Action thrillers are all about suspense, tension, and keeping audiences on the edge of their seats, but not all great thrillers get the recognition they deserve. For beginners diving into the genre, there’s a treasure trove of underrated gems that deliver heart-pounding action, clever twists, and gripping storylines. These lesser-known action thrillers may have slipped under the radar, but they pack just as much punch as the blockbusters, offering a perfect starting point for those new to the genre. This guide will introduce you to some of the best underrated action thrillers.
A beginners guide to underrated action thrillers (movies) available on Amazon Prime Video, JioCinema and YouTube
1. Speed Racer – YouTube
Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) is a young and exceptionally talented race car driver who dreams of winning races in his powerful Mach 5 car. His passion for racing is deeply tied to his family’s legacy, with his older brother, Rex Racer, having been a legendary driver before his mysterious disappearance. Speed competes in dangerous, high-octane races to uncover corruption in the racing world, with the support of his family and friends. The movie is based on the classic 1960s anime series of the same name. With its vibrant, futuristic visuals and intense race sequences, Speed Racer is an exhilarating, family-friendly movie. While it was initially met with mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office, it has since gained a cult following due to its unique approach to storytelling.
2. Cold Pursuit – Amazon Prime Video
Nels Coxman (Liam Neeson) is a quiet snowplough driver in a small Colorado town. Nels’ life is turned upside down when his son is found dead under suspicious circumstances, which police rule as a heroin overdose. Unconvinced by the official explanation, Nels embarks on a vengeful quest to find the truth behind his son’s death, which leads him to a drug cartel, led by Viking (Tom Bateman). Nels then begins to systematically dismantle Viking’s empire by taking down his men, which he believes is a rival gang’s doing. Amid the chaos, Nels continues his vendetta, using his skills and determination to deliver his brand of justice. The movie’s quirky tone and unexpected twists make it an unusual yet gripping story of vengeance.
3. Table No. 21 – JioCinema
Vivaan (Rajeev Khandelwal) and Siya (Tina Desai), a financially struggling couple, win an all-expenses-paid trip to Fiji. While enjoying their vacation, they are invited by the mysterious Mr. Khan (Paresh Rawal) to participate in a live online game show called Table No. 21, with a grand prize of Rs 21 crore. The game rules are simple: answer eight personal questions truthfully and complete eight tasks. However, as the game progresses, the tasks become dangerous and bring to the fore dark secrets from their past. They soon realise they can’t quit the game without facing deadly consequences. As the couple is pushed to their limits, the shocking twists, particularly the climax, leave a lasting impact. Its critique of bullying and its moral undertones make it more than just a typical action thriller.
4. The November Man – YouTube
Based on the novel There Are No Spies, the movie follows Peter Devereaux (Pierce Brosnan), a retired CIA operative who is forced to come out of retirement for one last mission. His task is to protect a witness, Alice Fournier (Olga Kurylenko), who has crucial information about a corrupt Russian politician. Things turn ugly when Devereaux finds himself pitted against his former protégé, David Mason (Luke Bracey). As the tension between the mentor and the student escalates, Devereaux uncovers shocking truths about betrayal within the CIA and his own dark past. The movie is filled with intense action sequences, political intrigue, and clever espionage tactics.
5. Red – Amazon Prime Video
The movie features a star-studded ensemble cast, including Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, and Mary-Louise Parker. Red stands for ‘Retired, Extremely Dangerous’, and the plot follows Frank Moses (Bruce Willis), a former CIA black-ops agent trying to live a quiet, retired life. However, his peaceful existence is shattered when a hit squad is sent to eliminate him. Realising that he’s being targeted, Frank reunites with his old team of retired spies, including the paranoid but hilarious Marvin (John Malkovich), the elegant and deadly Victoria (Helen Mirren), and the charming Joe (Morgan Freeman). Together, they go on the run, trying to uncover who is after them and why. Their journey takes them across the U.S., fighting old enemies and former allies as they dig deeper into a conspiracy that goes all the way to the top of the government.
6. Aan: Men at Work – JioCinema
The movie features an ensemble comprising Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Shatrughan Sinha, Paresh Rawal, and Irrfan Khan. The basic plot revolves around four Mumbai police officers, each with different personalities and approaches to their job, as they take on the city’s crime lords and corrupt systems. The story focuses on the efforts of the new, honest Crime Branch officer DCP Hari Om Patnaik (Kumar), who is determined to clean up the city. He leads a team that includes the tough but morally flexible encounter specialist Appa Kadam Naik, disenchanted senior police inspector Vikram Singh, happy-go-lucky head constable Khaled Ansari. Together, they must take down the powerful and ruthless gangster Yusuf Pathan and his allies, who have a stronghold on the city’s underworld.
7. Johnny Gaddaar – Amazon Prime Video
This neo-noir thriller is directed by Sriram Raghavan with Neil Nitin Mukesh in his debut lead role, along with Dharmendra, Zakir Hussain, Rimi Sen, and Vinay Pathak. The story follows a group of men involved in an illegal gambling operation. One of them, Vikram (Neil Nitin Mukesh), is the youngest and most ambitious. When a major deal comes up, Vikram sees an opportunity to steal a large sum of money from his partners, planning to disappear with his girlfriend. However, his betrayal sets off a deadly chain of events as his partners become suspicious, and one by one, the situation spirals out of control. The movie pays homage to classic thrillers with its slick direction and unpredictable twists.
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