Netflix’s new action thriller Trigger Warning debuted on the service last Friday (June 21) and has a rather poor 20% Rotten Tomatoes score, so it’s no Hit Man. But that hasn’t stopped the new Netflix movie from becoming number one on the best streaming service’s weekly top ten list, with a whopping 25.7 million views worldwide.
Trigger Warning stars Jessica Alba as Parker, a Special Forces commando who takes ownership of her father’s bar after his death and finds herself at loggerheads with the violent gang running rampant in her hometown. While Trigger Warning probably wouldn’t end up on our best Netflix movies list, here are three action movies with over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes that definitely would.
RRR
Overview: RRR is a 2022 Indian Telugu-language epic action drama directed by S.S. Rajamouli. The film, which runs for 187 minutes, tells a fictional tale about two legendary revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju (played by Ram Charan) and Komaram Bheem (played by N.T. Rama Rao Jr.), and their journey away from home before they started fighting for their country in the 1920s. The story revolves around their friendship, their struggles, and their eventual revolt against British colonial rule.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: RRR boasts an impressive 94% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Comparison: RRR offers a combination of intense action sequences, emotional depth, and historical context. Unlike Trigger Warning, which has a straightforward plot, RRR weaves a complex narrative filled with grand set pieces and well-choreographed action. The film’s visual spectacle and strong performances make it a must-watch for action enthusiasts.
The Woman King
Overview: The Woman King is a 2022 historical epic film directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. It stars Viola Davis as General Nanisca, who leads the Agojie, an all-female warrior unit that protected the African kingdom of Dahomey in the 19th century. The movie, which runs for 135 minutes, follows Nanisca and her warriors as they train a new generation to fight against their enemies and protect their land.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: The Woman King holds a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Comparison: The Woman King shines with its powerful performances, particularly from Viola Davis. The film combines thrilling action with a compelling story about bravery and resistance. In contrast to Trigger Warning’s contemporary setting and straightforward action, The Woman King provides a rich historical narrative and character-driven drama, making it a standout film in the action genre.
Looper
Overview: Looper is a 2012 science fiction action-thriller directed by Rian Johnson. The movie, which has a runtime of 119 minutes, stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis as younger and older versions of the same character, Joe, a hitman (or “looper”) working for a future crime syndicate. When Joe’s older self is sent back in time to be killed, younger Joe must navigate a complex web of betrayal and survival, ultimately confronting the moral implications of his actions.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: Looper has a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Comparison: Looper blends action with a thought-provoking storyline about time travel and its consequences. Unlike Trigger Warning’s conventional action approach, Looper presents a unique premise that keeps viewers engaged with its twists and turns. The film’s clever writing and strong performances elevate it far above typical action fare.
