After Heads of State: 10 Must-See Action Movies Streaming Now on Prime Video

The explosive chemistry between Idris Elba and John Cena in Heads of State has reignited fans’ appetite for high-stakes action—and Prime Video delivers. When Air Force One crashes in this adrenaline-fueled thriller, the British PM and U.S. President must overcome mutual disdain to survive terrorist forces. Elba himself lamented the film’s streaming-only release, telling Collider in April 2024: “The scale deserves the big screen.” Yet for viewers craving more cinematic mayhem, Prime Video houses spectacular alternatives. Here are 10 essential action films to stream after Heads of State, curated for maximum impact.

Why Heads of State Sets a New Bar for Buddy Action

Heads of State elevates the genre by blending geopolitical tension with brutal combat choreography. Director Ilya Naishuller (Nobody) stages breathtaking aerial sequences and close-quarters fights that showcase Elba’s tactical precision and Cena’s brute strength. Their reluctant partnership—echoing their dynamic in 2021’s The Suicide Squad—transforms political rivalry into survival symbiosis. Industry analysts note the film’s $140 million global gross (via Box Office Mojo, May 2024) reflects resurgent demand for original action IPs. For Prime subscribers, it’s a gateway to deeper genre explorations, from martial arts epics to sci-fi showdowns.

Prime Video’s Top 10 Action Movies to Watch Next

1. Léon: The Professional (1994)
   Jean Reno’s solitary hitman protects Natalie Portman’s orphaned Mathilda in Luc Besson’s gritty masterpiece. The film redefined assassin narratives with its emotional depth and balletic violence.
2. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
   Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic T-800 defends future leader John Connor (Edward Furlong) against Robert Patrick’s shape-shifting T-1000. James Cameron’s VFX revolution remains unmatched.
3. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
   Tom Cruise performs death-defying stunts as Ethan Hunt races to prevent nuclear attacks. The first Mission film nominated for Oscars (Best Sound/Visual Effects).
4. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
   Uma Thurman’s vengeful Bride battles Lucy Liu’s Yakuza boss in Quentin Tarantino’s homage to martial arts cinema. The Crazy 88 fight scene is legendary.
5. The Bourne Identity (2002)
   Matt Damon’s amnesiac assassin hunts his past in Doug Liman’s game-changing spy thriller. Its handheld combat influenced the James Bond reboot.
6. Fast Five (2011)
   Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson clash in Rio’s favelas during a $100 million heist. The film grossed $626 million worldwide (Universal Studios report).
7. The Equalizer (2014)
   Denzel Washington’s retired operative dismantles Russian mobsters with brutal precision. Antoine Fuqua’s direction highlights tactical ingenuity.
8. Wrath of Man (2021)
   Jason Statham’s mysterious “H” dominates Guy Ritchie’s heist thriller. Jeffrey Donovan co-stars in this $104 million hit (MGM data).
9. Looper (2012)
   Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis collide in Rian Johnson’s time-bending hitman saga. A cerebral twist on action conventions.
10. The Outlaws (2017)
    Ma Dong-seok’s detective battles Chinese-Korean gangs in Seoul’s underworld. Praised for visceral fight scenes and moral complexity.

From Léon’s emotional precision to Fallout’s aerial theatrics, these Prime Video action essentials prove streaming platforms rival theaters for spectacle. Dive into these 10 adrenaline masterpieces tonight—your next favorite thriller awaits at the click of a button.

Must Know

Q: Is Heads of State based on true events?
A: No, it’s fictional. Screenwriters Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec crafted an original “worst-case scenario” where geopolitical foes unite against terrorists, inspired by real diplomatic tensions.

Q: What makes Prime Video action movies unique?
A: Prime licenses cult classics (Léon) and funds high-budget originals (The Terminal List), offering diverse subgenres—martial arts, sci-fi, spy thrillers—unmatched by competitors.

Q: Are these movies available globally?
A: Availability varies by region, but most titles stream in 200+ countries. Check Prime Video’s “Action” category for localized libraries.

Q: Which Heads of State actor has the best action resume?
A: Both excel: Elba in Beasts of No Nation (2015) and Cena in Fast X (2023). Their combined filmography spans 50+ action credits.

Q: Will Heads of State get a sequel?
A: Producer Peter Safran confirmed story discussions but noted its success will dictate follow-ups. The film trended #1 in 75 countries post-release.

Q: What’s the most rewatchable action movie here?
A: Terminator 2 remains a benchmark. The American Film Institute ranked it among the top 50 thrillers of all time in 2023.