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Yahoo
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
9 Must-Watch Action Movies on Netflix Right Now (July 2025)
Action fans are in for a treat this month on Netflix. Just a few months after the final Mission: Impossible film hit theaters, the first five movies in the franchise are now streaming on Netflix. That includes our personal favorite, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. Netflix is also welcoming Mad Max: Fury Road back into the fold, and that was an easy choice to put back on our list. You can find those films along with the rest of the Watch With Us team's picks for the must-see action movies on Netflix right now. Need more recommendations? Then check out the Best New Movies on Netflix, Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and More, the Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right Now, the Best Movies on Hulu Right Now and the Must-See Movies on Netflix Right Now.'Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation' (2015) Before director Christopher McQuarrie took the helm of the Mission: Impossible movies, the franchise was a collection of good action films. But starting with Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, McQuarrie and series star Tom Cruise took things to the next level and beyond. The rogue nation referenced in the title is The Syndicate, a cabal of former intelligence operatives who have turned their backs on their countries in the name of power. In no time at all, The Syndicate has Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his IMF team branded as traitors. Luckily, Ethan has a new ally inside The Syndicate: Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson). And she's the complex and compelling heroine that these films badly needed. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation is streaming on Netflix. 'Mad Max: Fury Road' (2015) It's probably best not to think about the continuity of the Mad Max films since Tom Hardy's "Mad Max" Rockatansky is clearly younger than Mel Gibson's take on the character from three decades prior. Luckily, it doesn't matter because Mad Max: Fury Road outdid its predecessors and earned its reputation as one of the greatest action movies ever made. Max briefly finds himself imprisoned by Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) and his War Boys before getting caught up in an escape attempt by Joe's right-hand woman, Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron), and Joe's harem of wives. Max and Furiosa really don't like each other, but if they want to outrun Joe's forces, they need to work together to survive. Mad Max: Fury Road is streaming on Netflix. 'Godzilla Minus One' (2023) This critically acclaimed take on the legendary Japanese kaiju monster is set in a post-war Japan, exploring the catastrophic impact of Godzilla's emergence in an already devastated nation. The storyline is set in the tense and uncertain period following World War II, where Godzilla's arrival threatens the fragile reconstruction of a country recovering from the horrors of war. Godzilla Minus One delves into themes of trauma, hope, guilt and redemption. It's told mostly from the perspective of Kōichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki), a PTSD-riddled kamikaze pilot who survived World War II only to face down an even bigger threat in the form of the giant lizard. Many fans have compared the film to Oppenheimer for its depiction of the unimaginable devastation of the atomic bomb. The movie won the Academy Award for Visual Effects, despite having a relatively low production budget. The film is a visual marvel, with action sequences that will thrill and terrify you as well as emotional sequences that will bring you to tears. Godzilla Minus One is streaming on Netflix. 'The Old Guard' (2020) The Old Guard is a superhero story meets covert ops and military, but without any capes or costumes. The superpowered beings at the heart of the film are a mysterious group of immortal beings, led by Andromache or "Andy" (Charlize Theron), who have secretly protected humanity for millennia. As they struggle to maintain their anonymity, they must also contend with the emergence of a new immortal, Nile (KiKi Layne). Together, the team faces both modern threats and age-old enemies in their quest to preserve secrecy about their identities and ensure security for the future. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who previously created much quieter movies like The Secret Life of Bees and Beyond the Lights, The Old Guard has an emotional depth that you might not expect from a superhero action film. The themes of sacrifice and guilt are grounded by Theron's stellar performance, as well as those of Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli and Chiwetel Ejiofor. With its blend of thought-provoking elements and adrenaline-pumping action, The Old Guard offers a refreshing take on the genre, providing both entertainment and substance for viewers. A sequel is now streaming, so now is the perfect time to watch the original. The Old Guard is streaming on Netflix. 'Sicario' (2015) Dune and Arrival director Denis Villeneuve is at the helm of this gripping action-thriller, which follows FBI agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt), who is recruited by a government task force to aid in a high-stakes mission against the Mexican cartel. As the operation unfolds, she is exposed to the morally ambiguous tactics employed by her team. The enigmatic Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) and the mysterious consultant Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro) blur the lines of right and wrong in this acclaimed film, which starkly depicts law enforcement and crime at the border. The action sequences in Sicario will keep you immersed in the intense story, as will the performances and the gripping score. It's an intense and captivating action thriller you won't soon forget. Sicario is streaming on Netflix. 'London Has Fallen' (2016) Gerard Butler and most of the cast of Olympus Has Fallen returned for the 2016 sequel, London Has Fallen. Secret Service agent Mike Banning (Butler) must be having a serious case of deja vu. He already saved President Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart) from one terrorist plot, and now he has to do it again. As the chaos unfolds in London, Vice President Allan Trumbull (Morgan Freeman) seems powerless to help Banning and President Asher. Terrorist Aamir Barkaw (Alon Moni Aboutboul) has already taken out most of the G7 leaders, and he just needs to find Asher to complete his revenge. Over Banning's dead body, of course. London Has Fallen is streaming on Netflix. 'Havoc' (2025) After taking a very long break between films, The Raid director Gareth Evans returns with Havoc, an action-packed crime thriller. Tom Hardy stars as Patrick Walker, a disgraced cop who is also on the payroll for Lawrence Beaumont (Forest Whitaker), an extremely wealthy man who is running for mayor. Beaumont has a particularly dangerous mission for Walker. Beaumont's son, Charlie (Justin Cornwell), and Charlie's girlfriend, Mia (Quelin Sepulveda), have been framed for murdering the leader of the Triad gang, and there's a price on their heads. Beaumont wants his son to be protected at all costs, but even his money can't prevent the Triads from coming after him as well. Havoc is streaming on Netflix. 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' (2024) How does an action franchise stay fresh after three decades? A 17-year hiatus between the second and third films certainly helped Bad Boys make a comeback. But the fourth sequel, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, only had a four-year break between movies. This time, Detective Lieutenants Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) have a very personal mission. Someone has posthumously framed their beloved former captain, Conrad Howard (Joe Pantoliano), for crimes he didn't and Marcus' quest to clear Howard's name hits a snag when they are also framed by the perpetrators and forced to go on the run from their colleagues in the Miami PD. In times like these, it helps to know who your friends are. Bad Boys: Ride or Die is streaming on Netflix. 'Upgrade' (2018) Upgrade serves as a reminder of why it's a bad idea to trust a billionaire to put a computer chip in your brain. Artist Grey Trace (Logan Marshall-Green) felt he didn't have a choice when Eron Keen (Harrison Gilbertson) offered to install STEM in his mind to restore his mobility. Grey was paralyzed during an attack that left his wife dead, and now his heart calls out for (Simon Maiden) has a voice and a mind of its own. It heard Grey's cries, and it can give him the vengeance he so desperately needs, as seen in some incredibly brutal action sequences. But STEM is only helping Grey as long as the artist gives in to its will. And if Grey isn't careful, he'll be permanently sidelined in his own body. Upgrade is streaming on Netflix.
Daily Record
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Inside Lenny Henry's life including 25-year marriage to Dawn French and his real name
Sir Lenny Henry has had an incredible career in showbiz, and has seen him star in some of the UK's most popular TV shows, as well as co-founding Comic Relief Sir Lenny Henry has been a staple on our telly for years, having built an impressive career as a comedian, writer, and actor. The 66 year old is perhaps best known for his role in The Lenny Henry Show, as well as co-founding Comic Relief with Richard Curtis, which led to the launch of Red Nose Day. Here, we explore the comedian's life, from his diverse career to his marriage to Dawn French.... Lenny Henry's childhood Lenny was born in Dudley in August 1958 to parents Winston and Winifred. His full name is Lenworth George Henry, and he was named after the doctor who delivered him at Burton Road Hospital. He is the fifth of seven children and was the first child of the family to be born in the UK. Lenny eventually discovered his biological father to be a man named Albert Augustus Green, known as Bertie, with whom his mother had a brief relationship when she first arrived in England from Jamaica, reports Surrey Live. Lenny attended St John's Primary School and The Blue Coat School in Dudley before continuing his studies at W. R. Tuson College in Preston. Lenny Henry's career Lenny's career began with stand-up performances in working men's clubs, with his first television appearance on the New Faces talent show in 1975, where he wowed audiences with his remarkable impersonations. He later joined The Comic Strip and BBC Radio 1, continuing to make regular appearances on television. The Lenny Henry Show made its debut on the BBC in 1984 and ran for an impressive 19 years. In 1985, Lenny co-founded the charity Comic Relief alongside Richard Curtis, with the inaugural Red Nose Day taking place three years later. Over the years, Lenny has featured in TV programmes such as The Syndicate and Doctor, lent his voice to characters in children's TV show Big and Small, and participated in game shows like The Masked Singer. Away from the small screen, he's penned two autobiographies and a pair of young adult fantasy novels, co-produced the blues album New Millennium Blues, and starred in theatre productions. Lenny Henry's marriage to Dawn French Lenny crossed paths with Dawn in 1980 when they were both part of the comedy show Comic Strip. The couple exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony in London's Covent Garden in 1984, followed by a lavish reception. In 1991, Lenny and Dawn adopted their daughter Billie when she was just two weeks old. Now 34, Billie prefers to stay away from the limelight. In 2010, Dawn and Lenny made public their decision to separate. They released a joint statement explaining that the split was amicable, with a mutual intention to remain close friends and prioritise co-parenting their daughter. Over the years, the pair have spoken highly of one another in interviews and have indeed maintained a strong friendship. In a 2016 interview with the Daily Express, Lenny shed light on the reasons behind their separation. He reflected: "There's generally a situation where one partner wants the marriage to finish more than the other. "I think maybe one of us did, then the other one did, and then the other did over a period of time, and then, in the end, we thought, 'Oh, actually maybe we both do'. We knew it wasn't possible to continue." Lenny Henry's marriage to Lisa Makin Lenny has since moved on and found love again in a long-term relationship. In 2012, he began dating casting director and theatre producer Lisa Makin. Lisa's work in the entertainment industry is notable, with credits on IMDb for miniseries such as Peaches, Mine All Mine, Aberfan: The Untold Story, among others. Although Lenny and Lisa often attend red carpet events together, they generally keep their relationship private. Meanwhile, Lenny's ex-wife Dawn has since married therapist Mark Bignell.
Tom's Guide
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix just added the first 5 'Mission Impossible' movies — here's my ranking from best to worst
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to stream the first five 'Mission: Impossible' movies on Netflix. As part of its July slate, the world's most popular streaming service has added Ethan Hunt's first five missions. While 2018's 'Mission: Impossible - Fallout' is my personal favorite in the franchise, this quintet includes some of the best Hollywood action blockbusters ever made. From the dizzying heights of 'Ghost Protocol,' which sees Tom Cruise scale the world's tallest building in an acrobatic feat that would make Spider-Man blush, to the ultra-intense opening of 'Mission: Impossible III,' which I very often watch standalone. It's that good. "M: I" is a marvellous popcorn franchise. To celebrate Netflix becoming the new streaming home for (most, but not quite all eight of) the 'Mission: Impossible' movies, I decided to rank them from best to worst. But to be honest, they're all worth watching, so even my bottom pick (no spoilers) should be in your watchlist. Selecting my top pick of the 'Mission: Impossible' movies added to Netflix this month was tricky, but I went with 'Rogue Nation' in the end. That's largely because I think the thrilling opera scene is perhaps the series' peak, and because it marks Rebecca Ferguson's first appearance as former MI6 agent, Ilsa Faust. Plus, Sean Harris' Solomon Lane remains 'Mission: Impossible's' best villain, and the lead into the iconic theme tune is exquisite. In 'Rogue Nation,' Ethan Hunt faces off against The Syndicate, a clandestine network of operatives seeking to create a new world order. The shadowy group represents a fantastic foe for Hunt and his team to battle against, and 'Rogue Nation' sees the series comfortably in its groove following the standard-setting 'Ghost Protocol.' It's a phenomenal action spy movie. Watch on Netflix now By the fourth entry, most franchises are running on fumes, but 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol' bucked the trend and delivered a popcorn spy flick with more memorable moments than I can list here. The fan-favorite sequence that sees Hunt scale the Burj Khalifa in Dubai often gets all the plaudits, but I think my highlight is the Kremlin infiltration scene as Hunt and Benji (Simon Pegg) break into the securely guarded Russian complex before the fortified landmark is blown up with Cruise in full sprint. After this terrorist attack, Hunt and his team are blamed for the fallout, and so the IMF team must go on the run to locate those truly responsible and bring them down. The whole disavowed by the government and left without any backup shtick is a bit routine for the spy genre, but it's well-worn ground for a good reason. Plus, Jeremy Renner's inclusion as William Brandt gives Cruise an extra playmate. It's a shame he only stayed around for one more sequel. Watch on Netflix now The third 'Mission: Impossible' movie hooks you from the very start with an opening scene that makes it very clear that new villain Owen Davian (an ever-excellent Philip Seymour Hoffman) is not playing around. From here, the situation escalates further, and while director J. J. Abrams creates plenty of well-constructed firefights, they lack the memorable nature of future installments in the franchise. Still, 'Mission: Impossible III' has aged well. The flick opens with Ethan Hunt having retired from the IMF team, but naturally, this doesn't last all that long, as he's drawn back into the world of espionage to bring down international arms broker Davian. There's a larger focus placed on Hunt's relationship with Julia (Michelle Monaghan), which adds even higher stakes as his wife gets caught up in the dangerous situation. Watch on Netflix now The movie that started it all, and while it's set to celebrate its 30th birthday next year, it remains a gripping watch. The events of the recent 'The Final Reckoning' have recontextualized some of the first 'Mission: Impossible', making now a great time to (re)watch. And while it's relatively quaint in comparison to some sequences that would follow, Hunt's mission to infiltrate the CIA headquarters at Langley remains a fantastic sequence that is still referenced and parodied in movies and shows to this day. That iconic scene, which sees Hunt dangling on a thin wire, with one wrong move sure to alert the authorities to his presence, may be the movie's enduring moment, but the opening, a mission in Prague gone wrong with disastrous consequences, shouldn't be overlooked either. Ultimately, this is the movie that introduced the world to Ethan Hunt, and its place in Hollywood history is secured for that reason alone. The fact that it's a seriously enjoyable watch in its own right is a bonus. Watch on Netflix now Unquestionably the most divisive 'Mission: Impossible,' the 2000s sequel saw director John Woo bring his trademark frenetic style to the series with somewhat mixed results. For those who just want explosive action above all else, you'll find enough to satisfy here, but the narrative is flawed, and the characters are significantly less compelling than future installments. Even Hunt himself seems to lack some of his usual gravitas. There's perhaps a reason that it's the sole entry in the franchise with a rotten score on review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes. This time, Hunt is attempting to locate and destroy a deadly virus known as Chimera, and that involves coming face-to-face with a rogue IMF agent who has stolen the only antidote. Even if it's the worst of the bunch, it's far from a complete disaster, with enough well-choreographed Woo action to hold your attention, just don't expect it to match up to the standard set by future installments in the long-running blockbuster franchise. Watch on Netflix now
Daily Mirror
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Corrie legend looks ageless as she poses with former co-star and famous daughter
Coronation Street legend Angela Lonsdale hasn't aged a day in over two decades in latest snap with co-star, after first stepping onto the Corrie cobbles in 2000 Coronation Street legend Angela Lonsdale looks identical to when she featured on the cobbles two decades ago as she posed up a storm with her co-star and daughter. Angela Lonsdale is renowned for her portrayal of police officer Emma Watts in the ITV soap when she joined in 2000. She quickly became a fan favourite, especially after her on-screen marriage to Curly Watts (Kevin Kennedy), but sadly left the soap after three years. Over two decades later, the actor hasn't changed an inch as she shared a snap with fellow Corrie legend Sally Dynever and her daughter Phoebe. Taking to social media to wish Sally a happy birthday, Angela shared the sweet snap along with the caption: 'Wishing you The Happiest Birthday my beautiful angel @sallydynevor. Thank you for being the Best Friend anyone could wish for! Have the most wonderful time with @dynevortim!'. Angela sweetly continued: 'Love you with all my heart and soul #birthdaylove #bestfriend #happybirthday #wecomeasone'. Since departing the Corrie cobbles, Angela has gone on to feature in an array of dramas, starting when she joined The Bill in 2003. She then portrayed DI Eva Moore in the BBC daytime series Doctors from 2006 to 2008, later returning briefly in 2011. Other roles included Karen Sunderland in Casualty, Grace Lane in Our Girl, and 'Scary' Sue Buchanan in Holby City. Angela appeared in The Syndicate in 2021 and looked almost unrecognisable as she was caked in fake tan, oversized jewellery and pink lipstick. She played the part of Mrs Levine, an over-the-top dog owner who clearly loved her makeup. Angela likes to keep fans updated on her life through social media and previously shared one of her reunions with Kevin Kennedy, her on-screen husband. Taking to Instagram and sharing a smiley photo, Angela said: "Reunited with my corrie hubby @realkevinkennedy Break a leg pet! @rockofagesmusicaluk." Fans went wild over the reunion as one person said: "Wow .. that brings back memories." While others stated they want them to make a comeback to Weatherfield. A second fan commented: "I think u should both come back to Corrie ….. take over the rover return….x.", while another added: "This is lovely. I think its such a beautiful thing when you can reunite with friends/people you used to work with. Especially when it's the iconic couple of Curly and Emma on corrie. I hope both Kevin and yourself had a lovely catch-up/reunion it's beautiful to see thank you."
The Irish Sun
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Coronation Street legend hasn't aged a day 22 years after soap exit as she poses with co-star and superstar daughter
CORONATION Street legend Angela Lonsdale hasn't aged a day since leaving the soap more than two decades ago. The actress - who played police woman Emma Watts in the ITV soap between 2000 and 2003 - catapulting her to instant fame. 2 Angela Lonsdale hasn't aged a day since starring in Corrie Credit: Instagram 2 Angela Lonsdale starred in Corrie between 2000 and 2003 Credit: Handout And now she looks like she hasn't changed at all as she posted a picture with Corrie colleague Posting the picture for Sally's birthday, Angela wrote: 'Wishing you The Happiest Birthday my beautiful angel 'Thank you for being the Best Friend anyone could wish for! Have the most wonderful time with 'Love you with all my heart and soul Read more on Coronation Street Angela's character Emma became a cobbles legend when she married the loveable Curly Watts. She was on the soap for three years, before leaving to join The Bill in 2003, portraying Helen Coles. Since then she has starred in other soaps like Doctors, playing DI Eva Moore, Karen Sunderland in Casualty and popped up in Holby City. Angela also played Grace Lane in Our Girl. Most read in Soaps In 2021 Angela stunned viewers with her appearance when she starred in BBC One's The Syndicate. She popped up on the show and looked almost recognisable as she was caked in fake tan. Corrie star looks unrecognisable as she pops up in BBC's The Syndicate Playing an over-the-top dog owner called Mrs Levine, Angela could be seen smothered in bronze make-up which was topped off with blue eyeshadow. She later appeared in Hollyoaks.
