10. Mosul
Contemporary war films can often feel like they’re the domain of American soldiers, but foreign conflicts abound filled with heroes and tragedies all their own. Mosul offers up a quick, violent, and inspiring glimpse into the Iraqi city’s elite police unit as they endure a daily struggle fighting ISIS invaders. We meet the various characters through their actions and interactions, and at under ninety minutes the action rarely lets up as the team move through the city defending family and strangers alike from the extremists. It is a U.S. production, but thankfully there are no American heroes arriving to save the day in this story inspired by true events. Available to stream on Netflix.
9. The Hunt
Can you believe the controversy surrounding this movie was just one year ago, and that the film only came out in March? Madness. Regardless, this genre blender of a movie — it’s comedy, horror, and action all rolled into one — lands here thanks to some wildly entertaining action beats often ending in gory goodness. Much of it involves gun play, but The Hunt‘s (my full review) ultimate triumph is with a knock down drag out fight between Hilary Swank and Betty Gilpin. It’s a grueling brawl that sees the two actors (and their stunt doubles) put through their paces to highly entertaining effect. Available to stream on Cinemax and to rent.
8. Extraction
7. Greyhound
Too few people saw this terrific submarine thriller thanks to its exclusive home on Apple’s streaming service, and those that did catch it might disagree with it being labeled an action movie. Tough. While largely a game of tension and suspense, the film goes hard and frequent with its action set-pieces too as Nazi subs take aim and fire upon Allied ships during a treacherous ocean crossing. The music cue given to the enemy subs is haunting, and the constant maneuverings and counter-attacks keep the energy high throughout. We don’t get enough sub-set action/thrillers, but this Tom Hanks-led gem immediately shoots towards the top of the pack. Available to stream on Apple TV+.
6. Lost Bullet (France)
There’s attitude and dark humor to spare in this fast-moving French thriller about an ex-con who grows tired of taking shit from dirty cops. They try to pin a murder on him, and he shifts quickly into overdrive by defending himself, escaping custody — an absolutely fantastic brawl sequence inside a police station — and using his skills to turn a car into a Mad Max-worthy road demon. It’s all in the service of proving his innocence, and actor/stunt man Alban Lenoir makes for a charismatic lead as his frustrations grow in dangerous directions. The end result is a highly entertaining action film you don’t want to miss. Available to stream on Netflix.
Related Topics: 2020 Rewind, Action
