Looking for a heart-pounding TV series that combines the best of action and suspense? Look no further! Action thrillers are an absolute rollercoaster ride, keeping you hooked throughout. Whether you prefer the thrill of a high-octane chase or the nail-biting tension of a suspenseful plot, these shows have got it all.
In today’s ever-expanding world of action thrillers, prepare to be blown away. Dive into gripping comic book adaptations like Punisher and Legion, or venture into the realm of chilling horror series like The Purge. But let’s not forget the timeless classics that paved the way, such as Prison Break and Alias. These shows have stood the test of time and continue to mesmerize audiences with their thrilling storylines.
So, which action thriller shows strike the perfect balance between heart-pounding action and gripping storytelling? It’s time for you to have your say! Share your favorites and let’s uncover the ones that don’t quite deliver the thrills and excitement we crave.
And hold onto your seat because we’ve got some electrifying additions to the mix. Brace yourself for the latest must-watch shows: Mirzapur, Harlan Coben’s Shelter, and Special Ops: Lioness. These new arrivals are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat and make your TV nights even more exhilarating.
Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled and suspenseful TV experience. Add these top action thriller series to your watchlist and prepare for an unforgettable ride!
1. Prison Break
Prison Break was a seriously gripping series that came out in the mid-2000s and it totally hooked people from all over the globe. It had this crazy story about two brothers who were trying to break out of this super hardcore prison, and man, it was intense! Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell absolutely killed it with their performances, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats and craving more of those shocking plot twists.
Premiered: August 29, 2005
Actors: Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, Sarah Wayne Callies
2. Daredevil
Daredevil, a beloved Marvel character, is bursting with thrilling action, a captivatingly dark atmosphere, and intriguing characters. Charlie Cox brilliantly portrays the blind superhero, Matt Murdock, in this Netflix original series, resulting in an unforgettable showdown in Hell’s Kitchen.
Premiered: April 10, 2015
Actors: Charlie Cox, Elodie Yung, Deborah Ann Woll
3. Special Ops: Lioness
Joe strives to find a balance between her personal and professional life while serving as the CIA’s leading force.
Premiered: July 23, 2023
Actors: Zoe Saldana, Laysla De Oliveira, Michael Kelly
4. The Punisher
The Punisher is part of Marvel’s impressive TV universe. Jon Bernthal delivers an electrifying performance as Frank Castle, a vigilante who is out for revenge after his family is tragically murdered. This show is packed with adrenaline, leaving viewers spellbound with its brutal violence, intense emotions, and complex plot twists.
Premiered: November 17, 2017
Actors: Jon Bernthal, Ben Barnes, Amber Rose Revah
5. The Night Agent
The Night Agent takes us on a thrilling journey into the treacherous world of espionage, where our protagonists race against time to unravel nefarious schemes that pose a serious threat to our nation’s security. With a captivating allure, this series plunges us into the secretive realm of spies, danger, and deceit.
Premiered: March 23, 2023
Actors: Gabriel Basso, Luciane Buchanan, Hong Chau
6. The Terminal List
The Terminal List is an incredibly captivating story of military intrigue that revolves around a Navy SEAL. This relentless protagonist uncovers perilous secrets while tirelessly pursuing the truth. With its non-stop action and gripping narrative, this series keeps viewers completely engrossed from beginning to end.
Premiered: July 1, 2022
Actors: Chris Pratt, Constance Wu, Taylor Kitsch
7. Jack Ryan
Let me tell you about Jack Ryan. It’s based on Tom Clancy’s famous books and it’s one heck of a ride through the world of espionage. John Krasinski does an amazing job bringing CIA analyst Jack Ryan to life, giving us a character who’s smart and tough in equal measure. This action thriller is top-notch.
Premiered: August 31, 2018
Actors: John Krasinski, Wendell Pierce, Noomi Rapace
8. Reacher
Reacher is a TV series that’s adapted from Lee Child’s super popular novels. It throws viewers right into the thrilling world of Jack Reacher, a mysterious hero who’s always on a mission for justice. Our main guy is constantly on the run, facing danger at every turn. And let me tell you, his smarts and cleverness are really put to the test!
Premiered: February 4, 2022
Actors: Alan Ritchson, Willa Fitzgerald, Malcolm Goodwin
9. Banshee
Banshee, this captivating TV series, takes place in a quaint little town that’s bursting with secrets. It truly struck a chord with viewers, thanks to its thrilling storyline centered around a former convict who decides to take on the persona of a deceased sheriff. Antony Starr’s irresistible charisma and unwavering determination to restore order amidst all the mayhem made for an incredibly exciting viewing experience, especially for those who adore action-packed stories.
Premiered: January 11, 2013
Actors: Ivana Milicevic, Antony Starr, Ulrich Thomsen
10. FUBAR
FUBAR is an intense military series that showcases the gripping blend of chaos and camaraderie on the battlefield. In the face of dangerous challenges, soldiers experience adrenaline-fueled moments that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Prepare to witness heart-pounding explosive combat and suspenseful situations.
Premiered: May 25, 2023
Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Monica Barbaro, Jay Baruchel
11. 24
24, the iconic series, completely changed the game for gripping TV shows. Kiefer Sutherland’s unforgettable portrayal of the action hero Jack Bauer made every second count in the heart-pounding race against time to protect the world from terror.
Premiered: November 6, 2001
Actors: Kiefer Sutherland, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Cherry Jones
