The most underrated action flicks worth checking out on HBO Max include projects that are female-led, animated films, and movies that blend genres. Each was either discredited when they came out, didn't get a major release, or flopped at the box office, yet all are worth a watch by fans of the genre.
Blue Beetle (2023)
Blue Beetle is a movie that kind of had no chance to succeed. The film is part of the DC Extended Universe, but by the time it arrived in 2023, the world had already learned that James Gunn was taking over DC and that the last few entries were likely not going to mean much. That led to a lot of people ignoring Blue Beetle, which is a shame because it's just such a fun superhero film.
The movie tells the story of Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) as he gains superpowers from an alien relic. In terms of its basic setup, a lot of this is pretty standard in terms of a superhero origin movie. However, what makes it work is the heart of the performances of the family. Maridueña is great as the lead, while the chemistry he has with his co-stars makes those scenes stand out. Of course, the action is also a blast, as the film finds creative ways to utilize the powers of the Blue Beetle.
Birds Of Prey (2020)
While most people would agree that 2016's Suicide Squad was a messy film, pretty much everyone enjoyed Margot Robbie's performance as Harley Quinn. She was even given a solo film, though a lot of people likely forgot since it came out just before the pandemic swept the world. Birds of Prey disappointed at the box office, yet those who have seen it can understand why it's such a good action movie.
Robbie is again electric, while Ewan McGregor delivers an underrated performance as the villain, Black Mask. There are some great action sequences here, from Harley breaking into the GCPD with a ton of flair to the eventual team-up of the titular group at the end. There's also a great scene where a drug-induced Harley takes out a bunch of enemies. The cast is great and you just have a good time whenever you watch this.
Unlocked (2017)
Although every movie on this list is an underrated action film, Unlocked is the least well-known of the bunch. The action thriller is the final release from the late Michael Apted and, despite a limited release, features some notable actors like Noomi Rapace, Toni Collette, and John Malkovich, and Orlando Bloom. The story surrounds a CIA agent who had to stop a second terrorist attack after the first led to her getting benched.
Unlocked allows its actors to carry the weight, with Rapace, Bloom, and the rest of the cast delivering strong efforts. It also does well to make the best use of its smaller budget, packing a fair amount of action into the proceedings without relying on CGI and expensive aspects. Reviews didn't like the unoriginal plot but felt the old school formula and strong cast worked.
Freaky Tales (2024)
Freaky Tales is the kind of movie that likely caught the eye of many film fans when it arrived on streaming services. It features Pedro Pascal as the lead and he's all over the advertising, which makes sense since he's one of the world's most popular and marketable actors. The premise is a bit wacky though, but that's a big part of the charm of Freaky Tales.
The film is an anthology project that covers four different interconnected stories that take place during real events in Oakland in 1987. Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck direct and they know how to handle action, evidenced by Captain Marvel. They bring that level of confidence to Freaky Tales, ensuring that the action is wild, the cast is put to good use, and there's a fair bit of comedy thrown in as well.
Mortal Kombat: Scorpion's Revenge (2020)
The live-action Mortal Kombat movies have been a bit of a mixed bag. Even the 1995 original, which so many millennials hold in high esteem, wasn't well-received by critics. However, regardless of how you feel about them, those who have seen the animated adaptations tend to agree that they're better. Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge is the best of the bunch.
While Scorpion's revenge story is a key factor, the film also focuses on the people who are chosen to take part in the titular tournament. Animation allows the movie to hold nothing back in its depiction of the violence, which is what Mortal Kombat fans come to these projects to see. The film features some of the best action sequences you'll ever see, featuring Scorpion, Johnny Cage, Goro, Liu Kang, Sonya Blade, and more.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Story (2024)
Mad Max: Fury Road took the world by storm in 2015. Somehow, the sequel to a franchise that had been dormant for three decades turned into one of the best action films ever made. Furiosa is a prequel to that movie, giving us the backstory of the titular warrior, who was played by Charlize Theron in 2015.
Anya Taylor-Joy steps into the role and gives a hell of a performance, while Chris Hemsworth might be better than he's ever been as the villain. The movie fits in the kind of action that made Mad Max: Fury Road such a hit, yet it was overlooked by many and flopped at the box office. Still, the 90% Rotten Tomatoes rating shows that it's a great film.
From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina (2025)
Similar to Furiosa, this is a female-driven story in an established franchise that audiences looked past. It became the first financial flop of the John Wick franchise, which is disappointing because of just how good it is. The action that made John Wick so popular is here, from a ridiculous flamethrower fight to a scene where the protagonist is battling against an entire town.
Even John Wick himself shows up for a fight with Ana de Armas' Eve. Critics appreciated the movie even if audiences didn't, with most agreeing that it's another strong entry into an iconic action franchise. It looks good, has awesome action, and is a great ride until the credits roll, making for one of the best modern action films.
Image courtesy of Everett Collection
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