A good action film has a way of capturing and holding our attention in a way few film genres can, rewarding our rapt interest with satisfying cinematic action.
Whether it takes the form of a long-running franchise like Planet of the Apes or a newer film series like Dune, it’s impossible to overestimate the power of a great action movie, as seen from the dozens of beloved genre films like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Die Hard, and The Matrix we’ve seen in the past.
In addition to its extensive lineup of comedies, horror films, and suspenseful thrillers, Hulu has a similarly wide array of exceptional action films within its digital library right now. From historical period films to grandiose sci-fi epics, here are some of the best action movies currently streaming on Hulu.
The Woman King (2022)
Is there anything Viola Davis can’t do? One minute she’s dazzling audiences as the shadowy Amanda Waller of the DCEU, the next she’s leading an army of all-female warriors in 2022’s The Woman King. While its historical accuracy is dubious at best, The Woman King’s dramatized portrait of its titular character provides plenty of endlessly creative possibilities. Between its 19th century settings, inspired action sequences, and delicate handling of nuanced subjects related to race, colonialism, and the international slave trade, it’s a historical action film we simply can’t recommend enough.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
After wrapping up Caesar’s story with 2017’s War for the Planet of the Apes, audiences waited to see whether the Apes series could carry on without Andy Serkis’s revolutionary chimp in the lead role. Fortunately, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes ensures Planet of the Apes’ survival well into the future, paving the way to yet another exciting addition to the Apes franchise’s ever-expanding universe. Jumping ahead 300 years after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes, Kingdom introduces fans to an assortment of new characters, each of whom struggle to balance the delicate relationship between humanity’s remnants and their genetically evolved simian counterparts. A satisfying opening chapter in a planned trilogy of films, Kingdom just proves that the Planet of the Apes franchise is far from over – if anything, it’s just getting started.
Kill Bill (2003/2004)
Viewers with weaker stomachs might have difficulty sitting through it, but those able to withstand ridiculously over-the-top violence will no doubt fall in love with Quentin Tarantino’s two-part Kill Bill series. Split evenly into two complimentary chapters, each volume of Kill Bill comes tailored with Tarantino’s signature penchant for fast-paced dialogue, vivid characterization, and high-octane action. With homages to everything from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly to Enter the Dragon, Kill Bill is a martial arts extravaganza almost every viewer is sure to enjoy, appealing most directly to action fans and dedicated followers of Tarantino’s filmography.
Predator (1987)
To be sure, the Predator franchise’s latest entry Prey is more than capable of holding audiences’ attention from its opening moments to its closest credits. However, we’d be remiss if we didn’t single out the original entry in the series with 1987’s era-defining action film, Predator. With an opening act punctuated by testosterone-driven, overly stylized action, it isn’t long before Predator slowly devolves into a haunting survival horror film by the time its second act rolls around. Humorous in some places, explosive in others, and thoroughly ominous every time the titular antagonist makes an appearance, Predator is an essential entry in ‘80s cinema, defying any preconceived expectations when it comes to its story, tone, or genre classifications.
Heat (1995)
The modern crime genre is currently rife with high-octane heist films, but to this day, there’s never been a film quite like Heat. Directed by the incomparable Michael Mann, Heat expertly combines high-speed thrills with a sensational cast of actors, including such established ‘90s icons as Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Val Kilmer, Jon Vought, and Tom Sizemore. As sleek and stylish as the Lincoln Town Car De Niro’s team use as their getaway, Heat is a riveting drama that never slows down, lets up, or peters out in the course of its nearly three-hour runtime.
Dune: Part Two (2024)
While there’s plenty of positive things to be said about its preceding chapter, Dune: Part Two is with a doubt the superior entry in Denis Villeneuve’s adult-oriented space opera series. Operating on a larger scale and utilizing even bigger set pieces, Dune: Part Two unfolds like a sci-fi cross between Lawrence of Arabia, Mad Max, and Game of Thrones, complete with expansive battle sequences straight out of Halo or Star Wars. With Paul Atreides continuing his journey as the unlikely savior of Arrakis, Dune: Part Two is a grand-scale epic the likes of which Hollywood seldom produces anymore, achieving a well-deserved place as one of the most popular films of the 2020s yet.
Die Hard (1988)
There’s never a bad time of the year to rewatch Die Hard, whether you choose to watch it as part of your regular holiday celebration or on a lazy Sunday afternoon in the middle of May. Among the most lauded action films ever made, Die Hard is that rare adventure film able to be enjoyed by a universal audience of viewers. Whether marveling at its jaw-dropping action sequences or basking in the performances of Bruce Willis and a deliciously evil Alan Rickman, every moment of Die Hard is sure to entertain, rewarding each and every viewer fortunate enough to hit play.
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