If you've been craving more of the hard-hitting action and gritty thrills that make Reacher so addictive, Prime Video has just the fix. The streaming service's latest hit, Ride or Die, has already climbed to the top of the charts, and it's easy to see why. Starring Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer as an unlikely pair of tough-as-nails leads, this series blends pulse-pounding fight scenes with genuine heart and humor.
Unlike your typical buddy-cop comedy, Ride or Die offers a fresh twist on the action genre. Waddingham plays Judith, an elite assassin working for a secretive organization known as the Agency. Spencer portrays Debbie, an American housewife who has no idea her best friend is a killer. When Judith is forced into retirement and given one final mission, things go sideways fast—and Debbie is thrown into a deadly world she never knew existed.
What Is 'Ride or Die' About?
The series kicks off with Judith (Waddingham) taking on what she thinks is a routine assignment: targeting crime syndicate member Billy Donovan (Ed Skrein) at a glitzy gala. But when she sneaks into his hotel room, she finds four men already dead—including MP David (Jamie Parker), who owes the Albanian mob a staggering £24 million. David also happens to be the husband of Judith's best friend, Debbie (Spencer). Suddenly, Judith's cover is blown, and Debbie discovers her friend's true profession.
From there, the two women are on the run across Europe, dodging the Albanian mob, the Agency, and local law enforcement. Judith may be a master of combat and espionage, but protecting a civilian best friend is a whole new challenge. Debbie, however, refuses to be a damsel in distress. She uses her quick thinking and expertise in antiques to help pay off David's debt, proving that brains can be just as powerful as brawn.
Action That Never Lets Up
Ride or Die delivers inventive action sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Judith chases speeding cars on motorcycles, escapes captivity while temporarily paralyzed, and takes down enemies with ruthless efficiency. Debbie, meanwhile, relies on clever tactics—like slipping on sunglasses before pepper-spraying two burly kidnappers. Their contrasting skills make for some genuinely creative set pieces.
As the season progresses, the stakes get higher and the kills get more merciless. Judith's past comes back to haunt her when a rival assassin exposes her darkest secrets, leaving Debbie to question whether their friendship was ever real. The emotional core of the series is the bond between these two women, and watching them fight to save each other—and their relationship—is what makes Ride or Die so compelling.
Chemistry That Carries the Show
Waddingham and Spencer have never shared the screen before, but their chemistry is electric. They bring depth and vulnerability to roles that could easily have been one-dimensional. Judith's struggle to reconcile her assassin instincts with her desire to protect Debbie is genuinely moving, while Debbie's journey from ordinary housewife to reluctant action hero is both funny and inspiring.
For fans of Reacher, Ride or Die offers the same bone-crunching action and high-stakes tension, but with a heartfelt friendship at its center. It's a ride you won't want to miss. And if you're looking for more thrillers, check out our list of the best psychological action movies or dive into Prime Video's 'The Devil's Hour' for another gripping watch.
