YouTube, an American streaming platform, is one of its kind; it is versatile with loads of easily accessible content, which is a perfect excuse for lounging on a bed all day with a bag of chips. Apart from fashion, beauty, and educational content, YouTube has an immense variety of entertaining action movies available at the tip toes of viewers.
Action movies are thrilling and mind-boggling, with many sequences leaving us with our jaws open. Action movies are, by far, the only genre that never lets you endure the misery of boredom. A good action movie is a key to happiness, indeed.
So, to satiate your action genre cravings, we have carefully enlisted some of the best free movies on YouTube, which you can gorge upon. So, sit back and relax and read this article till the end. Life is too short to spend research time.
Best Free Movies on YouTube:
There are many free movies on YouTube which are genuine and exciting. Find the best free movies on YouTube listed below:
31. Charlie Chaplin: The Tramp (1915)
- Directed by: Peter Altschuler
- Written by: Lindsay Law
- Star Cast: Charles Chaplin, Edna Purviance, Ernest Van Pelt
- Genre: Silent Comedy
- IMDb rating: 6.9/10
About Charlie Chaplin: The Tramp:
Charlie Chaplin flicks are hilarious, and the little Tramp is one such personality who has become a household name, all thanks to its popularity and ability to amuse the audience to the fullest. The Tramp is a funny character who often endures funny happenings.
All cherish his innocence and eventual wits to have a good laugh, which we even watch today. This ultimate dose of hilarious vintage humor is available on YouTube for free, waiting for you to serve its purpose.
30. The Princess Bride (1987)
- Directed by: Rob Reiner
- Written by: William Goldman
- Star Cast: Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn
- Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance
- IMDb rating: 8/10
About The Princess Bride:
Everybody loves a good bedtime story by grandpa or grandma for a good sleep. You can feel those heartwarming moments as a loving grandfather reads a generational story for his sickly grandchild in this drama film.
The book is quite interesting, though, with a princess and her presumed dead lover in the mystical city of Florian. It has drama and humor alongside the prettiest swords fighting and action sequences embedded in a soulful take on romance. For such excellent factors, this movie surely deserves a place in our list of free movies on YouTube.
29. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
- Directed by: George A. Romero
- Written by: John Russo
- Star Cast: Duane Jones, Judith O’Dea, Marilyn Eastman
- Genre: Sci-fi, Horror
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10
About Night of the Living Dead:
The original gangster film set the bars high for all zombie movies. Night of the Living Dead one of the greatest action films on YouTube has everything you can expect in a horror film, drama, thrill, dark atmosphere, and most importantly, zombies!
Although the movie is filled with cliche props such as an abandoned house, a group of clueless humans where every single person is dying in panic and tons of blood, it is still much more than that. It is a thrilling and out-of-the-world experience that leaves the audience amazed till the end.
Now, who doesn’t love a blood-gutted movie filled with Action, creepiness, and the horrors of gut-wrenching zombies, which was the beginning of the zombie cult we watch today?
28. Detour (1945)
- Directed by: Edgar G. Ulmer
- Written by: Martin Goldsmith
- Star cast: Tom Neal, Ann Savage
- Genre: Crime
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
About Detour:
Life is all about bad decisions which leave us with some unwanted consequences. Piano artist Al Roberts knows better. As his girlfriend looks forward to her future in Hollywood, Roberts’ only wish is to join her on her journey. He pleases to do so by hitchhiking to California, where things turn downhill for him as his accompanied driver meets with an accident.
His disguise changes into the driver to prevent trouble, but things are never as easy as it seems because a villain has entered his life. Detour is one of the greatest action films on YouTube and a film that is all about emotions overtaking conscience. It is a solid outcome of splendid performances, a suspenseful storyline, and a thrilling aspect of fate.
27. The Bat (1959)
- Directed by: Crane Wilbur
- Written by: Crane Wilbur
- Star Cast: Vincent Price, Agnes Moorehead, Darla Hood
- Genre: Crime, Mystery
- IMDb rating: 6/10
About The Bat:
Suckers for classic mysterious films would never be a disappointment when The Bat comes their way. A unique action movie on YouTube and the eerily pleasant film features a notorious killer on the loose who takes as many lives as possible, but it seems like the reality of this Bat is far more disturbing.
Now, who would want to miss the feel of chills of a crazy killer lurking freely in a spooky mansion? We certainly will not.
26. The Lady Vanishes (1979)
- Directed by: Anthony Page
- Written by: George Axelrod
- Star Cast: Elliott Gould, Cybill Shepherd, Angela Lansbury, Herbert Lom, Arthur Lowe
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Action
- IMDb rating: 6/10
The original movie was a classic movie starring Margaret Lockwood and Michael Redgrave. The Lady Vanishes is a remake set in the period before World War II took place.
The Lady Vanishes Plot:
A wandering young woman befriends a mysterious old lady who vanishes in thin air out of nowhere. As the fellow passengers deny the girl of her presence, an investigation takes place, revealing something dark and full of mystery.
25. The Hunt for Red October (1990)
- Directed by: John McTiernan
- Written by: Larry Ferguson
- Star Cast: Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, James Earl Jones
- Genre: Action, Thriller
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10
About The Hunt for Red October:
Director John McTiernan has produced many hits in his career span, and this movie is the best one he has come up with. Adapted from an action novel of the same name, this action movie has stunning sequences of thrill and suspense, which keep you at the edge of your seat. The movie is bang on with a military environment and a next ending question of what will happen next as the film reaches its climax.
24. From Paris with Love (2010)
- Directed by: Pierre Morel
- Written by: Adi Hasak
- Star Cast: John Travolta, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Kasia Smutniak
- Genre: Action, Thriller
- IMDb rating: 6.4/20
About From Paris with Love:
Usually, when we think of Paris, music, love, and the pink color form an image in our mind, but From Paris with Love believes otherwise. With a talented cast and outstanding execution of thoughts and creativity by the director, this film has emerged as a successful action movie entertaining in every way possible.
This eccentric tale of inevitable car chases, heartfelt violence, and never-ending fun has zero vacancies for disappointment. With fantastic acting and the stunning vibe of Paris, this film never gets you bored no matter how many times you decide to watch it.
23. Fanboys (2009)
- Directed by: Kyle Newman
- Written by: Ernest Cline, Adam F. Goldberg
- Star Cast: Jay Baruchel, Dan Fogler, Sam Huntington, Chris Marquette, Kristen Bell
- Genre: Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
About Fanboys:
We all are Fanboys of something and have our own story to tell, and this movie is about that. Featuring Star Wars fanatics who were all crazy in love with sci-fi enriched Star Wars during their high school times, meet at a reunion party, where three of them hardly have any maturing in life. Grown apart from the group of friends, Eric Bottler is the fourth Star Wars fanboy who heads to the famous Skywalker to fulfill the wishes of his dying best friend.
A lovely tale of friendship that emerged as a love letter to Star Wars, Fanboys is one of the best free movies on YouTube eligible to watch.
22. Steamboat Bill Jr. (1928)
- Directed by: Charles Reisner
- Written by: Carl Harbaugh
- Star Cast: Buster Keaton
- Genre: Action, Comedy
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10
About Steamboat Bill Jr:
Steamboat Jr has everything within itself, which does not need to be stingy with dialogues. It has competition, love, and humor. Love not only between the protagonist’s love interest but also between him and his father. His adventure on the Mississippi River town and his father’s aspiration to have a head-to-head face-off in his favor.
The movie is a joy-filled ride of emotions that continually changes its path throughout its course and can be watched on YouTube for free.
21. The 355 (2022)
- Directed by: Simon Kinberg
- Written by: Theresa Rebeck
- Star Cast: Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, Fan Bingbing
- Genre: Action
- IMDb rating: 5.4/10
About The 355:
Female-centric action movies are like a diamond in the rough; they are ridiculously underrated and hardly talked about, and trust me, The 355 is no exception. The 355 is a free deal of entertainment with a firm bunch of female superheroes all set in Action and adventure for a mission of retrieving a weapon falling into the hands of the unworthy.
Consisting of engaging dialogues and action arrangements that are simply out of this world, this film is undoubtedly one of the best free films known to watch on YouTube.
20. Nosferatu (1922)
- Directed by: F. W. Murnau
- Written by: Henrik Galeen
- Star Cast: Max Schreck, Gustav von Wangenheim, Greta Schröder, Alexander Granach
- Genre: Horror
- IMDb rating: 7.9/10
About Nosferatu:
Nosferatu became a household name as a successful adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Regarded as most one of the influential films of its time, Nosferatu takes us into the world of the eerie, mysterious and sinister nature of Vampires.
The movie is set in the intense and creepy atmosphere of Transylvania when a deal of selling property turns sinisterly wrong for Thomas Hutter as the client looking forward to buying property nearby turns out to be his worst nightmare come true, The Nosferatu.
19. Train to Busan (2016)
- Directed by: Yeon Sang-ho
- Written by: Park Joo-suk
- Star Cast: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok, Kim Su-an, Choi Woo-shik
- Genre: Action, Horror
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
About Train to Busan:
A trip to death is through the Train to Busan. Zombies are grossly terrifying, and one would never want to encounter one in the middle of a journey. What if these horrors come true in the life of a father-daughter duo on their way back to Busan?
This zombie film featuring loads of Action and terrifying zombies has a lot to tell you, as the passengers aboard Train to Busan turn into meat-devouring zombies and the normal ones have slim chances of survival.
18. Sunrise (1927)
- Directed by: F. W. Murnau
- Written by: Carl Mayer
- Star Cast: Janet Gaynor, George O’Brien, Margaret Livingston
- Genre: Romance, Thriller
- IMDb rating: 8.1/10
About Sunrise:
Let us take you back to when simple movies with simple characters existed with not so simple context. The Sunrise is a film about a bored countryman, The Man, seduced by the city girl, The Woman. The already married man looks forward to getting rid of his wife but fails.
The film later shows how their romance is rekindled, with the woman stepping out of her lover’s life, only never to return. This crooked silent movie sheds light on society’s aspects with a touch of romance. It is powerful and overwhelming in which all the actors have played their parts to perfection.
YouTube Movies Which you Need to buy:
Apart from free movies on YouTube, some are payable. Some good things come at a cost, and films are no exception. Well, we know you might need to pay to watch these masterpieces, but we assure you they will be worth it:
17. The Paper Tigers (2020)
- Directed by: Bao Tran
- Written by: Bao Tran
- Star Cast: Alain Uy, Ron Yuan, Mykel Shannon Jenkins
- Genre: Action, Comedy
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10
About The Paper Tigers:
Flick Vault channel on YouTube is the home to many good movies, and The Paper Tigers is one of them. Director Bao Trans marked his directorial debut with this martial arts film revolving around three men of a skillful past and their quest to gain that skill back for the sake of avenging their master’s death.
This film, about the aspects of friendship and never-ending will to fight, is an inspiring deal for our youth, comprising of a splendid set of characters and a powerful storyline followed by hints of humor.
16. Commando (1985)
- Directed by: Mark L. Lester
- Written by: Steven E. de Souza
- Star Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rae Dawn Chong, Alyssa Milano
- Genre: Action
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10
About Commando:
A beautiful father-daughter tale of love, greed, and emotions with fight scenes that can blow up your mind, Commando was one of the most popular films way ahead of his time.
Arnold Schwarzenegger played the character of John Matrix, which, let us admit, made us all head over heels for him. John’s ultimate motive of living a life of privacy is interrupted when his beloved daughter Jenny is kidnapped in return for a wish. The movie goes on with John embarking on the path of destruction to retrieve his daughter from the evil hands
15. Top Gun (1986)
- Directed by: Tony Scott
- Written by: Jim Cash
- Star Cast: Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- IMDb rating: 6.9/10
About Top Gun:
Another work of director Tony Scott which is over the top and has entertainment based in its core, Top Gun, is a story of an intense institute where only the best of all could be trained to emerge as the most incredible flyers of all times. The top Gun institute is now welcoming a new mischievous addition to its strength of prodigies.
The kid is sharp but carefree, not likable to the others who compete. This competition to become the best face of a pilot is not the only goal of this carefree hero; wooing his beautiful flight instructor is also his priority,
14. Ip Man (2008)
- Directed by: Wilson Yip
- Written by: Edmond Wong
- Star Cast: Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, Lynn Hung, Gordon Lam, Fan Siu-wong
- Genre: Action, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 8/10
Ip Man Plot:
Wing Chun Grandmaster Ip is living in poverty post-Sino-Japanese War until a Japanese official instructs him how to use his talent well. Ip man is a unique take on Wing Chun’s expertise in Ip’s life journey, about the tribals and tribulations he endured to emerge as the ultimate G.O.A.T. The storyline is dense and powerful, showcasing how a commoner became an unforgettable legend, opened a martial arts school, and mentored the one and only Hollywood legend, Bruce Lee.
13. Twister (1996)
- Directed by: Jan de Bont
- Written by: Michael Crichton
- Star Cast: Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, Jami Gertz, Cary Elwes
- Genre: Action, Disaster
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10
About Twister:
Action-filled disaster movies are simply incredible. Twister is one of those amazing action films on YouTube that has an excellent addition to this adventure-filled subgenre, dealing with the wrath of thunderstorms and gusts of wind that could blow away your mind, literally!
Dust and debris are nature’s source material which, when turned into a storm approaching humanity nearby, could have horrendous outcomes as we see this movie has to offer. Twister features a storm chaser and his divorced wife as they struggle to prevent a disaster from sweeping away their livelihood, with the professor’s students in significant roles.
12. Die Hard (1988)
- Directed by: John McTiernan
- Written by: Jeb Stuart
- Star Cast: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Alexander Godunov
- Genre: Action
- IMDb rating: 8.2/10
Roderick Thorp’s novel Nothing Lasts Forever has its screen adaptation in the form of this movie named Die hard.
Die Hard Plot:
Die-hard is indeed one of the finest films Hollywood has to offer, with a handsome and sturdy police detective in the role of the protagonist. The police detective and his family were all set to celebrate Christmas, but all their celebrations turned into horrors as they were caught amid a terror attack, where no one could save them except for McClane himself.
Die Hard is a brilliant and the most watched action film on YouTube with an intriguing plot available to watch on YouTube now.
11. Live Free or Die Hard (2007)
- Directed by: Len Wiseman
- Written by: Roderick Thorp, John Carlin, Mark Bomback
- Star Cast: Bruce Willis, Timothy Olyphant, Cliff Curtis, Justin Long, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Maggie Q
- Genre: Thriller, Action
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10
- Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
You can buy or rent this movie on YouTube. Live Free or Die Hard is a well-known American action film, it is a part of the Die Hard series. McClane’s catchphrase in the film, “Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker” gained a lot of attention and love from the viewers.
Live Free or Die Hard Plot:
John McClane is given the task of tracking down an internet-based terrorist, Thomas Gabriel by the director of FBI’s Cyber Crime Division. He teams up with a white hat hacker named Matthew Farrell to find the culprit of cyber-attack, Thomas.
10. Taken 2 (2012)
- Directed by: Olivier Megaton
- Written by: Luc Besson
- Star Cast: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen
- Genre: Action
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10
About Taken 2:
The second installment in the taken series is an action-packed adventure with a thrilling and engaging storyline, good locations, and cinematography that looks breathtaking in every way possible. Bryan Mills is played by Liam Neeson, who has served his role as the protagonist in the best way possible.
Filled with well-choreographed action sequences and different points of view, Taken 2 is a sweet tale of revenge and insurance of survival which makes you hooked till the end as you watch how the story unfolds.
9. The Brothers Grimsby (2016)
- Directed by: Louis Leterrier
- Written by: Sacha Baron Cohen
- Star Cast: Sacha Baron Cohen, Mark Strong, Rebel Wilson, Penélope Cruz
- Genre: Action, Comedy
- IMDb rating: 8.2/10
About The Brothers Grimsby:
Emerging as a hilarious spoof of spy-themed movies, The Brothers Grimsby tells you all that you need to have a good laugh with its violent and explicit elements, which are not only ridiculously funny but also a light-hearting way of looking around things through the eyes of a dim-witted father of nine children and lover of a pretty girlfriend.
This movie has some measures of funniness, which could be extreme for a few, but those who bear with it laugh their heart out. Watch this movie on YouTube to have a really “good” time.
8. Splash (1984)
- Directed by: Ron Howard
- Written by: Brian Grazer
- Star Cast: Tom Hanks, Daryl Hannah, Eugene Levy, John Candy
- Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
About Splash:
Action movies on YouTube with a great storyline are usually inconvenient to find, and one such hidden gem is the works of director Ron Howard. The film is about mysterious sects of love setting place in the depths of the ocean. Tom Hanks stars as a depressed, breakup-enduring guy who wills to go on a rebound trip to Cape Cod.
As he does, a childhood scenario of a life-saving encounter happens, which changes his future forever. The world of mermaids and the ambition of an eccentric scientist comes to light in this beautiful tale of love, which is undoubtedly a must-watch film if you’re keen on watching something out of the box.
7. The Equalizer (2014)
- Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
- Written by: Richard Wenk
- Star Cast: Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour
- Genre: Action
- IMDb ratings: 7.2/10
About The Equalizer:
A man with a dark past sets a good supporting background for an action movie, and The Equalizer is all about it. It is one of the most watched action films on YouTube with a mysterious and cold Robert with a hiding past who is ready to give up everything he ever had. But his pace towards a new beginning is delayed by a bitter-sweet encounter.
The fellow stranger is a troubled teenager with no gain in her life. Her misery cannot be ignored, and emerges the protagonist as the dark avenging hero, ready to take down anyone who comes his way.
6. Maze Runner (2014)
- Directed by: Wes Ball
- Written by: Noah Oppenheim
- Star Cast: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Will Poulter
- Genre: Science fiction, Action
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10
The Maze Runner is the best action film on YouTube so far.
About Maze Runner:
It has so much to offer in its course that it is often overwhelming to think about. It features a good lad, Thomas, landing in the middle of nowhere with no hold of his memory. As his life progresses in this mysterious environment, he looks to find a way out with his companions, only to discover that they all are nothing but exhibits of a grave experiment.
5. No Time to Die (2021)
- Directed by: Cary Joji Fukunaga
- Written by: Neal Purvis
- Star Cast: Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux, Lashana Lynch, Ben Whishaw
- Genre: Action, Thriller
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10
About No Time to Die:
Ian Fleming’s James Bond comes to life when No Time to Die comes into Action. The witty detective James Bond now enjoys a “normal” way of living after leaving active service, but this normal-ness is short-lived when a good friend has some help to ask for. No one can deny a good friend. Hence Bond is missioned to find a missing scientist, which is not as easy a task as it seems…
The film has adequate plot holes and an exciting premise, ending Daniel Craig’s tenure as James Bond 007, which certainly makes this movie unforgettable.
4. Déjà Vu (2006)
- Directed by: Tony Scott
- Written by: Bill Marsilio
- Star Cast: Denzel Washington, Val Kilmer, Paula Patton, Bruce Greenwood, Adam Goldberg, Jim Caviezel
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
About Déjà Vu:
Déjà Vu is the greatest action films available on YouTube that comprises well-choreographed action scenes that have drawn viewers’ attention towards its brilliant course of the screenplay, which is about a kick-ass A.T.F. agent with a mission to capture a terrorist before a terrible tragedy happens.
Featuring time travel fueled by superb direction and brilliant performances by the cast and crew, Déjà Vu stands out in a crowd of science fiction thrillers of its time.
New Movies Which are Recently been Added to YouTube:
Here are some of the recently added movies on YouTube, which are definitely worth a watch film:
3. School of Rock (2003)
- Directed by: Richard Linklater
- Written by: Mike White
- Star Cast: Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White, Sarah Silverman
- Genre: Comedy
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10
An action movie needs not necessarily be serious, and School of Rock proves that.
School of Rock Plot:
A substitute teacher finds his class transformed into the most badass rap geniuses after being kicked out of his very own band. This solid transformation of his sophisticated students into hard punk rocks does not go up to the likes of the principal, and it looks like he has something in his mind and from there starts a redemption, never heard or seen by any to date.
As it goes by its name, the movie is rocky and cheeky. The music master Finn is an absolute winner, and so are his hardworking students. Their band is all set to rock. Are you ready to witness?
2. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
- Directed by: Stephen Herek
- Written by: Chris Matheson, Ed Solomon
- Star Cast: Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, Robert V. Barron, Terry Camilleri, Clifford David
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Failing history could have consequences, and those consequences are what two high schoolers find hindering their way to forming a successful band.
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure Plot:
Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves) suck at history, which would make the military school their new means of education. To prevent such a catastrophe, they meet a time traveler whose future depends upon the foundation of their band.
With the help of this helping stranger, Bill and Ted are now on a fun journey to travel to important parts of history. Returning with significant historical figures, they aspire to conclude their final history project to save the future.
1. A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
- Directed by: Sergio Leone
- Written by: Adriano Bolzoni
- Star Cast: Clint Eastwood, Marianne Koch, Josef Egger, Wolfgang Lukschy, John Wells, Daniel Martín
- Genre: Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Be ready to witness the never-ending rivalry between two criminal families in this action movie on YouTube filled with drama.
A Fistful of Dollars Plot:
The film starts with an unnamed stranger who travels to the Mexican town of San Miguel. The stranger is keen to make more money by making the rivals go crazy in a face-off, but his life becomes nothing less than a rollercoaster when a local woman comes his way.
With power-packed performances by the star cast, the film offers some surprisingly good action elements, which make us wonder to what extent the stranger will go for the sake of a fistful of dollars.
