When people talk about modern action television, names like Reacher , The Boys , and Jack Ryan dominate the conversation. These blockbuster hits deserve their popularity, but they've also overshadowed a number of incredible action-driven series that never got the same spotlight. Some of these shows only lasted a couple of seasons, while others ran longer but remained underappreciated. What unites them all is the fact that they deliver gripping fight sequences, memorable characters, and stories that deserve a much bigger audience.
If you're looking for high-octane series that blend intense action with strong storytelling, this list highlights eight underrated gems that should be on your radar. From post-apocalyptic martial arts epics to stylish espionage thrillers, these shows prove that the best action on TV isn't always the most talked about.
1. Into the Badlands (2015–2019).png "1. Into the Badlands (2015–2019)")
.png "1. Into the Badlands (2015–2019)")
Martial arts are some of the most exciting fighting styles to watch on screen, and Into the Badlands takes that energy to the next level. With dazzling fight choreography and an imaginative world, this AMC series stands out as one of the most visually stunning action dramas of the last decade.
The story follows Sunny (played by Daniel Wu), a skilled warrior living in a feudal, post-apocalyptic future. When he meets a mysterious boy, he becomes entangled in the dangerous power struggles between rival barons and warlords. While the series immediately hooks viewers with its fight sequences, the plot deepens with each season, giving the action even greater emotional weight.
What makes Into the Badlands unique is its retro-futuristic design . Although set in the future, the world feels medieval, filled with swords, hand-to-hand combat, and brutal power struggles. It embraces gore and violence while balancing the spectacle with real heart. For fans of martial arts cinema, this show is an absolute must-watch.
2. Dark Angel (2000–2002)
Genres: Action, Drama, Mystery
Rating: 9.5/10
Before Jessica Alba became a Hollywood star, she headlined Dark Angel , a sci-fi action series co-created by James Cameron. Despite lasting only two seasons, the show built a loyal fanbase and remains a cult favorite for those who appreciate its ambitious storytelling.
The premise follows Max, a genetically enhanced woman who escapes from a government facility. Gifted with extraordinary abilities, she navigates a futuristic dystopia while searching for her missing "siblings" who were also part of the experiment. Along the way, she balances a life of secrecy, survival, and rebellion.
The series mixed superhero themes with cyberpunk style , years before shows like Heroes or The Umbrella Academy made superpowered individuals mainstream on TV. Although often overlooked compared to hits like Buffy the Vampire Slayer , Dark Angel offered some of the best action sequences of its era. Alba's performance and the show's layered mysteries still make it worth revisiting today.
3. See (2019–2022).png "See (2019–2022)")
.png "See (2019–2022)")
Genres: Sci-Fi, Action, Drama
Rating: 8.5/10
Apple TV+ has been steadily building a reputation for quality sci-fi, and See is one of the strongest examples of its commitment to big, bold ideas. Led by Jason Momoa, this series imagines a world centuries in the future where humanity has lost the ability to see. Society has adapted, but when twins are born with vision, their existence threatens to upend the fragile balance of power.
Momoa stars as Baba Voss, a fierce warrior and devoted father who must protect the children from those who would exploit or destroy them. The show mixes world-building with brutal, inventive action sequences that take full advantage of Momoa's physical presence.
While the first season spends time laying the groundwork for the lore, the payoff comes in later episodes, where the story dives deeper into themes of survival, leadership, and family. The combination of stunning landscapes, gritty battles, and a unique premise makes See a standout in the crowded action genre.
4. Warrior Nun (2020–2022).png "Warrior Nun (2020–2022)")
.png "Warrior Nun (2020–2022)")
Genres: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Supernatural
Rating: 9.2/10
Warrior Nun may have been short-lived, but in its two seasons, it built a passionate fanbase and cemented itself as one of Netflix's most unique fantasy-action offerings. The series follows Ava Silva (Alba Baptista), a young woman who wakes up with mysterious powers and discovers she is chosen to fight demons as part of a secret order of warrior nuns.
Blending religion, mythology, and fantasy action , the show delivered intense battles and emotional character arcs. While comparisons to Buffy the Vampire Slayer are inevitable, Warrior Nun forged its own identity with striking visuals and a strong ensemble cast.
Despite its cancellation, the show remains worth watching for its daring mix of genres and its central heroine, who grows from a reluctant fighter into a powerful leader. Fans continue to campaign for its revival, proving that its impact has outlived its short run.
5. Colony (2016–2018).jpg "Colony (2016–2018)")
.jpg "Colony (2016–2018)")
Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
Rating: 8.5/10
From the creators of Lost came Colony , a sci-fi drama that deserved far more recognition than it received. Starring Josh Holloway, the show takes place in Los Angeles after an alien invasion has divided the city into controlled zones.
Holloway plays Will Bowman, a former FBI agent forced to collaborate with the occupying forces in order to protect his family. Meanwhile, he secretly works with the resistance, creating a tense double life filled with espionage, betrayal, and moral dilemmas.
What makes Colony stand out is how it uses science fiction as a metaphor for real-world issues like oppression, collaboration, and rebellion. The action sequences are sharp, but the drama of divided loyalties is what keeps viewers hooked. Over three seasons, the show slowly reveals the larger mysteries behind the aliens and their goals, rewarding patient fans with clever storytelling.
6. Watchmen (2019).jpg "Watchmen (2019)")
.jpg "Watchmen (2019)")
Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Superhero
Rating: 7.8/10
HBO's Watchmen was bold, ambitious, and cut tragically short after just one season. Rather than retelling the original graphic novel, the series built a modern continuation of Alan Moore's story, tackling themes of racism, extremism, and the dangers of unchecked power.
Regina King delivered a powerhouse performance as Angela Abar, also known as Sister Night, a masked vigilante navigating a world where superheroes and police blur moral lines. The show balanced high-stakes action with weighty political commentary, making it one of the most thought-provoking action dramas of the last decade.
While some fans were divided over its creative liberties, Watchmen proved that superhero storytelling can be deeply relevant to real-world issues. Its cancellation left many wanting more, but the single season remains a masterclass in how to mix action, character depth, and social critique.
7. Lioness (2023–Present).jpg "Lioness (2023–Present)")
.jpg "Lioness (2023–Present)")
Genres: Action, Crime
Rating: 9.6/10
Created by Taylor Sheridan, the mind behind Yellowstone and Mayor of Kingstown , Lioness is a globetrotting espionage thriller that deserves far more buzz. The series centers on undercover female operatives navigating dangerous missions that blend personal sacrifice with political intrigue.
With Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldaña among its leads, the show brings star power alongside explosive set pieces. Like Sheridan's other works, Lioness has a distinctive visual style, immersing viewers in tense environments where every choice carries life-or-death consequences.
Although it doesn't reinvent the spy genre, the show excels at character-driven action , using its performances and direction to elevate familiar tropes. With new seasons planned and an anthology format that introduces fresh stories, Lioness is only getting started.
8. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024–Present).jpg "Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024–Present)")
.jpg "Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024–Present)")
Genres: Action, Crime
Rating: 9.6/10
Prime Video's Mr. & Mrs. Smith reimagines the 2005 action-comedy film as a serialized spy drama. Starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, the show pairs strangers as a married couple working for a secretive spy agency. Their missions are dangerous, but the real tension comes from the evolving relationship between the two leads.
The series cleverly combines romance, espionage, and action , using each high-stakes mission as a backdrop for exploring themes of trust, love, and betrayal. Glover and Erskine's chemistry makes the first season unforgettable, even as the anthology format prepares to introduce new leads in season two.
By focusing as much on the emotional stakes as the physical battles, Mr. & Mrs. Smith distinguishes itself from other spy dramas. It's smart, stylish, and surprisingly heartfelt—proving that action can be just as much about relationships as explosions.
Final Thoughts
Action television is often judged by its spectacle—explosions, shootouts, and big-budget battles. But the eight shows above demonstrate that the best action is about more than just adrenaline . These series succeed because they combine thrilling set pieces with strong storytelling, layered characters, and bold themes.
Whether it's the martial arts brilliance of Into the Badlands , the dystopian vision of See , or the romantic espionage of Mr. & Mrs. Smith , each of these shows offers something unique that mainstream hits often overlook. If you're tired of rewatching the same big-name series, dive into these hidden gems. Chances are, you'll find your next obsession where you least expect it.
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