BEFORE 2024: Top 20 Action Movies to Binge

As we bid farewell to 2023 and gear up for a thrilling New Year’s Eve celebration, why not usher in the festivities with an electrifying movie marathon? Say goodbye to the usual rom-coms and embrace the adrenaline rush with our curated list of 20 action-suspense films. Whether you’re a solo viewer or planning a family movie night, these heart-pounding selections are readily available on popular streaming platforms like Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+. So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to be on the edge of your seat until the clock strikes twelve!

For the Whole Family:

 

 

1. The Mysterious Benedict Society (2021) – Disney+ (7.2/10):
   • An enchanting mystery series with action, puzzles, and teamwork.
   • Pros: Engaging for all ages, promotes problem-solving, celebrates individuality.
   • Cons: Slow pacing in some episodes, CGI reliance in later installments.
2. Secret Headquarters (2022) – Paramount+ (5.6/10):
   • Kids stumble upon a superhero headquarters in a fun, lighthearted adventure.
   • Pros: Fast-paced action, silly humor, relatable characters.
   • Cons: Predictable plot, superhero trope reliance, CGI-heavy sequences.
3. Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) – Netflix (6.4/10):
   • The gang faces unexpected challenges in the magical Jumanji game.
   • Pros: Action-packed, entertaining characters, spirit of the original.
   • Cons: Repetitive jokes, predictable villain arc, formulaic.
4. Playing with Fire (2019) – Hulu (6.1/10):
   • Elite firefighters babysit mischievous youngsters in a chaotic adventure.
   • Pros: Hilarious situations, sweet family message, action-packed finale.
   • Cons: Predictable plot, slapstick humor reliance, overly rambunctious child actors.
5. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) – Paramount+ (6.6/10):
   • The speedy blue blur returns for another CGI-packed adventure.
   • Pros: Fast-paced animation, charming voice acting, family-friendly humor.
   • Cons: Predictable story, video game trope reliance, potential Sonic redesign concerns.
6. The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021) – Netflix (7.7/10):
   • A quirky family road trip turns wild as robots take over the world.
   • Pros: Unique animation, heartwarming family message, hilarious characters.
   • Cons: Fast-paced for younger viewers, some jokes may go over their heads.
7. Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) – Disney+ (7.0/10):
   • A lone warrior seeks the last dragon to save a divided land.
   • Pros: Stunning visuals, diverse cast, empowering female lead.
   • Cons: Predictable story, familiar Disney tropes.
8. Luca (2021) – Disney+ (7.5/10):
   • Sea monsters experience life on land in a charming coming-of-age story.
   • Pros: Beautiful animation, heartwarming message, unique Italian setting.
   • Cons: Slow pacing at times, predictable ending.
9. Cruella (2021) – Disney+ (7.5/10):
   • Delve into the origins of the iconic villain Cruella de Vil.
   • Pros: Captivating performance by Emma Stone, stunning visuals.
   • Cons: Dark tone may not be suitable for younger viewers.
10. Encanto (2021) – Disney+ (8.1/10):

• A magical family must embrace their differences to protect their enchanted home.
• Pros: Catchy music, colorful animation, uplifting message.
• Cons: Predictable story, overwhelming musical numbers.

 

 

For Solo Viewing:

 

 

11. The Raid 2 (2014) – HBO Max (8.1/10):

• Indonesian action masterpiece with jaw-dropping fight sequences.
• Pros: Brutal action, immersive world-building, complex characters.
• Cons: Extreme violence, not for the faint of heart.

12. Dune (2021) – HBO Max (8.1/10):

• Visually stunning sci-fi adaptation with political intrigue and complex characters.
• Pros: Stunning visuals, grand scale, immersive world.
• Cons: Slow pacing at times, dense mythology for newcomers.

13. Collateral (2004) – Netflix (7.8/10):

• Tom Cruise as a ruthless hitman in a suspenseful thriller.
• Pros: Tense cat-and-mouse chase, excellent performances.
• Cons: Some violence and mature themes.

14. Nobody (2021) – Hulu (7.4/10):

• Bob Odenkirk surprises as a mild-mannered man with a hidden past.
• Pros: Fresh take on revenge, explosive action sequences.
• Cons: Predictable plot points, graphic violence.

15. The Invisible Man (2020) – Hulu (7.0/10):

• Elisabeth Moss in a chilling thriller about a woman haunted by her invisible ex-boyfriend.
• Pros: Psychological suspense, strong female lead.
• Cons: Jumpscares, unsettling premise.

16. The Northman (2022) – Hulu (7.1/10):

• Alexander Skarsgård stars in a brutal Viking revenge saga with intense action.
• Pros: Epic battles, authentic setting, compelling performances.
• Cons: Graphic violence, bleak tone.

17. Palm Springs (2020) – Apple TV (7.5/10):

• Two strangers navigate hilarious situations in a sci-fi rom-com with a suspenseful twist.
• Pros: Lighthearted humor, charming performances.
• Cons: Some mature themes, slow pacing in the middle.

18. Upgrade (2018) – Hulu (7.5/10):

• A paralyzed man seeks revenge with a cutting-edge AI implant in a dark sci-fi thriller.
• Pros: Original concept, intense action, thought-provoking questions.
• Cons: Graphic violence, disturbing themes.

19. Finch (2021) – Apple TV (6.9/10):

• Tom Hanks survives a post-apocalyptic world with his robot companion.
• Pros: Touching story, stunning visuals, captivating Hanks performance.
• Cons: Emotionally heavy, predictable at times.

20. The Old Guard (2020) – Netflix (6.7/10):

• Immortal warriors face new threats in this action-packed superhero film.
• Pros: Charlize Theron’s badass performance, thrilling action.
• Cons: Predictable plot, CGI reliance.

 

This diverse selection of action-suspense movies promises an unforgettable New Year’s Eve filled with thrills and excitement. Whether you’re into family-friendly adventures or solo edge-of-your-seat thrillers, these films are sure to keep you entertained until the clock strikes twelve.

As we bid farewell to 2023 and gear up for a thrilling New Year’s Eve celebration, why not usher in the festivities with an electrifying movie marathon? Say goodbye to the usual rom-coms and embrace the adrenaline rush with our curated list of 20 action-suspense films. Whether you’re a solo viewer or planning a family…

As we bid farewell to 2023 and gear up for a thrilling New Year’s Eve celebration, why not usher in the festivities with an electrifying movie marathon? Say goodbye to the usual rom-coms and embrace the adrenaline rush with our curated list of 20 action-suspense films. Whether you’re a solo viewer or planning a family…