Best Action Series of All Time 20222d

Television and, especially, streaming, in recent years, have become ideal tools for escaping the routine, offering a variety of options, from reality shows to major drama, comedy and animation series. Among all these options, action series stand out as the most electrifying, bringing adrenaline and excitement in each episode. With plots full of chases, explosions and unbeatable heroes, check out the complete list with the best recommendations! 6t2a5t

24 Hours (2001-2010)  353h62

Original title: 24

87% on Rotten Tomatoes | 79 on Metacritic | 8,4 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

On the Serie 24 am, Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland), a counter-terrorism agent, deals with imminent threats and betrayals as he tries to save the country from devastating terrorist attacks. Each episode takes place in real time, with Bauer facing high-tension situations where nothing is what it seems. In a constant game of life or death, he must make impossible decisions to protect millions of lives.

9-1-1 (2018-present)  3d736c

84% on Rotten Tomatoes | 60 on Metacritic | 7,9 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

In Los Angeles, the lives of police officers, firefighters and paramedics are marked by extreme and challenging situations, where they are the first to respond to tragedies. Among them are the firefighter Athena Grant (Angela Bassett), the paramedic Buck (Oliver Stark) and the policeman Bobby Nash (Peter Krause), who face personal dramas while dealing with intense emergencies.

Queen of the South (2016-2021)  6z5sg

Original title: Queen Of The South

87% on Rotten Tomatoes | 59 on Metacritic | 8,0 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

After the murder of her boyfriend, who was a drug dealer, Teresa Mendoza (Alice Braga) flees to the United States and finds herself forced into the world of crime. Determined to survive and avenge her loss, she fights to earn her place as the leader of a powerful cartel. From there, the plot follows her relentless journey to become the queen of drug trafficking, facing betrayals, dangers and moral dilemmas along the way.

Alias: Codename Danger (2001-2006)  181p6t

Original title: Alias

86% on Rotten Tomatoes | 75 on Metacritic | 7,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

Em Alias: Codename Danger, Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Garner) is a young woman trained in espionage and self-defense who has been recruited to work as an international spy. Torn between her secret life and her relationships with friends and family, she faces dangerous missions, betrayals and unexpected revelations. 

Alice In Borderland (2020-present) 3d3w5m

Original title: Imawa no Kuni no Arisu

86% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,7 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Em Alice in borderland, one of the best action series to binge-watch, Arisu (Kento Yamazaki), an apathetic, jobless young man obsessed with video games, suddenly finds himself in a strange and empty version of Tokyo, where he and his friends must compete in dangerous games to survive. In this strange world, arisu do you know Usagi (Tao Tsuchiya), a young woman who is navigating the games alone. Together, they set out to unravel one mystery after another, risking their lives and confronting what it means to live.

Altered Carbon (2018-2020)  1w1o4m

75% on Rotten Tomatoes | 64 on Metacritic | 7,9 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

In a future where technology allows transferring minds to new bodies, dying is practically impossible. From this new reality, when a soldier, Takeshi Kovacs (Joel Kinnaman), is awakened after 250 years in hibernation, he is assigned to solve the murder of a tycoon. Amidst a world of exchanged bodies and identities, Kovacs faces mysteries, betrayals and moral dilemmas as he searches for answers.

Arcane (2021-2024)  3x3e4h

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 86 on Metacritic | 9,0 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Based on the game League of Legends, Arcane accompanies two sisters, I Saw (Hailee Steinfeld) e Jinx (Ella Purnell), as their city descends into violent conflict. Caught on opposite sides of the escalating war, the series follows the perspectives of the two sisters as it jumps between several different time periods to tell a gripping story.

Harley Quinn (2019-present)  w3k7

Original title: Harley Quinn

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 85 on Metacritic | 8,4 on IMDb

Where to watch: Max

After ending her tumultuous relationship with the Joker (Alan Tudyk), Harley Quinn (Kaley Cuoco) decides to reinvent itself and conquer its space as the Queen of Crime of Gotham. On her journey, she gathers a team of eccentric allies, including Poison Ivy (Lake Bell), while facing old villains and seeking to finally be recognized. 

Black Doves (2024-present)  57c3h

94% on Rotten Tomatoes | 78 on Metacritic | 7,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

After discovering that her lover has been murdered, the undercover spy Elena Webb (Keira Knightley), who lives as a politician's wife, sets out on a journey to seek revenge and justice. With the help of her assassin friend, Sam Young (Ben Whishaw), she plunges into a world of betrayal and danger. 

Chuck (2007-2012)  14u4f

90% on Rotten Tomatoes | 74 on Metacritic | 8,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

In one of the best action series of all time, Chuck Bartowski (Zachary Levi) is a nerd who leads an ordinary life working in a computer store, until, when opening an email, he accidentally receives government secrets directly into his brain, in a kind of . Now, he finds himself at the center of an espionage plot, being protected by CIA agents, such as Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski), while trying to deal with his new abilities and the constant threat of enemies. 

Cobra Kai (2018-2025)  634260

94% on Rotten Tomatoes | 70 on Metacritic | 8,4 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Years after losing the karate championship, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) decides to start his life over and reopens the dojo Cobra Kai, seeking to give himself a new purpose. However, this reignites his rivalry with Daniel LaRussoRalph Macchio, who now lives a quiet life, but sees his past coming back to the surface. 

Daredevil (2015-2018)  6s1f2f

Original title: Daredevil

92% on Rotten Tomatoes | 72 on Metacritic | 8,6 IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

In history, Matt MurdockCharlie Cox He was blinded after an accident as a teenager, but his senses became extraordinarily sharp, giving him superhuman abilities. As a lawyer, he seeks justice in the courts by day, while at night he fights crime as the vigilante demolisher. 

On the Move (2023-present)  2x6m6e

Original title: Mubing

Popular title: Moving

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,4 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

Three young people with supernatural abilities inherited from their parents find themselves caught up in a deadly mystery. When a series of murders begins to plague Seoul, they have no choice but to use their powers to face the danger. Kim Bong-seok (Lee Jung-ha), Jang Hee-soo (Go Youn-jung) e Lee Gang-hoon (Kim Si-woo) are friends and keep a secret: they have extraordinary abilities that they inherited from their parents, former of a secret operations unit. After the disbandment of this team, the parents decided to hide their powers to protect their families. However, with the emergence of a wave of mysterious deaths in the city, which appear to be murders, both parents and children must forces to face this imminent threat.

Station 19 (2018-2024)  5n1b61

Original title: Station 19

93% on Rotten Tomatoes | 55 on Metacritic | 7,1 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

station 19 follows a group of dedicated firefighters in Seattle who risk their lives to save others. Among the heroes are Andy Herrera (Jaina Lee Ortiz), a courageous leader, and Jack Gibson (Gray Damon), who face personal and professional challenges. The plot manages to mix intense action scenes and personal dramas, showing the bond between the team and their daily battles, both at work and outside of it.

Fallout (2024-present)  5e4q5s

94% on Rotten Tomatoes | 73 on Metacritic | 8,3 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

Based on one of the greatest video game series of all time, Fallout is the story of the haves and the have-nots in a world where there is almost nothing to have. 200 years after the apocalypse, Lucy (Ella Purnell), a peaceful inhabitant of a pleasant haven, is forced to venture to the surface and is shocked when she discovers the devastated land that awaits her.

Fauda (2015-present)  4216a

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,3 IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Fauda follows Doron Kavillio (Lior Raz), a former Israeli agent, who returns to active duty to capture a Palestinian fighter, Abu Ahmad (Hisham Suliman), who everyone believed to be dead. His mission triggers a series of chaotic and dangerous events, as tensions between Israelis and Palestinians reach new levels.

Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014)  685e4j

Original title: Sons of Anarchy

87% on Rotten Tomatoes | 75 on Metacritic | 8,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

The series shows the journey of the biker gang Sons of Anarchy, leadered by Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam), which operates an arms trade behind the scenes in the seemingly peaceful town of Charming. While defending their territory against outside threats, the gang deal with divided loyalties, betrayals and family conflicts. 

Game of Thrones (2011-2019)  4z1r4s

89% on Rotten Tomatoes | 86 on Metacritic | 9,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: Max

Based on the bestselling book series by George RR Martin, one of best series of fantasy, drama and action Game of Thrones portrays two powerful families, the Stark and the Lannister, in a grand battle for power over the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and to take the coveted Iron Throne. In the midst of this dispute, many heads roll, many characters appear and a common enemy promises to end it all. Names like Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, S e Nikolaj Coster-Waldau are part of the cast.

Halo (2022-2024)  281jc

80% on Rotten Tomatoes | 61 on Metacritic | 7,3 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix e Paramount +

Halo accompanies Master Chief (Pablo Schreiber), a cybernetically enhanced super soldier, as he leads the fight against the Covenant, a fanatical alien alliance, in the 26th century. In an intergalactic war, he must protect humanity and unravel mysteries about his own identity. 

Homeland (2011-2020)  6r735o

85% on Rotten Tomatoes | 81 on Metacritic | IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

Em Homeland, Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) is a missing American soldier who is welcomed as a hero when he returns after spending eight years in captivity in Iraq. But, Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes), a CIA analyst is suspicious of the story and believes he may be sent by terrorists to attack the US.

Invincible (2021-present)  5tfx

Original title: Invincible

99% on Rotten Tomatoes | 76 on Metacritic | 8,7 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

Based on the comic book series of the same name, Invincible accompanies Mark Grayson (Steven Yeun), 17 years old, who is the son of the famous superhero Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons). As Mark begins to develop his own powers, he receives guidance from his powerful father. However, it is not long before he begins to realize that his father may not be so heroic.

War Brothers (2001)  694m3q

Original title: Band of Brothers

94% on Rotten Tomatoes | 87 on Metacritic | 9,4 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix e Max 

One of HBO's biggest hits, War brothers tells the story of Easy Company, Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, based on survivor interviews, diaries, and letters from soldiers covered in the nonfiction book written by Stephen Ambrose. With characters like Captain Winters (Damian Lewis) and sergeant Lipton (Donnie Wahlberg), the premise is to narrate the experiences of these young men who experienced the height of courage and the greatest fear of their lives.

Sun Brothers (2024)  i856

Original title: The Brothers Sun

84% on Rotten Tomatoes | 61 on Metacritic | 7,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Em Sun Brothers, one of the best action series to binge-watch, after a mysterious enemy attacks his family, Charles (Justin Chien), a member of a Taipei triad, goes to Los Angeles to protect his headstrong mother Eileen (Michelle Yeoh) and the younger brother, Bruce (Sam Song Li).

Jack Ryan (2018-2023)  4l5py

Original title: Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan

78% on Rotten Tomatoes | 66 on Metacritic | 8,0 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

Jack Ryan (John Krasinski), a CIA analyst, is unexpectedly thrust into a dangerous field assignment for the first time. When he uncovers a global terrorist threat, he finds himself embroiled in a web of intrigue and risk, challenging his skills and courage.

Justified (2010-2015)  2f4o4c

Original title: Justified

97% on Rotten Tomatoes | 86 on Metacritic | 8,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

In this story, Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) is a police officer with the style of a “wild west sheriff” who is willing to do justice at any cost. After a confrontation with his superiors, he is transferred to the district of Harlan, Kentucky, the place where he grew up and where old enemies and challenges await him.

Killing Eve: Double Obsession (2018-2022)  5u5g11

Original title: Killing Eve

80% on Rotten Tomatoes | 75 on Metacritic | 8,1 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Em Killing Eve: Double Obsession, Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh) is a secret agent who becomes obsessed with capturing Villanelle (Jodie Comer), an enigmatic and relentless assassin. As the hunt intensifies and tensions rise, a dangerous and fascinating relationship between the two develops. 

La Casa de Papel (2017-2021)  2p4to

94% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

One of Netflix's most popular series follows eight thieves who lock themselves and hostages in the Royal Mint of Spain. Their leader, known as Professor (Alvaro Morte) manipulates the police to carry out a plan that could be the biggest robbery in history or a mission in vain.

Blacklist (2013-2023)  1u4a6i

Original title: The Blacklist

91% on Rotten Tomatoes | 74 on Metacritic | 7,9 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Em Black list we follow Raymond “Red” Reddington (James Spader), a brilliant fugitive who turns himself in to the FBI and offers his help in capturing dangerous criminals. However, he only agrees to cooperate if the rookie Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone) agree to be his partner. Together, they form an unlikely duo as they face a list of high-risk criminals and unravel mysteries involving both their pasts.

86% on Rotten Tomatoes | 65 on Metacritic | 8,4 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Terrifying creatures, bizarre surprises, and dark humor inhabit and flourish in each of the many unique universes created for this collection of animated shorts, with each episode featuring its own narrative and visual style. Renowned directors such as David Fincher, Tim Miller e Jennifer Yuh Nelson bring their creative visions to the series, offering an innovative and twisty visual experience.

Luke Cage (2016-2018)  3m4x4e

87% on Rotten Tomatoes | 74 on Metacritic | 7,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

In one of the best action series of all time, Luke Cage (Mike Colter) is an ex-convict with indestructible skin who fights to clear his name and save his neighborhood. Even though he doesn't want to get into trouble and draw attention to himself, the population really needs a hero.

My Name (2021)  655d6c

Original title: May Neim

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,8 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Determined to avenge her father's death, Yoon Ji-woo (Han So-hee) allies herself with a mafia boss and, at the same time, infiltrates the police in the hopes of capturing the killer. However, she must balance her loyalty to the mob and her desire for justice, while becoming involved in a dangerous world full of betrayal.

Nikita (2010-2013)  6f1p48

85% on Rotten Tomatoes | 69 on Metacritic | 7,7 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

Em Nikita, one of the best action series to binge-watch, we follow a troubled young woman, Nikita (Maggie Q), who is rescued from death row and trained by a secret agency to become an elite spy. After being betrayed by the same agency that recruited her, she decides to seek revenge and destroy the organization from the inside out. 

The Day of the Jackal (2024)  2b6s2a

Original title: The Day of the Jackal

85% on Rotten Tomatoes | 72 on Metacritic | 8,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

One of the best action series shows the life of the elite assassin known as Jackal (Eddie Redmayne), a master of disguise who accepts the riskiest job of his career: assassinating an important politician. In parallel, he is pursued by Bianca (Lashana Lynch), a seasoned British intelligence officer skilled with firearms, who becomes their main hunter. From there, the plot unfolds in a thrilling chase across Europe, with both risking their lives and facing personal dilemmas as they try to complete their missions.

The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)  3l4e21

Original title: The Last Kingdom

91% on Rotten Tomatoes | 78 on Metacritic | 8,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

The Last Kingdom follow the journey of Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon), a Saxon raised by Vikings, who seeks to reclaim his lands and his father's title. Meanwhile, Alfred (David Dawson), faces Nordic invasions to protect his kingdom. Amidst battles and betrayals, Uhtred finds himself torn between his loyalty to the king and his desire for revenge.

Operation Lioness (2023-present)  1u6xy

Original title: Lioness

72% on Rotten Tomatoes | 56 on Metacritic | 7,8 on IMDb

Where to watch: Paramount +

Em Operation Lioness, Joe (Zoe Saldana), a CIA agent, is involved in a highly secret and dangerous mission. She recruits and trains a team of women to carry out operations in the field, and in doing so, the narrative explores the emotional and moral cost of clandestine missions, as Joe and her team face intense moments.

Penguin (2024)  5w5t1f

Original title: The Penguin

95% on Rotten Tomatoes | 72 on Metacritic | 8,6 IMDb

Where to watch: Max

Penguin tells the story of Oswald “Oz” Cobb (Colin Farrell), a Gotham City mobster who becomes one of Batman's most classic villains. The series follows the rise of Oz Cobb, from a disfigured stranger to a famous gangster.

Reacher (2022-present) 4ef5f

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 74 on Metacritic | IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

In the best action series available on streaming, we follow Jack Reacher (Alan Ritchson), a former military police investigator, who is falsely accused of murder upon arriving in the small town of Margrave, Georgia. With nothing to lose, he finds himself in the middle of a deadly conspiracy and struggles to unmask those responsible while trying to clear his name.

Round 6 (2021-2025)  c3c5y

Original title: Ojing-eo geim

89% on Rotten Tomatoes | 64 on Metacritic | 8,0 IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

A group of people in financial difficulties receive a mysterious invitation to participate in a survival game. With a billion-dollar prize as a reward, the participants, including Lee Jung Jae, face deadly challenges in a relentless contest where losing means going straight to death. 

Blue-Eyed Samurai (2023-present)  3j5417

Original title: Blue Eye Samurai

97% on Rotten Tomatoes | 88 on Metacritic | 8,7 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Blue-Eyed Samurai follow the young warrior Mizu (Maya Erskine), who, after being rejected and made an outcast in Edo-period Japan, swears revenge on those who destroyed her life. Determined to follow a path of blood, she engages in relentless battles as she fights to achieve her long-awaited justice.

Samurai Jack (2001-2017)  165l65

93% on Rotten Tomatoes | 93 on Metacritic | 8,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: Max

This classic cartoon follows the young Samurai Jack (Phil LaMarr) sent to the future by an evil wizard named Aku (Mako). In a world dominated by evil, he must fight powerful creatures and enemies while searching for a time portal to return to his past and stop the villain from destroy your homeland.

Scott Pilgrim: The Series (2023)  x6747

Original title: Scott Pilgrim Takes Off

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 82 on Metacritic | 7,7 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

The series follows Scott Pilgrim (voiced by Michael Cera), a young rocker who falls in love with Ramona Flowers (voiced by Mary Elizabeth Winstead), but soon discovers that to be with her, he must face her seven evil ex-boyfriends. Mixing action, comedy and references to the video game universe, Scott pilgrim embark on a crazy journey full of epic battles.

Safety at Play (2018)  2v6m3u

Original title: Bodyguard

93% on Rotten Tomatoes | 79 on Metacritic | 8,0 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

In one of the best action series to binge-watch, David Budd (Richard Madden) is a war veteran who becomes the bodyguard of a controversial politician. When an assassination attempt approaches, Budd finds himself caught up in a complex conspiracy, where his loyalty and skills are tested to the extreme. Amidst intrigue and risk of death, he must protect the minister while unraveling a dangerous plot.

Slow Horses (2022-present)  2xa44

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 82 on Metacritic | IMDb

Where to watch: AppleTV +

The story follows a dysfunctional team of MI5 agents and their despicable boss, Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman), as they face the dangers of the espionage world. Working on seemingly small tasks, this unlikely group finds themselves embroiled in a larger plot to protect England from threats.

Original title: Mr. & Mrs. Smith

91% on Rotten Tomatoes | 75 on Metacritic | 7,0 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

In this version of Mr and Mrs Smith, John (Donald Glover) e Jane Smith (Maya Erskine) are two highly trained secret agents who, having entered into an arranged marriage, keep their identities secret from each other. Amidst much action, mystery and humor, they must decide if they can survive this conflict or if their careers and marriage will fall apart.

Supacell (2024-present)  1h30k

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 71 on Metacritic | 7,0 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

A série supacell follows five ordinary people in London who discover they have extraordinary powers. When one of them, Michael Lasaki (Tosin Cole), discovers that the woman he loves is in grave danger, he decides to reunite the group of superhumans for a desperate rescue mission. Together, they face challenges that test their abilities and their bonds, as they try to save someone's life and protect their powers. 

The Last of Us (2023-present)  q5i69

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 84 on Metacritic | 8,7 on IMDb

Where to watch: Max

Adapted from the world of games, one of the best action series to binge-watch Joel (Peter Pascal), a tough and cynical survivor, and the young and impetuous Ellie (Bella Ramsey), who bond over the struggle to survive in the apocalyptic world they live in. Together, they face brutal circumstances and merciless monsters during a difficult journey across the United States after an apocalyptic outbreak.

The Mandalorian (2019-2023)  266c4u

90% on Rotten Tomatoes | 71 on Metacritic | 8,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

Din Djarín (Pedro Pascal) is a lone bounty hunter, on a journey through the far reaches of the galaxy after the fall of the Empire and before the rise of the First Order. During his missions, he encounters and protects a mysterious creature known as Yellow, who becomes his greatest ally. In a universe full of dangers, Djarin faces enemies and challenges while trying to keep his new companion safe.

The Witcher (2019-present)  5g6m2t

80% on Rotten Tomatoes | 64 on Metacritic | 7,9 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

In one of the best action series to binge-watch, Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill) is a monster-hunting mutant struggling to find his place in a world steeped in intrigue and cruelty. As he battles wild creatures and human foes, he finds himself entwined with complex destinies, including that of the princess. Ciri (Freya Allan), whose powers can change the course of history. 

Warrior (2019-2023)  1q3u2n

93% on Rotten Tomatoes | 72 on Metacritic | 8,4 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix e Max

In the history of Warrior, Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji) is a talented martial arts master who has recently arrived from China to 19th century California. He soon finds himself caught up in the violent conflict between the powerful crime families, the Tong, in Chinatown. As he becomes involved in bloody disputes, Ah Sahm struggles to find his place and avenge his family. In a scenario of corruption, loyalty and betrayal, he must face deadly enemies and relentless challenges.

watchmen (2019)  k1730

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 85 on Metacritic | 8,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: Max

In one of the best action series, based on the iconic comic book story by Alan Moore e Dave Gibbons, the dark plot takes place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, 34 years after the original story. After a white supremacist attacks the local police department, the city enacts laws that allow officers to hide their identities behind masks. One of these professionals is Angela Abar (Regina King), who adopts the persona Sister Night and fights racists while confronting the decades-old legacy of vigilantes.

Tell us in the comments what your favorite action series is!

See also other features 

top 50 action movies

Best series based on real events

Text revised by Alexandre Marques in 28 / 03 / 2025.

Sources: R, Screen Rant e Metacritic