When it comes to action TV shows, Amazon Prime Video is one of the best streaming services around. The likes of Reacher, Jack Ryan, The Terminal List, and The Boys have all been action-heavy flagship hits for Prime, and no other streaming service so consistently balances blockbuster-quality spectacles with serialized storytelling tailored for adrenaline-hungry audiences. It’s hard to deny that Prime Video has carved out a niche as the ultimate home for action fans.
The downside to that success is that some phenomenal action-driven series never get their due spotlight. These shows may have delivered high-octane thrills and gripping character arcs, but they remained overshadowed by Prime’s most visible hits. That doesn’t mean they lack quality - quite the opposite. Many of these overlooked titles rival their more famous counterparts in both stunt work and narrative ambition.
These hidden gems on Amazon Prime Video all deserve a second look from subscribers seeking a new action show to binge. Some blur the line with other genres - crime dramas, spy thrillers, even sci-fi - yet all share a devotion to explosive action. If you’re digging beyond Prime’s heavy hitters, these are the shows that will leave you breathless.
Mirzapur (2018-Present)
A Brutal Indian Crime Thriller Filled With Action-Packed Showdowns
Few obscure action TV shows on Amazon Prime Video deliver as much intensity as Mirzapur, India’s hard-hitting gangster saga. Set in the lawless heart of Uttar Pradesh, it follows Kaleen Bhaiya (Pankaj Tripathi), a ruthless carpet exporter-turned-mafia boss, and the violent rivalries that erupt around him - including with his own son. The show thrives on unpredictable gunfights, explosive ambushes, and brutal hand-to-hand combat sequences that raise the stakes each season.
Unlike many Western crime dramas, Mirzapur leans heavily into stylized violence, blending Shakespearean family intrigue with Tarantino-level chaos. The show has built a cult following for its raw depiction of power struggles and revenge arcs. Whether it’s assassinations in crowded markets or motorbike chases through narrow streets, the series ensures action isn’t just set-dressing - it’s central to the storytelling.
What makes Mirzapur truly stand out, both as an action show and as one of Prime's best crime dramas, is its commitment to escalating chaos. Each season expands the battlefield with more factions, more betrayals, and more spectacular set pieces. For action fans craving gritty, high-stakes showdowns, it’s one of Prime’s most underrated international gems.
New Bandits (2023)
A Brazilian Crime Saga That Turns Every Episode Into An Action Spectacle
From Brazil, New Bandits (Cangaço Novo) is a tense, high-energy series that reimagines the country’s infamous bandit traditions for a modern age. The story follows Ubaldo (Allan Souza Lima), a troubled man who unexpectedly inherits his family’s role as leaders of a violent gang in the Northeast backlands. His reluctant rise thrusts him into an unforgiving world of heists, shootouts, and loyalty tests.
What elevates New Bandits beyond a typical crime drama is its cinematic approach to action. The shootouts are filmed with grit and precision, evoking both classic Westerns and modern crime thrillers. Chase scenes across dusty rural landscapes and chaotic urban battlegrounds add a unique Brazilian flavor to the genre. This blend of cultural authenticity with explosive spectacle makes it feel fresh within Prime’s catalog.
While it gained attention in Latin America, it hasn’t broken through internationally. That’s a shame, since few shows balance intimate character drama with large-scale action quite like this one. For Amazon Prime Video subscribers, New Bandits is a perfect example of a hidden global powerhouse.
The Family Man (2019-Present)
A Smart Indian Spy Thriller That Mixes Espionage With Explosive Action
The Family Man is one of India’s best contributions to Prime’s action library, centering on Srikant Tiwari (Manoj Bajpayee), a middle-class man secretly working as an intelligence officer. Balancing suburban family life with deadly counter-terrorism missions, the series creates constant tension between domestic drama and high-stakes operations.
The show shines through its thrilling set pieces - ranging from close-quarters shootouts to large-scale military assaults. Season two in particular elevates the spectacle, with sprawling chases, knife fights, and covert ops that rival any Western spy series. The use of real locations and grounded stunt choreography helps the action feel tactile and immediate.
Beyond the explosions, The Family Man also succeeds as a sharp political thriller. It mixes satire, social commentary, and suspense while still delivering the kind of pulse-pounding action fans crave. For viewers seeking obscure action TV shows on Amazon Prime Video with brains and brawn, this is an unmissable hidden gem.
Utopia (2013-2014)
A Cult British Thriller Where Paranoia And Violence Collide
Before Prime Video’s American remake, the original British Utopia carved out a reputation as one of the most stylish and brutal thrillers of the 2010s. The series follows a group of comic book fans who stumble onto a manuscript that exposes a sinister global conspiracy. Soon, assassins, shadowy organizations, and violent encounters become their new reality.
While the premise leans toward mystery and sci-fi, Utopia never holds back on its action. Gunfights, torture sequences, and sudden, shocking bursts of violence keep viewers off balance. Its distinct neon-drenched visuals make even the most chaotic set pieces feel mesmerizing. The series balances its cerebral conspiracy-driven narrative with jolting, visceral action scenes that hit hard.
Though it ran for only two seasons, Utopia left behind a devoted cult following. Its willingness to mix artistic flair with brutal intensity makes it a standout among overlooked action shows on Prime. It’s unpredictable, stylish, and unrelentingly tense.
Our Girl (2013-2020)
A British Military Drama That Mixes Character Growth With Battlefield Action
An internationally underappreciated war series from the UK, Our Girl follows Molly Dawes (Lacey Turner) and later Georgie Lane (Michelle Keegan), young women serving in the British Army. While its character-driven drama often takes the spotlight, the show’s depiction of military operations makes it an excellent under-the-radar action series on Prime Video.
Every deployment arc places the characters in dangerous environments - Afghanistan, Kenya, Nepal - with missions that escalate into ambushes, firefights, and tense rescue sequences. The authenticity of the show’s military action stands out, combining emotional realism with tightly choreographed combat. Unlike many American military dramas, it puts a unique focus on personal sacrifice and identity within the action.
Despite critical praise in the UK, Our Girl never found major international traction. That makes it a perfect hidden gem for Prime subscribers who enjoy gritty realism alongside their action. Its blend of emotional storytelling and battlefield spectacle makes it a standout military drama.
Person Of Interest (2011-2016)
A High-Tech Thriller Where Surveillance Leads To Nonstop Action
Person of Interest begins with reclusive billionaire Harold Finch (Michael Emerson) recruiting ex-CIA operative John Reese (Jim Caviezel) to prevent violent crimes predicted by a super-intelligent surveillance system. What starts as a case-of-the-week procedural evolves into one of the most ambitious sci-fi action thrillers of the 2010s.
Each episode packs in inventive fight choreography, rooftop chases, and tactical shootouts. Reese’s background as a field operative means he takes down enemies with brutal efficiency, while the team’s growing operations add espionage-style action to the mix. The set pieces grow more elaborate as the series leans into cyber-warfare and government conspiracies.
Despite its network origins, Person of Interest feels cinematic in scope, with stakes that escalate season after season. While widely acclaimed, it’s often overlooked on Prime in favor of splashier originals. Yet for fans of obscure action TV shows on Amazon Prime Video, its mix of brains, brawls, and bullets is practically unbeatable.
Chuck (2007-2012)
A Fun Spy Comedy With Surprisingly Strong Action Sequences
On the surface, Chuck looks like a lighthearted spy comedy, but don’t underestimate its action credentials. The series stars Zachary Levi as Chuck Bartowski, a regular guy who accidentally downloads government secrets into his brain, making him the ultimate intelligence asset. Partnered with agent Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski), Chuck is thrust into a world of espionage and danger.
While its humor and romance often steal attention, the action never takes a back seat. From elaborate martial arts fights to large-scale shootouts and daring infiltration missions, Chuck delivers inventive set pieces that rival more serious spy dramas. The chemistry between Levi and Strahovski adds charm, but the stunts keep viewers locked in.
Because it aired on NBC, Chuck didn’t always get the recognition it deserved as an action series. As an action-packed hidden gem on Prime, though, it stands out as a refreshing mix of levity and adrenaline. For fans who like their action with a dose of comedy, it’s a hidden treasure.
The Unit (2006-2009)
An Intense Military Thriller That Feels Like Hollywood Condensed Into TV
One of the most underappreciated shows on Prime Video, regardless of genre, The Unit is a U.S. military action drama created by David Mamet (also known for The Shield). The series follows Jonas Blane (Dennis Haysbert) and his elite special operations team as they carry out dangerous missions around the globe. Each episode combines tactical realism with cinematic action, from hostage rescues to covert strikes deep in enemy territory.
What made The Unit unique was its focus on authenticity. The combat sequences are carefully staged, featuring believable military tactics, weapons handling, and strategic planning. Unlike many TV shows of its era, it emphasized grounded, methodical action over spectacle, which made the high-stakes missions feel even more gripping.
Despite strong reviews and a dedicated fanbase, The Unit never reached mainstream popularity, making it a quintessential obscure action TV show on Amazon Prime Video today. For subscribers seeking a high-octane yet grounded military thriller, this overlooked series still delivers edge-of-your-seat excitement.
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