9 Intense Netflix Action Thriller Series Better Than ‘Reacher’

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The action thriller Reacher is easily one of the most gripping shows of recent years. Starring Alan Ritchson, it’s based on Lee Child’s novels and follows a former military police major who travels the country righting wrongs and battling criminals.

With Season 4 of Reacher still to come, there are lots of exciting action thrillers available on Netflix to enjoy now. Some people even think these Netflix shows are as good as, or better than, Reacher itself.

‘The Night Agent’ (2023–)


Netflix

Season 3 of The Night Agent is now available on Netflix, and the show continues to get even better. This action-packed thriller raises the stakes with each new season, following FBI agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) as he secretly works as a Night Action agent. With storylines involving everything from stopping terrorist attacks to navigating international politics and political conspiracies, the series has become a huge hit for Netflix and remains one of their most popular shows.

Like the action-packed series Reacher, The Night Agent delivers plenty of thrills, but features a more down-to-earth hero who’s still finding his way. He shares Jack Reacher’s lone-wolf nature and strong sense of right and wrong, but his inexperience makes the show especially captivating. We see him stumble and get into trouble, yet he consistently fights for his beliefs, even when it puts him in harm’s way.

‘Lupin’ (2021–)


Netflix

Netflix’s hit series Lupin quickly became their most popular non-English show when it premiered in 2021. Inspired by the classic gentleman thief Arsène Lupin from Maurice Leblanc’s early 20th-century novels, the show follows Assane Diop, played by Omar Sy, as he cleverly seeks revenge for his father’s wrongful death. Using charm and disguises, Assane targets the powerful family he believes is responsible, aiming to clear his father’s name and bring them to justice.

The popular show Lupin will return for a fourth season and is known for its short, easily binge-able episodes – only 17 have been released so far. It’s a gripping spy thriller with an original storyline and exciting cliffhangers that will keep you hooked. Boasting a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, many viewers find it even better than Reacher, thanks to Omar Sy’s captivating performance and its unpredictable plot twists.

‘Black Doves’ (2024–)


Netflix

In the film Black Doves, Keira Knightley stars as Helen Webb, the wife of the British Defence Secretary, who is also a secret agent. After her lover is killed, her organization tries to sell top-secret information, and Ben Whishaw’s character, Sam, is assigned to keep her safe. But Helen is more than capable of looking after herself.

Reviewers are enjoying the spy thriller, and Keira Knightley’s acting has received a lot of praise. The film, Black Doves, offers a unique take on the story, blending different genres together. It’s a bit daring, features a strong supporting cast, and has a distinctly British feel.

‘Bodyguard’ (2018)


BBC

If you enjoyed The Night Agent, you’ll likely love Bodyguard. It’s a fantastic, yet often overlooked, British crime drama on Netflix. The show centers around David Budd (Richard Madden), a war veteran with PTSD whose life is falling apart. He gains recognition after preventing a train attack and is then assigned to protect Home Secretary Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes). As he carries out his duties, he discovers a large-scale conspiracy that threatens both of their lives.

The series Bodyguard is a fast-paced, gripping story filled with action and suspense. Unlike shows such as Reacher, it incorporates complex political maneuvering and features a compelling main character who is both damaged and self-assured. Importantly, the show delves into the characters’ psychological states, offering more than just simple action sequences.

‘The Recruit’ (2022–2025)


Netflix

Many viewers were disappointed that Netflix canceled The Recruit after just one season. The show centers on Owen Hendricks, a CIA lawyer played by Noah Centineo, who becomes entangled in a complex international case. When a valuable source threatens to reveal her connection to the agency, Hendricks finds himself in a precarious and dangerous situation.

While not as polished as Reacher, and lacking the same level of intense physical action, The Recruit offers a more intellectually engaging story that explores complicated issues from multiple perspectives. Despite a similarly likable lead actor, some viewers might actually prefer The Recruit for what it adds – notably, a good sense of humor that balances out the serious moments.

‘Fauda’ (2015–)


Yes Oh

For intense, fast-paced drama, check out Fauda. This Israeli thriller, spanning over five seasons, follows Doron (Lior Raz), an IDF commander tasked with eliminating a terrorist. Though initially believed to have succeeded, Doron returns to duty a year and a half later when he discovers his target is still alive.

Raz’s background in the military brings an authentic feel to the show Fauda. His co-creator, Avi Issacharoff, is an Israeli journalist, adding to the show’s realism. While actor Ben Ritchson convincingly plays a former soldier, Raz has actually lived that life, making his performance incredibly believable. It’s not surprising that Fauda still has a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes after four seasons. Season 5 is expected in 2026, and a movie is also reportedly in the works.

‘Alice in Borderland’ (2020–2025)


Netflix

The Japanese series Alice in Borderland is a thrilling sci-fi drama based on a manga. It follows two men who find themselves in a dangerous, alternate version of Tokyo. To survive, they must compete in a series of life-or-death games – losing means certain death. Often compared to shows like Squid Game and The Hunger Games, and even the film Battle Royale, Alice in Borderland offers a similar high-stakes, survival-focused experience.

As a big fan of both shows, I’d say Alice in Borderland really upped the ante compared to Reacher. While Reacher definitely had tension, Alice in Borderland felt genuinely dangerous – characters could die at any second, and it wasn’t afraid to show it. The added sci-fi twists and more intense violence just took it to another level for me. It’s a much grittier and more shocking experience.

‘Money Heist’ (2017–2021)


Netflix

Unlike Reacher, which follows a hero battling villains, Money Heist tells the story from the perspective of a criminal—specifically, Tokyo (Úrsula Corberó). She guides us through a huge heist she participated in, and though she isn’t always trustworthy, that adds to the show’s appeal. You’re kept guessing and eager to hear her side of things.

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Unlike the straightforward action of Reacher, the Spanish series Money Heist is a complex, time-jumping crime drama. It focuses on a team of eight robbers led by the mysterious Professor, offering multiple perspectives and a more layered story. The show also stands out with its feminist themes and unique viewpoint.

‘Bloodline’ (2015–2017)


Netflix

I was totally hooked on Bloodline when it was on Netflix! It’s a really gripping psychological thriller about the Rayburns, a family that seems perfect on the outside but is seriously messed up underneath. When their brother Danny – who they always saw as the trouble maker – comes back home, everything starts falling apart and all their old family secrets come out. It’s intense!

Featuring Kyle Chandler as detective and devoted brother John Rayburn, and Linda Cardellini as his lawyer sister Meg, Bloodline is a gripping series that centers more on family dynamics than Reacher. While it doesn’t have as much action, it shares Breaking Bad‘s focus on flawed characters. Bloodline is a complex thriller that avoids simple portrayals of heroes and villains, and it’s a hidden gem that deserves more recognition.



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2026-03-03 06:35