Violence is never the answer, except in movies and television shows. Viewers enjoy watching lawbreakers getting beaten up, so Hollywood and the TV industry have done their best to create stories that satisfy these appetites. Things have gotten even better on the small screen over the years. Shows likeNCISand24paved the way by serving Hollywood-styleactionsequences, and since then, other creators have stepped up.
We are now halfway into the2020s, and we’ve already been treated to several spectacular television productions. Most of these series feature excessive amounts of fighting or shootouts, but that’s not all they’ve got. Many combine violence with elements of other genres, such as crime, espionage, and military intrigue. Here’s what sits at the top of the mountain so far.
10’Echo 3' (2022)
InEcho 3, Amber (Jessica Ann Collins),a scientist researching psychedelics for PTSD treatment in Colombia, gets kidnapped. Her husband, Prince (Michiel Huisman), and her brother Bambi (Luke Evans) — both elite U.S. Army operatives — go to save her. But nothing is easy as they navigate political challenges and personal differences.
Family First
This kind of material is always easy for Luke Evans to handle, and he shines again here. His two co-stars don’t let him down either, especially when the family and romantic relationship arcs come into play. The show’s action sequences are brilliantly executed, as brilliant as you’ll find in othercritically acclaimed military dramas, and the cinematography leaves you smiling, despite the anxiety plaguing the characters.
9’Weak Hero' (2022 – 2025)
Based on the webtoonof the same name,Weak Herofollows the intelligent Yeon Si-eun (Park Ji-hoon) as heuses his brains and observational skills to dodge bullies in his school. Coping with the hard knocks of life becomes even easier when he befriends the strongest fighter in his class, and an assemblyman’s son.
Not so Weak
This winning tribute to the woes of school life skillfullybalances bleak realism with joyous mundane moments. It’s impossible not to love Ji-hoon, both for his incredible performance and for his character’s bravery.Weak Herois packed withwell-developed characters and numerous priceless scenes, so be guaranteed the time of your life.
8’Gangs of London' (2020 – Present)
Gangs of London
Gangs of Londonfocuses on the power struggles that emerge after London’s most powerful crime boss gets assassinated. As his son struggles to keep things together, other factions smell blood and begin to pounce. Who will end up on top?
Criminally Underrated
In this colorful, high-octane series adapted from London Studio’s video game of the same name, creator Gareth Evans (best known forThe Raid)uses stylish violence to tell a touching, layered story about tough men of the underworld. The criminals are also pleasantly expressive, leaving no doubt about the psychological burden of lawbreakers. Evans sugar-coats very little in a show that unapologetically inhabits a world of destruction. Watch out for the remote mansion ambush in Season 1.
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7’Paris Has Fallen' (2024)
Paris Has Fallen
Paris Has Fallenconcernsterror attacks conducted by Jacob Pearce (Sean Harris), a former French Foreign Legion soldier out to cripple the French government for past betrayals. An MI6 agent and a French security officer team up to stop him, but will they catch this elusive mouse?
No Butler, No Problem
The action series isa clever treatise on television aesthetics and an extended metaphor on political misdemeanors. Melding melodramatic techniques with highly stylized action sequences, creator Howard Overman injects the show with visual verve and a sparkle that is rarely seen these days. Verdict? As good asthe Gerard Butler movies, with an additional layer of emotion, just for those who care for more than just shootouts.
6’Special Ops: Lioness' (2023 – Present)
Out of the Taylor Sheridan factory comesSpecial Ops: Lioness,a military action thriller concerninga covert CIA operation led by Joe McNamara (Zoe Saldaña). Female operatives known as Lionesses do most of the heavy lifting, but there are the usual muscular men in green to back them up.
High Stakes, High Rewards
Zoe Saldaña, one of the finest actresses working today,channels her inner joys and conflicts without histrionics, while the rest of the cast hit all the right notes. Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman also score in their ‘superior’ roles. In the end, even though the series drags viewers through familiar counter-terrorist territory, it keeps them in a state of glee, thanks to engaging storylines and missions.
5’The Continental: From the World of John Wick' (2023)
The Continental
The Continentaltellsthe backstory of Winston Scott (portrayed here by Colin Woodell), the popular proprietor of The Continental hotelin theJohn Wickmovies. Set in an alternate history version of the ‘70s, the series shows how he rose to his position as manager of the New York branch.
The History of a Safe Haven
The spinoffblends action genre clichés with more serious overtones of gangster mayhem, creating a wildly entertaining and thought-provoking show that holds a candle to the film series. Mel Gibson doesn’t look like he fits here, but his co-stars mask his deficiencies remarkably. Most importantly, the chases and fight sequences are spectacular.
4’The Night Agent' (2023 – Present)
The Night Agent
Peter Sutherland fromThe Night Agentis initially a low-level FBI agent assigned to a rarely used emergency line in the White House basement. He soonfinds himself in the middle of a vast conspiracy involving a mole in the government. After completing several high-stakes missions, he gets promoted to a Night Action field agent.
Tracing Shadowy Figures
Nominated for Best Action Series at the Critics’ Choice Super Award,The Night Agentis a fun productionfueled by detailed spy-lingo-laden conversations, great personal arcs, and, of course, plenty of shootouts. There are obvious inspirations from24, yet the show still charts its own path by keeping things a little more realistic and making the protagonist a little weaker and more relatable.
3’Daredevil: Born Again' (2025)
Daredevil: Born Again
Daredevil: Born Againopens with the familiar plot-line of superheroes hanging up their boots. Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox),a blind lawyer with heightened senses, no longer desires to operate as the vigilante known as Daredevil. Buthis perspectives shift after the tragic death of his close friend.
Donning the Mask Again
This revival isa daring, fascinating cocktail, combining urban grit, corporate intrigue, and politics. And as usual, plenty of action is packed into the artistic tale of grief and vengeance. The MCU has explored deep themes before, but rarely with such boldness and emotion. Hallelujah! If this is how things are going to be, may Daredevil be born again dozens of times.
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2’The Day of the Jackal' (2024 – Present)
The Day of the Jackal
Based on the Frederick Forsyth novel and the 1973 film of the same name,The Day of the Jackalconcernsthe attempts of MI6 spy Bianca Pullman (Lashana Lynch) to capture an elusive international assassin known as the Jackal (Eddie Redmayne). The man has a habit of using a variety of disguises and aliases, so finding him proves to be a headache.
A Slippery Killer
Fast-paced and malevolently engaging,The Day of the Jackalis one of the finest spy action thrillers ever created.Sweeping European landscapes and gorgeous wardrobes give this gripping story a Bond-like feel. And kudos to Redmayne for his wonderful performance. Has a villain ever been this likable?
1’Reacher' (2022 – Present)
Based on the Jack Reacher book series by Lee Child,Reacherstars Alan Ritchson as thetitular drifter and former U.S. Army military police officer with a unique personality and incredible fighting skills. During his journeys across the nation, he crosses paths with all kinds of dangerous criminals.
The True Punisher
A love letter to old action movies,Reacherisfull of saucy hijinks, brutal fights, and impressive banter. Alan Ritchson exhibits oodles of charm, but it is the plots that really make the Prime Video gem watchable. The villains might be a bit one-dimensional, but the show compensates in numerous other ways. Watch out for that iconic Season 3 finale fight scene featuring Reacher and Paulie.
