As the golden era of streaming platforms unravels, one name that consistently dominates the landscape, particularly in the action genre, is Netflix. Over the years, Netflix has amassed an extraordinary portfolio of action-packed cinematic offerings, creating a diverse universe where high-octane car chases, skilled martial artists, cyberpunk dystopias, and mythical beasts exist in harmony. Despite the criticisms Netflix has faced, its cornucopia of action heroes from many films and series is undoubtedly a treasure trove for fans of the genre.
Netflix’s Gift to the World of Action: An Unmatched Ensemble of Heroes
In a time when intellectual properties often precede individual characters, Netflix has defied norms by providing a platform for unforgettable action heroes to shine. Let’s hope these heroes find the iconic status that action figures of yesteryears were bestowed with. Let’s delve into the top 10 action heroes that Netflix has gifted us, ranked in ascending order of their influence and popularity.
10. Ito from The Night Comes for Us (2018)
In The Night Comes for Us, Joe Taslim portrays Ito, a Triad enforcer who embarks on a perilous journey of survival following his decision not to kill a young girl, defying his bosses’ orders.
“The Night Comes for Us owes a lot to its father films, sharing a large percentage of its cast and crew with the two Raid movies. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that Taslim (The Raid’s Sergeant Jaka) brings his A-game, and any fan of those films will love watching him work in this.”
9. Takeshi Kovacs from Altered Carbon (2018-2020)
In the cyberpunk dystopian world of Altered Carbon, Takeshi Kovacs, a political operative and mercenary, finds himself entangled in various mysteries, often requiring his martial prowess to resolve them. A peculiar aspect of Kovacs is that he has been played by four different actors, with Joel Kinnaman standing out with his imposing on-screen presence.
8. Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher (2019-)
Henry Cavill plays Geralt of Rivia, a silver-haired monster hunter in The Witcher. Despite the criticism from fans of the original books and video games, Cavill’s portrayal of Geralt is widely appreciated for his magnetic charisma and compelling performance.
“Cavill’s Geralt ended up becoming the one element of the show nobody could complain about. One can only hope that the upcoming third season, recasting him as Liam Hemsworth, turns out anywhere near as good.”
7. Kate from Kate (2021)
In Kate, Mary Elizabeth Winstead plays an assassin in Japan who embarks on a race against time after being poisoned by her Yakuza bosses. The film reinvents the conventional action hero narrative by centering on a terminally ill protagonist, resulting in a raw and ruthlessly entertaining display of survival instinct.
6. Trevor Belmont from Castlevania (2017-2021)
Trevor Belmont, played by Richard Armitage in Castlevania, is a monster hunter thrown into the turmoil of Dracula’s invasion. Despite the complexities associated with animating action, Castlevania masterfully captures the essence of Trevor, establishing him as one of the most likable action heroes on Netflix.
5. Andy from The Old Guard (2020)
Charlize Theron’s portrayal of Andy (Andromache of Scythia), an ancient immortal warrior in The Old Guard, brings immense depth to the role. Theron’s stellar performance in the film’s action sequences reaffirms her supremacy in the action genre.
4. The Wheelman from Wheelman (2017)
Frank Grillo’s portrayal of a getaway driver in Wheelman has him treading on dangerous grounds to keep himself and his stolen cache of money safe. His performance establishes him as one of the most underrated stars in contemporary action cinema.
3. Matt Murdock from Daredevil (2015-2018)
Charlie Cox’s portrayal of Matt Murdock in Daredevil, a blind attorney who moonlights as a martial arts vigilante, is a testament to the actor’s versatility. His performance in the show’s action sequences is exceptional and a major highlight of the series.
2. David Martinez from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022)
David Martinez is a teenage boy in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners who descends into a world of chaos following his mother’s death. Unlike traditional action protagonists, his character offers a more sensitive yet equally engaging portrayal of a hero forced into unexpected circumstances.
“When the series does have him do more damage, it feels almost like a tragedy, as if he’s deteriorating from the character he began as, and that uncommon and interesting angle for the genre makes David stand out singularly.”
1. Tyler Rake from Extraction (2020)
In the Extraction series, Chris Hemsworth plays Tyler Rake, a mercenary specializing in rescuing kidnapped victims. The series might lack in-depth character development, but it offers an abundance of Hemsworth delivering a tour de force of action sequences that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
“Tyler Rake may not be much of a character, as such, but as a way to facilitate wild action, he’s completely unparalleled.”
As we journey through this impressive lineup, it’s clear that Netflix has become a powerhouse of action entertainment, producing a roster of unforgettable characters that have redefined the genre. These action heroes, each with their distinct charm and unique narrative, offer a cinematic experience that is both riveting and dynamic, mirroring the essence of the action genre in the streaming era.
Source: Collider
