There’s nothing more exciting than seeing an A-List actor cast in an awesomeactionTV show.The best action TV shows evergenerally feature actors who are relatively unknown or tend to stick to the smaller screen. So, when a massive name is attached to a project, viewers are far more likely to take an interest in it.
While someaction TV shows are canceled too soon, the appearance of an A-lister often helps keep a series on the air. This is proved in other genres, too, and there are manygreat crime TV shows with A-List actors. From action-packed sequences with brilliant explosions and tense situations to subtler scenes with unexpected deaths and violence, these A-List actors are fantastic additions to these TV shows.
10The Old Man
Starring: Jeff Bridges
The Old Manfollows the life of former CIA agent Dan Chase, who, after thirty years of living on the outskirts of society, goes into hiding when he kills an intruder breaking into his house.Chase is portrayed by Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Jeff Bridges,who is best known for his role as the alcoholic music artist Otis Blake inCrazy Heart.
The Old Man: 10 Biggest Twists, Ranked
The Old Man on FX starring Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow set things up nicely for the already confirmed season 2 with its very twisty finale.
Jeff Bridges’ best moviesalso includeIron ManandThe Big Lebowski.The Old Manis full of twists and turns, and the relationship he forms with his new partner, Zoe, raises the stakes significantly. As Chase avoids the FBI’s attempt to have him assassinated, Bridges shows off his talents as both an action and drama star.
There are parts ofThe Old Manthat are often considered to be rather slow, but it adds to the suspense and pacing of the show overall,and Bridges is brilliant in both. The actor knows how to grip audiences well, but he also slips into the action-packed sequences flawlessly. Season 2 is due to end in October, and although there is no announcement ofThe Old Manseason 3, there is nothing to suggest it won’t return.
9The Night Manager
Starring: Tom Hiddleston & Olivia Colman
The British spy thrillerThe Night Managerhas multiple big names included in its star-studded lineup.The show focuses on Tom Hiddleston as Jonathan Pine, the manager of a prestigious hotel in Cairo, who gets caught up in the world of illegal arms sales. He is recruited by Angela Burr, portrayed by Olivia Colman, who sends him undercover into the inner circle of a dealer.
Hiddleston is most famous for playing Loki in the MCU, whereas Colman’s most celebrated role is as Queen Anne inThe Favorite, the same character that makes her an Oscar winner.
While there are plenty of massive British stars inThe Night Manager, Colman and Hiddleston are the crowning jewels of the cast.Hiddleston is most famous for playing Loki in the MCU, whereas Colman’s most celebrated role is as Queen Anne inThe Favorite, the same character that makes her an Oscar winner.
The Night Manageris a nail-biter, and Pine’s past involvement with the military makes the international mission even more nerve-wracking,especially as he tries to keep his true identity a secret. The rapport between Pine and Burr is also intriguing and unpredictable at times, something viewers are keen to see expanded upon inThe Night Manager’s newly renewed seasons 2 and 3.
8The Witcher
Starring: Henry Cavill
The Witcher’s protagonist, Geralt of Rivia, is currently played bySupermanactor Henry Cavill.However, following the announcement that Cavill is stepping down from his role,The Witcherseason 4will seeThe Hunger Gamesstar Liam Hemsworth as the show’s lead. Regardless of which point viewers start watchingThe Witcher, an incredible A-list actor will be dominating the screen.The Witcheris based on the video game series and novels by Andrzej Sapkowski, set in a medieval-style world that is full of mythical threats and fantastical powers.
WhileThe Witcheris primarily a fantasy TV show, it is also action-packed.Geralt features in multiple sword-fighting scenes that are heavy with blood,guts, and gore. There is also a lot of lore toThe Witcherseries, which offers something to audiences that is more than simply lots of battles and monster hunting. While there is some doubt surroundingThe Witcherreplacing Henry Cavill with Liam Hemsworth, the Australian actor is already known for his work in action titles, and he’s likely to be just as good as his predecessor, if not better.
7Rabbit Hole
Starring: Kiefer Sutherland
Kiefer Sutherland most famously plays Jack Bauer in24, but he also has a varied movie career, too.His breakthrough role came as Ace in the 1986 coming-of-age filmStand by Meat just 17 years old, but he has also appeared in several other action projects, such asRenegadesandTruth or Consequences, N.M., which he also directed. However, another amazing action TV show of Sutherland’s is the 2023 seriesRabbit Hole.
Sutherland takes on the role of John Weir, an espionage agent who is framed for murder and has to prove his innocence.DespiteRabbit Hole’s thrilling ending, it’s sadly not returning for another installment.
Despite teasing that the show would come back,Paramount+ has canceledRabbit Holeafter just one season.
It’s a shame, but the show still works as a limited series. Sutherland demonstrates that his best performances come in these gripping titles. He also shows that he is capable of playing characters in this genre that differ from Bauer, andWeir’s clear sense of humor is something Sutherland doesn’t often get the opportunity to demonstratein his roles.
6Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan
Starring: John Krasinski
John Krasinski is a perfect example of an actor whose career has skyrocketed in recent years, and many are still astounded to seeThe Office’s Jim Halpert as a big movie star. Krasinski has made a name for himself both behind and in front of the camera.He has acted in, written, and directed films such asA Quiet Placeand its sequel, as well as the animated fantasy comedyIf.Krasinski isthe titular character inTom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, a CIA analyst who is dragged away from his desk job and thrown into a world of political warfare.
While there is a striking contrast between Jim Halpert and Jack Ryan,Krasinski proves just how versatile a performer he is in Amazon’s series.Acrossall 4 seasons ofTom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Krasinksi does well at keeping up with the character’s action-packed escapades and stars in some truly incredible sequences that rival war movies. He also provides a goofier and more relaxed take on the character, which is a little odd at times, but it also makes it easier to invest in him. The show introduces a new world-ending conspiracy with every season, and Ryan’s peace is never permanent.
5The Terminal List
Starring: Chris Pratt
The Terminal Listis one ofthe best detective series on Amazon Prime Videoand is a fascinating title in the action-thriller genre.Chris Pratt provides an enthralling performance as U.S. Navy SEAL James Reece, who is vastly different from his other characters.Audiences remember the actor for his role as the lovable Andy Dwyer in the sitcomParks and Recreationbefore soaring to superstardom as Peter Quill in theGuardians of the Galaxymovies.
Quill is a heroic figure anyway, but not in the same way as Reece.The Terminal Listfocuses on the power of doubt and betrayal, specifically howReece’s commitment to his military background becomes vulnerable when he discovers that his memories don’t make sense.
The Terminal Listseason 2 will pull Reece from his grief once again following a series of terrorist attacks and thrust him back into a world that he wants to move on from.
Season 1 sees Reece track down everyone responsible for the death of his family,and the fact that he has nothing more to lose makes these thrilling and violent moments even more impactful.The Terminal Listseason 2will pull Reece from his grief once again following a series of terrorist attacks and thrust him back into a world that he wants to move on from.
4The Last Of Us
Starring: Pedro Pascal
The critically acclaimed TV showThe Last of Usis an engaging and shocking story, which is based on the video game franchise of the same name.Game of Thrones’andKingsman: The Golden Circleactor Pedro Pascal portraysThe Last of Us’frontman, Joel Miller, one of the survivors of Earth’s viral pandemic that caused the collapse of society.Pascal provides one of the most emotional performances of his career as Joel,a father who is burdened by the loss of his daughter. Joel begrudgingly starts to open up when he meets teenager Ellie, who Bella Ramsey plays.
AlthoughThe Last of Usseason 1 lacks action scenes, certain moments are still extremely suspenseful.Not every action TV show needs to see guns blazing and death in every scene, butThe Last of Usstaggers them in such a way to keep things interesting. For example, Joel’s flashback of Main Street, which sees everything engulfed in fire and chaos. Thankfully, there are teases of several intense videogame scenes inThe Last of Usseason 2’s trailerthat will amp up the action side of things. Pascal is a perfect Joel, and he encapsulates the character’s personality beautifully.
3Hijack
Starring: Idris Elba
Hijackis one ofthe best TV shows on Apple TV+ right nowand features Idris Elba as Sam Nelson, a professional negotiator who boards a flight that a mysterious group swiftly takes over the aircraft. What’s so interesting aboutHijackis that a majority of Elba’s scenes are on the plane, which gives the actor the opportunity to show off his talents while restricted by the setting. Elba’s most recognizable role is as the titular character inLutherand its follow-up movie,Luther: The Fallen Sun.
However, he is also known as Heimdall in the MCU and as the voice of Knuckles in theSonic the Hedgehogmovies and theKnucklesTV show.Hijackis heavily layered with suspense and a lot of action, despite the limited space on the plane,but it’s also thick with mystery. The Cheapside Firm aren’t typical villains, but the deaths and destruction they cause make them incredibly dangerous, especially inHijack’s shocking finale. Elba is a fantastic lead in this action TV show, and many are intrigued to see what happens to Sam next.
2Alias
Starring: Jennifer Garner
J. J. Abrams combines science fiction and action inAlias.Jennifer Garner portrays Sydney Bristow, a double agent who struggles to hide her employment with the CIA from the criminal organization SD-6.Garner isn’t typically known for appearing in action works, and she is generally prominent for starring in some ofthe best rom-com movies of all time, such as13 Going on 30andJuno. However, her experience playing Elektra inDaredevilhighlights that she has a large acting range and can adapt to many types of characters.
Aliascomes in the years before some of Garner’s most notable films, but the show is an underappreciated title that viewers are now starting to revisit.Sydney’s attempts to balance her professional and personal lives are brilliant and interesting,and the introduction of missing artifacts by a fictitious Renaissance-era artist is a fascinating layer to the show. Garner’s stunts are unexpectedly strong, too, and she is fantastic in many ofAlias’ wildest fight scenes. There have beenrumors of anAliasrebootfor years now, but it is yet to happen, although there is hope for its return.
1The Gentlemen
Starring: Kaya Scodelario & Theo James
2024’s The Gentlemenis a follow-on from Guy Ritchie’s 2019 movie of the same name, andthe show further delves into the world of drug dealing hidden behind a world of socialities and wealth.Theo James portrays the show’s main character, Eddie Horniman, who inherits a huge estate from his father and discovers that his property is being used to grow marijuana. Behind this operation is Susie Glass, played by Kaya Scodelario, who takes over from her father while he is in prison.
Scodelario famously plays Effy Stonem inSkinsas a teenager before moving on to the likes of the sci-fi thrillerMoonand the 2011 adaptation ofWuthering Heights. James is primarily a movie actor, making his breakthrough inThe Inbetweeners Movieand theDivergentfilm trilogy. Both actors offer performances that are comical and intense, although Scodelario is the true stand out of the cast.The Gentleman’saction scenes are very gun-focused, but this works for the show’s storyline. But Scodelario’s character makes up for this, and she has fabulous chemistry with James.
