malt liquor weaponization, The man and racism, Heroin in orphanages, Government manipulation, Exploitation of orphanages

Available on

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

Afro Samurai: Resurrection

235. Afro Samurai: Resurrection

Animation Action Adventure Drama Fantasy
7.1

20091h 41min

United States, Japan

Director: Fuminori Kizaki

Afro Samurai avenged his father and found a life of peace. But the legendary master is forced back into the game by a beautiful and deadly woman from his past. The sparks of violence dropped along Afro’s bloody path now burn out of control – and nowhere are the flames of hatred more intense than in the eyes of Sio.

Themes

Loyalty and betrayal, Adoptive kin tension, Cycle of revenge, Forbidden resurrection, Identity and surrogate family, Vengeance vs detachment, Power through legacy

Available on

Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll Amazon Channel
Fandango At Home
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Prison Break: The Final Break

236. Prison Break: The Final Break

Action Drama Thriller Epic Action Relationship Drama
7.9

20091h 29min

United States

Director: Kevin Hooks

Michael and Sara wed, but the happiness is short-lived when the Feds apprehend her for the murder of Michael's mother, Christina. Once a hit is ordered on Sara, the team reunite to break out the increasingly vulnerable target.

Themes

Gang dynamics, Prison constraints, Prison escape, Murder stakes, Prison planning, Love under pressure

Available on

Amazon Video
Fandango At Home
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Tidal Wave

237. Tidal Wave

Action Drama Thriller Epic Action Tragic Drama
5.5

20092h

South Korea

Director: JK Youn

On Haeundae Beach, a guilt-ridden fisherman takes care of a woman whose father accidentally got killed. A scientist reunites with his ex-wife and a daughter who doesn't even remember his face. And a poor rescue worker falls in love with a rich city girl. When they all find out a gigantic tsunami will hit the beach, they realize they only have 10 minutes to escape.

Themes

Trust crisis resilience, Redevelopment pressure locals backlash, Intergenerational bonds strain, Loss loyalty strain, Cooperation survival process, Duty romance conflict

Available on

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

Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance

238. Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance

Animation Science Fiction Action Drama Anime
7.9

20091h 52min

Japan

Director: Masayuki

Under constant attack by monstrous creatures called Angels that seek to eradicate humankind, U.N. Special Agency NERV introduces two new EVA pilots to help defend the city of Tokyo-3: the mysterious Makinami Mari Illustrous and the intense Asuka Langley Shikinami. Meanwhile, Gendo Ikari and SEELE proceed with a secret project that involves both Rei and Shinji.

Themes

Trust under strain, Duty versus autonomy, Humanity under siege, Authority and manipulation, Parental bonds under strain, Identity in crisis

Available on

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

Star Trek

239. Star Trek

Science Fiction Action Adventure Space Sci-Fi Epic Action
7.9

20092h 7min

United States

Director: J.J. Abrams

The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals. One, James Kirk, is a delinquent, thrill-seeking Iowa farm boy. The other, Spock, a Vulcan, was raised in a logic-based society that rejects all emotion. As fiery instinct clashes with calm reason, their unlikely but powerful partnership is the only thing capable of leading their crew through unimaginable danger, boldly going where no one has gone before. The human adventure has begun again.

Themes

Leadership under crisis, Time travel consequences, Rivalry and alliance, Unlikely partnership, Duty vs emotion, Authority and discipline

Available on

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

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

240. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Fantasy Action Thriller Dark Fantasy Epic Action
6.5

20091h 32min

United States

Director: Patrick Tatopoulos

A prequel to the first two Underworld films, this fantasy explains the origins of the feud between the Vampires and the Lycans. Aided by his secret love, Sonja, courageous Lucian leads the Lycans in battle against brutal Vampire king Viktor. Determined to break the king's enslavement of his people, Lucian faces off against the Death Dealer army in a bid for Lycan independence.

Themes

Class inequality, Loyalty under pressure, Abuse of power, Forbidden love constraints, Aristocratic oppression, Slavery and rebellion

Available on

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