16 Best Action Movies on HBO Max Right Now (July 2024)

Sometimes the house is just too quiet. What it needs is a good shootout, or maybe an explosion. A cool quip couldn’t hurt either. There are days when — for whatever reason — you just need a great action film before you hit the sack. Luckily, Max has a ton of great action movies to offer. In fact, the titles below really just represent the tip of the action iceberg (particularly when it comes to fans of Samurai films or animated Batman movies). But if you are jonesing for a night of loud rock ‘em sock ‘em cinema, this is a great place to start your search.

In the mood for something a bit quieter? Check out our list of best comedies, dramas, or family movies on the platform, or browse our list of the best movies on Max across all genres.

Editor’s note: This article was updated May 2024 to include Deadpool.

‘Deadpool’ (2016)

Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 8.0/10

Deadpool, starring Ryan Reynolds (Free Guy) in a role he was born to play, is a passion project that brings the smart-mouthed mercenary into live-action in the most spectacular fashion. Filled past the brim with kick-ass hand-to-hand combat, gunplay, and mutant powers interspersed with quippy bits, this comic book film will break your funny bone just like it breaks the fourth wall. This is an origin story for Marvel’s edgiest antihero that tells the story of Wade Wilson (a.k.a, Deadpool) as he cuts through as many guys as he can while he searches for a way to restore his pretty face and win back the woman he loves.

Watch on Max

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 8.1/10

Heralded as a masterpiece, George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road is an apocalyptic tale set in the most depraved corners of our planet. In a lawless land, two rebels, Max (Tom Hardy) and Furiosa (Charlize Theron), fight against a ruthless ruler in the hope of restoring order. “What a lovely day!” cry both Nicholas Hoult’s Nux and this movie’s viewers, with the sheer energy and excitement bursting from Fury Road enough to charge your week. Not just a rollercoaster ride of thrilling action, the film is also a masterpiece in the physical components of filmmaking, proven by its six Academy Award nominations and two wins for Editing and Costume Design. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Max

‘The Batman’ (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 7.8/10

After a mild portrayal in Justice League, Batman gets a new breath of life from director Matt Reeves. This time beneath the cowl of the caped crusader is a brooding, angsty Robert Pattinson. A detective’s story through-and-through, The Batman might have a staggering runtime but where it makes up for a lot of plot comes standout performances by Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Colin Farrell, Andy Serkis, and Jeffrey Wright. From the thrilling batmobile chase to the unfolding mystery set out by The Riddler, there is something for everyone in this revival of the dark knight. With a sequel announced, it’s time to rewatch The Batman, because why not? – Therese LacsonWatch on Max

‘Spy’ (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 7.0/10

A packed ensemble cast that includes the likes of Rose Byrne, Jude Law, and Jason Statham support Melissa McCarthy’s deskbound CIA agent Susan Cooper, who, after a series of mission failures, ends up undercover herself, fighting a global threat. A satirical twist on the James Bond franchise, Spy is equal parts action-packed and funny, with McCarthy turning in a show-stopping central performance. An over-the-top narrative that thrives by not taking itself too seriously, writer and director Paul Feig finds the perfect balance of genuine tension and lightheartedness alongside cinematographer Robert D. Yeoman. Camp fun from start to finish, Spy is a wonderful satire of a well-worn genre. – Jake HodgesWatch on Max

‘San Andreas’ (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes: 49% | IMDb: 6.1/10

Action and destruction wreak havoc in San Andreas, a film inspired by the terrifying reality of California earthquakes. Dwayne Johnson stars as a helicopter pilot in the adventure movie that marks his first collaboration with director Brad Peyton (Rampage). Both Johnson and Peyton’s obvious experience with high-stakes catastrophe movies is revealed by their comfort and ease when soaring through death-defying stunts and explosive sequences. San Andreas isn’t just toppled buildings – the movie allows Johnson to show his often overlooked sensitive side as he plays a father attempting to rescue his daughter (Alexandra Daddario) following the massive disaster. – Yael TygielWatch on Max

‘Dune’ (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 8.0/10

A science-fiction epic whose scope is matched only by its sense of space in its battles, Dune has some of the most exciting action sequences that are as vibrant as they are vicious. Key amongst these is every scene with Jason Momoa’s Duncan Idaho, a charismatic yet skilled fighter who dives into every new challenge with a fearlessness and strength that is unmatched. One climactic scene in a confined hallway where he must take on impossible odds will forever stand out, making incredible use of Momoa’s immense presence and power. As he cuts through enemy after enemy, you can’t help but just watch in awe of his dedication to the performance. There is no one that could have done it like Momoa, and the scene itself is so well-choreographed that it all becomes a deadly dance. By the time it all concludes, it makes for one of the more moving and mesmerizing moments in a film that is full of them. – Chase HutchinsonWatch on Max

‘Chungking Express’ (1994)

Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 8.0/10

Chungking Express is one of Wong Kar-wai’s many dark and beautiful stories of love and loss. Although it plays like an homage to 1960s mafia and samurai films, Chungking Express explores the loneliness of its characters. Told in two distinct acts, the film opens with the adventures of He Qiwu (Takeshi Kaneshiro), a lovesick police officer yearning for an enigmatic drug dealer (Brigitte Lin); the second half features future In the Mood For Love star Tony Leung as another heartbroken police officer who shares his musings on life with a friendly snack seller (Faye Wong). Funny, poignant, and surprisingly action-packed, Chungking Express is one of Wong’s best. –Liam GaughanWatch on Max

‘The Suicide Squad’ (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 7.2/10

Bringing a much-needed injection of humor into the DCEU, James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad takes the secret squad of villains, Task Force X, to the island of Corto Maltese. Under the orders of Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) this band of misfits and criminals is tasked with preventing an anti-American regime from gaining control over Project Starfish – an alien with mind-control abilities. As always, Margot Robbie kicks ass as Harley Quinn, while newcomers Bloodsport (Idris Elba), Peacemaker (John Cena), Polka-Dot Man (David Dastmalchian), and Ratcatcher 2 (Daniela Melchior) all bring a brilliant mix of humor, heart, and badassery to the movie. Gunn has become well known for mixing heartfelt moments in with bizarre and/or graphic action sequences, and The Suicide Squad is no different. It’s a wild and fun ride, no matter what level of DC Comics fandom you may be. (And did I mention that Sylvester Stallone is the voice of a himbo King Shark who is both adorable and deadly?) — Brynna ArensWatch on Max

‘Mortal Kombat’ (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 55% | IMDb: 6.0/10

When it comes to films that try to take on adapting video games to the big screen, it is usually a mixed bag about what you are going to get. When it comes to the newest Mortal Kombat, it is thankfully on the more positive side of adaptations. Bolstered by a killer opening sequence and some rather well-choreographed action sprinkled throughout, it is a lot of set-up for more to come though it still packs quite a lot in this first entry. It introduces a few new characters here and there while also making sure the notable figures from the games get plenty of time to smash around in a splashy spectacle of action. It also ratchets up the gore and violence that its source material was similarly known for, ensuring there is plenty to love in this largely faithful adaptation that offers a hint of more to come. — Chase HutchinsonWatch on Max

‘Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)’ (2020)

Rotten Tomatoes: 79% | IMDb: 6.1/10

Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) both embraces the tone and style of its comic book origins while carving out a unique narrative in the genre. The film is grounded in the reality of misogyny and sexism, which informs the characters’ journeys, but doesn’t define their entire identities. Credit goes to the two-woman team of creators who brought a new lens to this comic book adaptation. Each character has her own arc, and though not all the Birds of Prey get enough screen time, they’re fleshed out enough for viewers to love them all by the end of the film. Birds of Prey perfectly balances character dynamics with exquisite action sequences—this film works because of its bloodless violence and its unreliable narrator.

It’s the characters that steal the show because of how well Christina Hodson writes them—Harley Quinn finally feels like a person rather than a prop; Rosie Perez as Renee Montoya is a scene-stealer with her earnest and determined performance, Jurnee Smollett-Bell juggles Dinah Lance’s inner turmoil and snarky personality and Mary Elizabeth Winstead is a humorous delight as Helena Bertinelli. Ella Jay Basco may not play a recognizable version of Cassandra Cain, but she holds her own as the quintessential precocious teen character who thaws cold hearts. This film can be a difficult watch as Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), especially, often finds herself in dangerous situations, but it’s refreshing to see how the film celebrates sisterhood with characters that don’t quite like each other but work really well together. – Monita MohanWatch on Max

‘Aquaman’ (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes: 65% | IMDb: 6.8/10

The DCEU’s tumultuous history does have a bright spot with Aquaman. The James Wan directed feature starring Jason Mamoa expended on the character first introduced in Justice League. Arthur Curry (Mamoa), the human-born heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, goes on a quest to prevent a war between the worlds of ocean and land. There’s something so fresh about Aquaman and Wan’s direction; the action scenes, in particular, are something that you can feast your eyes on. While the film doesn’t always work, especially the story itself, which sometimes falters, the performances – especially from Mamoa and Patrick Wilson – bring it all together. It is a terrific fun from start to finish; if there is one film from the DCEU worth the watch, it is very much this one. – Arianne BinetteWatch on Max

‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)

Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 9.0/10

The seminal entry in the canon of Batman live-action films, The Dark Knight is a masterclass in adapting comic books for all audiences. With gripping storytelling, visceral action, rounded character arcs and unbelievable performances, the Christopher Nolan sequel isn’t just a good Batman film, it’s a great film in so many ways. Nolan and team effortlessly evoke the realities of the criminal justice system with a cast of characters that span the Gotham City Police Department, the District Attorney’s office, and of course, Batman himself.

The film focuses on the interplay of Gotham’s political machinations where good people are caught up in corrupt legislation and need the help of a vigilante to protect the city even though they aren’t in a position to condone his actions. The tense opening sequence and grand reveal of the Joker (the late Heath Ledger) demonstrates that the stakes are high with a new villain terrorizing Gotham. The Joker in this film is a tour de force, and the writers expertly keep viewers guessing about what to expect from this character. The entire film is perfectly paced and balances the larger than life story with delicate character moments. The Dark Knight is a phenomenal adaptation that respects its comic book origins without being defined by them. – Monita MohanWatch on Max

‘Police Story’ (1985)

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 7.5/10

Yes, HBO Max has Jackie Chan movies. And with Police Story, it might even have the best Jackie Chan movie. Drunken Master fans can disagree, but even they have to admit Police Story is way up there when it comes to Chan’s work. The film has everything you want from the guy – cartoonish comedy gags, kung-fu sequences where anything and everything becomes an action prop, and of course, amazing stunts that nearly kill poor Chan onscreen. The final mall set-piece is truly one for the ages, and right after it ends, you get a wonderful credit sequence showing you how all the stunts were pulled off. The short answer: painfully.Watch on Max

‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 76% | IMDb: 6.3/10

Godzilla vs. Kong delivers exactly what it says on the marquee with the intensity of two Titans throwing haymakers at each other aboard an aircraft carrier. (Also this literally happens.) The plot may be a bit thin (and occasionally nonsensical) and the gigantic cast working a little too shallow, but should you ever be sitting on your couch and think something that would be cool to see would be two gargantuan monsters–a radioactive lizard beast and a twenty-story tall gorilla, for example—tossing each other around neon-lit cities and causing ten tsunami’s worth of destruction, well, there’s Godzilla vs. Kong. Sometimes, you just want Godzilla, you want Kong, and you want them to beat the crap out of each other. –Vinnie MancusoWatch on Max

‘Seven Samurai’ (1954)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.6/10

A classic for good reason. Akira Kurosawa’s action masterpiece is as long as you’ve heard, so make extra popcorn and get ready to settle into an epic you won’t forget. There is so much to enjoy here. You basically get an entire movie where the main tough guy (Takashi Shimura) assembles his team of starving – but still very wily and dangerous – samurai for a suicide mission. Keep in mind one of these guys is a delightfully feral Toshiro Mifune. That in itself is worth the price of admission. But then you naturally get to watch this crude ensemble see their task to fruition in a long-form battle for the ages. It’s a perfect movie.Watch on Max

‘Princess Mononoke’ (1997)

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 8.3/10

Hayao Miyazaki is now and will probably forever remain one of the greatest animators the form has ever seen. His films touch audiences of all ages and folks who are children right now will probably show their kids My Neighbor Totoro before they can even speak. Of his impressive filmography, Princess Mononoke offers his most grown-up, action-packed entry. A warrior infected with a rare poison must bridge the gap between animalistic gods and men, though the war-like folly of mankind makes his job very difficult. Kids can probably watch Mononoke, but its epic storytelling and complicated themes will mean much more to adults. And so will the intense, amazing action sequences.Watch on Max