top Action and adventure TV Shows: Let’s face it — sometimes we want comfort TV, and sometimes we want explosions, espionage, and morally grey characters making questionable decisions in high-stakes situations. If you fall into the latter camp (even occasionally), Amazon Prime Video has a surprisingly impressive roster of action and adventure shows that deliver exactly that — and then some.
From reboots that exceed expectations to globe-spanning spy thrillers, here are five shows on Prime that bring the kind of pulse-pounding energy that keeps you clicking “Next Episode” until it’s suddenly 3 a.m.
top 5 Action and adventure TV Shows on Amazon Prime
Reacher
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Watch if you like: Vigilante justice, no-nonsense heroes, minimal talking but maximum impact
There’s something oddly satisfying about a giant ex-military guy walking into a corrupt town and single-handedly flipping the system upside down. Reacher is exactly that — simple, gritty, and wildly entertaining. When Jack Reacher is falsely accused of murder, it doesn’t take long before the quiet town of Margrave, Georgia, finds itself the setting of a much bigger conspiracy.
Alan Ritchson’s Reacher doesn’t do small talk — but he does crack ribs (and cases). The series leans into its pulp roots without feeling cheesy, and the pacing? Lean and mean.
Why it works: It’s straightforward in the best way possible — punchy, grounded, and incredibly watchable. A no-frills thriller that gets the job done.
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan
Genre: Political thriller, spy drama
Watch if you like: CIA conspiracies, moral dilemmas, smart action
If Reacher is all fists, Jack Ryan is brains with just enough muscle. Played with a perfect balance of intensity and everyman charm by John Krasinski, Jack starts off as a low-level CIA analyst. But when he uncovers suspicious financial activity, he’s suddenly thrust into the chaos of global terrorism and international espionage.
Each season takes on a different geopolitical hotspot — think the Middle East, South America — and blends real-world relevance with enough shootouts and double-crosses to keep things tense.
Why it works: It’s a smart thriller that doesn’t try too hard to be edgy. Jack Ryan is relatable, capable, and someone you genuinely root for.
The Night Manager
Genre: Espionage drama
Watch if you like: Luxury backdrops, psychological tension, Tom Hiddleston in suits
Not all action needs to be loud. The Night Manager is a masterclass in slow-burning suspense. Based on John le Carré’s novel, it stars Tom Hiddleston as a former soldier who infiltrates the world of international arms dealing — led by Hugh Laurie’s ice-cold villain.
This one’s less about car chases and more about manipulation, trust, and the mental toll of living a lie. But don’t worry — it still offers plenty of sleek danger and espionage glamour.
Why it works: It’s espionage with a sense of style. Moody, thoughtful, and incredibly well-acted.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024)
Genre: Action, Drama, Romance
Watch if you like: Unlikely chemistry, relationship drama with bullets
This reboot might share its name with the Jolie-Pitt film, but it takes a bold new direction. Donald Glover and Maya Erskine play strangers paired by a covert agency — forced to live as husband and wife while also carrying out high-stakes missions.
Underneath the flashy premise is a surprisingly nuanced exploration of identity, intimacy, and trust. Yes, they shoot bad guys. But they also argue about chores and existential dread.
Why it works: It’s not just about the missions — it’s about the messy, complicated partnership at the center. Witty, unpredictable, and refreshingly different.
NCIS
Genre: Procedural, Military drama
Watch if you like: Solving crimes, found families, comfort TV with a side of danger
Now here’s a classic. NCIS isn’t flashy, but that’s exactly why people love it. For over two decades, Special Agent Gibbs and his team have tackled everything from murder and terrorism to rogue submarines.
Each episode is a neat package — mystery, teamwork, resolution. And while the crimes are often serious, the cast’s chemistry brings a grounded, often heartwarming vibe that longtime fans know and love.
Why it works: It’s the kind of show you can dip into anytime and feel right at home. Steady, reliable, and strangely soothing — like Law & Order with more personality.
Final Word:
Whether you prefer calculated spy thrillers, lone-wolf justice, or team-based crime-solving, Amazon Prime’s action and adventure catalogue has you covered. These aren’t just background-noise shows. They pull you in, keep the stakes high, and manage to sneak in a bit of heart amid all the chaos.
So next time you’re in the mood for something that gets your pulse racing — but still leaves you thinking — you know where to look.
