A good action show can turn anyone’s day around. Kinetic choreography in a series like Reacher or Daredevil informs the motivations of its characters while injecting excitement between quieter moments. Some stories even push the limits of what action looks like on television, like Prime Video’s The Boys, which approaches the superhero genre through a viscerally satirical lens.
Unfortunately, all of the aforementioned shows require a paid subscription if you wish to enjoy them. If you’re on the lookout for action titles that can be streamed for free on Pluto TV, Tubi, or Roku, look no further. Here are the five best action shows that can be streamed online at no extra cost.
1
Ash vs Evil Dead
Where to watch: Pluto TV/Roku
Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead trilogy puts Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) through the wringer. Just when you think his trials are over, Ash vs Evil Dead forces an older Ash to combat Deadites 30 years after the ending of Army of Darkness. This time, however, Ash isn’t alone, as sidekicks Pablo (Ray Santiago) and Kelly (Dana DeLorenzo) join his cause. Although Ash is initially reluctant to let go of the peace that came with decades of mundanity, he must take accountability after accidentally unleashing a Deadite plague after reading passages from the Book of the Dead to impress a woman.
Ash vs Evil Dead retains some of the zany extremities of Raimi’s Evil Dead movies, which extends to the gore-filled action featured across three seasons. The action in question is also over-the-top, with Ash frequently attaching a chainsaw and double-barreled shotgun to his wrist stump to kill Deadites in style. The pacing is chaotic, in keeping with the impressive practical effects that create blood-soaked explosions and dismemberments onscreen. Although Ash vs Evil Dead is quite heavy on action, it also slows down to flesh out its core trio. Ash is still a victim of survivor’s guilt and experiences deep regret for not doing enough over the years.
2
Into the Badlands
Where to watch: Roku/Hoopla
Before Alfred Gough and Miles Millar created Netflix’s Wednesday, they made Into the Badlands, a post-apocalyptic action drama with exceptional fight choreography. Set 500 years in the future, Into the Badlands follows a society that has shunned firearms. The territory known as the Badlands experiences a power vacuum, exposing the corrupt hierarchy of a civilization that thrives on oppression. Amid this chaos, Sunny (Daniel Wu) rescues a teenage boy named M.K. (Aramis Knight), only to discover that the child possesses a supernatural power that has origins outside the Badlands.
In this world, combat is strictly restricted to melee and hand-to-hand fighting. Gough and Millar take their inspiration from classic Hong Kong cinema and Wuxia films with action segments that are inventive and thoroughly rehearsed, allowing viewers to appreciate how each character navigates the unforgiving world around them. The martial arts alone are a compelling aspect of Into the Badlands, but the show also has a unique post-apocalyptic setting going for it. The hierarchical system of feudal society lends to complex worldbuilding, which feeds into the motivations of those who belong to each tier.
3
Naruto
Where to watch: Tubi/Roku
Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto is a quintessential battle shonen. The story follows Naruto Uzumaki, an orphaned child growing up in the Hidden Leaf village. Treated like an outsider by almost everyone in the village, Naruto spends his formative years causing mischief in a bid to attract attention and alleviate his loneliness. After Naruto becomes a part of Team Seven alongside Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, he gradually learns the nuances of becoming a ninja and the truth behind his lineage.
Naruto is chock-full of lighthearted comedy, especially in episodes that are considered filler. That said, it is a love letter to action in animation, reflected in the painstakingly choreographed fights that are both stunning and dynamic. As everybody in Naruto heavily relies on ninja techniques known as jutsu, their fighting styles reveal their worldviews. Battle is immensely strategic, acting as an elaborate psychological challenge that warrants more than skill and brute strength. Watching Naruto and his allies improve their physical prowess is immensely satisfying, especially within the context of their emotional growth in Naruto: Shippuden.
4
Stargate Atlantis
Where to watch: Pluto TV
A spin-off of the beloved Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis follows the discovery of the legendary city of Atlantis, which is swiftly investigated by an international crew sent by the Stargate Command. Major John Sheppard (Joe Flanigan) and his military team use the extraterrestrial device known as Stargate to travel across distant planets in the galaxy, but the lost city of Atlantis becomes a special point of interest.
Although Stargate Atlantis is an offshoot of an SG-1 plotline, prior knowledge of the franchise isn’t necessary to enjoy this action-packed sci-fi series. The show also stars a young Jason Momoa as Ronon Dex, who becomes an integral part of Sheppard’s crew. The action in Atlantis feels high-stakes and fast-paced, as the crew encounters various alien civilizations, some of whom are hostile, like the Wraiths who feed on human life force. Moreover, the threats faced by the Atlantis crew are relentless, prompting everyone to rely on tactical strikes and on-the-fly solutions instead of traditional combat.
5
Miami Vice
Where to watch: Tubi
Miami Vice revolutionized television with its pastel-tinted visual aesthetic and music video-esque approach to kinetic violence. A gripping police procedural that stood out in the sea of genre titles in the 1980s, Miami Vice follows detective sergeants James “Sonny” Crockett (Don Johnson) and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas). Although the initial seasons of the show keep things lighthearted, Crockett and Tubbs encounter increasingly troubling cases while running into corrupt officials and morally grey scenarios. While some of these storylines run the risk of appearing cheesy, Miami Vice sports a brand of sincerity that makes these stylized episodes feel special.
The action in Miami Vice is heightened and unsubtle, often taking dramatic turns to drive the tragedy home. Between violent shootouts and chase sequences lie stories that are more complex than they seem. The neon-tinted streets of Miami become the hotbed of crime for a reason, with individuals desperately trying to survive or find meaning. No matter what the motivation might be, Crockett and Tubbs are forced to contend with the existential futility of crimefighting undercover. They are deeply aware of the reasons behind human suffering, but can do little else except bring people to justice before it is too late.
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