Best Action Series on Netflix

Netflix continues to impress action lovers with a bold and dynamic selection of series that push boundaries and keep you glued to your screen. Whether you crave edge-of-your-seat thrillers or deeply emotional story arcs, this year’s action catalog is packed with adrenaline, mystery, and unforgettable characters.

The current lineup blends returning heavy-hitters with buzzworthy new releases, making it the perfect time to dive into something exciting. From political conspiracies and undercover missions to supernatural sword fights and global crime rings, here’s what’s dominating the action charts on Netflix right now.

Key Points

• Whether you’re into gritty Westerns like American Primeval or dark fantasy anime like Devil May Cry, Netflix serves a full spectrum of action subgenres.
• Series like Brazil’s Criminal Code and South Korea’s Weak Hero Class 2 reflect Netflix’s global reach, offering intense action grounded in distinct cultural backdrops.
• Titles like Black Doves and FUBAR spotlight fearless women in command, whether they’re battling spies or leading secret operations.

What Are the Must-Watch Action Series on Netflix Right Now?

Netflix’s action catalog has something for everyone, from blockbuster espionage dramas to intense animated sagas. Critics and audiences alike have praised series like The Night Agent and American Primeval for their sharp writing and gripping plots. Meanwhile, the debut of Devil May Cry adds fresh fuel to the anime-action crossover genre, winning fans with its stylish visuals and slick storytelling.

Many of these shows boast IMDb scores above 7.5 and have made it to Netflix’s global Top 10. Whether you’re into fast-paced shootouts, psychological warfare, or dystopian settings, this year’s action offerings deliver more than just explosions, they deliver impact, character, and storytelling worth your time.

10 Best Action Series on Netflix

1. The Night Agent (Season 2)

With an IMDb rating of 7.5, this political thriller dives into the shadows of Washington D.C. Peter Sutherland, an idealistic FBI agent, finds himself at the center of a vast conspiracy after answering a mysterious emergency call. Season 2 raises the stakes with assassinations, double agents, and a race against time to protect the nation from within. Fans of 24 and Jack Ryan will feel right at home.

2. American Primeval

Gritty, raw, and surprisingly emotional, this historical drama holds an IMDb score of 7.2. Set on the unforgiving American frontier during the 1850s, a single mother and her teenage son flee a violent past, seeking freedom in a lawless land. It’s a brutal survival story where danger lurks behind every tree and trust is a rare currency.

3. Devil May Cry

This animated series explodes with style and speed. With an IMDb rating of 7.7 and a stunning 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s a clear fan favorite. Dante, a half-demon demon hunter with a taste for pizza and sarcasm, battles sinister creatures from hell while uncovering secrets about his own origin. Faithful to the Capcom video game, the 2025 Netflix adaptation fuses over-the-top combat, brooding gothic vibes, and jaw-dropping animation. A dream for anime and action fans alike.

4. Criminal Code (Season 2)

This Brazilian crime thriller boasts an IMDb score of 7.6 and dives into the high-stakes world of federal investigations. Following a special task force, the series explores drug cartels, political corruption, and cyber warfare. Season 2 raises the bar with more nuanced storytelling and even deeper character dilemmas.

5. Black Doves

Keira Knightley shines in this moody, atmospheric spy thriller. With an IMDb rating of 7.5 and 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, the series balances intense espionage with intimate emotional stakes. Knightley plays a British intelligence officer caught in a web of secrets, torn between her job and a dangerous romance. Elegant, slow-burning, and unforgettable.

6. FUBAR (Season 2)

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Monica Barbaro return as a dysfunctional CIA father-daughter duo. While the series carries a moderate IMDb score of 6.8 and 50% on Rotten Tomatoes, it remains a fan-favorite for those who enjoy high-octane missions mixed with sharp humor. Think Mr. & Mrs. Smith with a family twist.

7. Weak Hero Class 2

With a stellar IMDb rating of 8.0 and 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, this Korean drama is far more than just a school brawler. Yeon Si-eun, a quiet student with a sharp mind, confronts brutal bullies and systemic abuse. Strategic, emotional, and unflinchingly real, this sequel delivers on all fronts.

8. Rana Naidu (Season 2)

This Indian adaptation of Ray Donovan holds an IMDb rating of 6.9. Set in Mumbai’s high-profile celebrity scene, the show follows Rana, a professional fixer who navigates scandals, criminal deals, and broken family ties. It’s sharp, gritty, and full of morally grey decisions.

9. The Gentlemen (Season 2)

With an impressive IMDb score of 8.2, Guy Ritchie’s crime universe expands brilliantly in this witty British series. A wealthy heir discovers his family’s dark criminal ties and must survive the ruthless world of underground deals. Stylish, unpredictable, and loaded with sharp dialogue.

10. One Piece (Live-Action)

This highly anticipated adaptation scored a solid 8.5 on IMDb and has won over both anime veterans and newcomers alike. Monkey D. Luffy leads his Straw Hat crew across fantastical seas in search of the legendary treasure. Heartfelt, adventurous, and full of action, it’s a rare live-action win in anime history.

Why Are Netflix Action Series So Popular?

What sets Netflix apart is how it blends cinematic action with bingeworthy storytelling. These aren’t just shootouts and car chases, each series is layered with character depth, real-world themes, and high-end visuals that rival Hollywood blockbusters. With global stories filmed in Brazil, Korea, India, the UK, and the U.S., Netflix proves that action knows no borders.

Another major factor? Netflix’s release strategy. By dropping entire seasons at once, viewers get a continuous, immersive ride, no waiting, just heart-pounding episode after episode. Combined with strong casting, high production budgets, and creative freedom, it’s no wonder these shows are dominating watchlists and trending globally.

What Is the Most Watched Action Series on Netflix Right Now?

The Night Agent is officially Netflix’s most-watched action series worldwide. Season 2 shattered viewership records in its premiere week, earning the #1 spot in over 70 countries. Its gripping combination of high-stakes government conspiracies, complex characters, and relentless pacing makes it endlessly bingeable.

Critics have praised it for its sharp writing and tense atmosphere, while fans highlight its emotional beats and unpredictable twists. With an IMDb rating holding steady above 7.5, The Night Agent has become a flagship series for Netflix’s action portfolio.

Is There a Standout Animated Action Series on Netflix?

Absolutely, this year brought us Devil May Cry, the animated action series everyone’s talking about. Based on the cult-favorite video game, it delivers hyper-stylized fights, moody visuals, and a demon-slaying protagonist with serious charisma. With early scores around 8.0 on MyAnimeList and fan buzz all over social media, it’s a hit with both anime lovers and newcomers.

More than just flashy animation, the show builds a dark and immersive world where every battle matters. Whether you’re new to the franchise or a longtime fan, Devil May Cry on Netflix is an essential pick this year.

Which Action Series on Netflix Feature Strong Female Leads?

If you’re looking for fierce, fearless women front and center, Netflix delivers. Black Doves stars Keira Knightley as a conflicted secret agent navigating betrayal, passion, and global espionage. Her nuanced performance brings emotional gravity to every twist. Meanwhile, FUBAR pairs Arnold Schwarzenegger with Monica Barbaro, whose role as a CIA operative gives the show real heart and muscle.

These series prove that action isn’t just a man’s world. Whether through leadership, resilience, or sheer force, female characters are stealing the spotlight, and audiences love it. Expect complex, driven women who command the screen and the storyline.

Conclusion

It’s a great time to be an action fan on Netflix. With a lineup that spans genres, cultures, and formats, from Western sagas and secret agents to animated demon slayers, the streaming giant offers something for every type of viewer. These shows aren’t just thrilling, they’re crafted with intention, voice, and vision.

Whether you want a bingeworthy political thriller like The Night Agent, a bold international gem like Criminal Code, or something stylish and unexpected like The Gentlemen, this list will guide your next great watch. So grab the popcorn, settle in, and let the action begin.

Featured image: Screenshot from IMDb.