Looking for an adrenaline-pumping film to watch tonight, but can’t seem to land on one? Rather than spend more time scrolling endlessly through channels and streaming services, check out this list of the top 10 best action movies to watch right now.
Keep an eye on this list as it is updated with the latest and greatest action movies so you can be sure you’re in the loop. From Top Gun: Maverick to Live Free or Die Hard, this list will help action movie fans stay up to date on the most popular action-packed movies available.
Watch Guide Methodology: Using proprietary viewership data, DIRECTV Insider curates lists of the most popular TV shows and movies being watched by real people, in real time, to help you pick the best trending content to watch across networks. Our rolling data collection also allows readers to see how a trending show’s ranking has changed week over week.
Watch tons of action-packed content on DIRECTV
TOP 10 ACTION MOVIES TO WATCH
Let’s get started. Here are the trending action movies that movie lovers are enjoying right now, with all the information you need to check them out for yourself.
1. ‘Top Gun: Maverick’
↑ 42 vs. Prior Week
Top Gun: Maverick, released in 2022, revives a legendary saga after over three decades. Renowned Navy aviator Pete Maverick Mitchell, portrayed by the renowned Tom Cruise, now thrives as an audacious test pilot, defying a promotion that would clip his wings. Tasked with training a squad of fresh-faced graduates for a unique mission, Maverick is forced to grapple with the specters of his past and confront his fears. Culminating in a mission where the plotting of the skies calls for the ultimate sacrifice, this film promises thrilling tension and emotional complexity. This sequel to the 80s classic gives a fresh yet nostalgic take, sure to make the audience’s hearts soar.
2. ‘Die Hard’
↑ 8 vs. Prior Week
In 1988, the thrilling classic, Die Hard, introduced the world to the tenacious New York City policeman, John McClane, brought to life by the memorable Bruce Willis. His Christmas Eve plans take a drastic turn when he joins his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) at a festive holiday party in her Japanese-owned business’s headquarters. Their celebrations come to a nail-biting halt as terrorists hijack the exclusive high-rise, holding everyone within as hostages. With a shocking realization dawning on him — there’s no one but him to save everyone’s life — McClane springs into action in this edge-of-your-seat film that reinvented the action genre.
3. ‘Top Gun’
↑ 5 vs. Prior Week
Fly into the danger zone with the riveting 1986 film, Top Gun. This adrenaline-fueled blockbuster features Tom Cruise as Maverick, a hotshot pilot with a need for speed and a disregard for rules at the elite Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School. Maverick’s defiant attitude clashes with the cool poise of Iceman, brilliantly played by Val Kilmer, leading to gripping high-stakes aerial duels. Amid the fierce competition, Maverick finds himself entangled in a whirlwind romance with his stunning flight instructor, Charlotte Blackwood, portrayed by Kelly McGillis. This intoxicating mix of action, drama and romance ensures that Top Gun remains an iconic cinematic masterpiece.
4. ‘National Treasure’
↑ 369 vs. Prior Week
National Treasure (2004) turns history into a thrilling adventure, as historian and codebreaker, Ben Gates (portrayed by Nicolas Cage), pursues a legendary treasure tied to the birth of the United States. Teaming up with fellow treasure hunter, Ian Howe (Sean Bean), they unearth a clue in an icy ship entrapped within the Arctic Circle that links the treasure to the Declaration of Independence. However, when a betrayal arises, Gates finds himself in a heart-pounding race against time, trusting his skills to reach the historic document before his disloyal companion. This mystery laden ride takes viewers through puzzles, histories and iconic landmarks in ways like never before.
5. ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl’
↑ 416 vs. Prior Week
Prepare to set sail on a thrilling and mystical journey in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003). Johnny Depp delivers a rousing performance as the audacious Capt. Jack Sparrow — a pirate without a crew or ship whose adventures begin in the Caribbean’s Port Royal. When the town is sieged by cursed pirates, and the governor’s daughter Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) kidnapped for a valuable coin linked to the pirates’ undead state, love-struck blacksmith (Orlando Bloom) allies with Sparrow to save her. This action-packed, supernatural tale of love and betrayal, with a dash of humor, will have you at the edge of your seat.
6. ‘The Other Guys’
↑ 45 vs. Prior Week
Packed with humor and action, The Other Guys flips the buddy-cop genre on its head. Will Ferrell stars as Gamble, a dedicated NYPD desk jockey who loves the humdrum routine. Partnered with Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg), an ambitious detective desperate to prove his worth beyond the office desk, their contrasting personalities create a dynamic, comedy-charged atmosphere.
When a seemingly insignificant case evolves into something far more serious, it provides the perfect platform for Gamble and Hoitz to showcase their investigative capabilities, earning them the recognition they’ve been yearning for. This crime-comedy delivers laughs, tension and a fresh perspective on desk work, showing that paper pushers can indeed play the heroic role as well.
7. ‘National Treasure: Book of Secrets’
↑ 386 vs. Prior Week
In the thrilling 2007 movie, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Nicolas Cage returns to the big screen as the one and only treasure hunter Ben Gates. When a lost diary page from presidential assassin John Wilkes Booth suddenly surfaces, it ties Gates? great-great-grandfather to the conspiracy to kill Abraham Lincoln.
In a desperate quest to clear his ancestor’s name, Gates embarks on an incredible adventure that spans the globe, leading him to a mysterious book filled with America’s most coveted secrets. The stakes have never been higher in this riveting journey full of history, suspense and of course, hidden treasures.
8. ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest’
↑ 452 vs. Prior Week
In the captivating 2006 movie, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, we embark on another thrilling high seas adventure with the cunning Capt. Jack Sparrow, impeccably brought to life by Johnny Depp. His life takes a haunted turn when the eerie, ghostly pirate, Davy Jones, portrayed by Bill Nighy, comes knocking to collect a blood debt. Amidst the chaos, the nuptial plans of Jack’s friends, the dashing Will Turner, played by Orlando Bloom, and the resolute Elizabeth Swann, played by Keira Knightly, are thrown into tumultuous waters. Will Sparrow cheat fate, or will his soul be condemned for all eternity? This suspenseful tale is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
9. ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’
↑ 55 vs. Prior Week
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey with Raiders of the Lost Ark, a high-octane action-adventure masterpiece. Join the charismatic and whip-smart archaeologist, Indiana Jones, brilliantly played by Harrison Ford, as he races against time and battles ruthless Nazis to find the fabled Ark of the Covenant.
Suspense-filled chases, treacherous traps and deadly dangers await Jones on this epic globetrotting quest. Filled with thrills and spills, Raiders of the Lost Ark serves up an enthralling concoction of adventure, history and heroic defiance that is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
10. ‘Live Free or Die Hard’
↑ 365 vs. Prior Week
In the adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster ride that is Live Free or Die Hard (2007), the iconic Bruce Willis transforms into the tough-as-nails cop, John McClane. As the United States gears up to celebrate the 4th of July, McClane is handed what seems to be a mundane task – bringing in a computer hacker, played convincingly by Justin Long, for a round of questioning. However, the celebration quickly turns into a nightmare as the sinister Thomas Gabriel, portrayed by Timothy Olyphant, instigates a terrifying attack on America’s computer systems. Amidst spiraling chaos and against high-tech villainy, it’s up to McClane to employ his good old grit and wit, proving that sometimes old school is the best school.
And there you have it: the top 10 action movies to stream at home. Stay tuned for updates to come so you can keep up with the best content available right now.
For those who aren’t DIRECTV customers, make the switch today! Get all the best channels, shows, movies and more. And with four unique packages, there’s something for everyone.
And for even more insight into the top shows and movies to watch right now, check out these other lists:
- Top 20 Movies to Stream Right Now
- 20 Most Binge-Worthy TV Shows to Watch Right Now
- 10 Best Limited Series to Watch
- The Top 10 Historical Period Drama Pieces to Watch Now
- The Top Western TV Shows to Watch Right Now
- Best Action Comedy Films to Watch Today
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular action movie franchises in recent years?
Some of the most iconic action franchises today include John Wick, Jason Bourne, Mad Max, Mission: Impossible and more.
Who are the most well known action stars?
The top action actors include Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Tom Cruise, Liam Neeson, Keanu Reeves, and others.
DIRECTV Insider brings you our views on what’s happening in streaming, t.v., movies and sports. Companies and persons mentioned are not necessarily associated with and do not necessarily endorse DIRECTV. We will disclose sponsored content on our site when we show it to you, and some of the links on the site may be ads or affiliate links which means DIRECTV may earn compensation from your purchases.
