While Masters of the Universe may be grabbing headlines, there's a different kind of action epic that deserves your attention on streaming right now: Alita: Battle Angel. This 2019 film, produced by James Cameron and directed by Robert Rodriguez, is a surprising fusion of Cameron's meticulous world-building and Rodriguez's frenetic energy. It's a cyberpunk fantasy that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly original, and it's arguably one of the most underrated action movies of the past decade.
Based on Yukito Kishiro's 1990s manga, Alita: Battle Angel was a passion project for Cameron dating back to 2000. But with his hands full on the Avatar sequels, he handed the director's chair to Rodriguez, who brought his own genre-savvy style to the table. The result is a film that earned over $400 million worldwide—Rodriguez's highest-grossing film—yet somehow remains a hidden gem for many viewers.
A Throwback to Earnest Genre Cinema
In an era of quippy superhero flicks and nostalgia-bait reboots, Alita: Battle Angel stands out for its earnestness. It tells the story of a discarded cyborg with a human brain who, in the year 2563, rediscovers her humanity while engaging in elaborate swordfights against mechanized assassins. The plot may sound simple, but the execution is anything but. Cameron's trademark care is evident in every frame, from the seamless CGI that brings Alita to life to the meticulous world-building—he even insisted the fictional city of Zalem be set on the equator to ensure its space elevator would work.
The action sequences are a highlight, blending smooth, lucid choreography with Rodriguez's signature kineticism. Veteran cinematographer Bill Pope (The Matrix) and action coordinator Garrett Warren (Cameron's go-to for Avatar) ensure that even the most chaotic battles—featuring cybernetic tentacles and Motorball gladiators—are easy to follow and genuinely thrilling.
Why We Need More Films Like This
In a landscape cluttered with sludge CGI and failed franchise starters, Alita: Battle Angel is a breath of fresh air. It doesn't rely on irony or self-awareness; instead, it trusts its story and characters to carry the weight. While the dialogue may not always sing, the overwhelming earnestness and stunning visuals more than compensate. This is the kind of blockbuster that reminds us why we love movies in the first place.
For those who missed it in theaters, now is the perfect time to catch up. The film is currently streaming, and with Cameron and Rodriguez promising a sequel—Cameron has said they've "sworn a blood oath to do at least one more Alita movie"—there's no better time to dive into this world. In fact, the growing popularity of lively genre fare like Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves suggests audiences are hungry for this kind of earnest, action-packed storytelling.
So while Masters of the Universe may be making waves on Prime Video, don't overlook Alita: Battle Angel. It's a cyberpunk gem that delivers some of the best action on streaming right now.
