10 Best 2022 Action Movies, Ranked

Bad Bunny holding knife in Bullet Train
(Image credit: Sony Pictures)

Action movies hit as hard with audiences as they ever had in 2022, but in a way that people might not have expected. That is to say, it was a year where some of the year’s best action came from some unexpected actors and actresses, as well as some projects that really pushed the genre a bit more than the usual run-and-gun type thriller. 

Rest assured, there are still those types of standard action movies that made this list, but there’s no denying this year looked a little different and contained a lot less of the usual suspects. With that in mind, let’s dive into the top action movies of 2022. 

Chris Pine in The Contractor on Paramount+

(Image credit: Paramount+)

10. The Contractor

I’d say if there were an award for the most standard action-thriller in 2022, The Contractor would run away with it. That’s not a knock on the Chris Pine movie, as there’s nothing wrong with sticking with a formula that’s familiar. You add Kiefer Sutherland to this spec ops thriller vehicle, and that’s a solid action thriller for a Friday night viewing! It’s certainly worth the price of admission of a Paramount+ subscription, just in case anyone interested isn’t actively subscribed. 

Where to stream The Contractor: Paramount+

Paramount Plus: from $4.99 a month/$49.99 a year
£4.99 at paramountplus.com

Paramount Plus: from $4.99 a month/$49.99 a year
Home to CBS TV shows and Paramount movies, subscribe to Paramount Plus and watch titles such as Yellowstone's 1883, The Good Fight, on top of live sports including NFL and UEFA. New and eligible returning subscribers can even benefit from a free trial period. Opt for its Essential plan or go ad-free with Premium from $9.99 a month.

Brad Pitt as Ladybug in Bullet Train

(Image credit: Sony)

9. Bullet Train

Bullet Train looked like a must-watch action film from the very first trailer, and I’m happy to report that is the case. This is a movie experience that will stick with you long after the viewing, and while it may be reminiscent of other action movies, it’s drenched with a style that gives it a bit more of a pop that viewers will enjoy. Plus, who can say no to Bullet Train's stellar cast of talented actors

Where to stream Bullet Train: Netflix

Tom Holland in Uncharted

(Image credit: Sony Pictures)

8. Uncharted

Tom Holland had so much success as Peter Parker, Sony seemed to think he’d do just as well as Uncharted’s Nathan Drake. While fans of the gaming franchise might grumble and gripe about the casting, he brings that classic Holland charm that makes the Spider-Man movies so enjoyable. Critics weren’t entirely on board with the movie, but it seemed to find success all the same. CinemaBlend Dirk Libbey credited it as one of the best video game movie adaptations, which could’ve definitely played a factor if that’s the case. 

Where to stream Uncharted: Netflix

N. T. Rama Rao Jr. in RRR

(Image credit: Pen Studios)

7. RRR

It’s not often that Indian films get a lot of attention from the United States, especially those in the action genre. And yet, the internet was all about RRR and some of the batshit crazy action sequences of this story of Indian revolutionaries Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem. This movie is over the top if you compare it to the standard action movie, but honestly, pretty on par with the average Marvel film too. It’s certainly worth a watch, especially if you’re down for some of the most intense animal fight scenes of the year. 

Where to stream RRR: Netflix

Jake Gyllenhaal in Ambulance

(Image credit: Universal Pictures)

6. Ambulance

It was never a question that Michael Bay’s Ambulance would be on the list, as few in the business know how to film an explosive thriller as well as the Hollywood director. CinemaBlend’s Eric Eisenberg gave Ambulance a favorable review and noted that he appreciated the self-aware tone that allowed Bay to go “bonkers” and had all sorts of compliments for Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance. Bay’s work is so prolific action fans are going to know what they’re getting into here, but just because it’s familiar doesn’t mean it’s unworthy of a spot on this list. 

Where to stream Ambulance: Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video: 30-day free trial
£8.99 at Amazon US

Amazon Prime Video: 30-day free trial
An Amazon Prime membership offers so much more than just streaming. Throw in free, fast delivery, Prime Gaming and Reading, as well as exclusive offers. With one of the biggest libraries of on-demand content, watch Amazon Originals like LOTR prequel, The Rings of Power and superhero hit, The Boys. Trial for 30-days, thereafter pay $14.99 a month, or save 22% by paying $139 upfront for the year.

Chris Evans as Lloyd Hansen in The Gray Man.

(Image credit: Netflix)

5. The Gray Man

Ryan Gosling showed he’s capable of shouldering action movies in Drive and Only God Forgives, but those are nothing quite like The Gray Man. The Netflix thriller definitely leaned on the popularity of Bourne movies for its story, and while critics were “blah” about it, audiences are all about it. This is a fun action film, and Chris Evans’ sociopath villain steals the show. It’s not a movie that’ll win big at the Academy, but I, and I assume many others, will be watching the sequel for more non-stop action and thrills. 

Where to stream The Gray Man: Netflix

Amber Midthunder at the end of Prey

(Image credit: 20th Century Pictures)

4. Prey

Let’s just be honest, the Predator franchise hasn’t been the most consistent franchise in terms of quality. As such, I can imagine quite a few were surprised when its latest film premiered on Hulu as one of the most critically-acclaimed Predator movies since the original. CinemaBlend’s Dirk Libbey said this was thanks in large part to the movie leaning on the elements that made the original so great. It’s certainly a breath of fresh air for a Predator franchise that definitely needed a win.

Where to stream Prey: Hulu

Hulu: 30 day free trial
£7.99 at click.linksynergy.com

Hulu: 30 day free trial
Bursting with critically acclaimed titles including The Handmaid's Tale and Palm Springs, Hulu has a bunch of great content to binge your way through. With a choice of add-ons like HBO Max, Hulu's two on-demand plans also offer a 30-day free trial. Or you can opt for the cable-like experience with its Hulu + Live TV option

Viola Davis in The Woman King

(Image credit: Sony/TriStar)

3. The Woman King

Viola Davis: potential future EGOT as well as action star? The actress proved once again she’s capable of doing it all and more in The Woman King. Davis crushed it as General Nanisca, the leader and trainer of the Agojie. CinemaBlend’s Corey Chichizola loved the action of the movie, and credited Davis with her portrayal of a tough-as-nails character and showing off the vulnerability behind that character. 

Where to stream The Woman King: Prime Video

A still of Alexander Skarsgård in The Northman.

(Image credit: A24)

2. The Northman 

Director Robert Eggers has consistently delivered some iconic movies to audiences in recent years, though one wouldn’t say previous offerings like The Witch or The Lighthouse belonged in the action category. That wasn’t the case in The Northman, which CinemaBlend’s Eric Eisenberg gave a well-deserved 4.5 out of 5 stars to. In what’s described as a mix of brutal and breathtaking, The Northman delivers an action film that’s both entertaining and a stunning display of the ancient world. I could’ve guessed that a Viking revenge film would’ve been a blast to watch, but this is some serious high praise. 

Where to stream The Northman: Prime Video

Michelle Yeoh in Everything Everywhere All at Once

(Image credit: A24)

1. Everything, Everywhere, All At Once

Everything, Everywhere, All At Once had a lot of guts to try and make a movie about a multiverse in the golden era of superhero movies. It also had a lot of guts to center its action-heavy story around 60-year-old Michelle Yeoh. All that to say, this movie knew exactly what it was doing, and it couldn’t have picked a better lead to kick, punch, scream and hot dog-finger her way through a wild adventure that will live on as a movie people talk about decades from now. It’s worth the chatter and, hopefully, will net Yeoh some Oscar recognition during awards season. 

Where to stream Everything, Everywhere, All At Once: Showtime

Showtime: pay $3.99 a month for your first 6 months
£10.99 at SkimLinks - showtime.com

Showtime: pay $3.99 a month for your first 6 months
Get front row seats to Showtime's catalog of excellent entertainment including Yellowjackets, The First Lady, and the sequel to everyone's favorite serial killer, Dexter:  New Blood. Currently you can pay just $3.99 a month for your first six months - that's after a whole 30-day free trial.

2022 was loaded with quality offerings in the action genre, and that’s not even including the superhero movies! Be sure to check out our overall list of best action movies on streaming, including where to watch them, once you’ve made it through the entires on this list. 

Mick Joest
Content Producer

Mick Joest is a Content Producer for CinemaBlend with his hand in an eclectic mix of television goodness. Star Trek is his main jam, but he also regularly reports on happenings in the world of Star Trek, WWE, Doctor Who, 90 Day Fiancé, Quantum Leap, and Big Brother. He graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Radio and Television. He's great at hosting panels and appearing on podcasts if given the chance as well.