A Beginner’s Guide to Underrated Action Thrillers (Movies) Available on Amazon Prime Video, JioCinema and YouTube

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 newbies getting into the genre, there’s a treasure trove of underrated gems that offer thrilling action, clever twists, and gripping storylines. These lesser-known action thrillers may have flown under the radar, but they pack just as much punch as the blockbusters, providing an ideal starting point for those new to the genre. This guide will introduce you to some of the best, underrated action thrillers.

A Beginner’s Guide to Underrated Action Thrillers (Movies) Available on Amazon Prime Video, JioCinema and YouTube

1. Speed ​​Runner – YouTube

Speed ​​Racer (Emile Hirsch) is an exceptionally talented young racing driver who dreams of winning races in his powerful Mach 5 car. His passion for auto racing is deeply tied to his family’s heritage, his older brother, Rex Racer, having been a legendary driver before his mysterious disappearance. Speed ​​competes in dangerous and intense races to uncover corruption in the world of auto racing, with the support of his family and friends. The film is based on the classic 1960s animated series of the same name. With its vibrant, futuristic visuals and intense racing sequences, Speed ​​Racer is an exhilarating, family-friendly film. Although 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 snowplow driver in a small Colorado town. Nels’ life is turned upside down when his son is found dead in suspicious circumstances, believed by the police to be a heroin overdose. Unconvinced by the official explanation, Nels sets out on a quest for revenge to uncover 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 the Viking empire by eliminating its men, which he believes to be the work of a rival gang. Amidst the chaos, Nels continues his vendetta, using his skills and determination to bring justice. The film’s offbeat tone and unexpected twists make it an unusual but gripping revenge story.

3. Table n°21 – JioCinema

Vivaan (Rajeev Khandelwal) and Siya (Tina Desai), a couple in financial difficulty, 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 rules of the game are simple: honestly answer eight personal questions and complete eight tasks. However, as the game progresses, the tasks become dangerous and reveal dark secrets from their past. They soon realize that they cannot leave the game without suffering deadly consequences. As the couple is pushed to their limits, the shocking twists and turns, including the climax, leave a lasting impact. Its critique of bullying and moral undertones make it more than just your typical action thriller.

4. The November Man – YouTube

Based on the novel There Are No Spies, the film follows Peter Devereaux (Pierce Brosnan), a retired CIA agent who is forced to come out of retirement for one last mission. Her task is to protect a witness, Alice Fournier (Olga Kurylenko), who has crucial information about a corrupt Russian politician. Things take a turn for the worse when Devereaux comes face to face with his former protégé, David Mason (Luke Bracey). As the tension between mentor and student escalates, Devereaux discovers shocking truths about betrayal within the CIA and his own dark past. The film is filled with intense action sequences, political intrigue, and clever spy tactics.

5. Red – Amazon Prime Video

The film features an all-star cast, including Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren and Mary-Louise Parker. Red means “Retired, Extremely Dangerous” and the plot follows Frank Moses (Bruce Willis), a former CIA black ops agent who is trying to live a quiet, retired life. However, his peaceful existence is shattered when a squad is sent to eliminate him. Realizing he is 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 find out who is chasing them and why. Their journey takes them across the United States, battling former enemies and former allies as they delve deeper into a conspiracy that reaches all the way to the top of government.

6. Aan: Men at Work – JioCinema

The film features an ensemble cast including 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 jobs, as they take on the city’s crime lords and corrupt systems. The story focuses on the efforts of the new and honest Crime Branch officer, DCP Hari Om Patnaik (Kumar), who is determined to clean up the city. He leads a team that includes tough but morally flexible encounter specialist Appa Kadam Naik, disenchanted senior police inspector Vikram Singh and carefree police chief Khaled Ansari. Together, they must defeat the powerful and ruthless gangster Yusuf Pathan and his allies, who have a stronghold in the city’s underworld.

7. Johnny Gaddaar – Amazon Prime Video

This neo-noir thriller is directed by Sriram Raghavan starring Neil Nitin Mukesh in his first lead role, alongside 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 arises, 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 film pays homage to classic thrillers with its careful direction and unpredictable twists and turns.