Here are Cinephile Corner’s 10 recommendations for action movies like Ballerina:
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
George Miller finds so much new ground to cover with Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga that perfectly justifies its own existence. While Fury Road was interested in such a contained story propelled by larger-than-life action sequences and big rig warfare spawning from a game of cat and mouse, Furiosa fills in the gaps of a world much larger than what is expected. Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth stun in a prequel well worth the wait.
Read our full review of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
The Fall Guy
The Fall Guy is a mixed bag of ideas and execution, but the overall experience of seeing the movie is worth considering because of the sheer star power at play – notably Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. The film is humming best as it moves along, thanks to lengthened action sequences where director David Leitch squeezes every ounce of juice from the movie.
Read our full review of The Fall Guy
The Gorge
The Gorge, Scott Derrickson’s latest film for Apple TV+, is a frustratingly uneven blend of action, sci-fi, and romance that starts with promise but ultimately succumbs to convention. Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy do their best to elevate the material, and their on-screen chemistry carries the movie’s far more compelling first half, but by the time the action-heavy second half kicks in, The Gorge loses much of what made it intriguing to begin with.
Read our full review of The Gorge
John Wick: Chapter 4
In terms of contemporary action movies, John Wick: Chapter 4 (and the entire John Wick franchise, honestly) has separated itself from the pack. Each detail, idea, and set piece is perfectly crafted to build out a world that feels so fully realized. Somehow, Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski continue to find new ways to keep the franchise fresh.
Read our full review of John Wick: Chapter 4
Ghosted
On paper, the talent for Ghosted should be enough to carry a weak script. But the technical and creative elements are too far gone to salvage any form of a watchable movie. Ana de Armas, Chris Evans, and a host of cameos fall victim to a remarkably unremarkable film.
Read our full review of Ghosted
Back in Action
Back in Action is another addition to the increasingly crowded realm of streaming-exclusive action-comedies, but unfortunately, it does little to distinguish itself from its predecessors like Ghosted, Lift, The Gray Man, and Wolfs. Falling squarely into the Netflix tradition of star-studded, formulaic blockbusters, this film feels more like an obligation to content quotas than a labor of creative passion. Despite the charm of its leads, Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx, the movie struggles under the weight of a generic plot, uninspired action sequences, and a script that rarely rises above mediocrity.
Read our full review of Back in Action
Novocaine
Novocaine works best as an entertaining genre exercise. It’s competently made, sometimes clever, and visually sharp. But it never quite reaches the heights it’s aiming for. It doesn’t reimagine the action-comedy or elevate its characters beyond the surface. Still, it’s a watchable 90 minutes, and for fans of Jack Quaid or high-concept thrillers with a soft edge, it’s worth a casual look.
Read our full review of Novocaine
G20
G20 is not just a misfire, it’s a symptom of a larger streaming trend: high-concept projects stretched thin by weak scripts, formulaic direction, and over-reliance on big names to carry the weight. Viola Davis has led action movies far superior to G20.
Bullet Train
Despite Brad Pitt‘s best efforts, Bullet Train comes off as a movie with wonderful action and miserable storytelling. David Leitch tries to inject his usual tricks, but they don’t make up for heartless narratives and cheap jokes.
Read our full review of Bullet Train
Love Hurts
Love Hurts tries to blend genre tropes and high-octane action into something fresh, but instead delivers a movie that feels like it’s going through the motions. There are flashes of potential, but the film never rises above its derivative bones. Ke Huy Quan proves he can lead an action film in this vein, but the film ultimately doesn’t deserve his talents.