Prime Video is a treasure trove of blockbuster hits and beloved classics, but it's also home to some of the most overlooked action movies in cinema history. While everyone's busy streaming the latest releases, a handful of forgotten gems are waiting to be unearthed. These films may have bombed at the box office, been panned by critics, or simply faded into obscurity, but they offer pulse-pounding excitement, epic adventures, and unforgettable performances. Here are eight action movies on Prime Video that deserve a second look.
1. 'The Lost City of Z' (2017)
James Gray's 2017 biographical adventure drama The Lost City of Z is a visually stunning journey that few people talk about today. Starring Charlie Hunnam as British explorer Percy Fawcett, the film follows his obsessive quest to find a lost ancient civilization in the Amazon. With a stellar supporting cast including Sienna Miller, Tom Holland, and Robert Pattinson, this 141-minute epic is packed with breathtaking set pieces and historical intrigue. Though it bombed at the box office, it's a hidden gem that rewards patient viewers. For more underrated adventures, check out our list of Dystopian Movies That Are Flawless From Opening Frame to Final Credits.
2. 'Miami Vice' (2006)
Michael Mann's big-screen adaptation of the iconic 1980s TV show arrived a little late, but it's a surprisingly tight and action-packed homage. Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell star as undercover detectives infiltrating Miami's drug underworld. While critics were lukewarm on the uneven story and lack of original charisma, Mann's direction and the film's relentless pace make it a worthwhile watch. It's a stylish, gritty action thriller that deserves a second chance.
3. 'The Substitute' (1996)
This 1990s cult classic stars Tom Berenger as a mercenary who goes undercover as a substitute teacher in a crime-ridden Miami high school to take down the gang that attacked his girlfriend. Clichéd, messy, and not the best-acted, The Substitute is nonetheless a blast of pure adrenaline. Berenger's commanding presence and the film's self-aware fun make it a hidden gem for action fans. For more 90s nostalgia, explore The Ultimate Ranking of the Best 90s Sci-Fi Movies.
4. 'From Paris with Love' (2010)
Directed by Pierre Morel, this popcorn spy thriller is gloriously over-the-top. John Travolta delivers one of his most unhinged performances as CIA agent Charlie Wax, teaming up with a French aide to thwart a terrorist plot in Paris. The plot is nonsensical, the action is implausible, but it's wildly entertaining. If you're in the mood for mindless fun, this cult classic delivers.
5. 'Red Sun' (1971)
A forgotten Spaghetti Western starring Charles Bronson and Toshiro Mifune, Red Sun blends samurai and cowboy cultures in a unique action spectacle. The story follows a bandit and a samurai who must work together to recover a stolen sword. It's a joyful, stylish blast that deserves rediscovery.
6. 'The Jackal' (1997)
Bruce Willis stars as a ruthless assassin in this tense thriller, with Richard Gere as an Irish terrorist turned informant. Despite mixed reviews, The Jackal offers cat-and-mouse suspense and solid performances. For more Bruce Willis, see Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson Movies Ranked.
7. 'Spy Game' (2001)
Tony Scott's espionage thriller stars Robert Redford as a retiring CIA operative who must break his protégé (Brad Pitt) out of a Chinese prison. With sharp dialogue and tense set pieces, Spy Game is a smart, underrated entry in the spy genre.
8. 'Enemy of the State' (1998)
Will Smith stars as a lawyer on the run from a corrupt NSA agent (Gene Hackman) in this prescient surveillance thriller. Directed by Tony Scott, it's a fast-paced, paranoid action movie that feels more relevant than ever. For more Prime Video picks, check out Best Movies on Prime Video: July 20, 2026 Picks.
These eight films prove that Prime Video is a goldmine for action fans willing to dig a little deeper. Whether you're in the mood for historical adventure, gritty crime, or mindless fun, these forgotten movies are ready to be rediscovered.
