Top Must-Watch Action Thrillers That Took 2021 by Storm
Explore the most thrilling and captivating action movies of 2021, featuring Marvel and DC universes, groundbreaking sequels, and unique cinematic experiences that kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
2021 marked the thrilling return of beloved Marvel and DC universes, alongside fresh chapters of iconic franchises like The Matrix.
1. Wonder Woman 1984
Wonder Woman 1984
- Countries: USA, South Korea, Spain, 2020
- Genres: Action, Sci-Fi
- Release Date: January 14
Set 70 years after the original, Wonder Woman continues her mission to protect the world. She faces a new formidable adversary: businessman Maxwell Lord, who aims to conquer the world using an ancient artifact. The story also brings back Steve Trevor, the heroine's long-lost love, adding emotional depth to the action-packed narrative.
2. Boss Level
Boss Level
- Country: USA, 2021
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Action
- Release Date: March 11

Roy Pulver, a former special forces operative, finds himself trapped in a relentless time loop where he is hunted daily. To break free, he must unravel the mystery behind the loop while mastering survival skills. This sci-fi action film uniquely blends 'Groundhog Day' style storytelling with intense action and video game aesthetics, featuring Frank Grillo and Mel Gibson.
3. Nobody
Nobody
- Countries: Japan, USA, 2021
- Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller
- Release Date: March 18
Hutch, an unassuming office worker and devoted family man, is thrust into a dangerous criminal underworld, forcing him to confront his hidden past. Directed by Ilya Naishuller of 'Hardcore' fame, and starring Bob Odenkirk known from 'Better Call Saul,' this film delivers a thrilling mix of action and suspense.
4. Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat
- Country: USA, 2021
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
- Release Date: April 8
This adaptation of the legendary fighting game series centers on a martial arts tournament where Earth's finest warriors battle against invaders from an otherworldly realm. Rated R for its graphic violence, the film stays true to the original game's brutal and intense spirit.
5. Wrath of Man
Wrath of Man
- Countries: UK, USA, 2021
- Genres: Action, Thriller
- Release Date: April 22

Jason Statham reunites with director Guy Ritchie in this gripping remake of the 2004 French film 'Cash Truck.' The story follows Patrick Hill, a stoic cash truck driver harboring a secret mission to avenge his son's death, delivering intense action and suspense throughout.
6. Army of the Dead
Army of the Dead
- Country: USA, 2021
- Genres: Horror, Action
- Release Date: May 14
A daring group of mercenaries plans a heist on a Las Vegas casino overrun by zombies. Directed by Zack Snyder, known for 'Watchmen' and 'Batman v Superman,' this film launches a new cinematic universe on Netflix, complete with a prequel and an upcoming anime series.
7. F9
F9
- Country: USA, 2020
- Genres: Action, Crime, Adventure
- Release Date: May 19
Dominic Toretto, the legendary racer and outlaw, attempts to settle into a quiet family life. However, his plans are disrupted when his vengeful brother emerges with a nefarious plot. The 'Fast & Furious' franchise promises two more sequels before potentially exploring spin-offs.
8. The Tomorrow War
The Tomorrow War
- Country: USA, 2021
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Action
- Release Date: July 2

Set in 2022, humanity receives a plea for help from future visitors warning of an alien invasion set to occur 30 years ahead, threatening to annihilate mankind. The protagonist joins a rescue mission traveling to the future to ensure humanity's survival.
9. Black Widow
Black Widow
- Country: USA, 2021
- Genres: Action, Sci-Fi
- Release Date: July 8
Following the events of 'Captain America: Civil War,' Natasha Romanoff confronts a shadowy organization responsible for creating agents like herself. Assisted by former allies, this film marks Scarlett Johansson's final portrayal of the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
10. The Suicide Squad
The Suicide Squad
- Countries: USA, Canada, UK, 2021
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Action
- Release Date: August 5
While featuring characters from the original film, this installment partially reboots the story. It follows a team of unpredictable criminals tasked with destroying a secret Nazi experiment base. Directed by James Gunn, Margot Robbie reprises her role as Harley Quinn.
11. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
- Countries: USA, Australia, 2021
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
- Release Date: September 2

Martial arts expert Shang-Chi confronts the criminal organization known as the Ten Rings, led by his own father. As he unravels his past, he also strives to save the world. This film introduces Marvel's first Asian superhero, marking a significant milestone in representation.
12. No Time to Die
No Time to Die
- Countries: UK, USA, 2021
- Genres: Action, Crime, Adventure
- Release Date: October 7
Daniel Craig returns for his final portrayal of the iconic agent 007. Having retired, Bond is drawn back into action when a former CIA ally seeks his help to rescue a kidnapped scientist. The mission forces Bond to confront both a dangerous villain and his own past.
13. Red Notice
Red Notice
- Country: USA, 2021
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime
- Release Date: November 12
Featuring Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot, and Ryan Reynolds, this high-budget Netflix film follows FBI agent John Hartley as he chases a cunning art thief. Their pursuit is complicated by a brilliant con artist, creating a dynamic and entertaining adventure.
14. Spider-Man: No Way Home
Spider-Man: No Way Home
- Countries: USA, Iceland, 2021
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
- Release Date: December 15

After his secret identity is revealed, Peter Parker seeks help from Doctor Strange. However, their magical intervention spirals out of control, leading to a crossover event featuring previous Spider-Man film characters, delighting fans worldwide.
15. The Matrix Resurrections
The Matrix Resurrections
- Country: USA, 2021
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Action
- Release Date: December 16
Nearly two decades after the original trilogy, Lana Wachowski returns to direct the next chapter of The Matrix saga. Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss reprise their iconic roles, diving back into the battle between humans and machines to fight for freedom.
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