Although it has plenty of problems, HBO Max also has one of the deepest movie libraries of any streaming service. If you’re looking for a great action movie on the streamer, there are actually plenty to choose from.
We’ve pulled together three action movies that represent the breadth of the genre, from a hardcore war movie to a Hong Kong classic. Whatever you’re in the mood for, action-wise, you should be able to find it on this list.
We also have guides to the best new movies to stream, the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on HBO Max, and the best movies on Disney+.
Warfare (2025)
A bracing and brutal account of a Navy SEAL platoon as they navigate a dangerous mission in Iraq, Warfare isn’t the easiest movie to watch. Directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, one of the real soldiers the events of the movie are based on, Warfare doesn’t really have a main character, and that decision seems intentional.
This is a movie about a group of soldiers who find themselves in a rapidly escalating, hugely dangerous situation and have to figure out how to get out of it with their lives. It’s harrowing but also a reminder of just how terrifying actual warfare can be.
Once Upon a Time in China (1991)
One of the great Hong Kong action movies ever made, Once Upon a Time in China tells the story of a young man who has to protect his school from an external threat, even as he reckons with his own complicated feelings for a woman who is his aunt by adoption.
Starring Jet Li, the movie is best known for its incredible fight choreography, which is the best of what Hong Kong cinema was doing so regularly at the time. It might not be in English, but Once Upon a Time in China is guaranteed to leave you amazed that we don’t get more amazing action movies on a regular basis.
You can watch Once Upon a Time in China on HBO Max.
The Woman King (2022)
A brilliant, female-fronted action movie set entirely in Africa, The Woman King tells the story of the nation of Dahomey, which is protected by a fierce class of female warriors. When a new threat emerges to their way of life, the leader of the warrior tribe has to train up a batch of new recruits to protect their homeland from destruction.
Anchored by a remarkable performance from Viola Davis and featuring a tremendous supporting cast, The Woman King is evocative of the kind of epics that used to be a regular part of Hollywood. On top of all that, it has some pretty remarkable action as well.
You can watch The Woman King on HBO Max.
