5 great Netflix action movies to stream on July 4th

Now that the Fourth of July is here again, families want to relax and celebrate their independence together. While many people plan to go out and fire up the grill or even some fireworks, why not stay home and relax with a good action movie?

Netflix continues to offer its subscribers a wide selection of new and classic films, and there is virtually no shortage of exciting action movies, too. So while everyone is celebrating the 4th of July, viewers should take the time on their day off to stream these five action movies on Netflix.

Need more recommendations? Check out our guides to the best movies on Netflix, the best comedies on Netflix and the best action movies on Netflix.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024)

Just in time for the Fourth of July, comedy legend Eddie Murphy continues his Hollywood comeback with the release of his fourth film in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise. In this Netflix-exclusive reboot, Alex Foley returns to Beverly Hills to investigate a conspiracy that has put the lives of several people from his past in jeopardy, including his estranged daughter (Taylour Paige).

In Axel FMurphy’s iconic character joins forces with old friends from the franchise, including actors Judge Reinhold, Paul Reiser and John Ashton, and is joined by Kevin Bacon (MaXXXine) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (The Dark Knight Rises). But true to his nature, Foley keeps the franchise alive by continuing to stir up more trouble and collateral damage, creating an exciting mix of action and comedy that diehard fans have been waiting for for decades.

Matrix (1999)

In a future where machines keep people trapped in virtual reality, a lone hacker (Keanu Reeves) must unleash his hidden powers to free the world from captivity. There are few action films as deep and complex as The MatrixIts mix of philosophical ideas, religious allusions and social commentary has made it one of the most popular and imitated films of all time.

But let’s not forget the revolutionary action scenes. The distinctive kung fu action of this film has The Matrix like no other. Although many films have tried to imitate it, none can recapture the magic of the original.

Army of the Dead (2021)

Leaded by Rebel Moonby Zack Snyder, Army of the Dead follows a zombie war veteran (Dave Bautista) who leads a ragtag crew on a casino robbery in the ruins of Las Vegas on the Fourth of July. Yes, it’s as wild as it sounds, but it’s nothing short of entertaining.

Snyder takes everything people love about zombie movies to the next level: a zombie king rules over Vegas and an undead tiger roams the devastated wasteland. The film also features a wonderful cast of characters that immerse the viewer in this thrilling action/horror adventure.

Everything Everywhere at Once (2022)

When she is audited by the IRS, a desperate laundromat owner (Michelle Yeoh) is forced to unleash her powers from different realities when an all-powerful being threatens the multiverse. Director: The Daniels (Swiss Army Man), this indie epic is bizarre even for A24, the same studio that lamb And Hereditary.

From a chef controlled by a raccoon to a man who does kung fu fighting with butt plugs (not as weapons), this film is a nonstop barrage of absurd, action-packed comedy that’s guaranteed to blow audiences away. But beneath all of this chaos lies a touching story about an immigrant family who, despite financial and emotional difficulties, reconcile and find love and meaning for one another.

A Cunning Scoundrel (1977)

This summer, audiences should hop on the Trans Am and head east for the Fourth of July. In the greatest beer tour in movie history, the late acting legend Burt Reynolds teams up with Jerry Reed to smuggle 400 cases of Coors beer across the state line, with a runaway bride (Sally Field) by his side and a Texas sheriff (Jackie Gleason) hot on his heels.

Smokey and the Bandit presents a timeless game of cat and mouse, accompanied by hilarious quips, thrilling action, gripping performances and a classic soundtrack. While it is light-hearted entertainment, it is a first-class piece of Hollywood cinema whose charm will never fade.