If television had a comfort food equivalent, it would be a thrilling action show — the kind that lets you shut off your brain, grab your favorite snack, and get lost in heart-pounding drama and jaw-dropping sequences. And when it comes to action-packed series, Netflix reigns supreme. The streaming giant offers a massive catalog of adrenaline-fueled titles — from original productions to global imports that redefine what action storytelling can be.

But with so many great titles, one question remains: which ones are truly the best?
We’ve curated the ultimate list of the seven greatest action series currently streaming on Netflix — a mix of classic hits, international sensations, and underrated gems that deserve your time.

So, buckle up — because these shows aren’t just about action; they’re about heart, emotion, and unforgettable storytelling.

7. Alice in Borderland (2020–Present)

If you ever wondered what Alice in Wonderland would look like as a sci-fi survival thriller, Alice in Borderland has your answer — and it’s absolutely wild.

Created by Yoshiki Watabe, Yasujo Kuramitsu, and Shinsuke Sato, the show transports viewers into an alternate version of Tokyo where people are forced to participate in deadly games to stay alive. Lose a game, and your “visa” — basically your right to live — expires, with fatal consequences raining down from the sky.

This reimagining of a childhood classic transforms whimsy into terror, pushing both the characters and the audience to the edge. The intense atmosphere, twisted games, and high-stakes action make Alice in Borderland one of the most gripping and binge-worthy action shows on Netflix.

And with the shocking events of Season 3 leaving fans wanting more, the hope for a Season 4 is stronger than ever.

6. The Night Agent (2023–Present)

At first glance, The Night Agent might seem like just another government-conspiracy thriller. But trust us — it’s far from ordinary.

Created by Shawn Ryan and based on Matthew Quirk’s novel, the series follows FBI agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), a low-level operative unexpectedly pulled into a deadly web of political corruption and espionage. Each episode peels back another layer of intrigue, revealing shocking betrayals and dangerous secrets reaching the upper echelons of power.

The action is tight and tense, with well-choreographed chases and fight scenes that keep you glued to the screen. While the series follows familiar spy tropes, The Night Agent does it with a polish and pace that make it endlessly entertaining. It’s the perfect show for anyone craving an intelligent, fast-paced thriller with a cinematic edge.

5. Mercy for None (2025)

Netflix has mastered the art of spotlighting global content, and Mercy for None from South Korea proves why international storytelling is often miles ahead.

Based on the webtoon Plaza Wars: Mercy for None, the series stars So Ji-sub as Nam Gi-jun, a former gangster who dives back into the criminal underworld to avenge his brother’s murder. What follows is a gritty, emotional rollercoaster of revenge, redemption, and survival.

The show’s blend of noir-inspired visuals, bone-crunching fight sequences, and heartbreaking character arcs makes it a standout in Netflix’s action lineup. While it’s a recent addition (released in 2025), Mercy for None is already being hailed as one of the platform’s most brutal and beautifully crafted revenge dramas.

4. Arcane (2021–2024)

Few animated shows have ever managed to blend heart, world-building, and spectacle quite like Arcane.

Based on the League of Legends universe and created by Christian Linke and Alex Yee, the show tells the story of two sisters — Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell) — caught in a war between two cities: the utopian Piltover and the oppressed Zaun.

Every frame of Arcane feels like a painting come to life. The animation style is stunning, the storytelling layered with emotional depth, and the action sequences are nothing short of breathtaking.

Even though the series wrapped up in 2024, Arcane remains one of Netflix’s most acclaimed animated and action series ever, proving that animation can deliver the same — if not greater — emotional punch as live-action storytelling.

3. Lupin (2021–Present)

Netflix’s French series Lupin is a masterclass in smart, stylish storytelling that blends mystery, action, and charm in equal measure.

Inspired by the legendary fictional thief Arsène Lupin, the show follows Assane Diop (Omar Sy), a modern-day gentleman thief who uses his skills to avenge his father — wrongfully accused of stealing a priceless diamond necklace.

Lupin is full of clever twists, daring heists, and emotional stakes that elevate it above your typical crime thriller. Omar Sy’s charisma carries the show effortlessly, and the writing keeps audiences guessing until the very end.

Simply put, Lupin isn’t just one of the best international action thrillers on Netflix — it’s one of the best, period.

2. The Recruit (2022–2025)

What happens when a fresh college graduate joins the CIA expecting a desk job but ends up in the middle of global espionage? That’s the genius setup for The Recruit, a spy thriller with a twist of humor and heart.

Starring Noah Centineo as Owen Hendricks, the series follows his chaotic journey from naive lawyer to reluctant field operative. One bad decision leads him into a high-stakes mission that could cost him his life — and the result is an addictive blend of comedy, tension, and non-stop action.

While The Recruit only lasted two seasons, it packed a lot into its run. From international chases to political intrigue, it’s an underrated gem that fans still wish Netflix hadn’t canceled. If you’re in the mood for something sharp, funny, and packed with action, The Recruit is your go-to.

1. Cobra Kai (2021–2025)

“You’re the best — around!”
Joe Esposito’s iconic lyric from The Karate Kid perfectly sums up Netflix’s biggest martial arts success: Cobra Kai.

Originally premiering on YouTube Red before Netflix picked it up, Cobra Kai revived the Karate Kid legacy by reuniting Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso) and William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence) for a new generation.

Unlike many reboots that rely solely on nostalgia, Cobra Kai does something brilliant — it honors the past while telling a new, character-driven story filled with explosive martial arts sequences, emotional arcs, and surprising humor.

Over six thrilling seasons, the series balanced teen drama with adult redemption, proving that legacy stories can evolve without losing their heart. Whether you grew up with The Karate Kid or are discovering it for the first time, Cobra Kai delivers everything you’d want from an action series — energy, emotion, and epic fights.

It’s no exaggeration to say Cobra Kai is Netflix’s crowning achievement in action storytelling — a show that inspires as much as it entertains.

From Korean revenge sagas to French heist dramas and anime-inspired steampunk adventures, Netflix’s action lineup has something for everyone. These seven shows are not just visually spectacular but emotionally resonant, proving that great action is about more than explosions — it’s about storytelling that keeps you invested.

So, whether you’re in the mood for a sci-fi survival test (Alice in Borderland), a noir revenge thriller (Mercy for None), or martial arts nostalgia (Cobra Kai), these series guarantee one thing — nonstop adrenaline and unforgettable moments.