May 2026 is shaping up to be a thrilling month for action movie enthusiasts, with a diverse range of releases across streaming platforms and theaters. From globetrotting spy thrillers to big-screen Star Wars adventures, here's a deep dive into the seven best new action offerings that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Citadel Season 2: The Russo Brothers' globetrotting spy thriller returns
The Russo Brothers' original series, Citadel, is back for a second season, and it promises to be even more intense than before. The show follows surviving operatives Mason Kane, Nadia Sinh, and spymaster Bernard Orlick as they're pulled back into action to face a terrifying new threat. With a new conspiracy that could reshape humanity, the trio must recruit an unlikely team of skilled operatives and embark on another globe-spanning mission. The trailer teases a gripping narrative, with the team navigating a treacherous web of betrayal and hidden secrets. This season will likely explore the complexities of espionage and the moral dilemmas faced by these skilled operatives.
M.I.A.: Revenge and tragedy in the criminal underbelly of Miami
Peacock's new original series, M.I.A., is an action-packed nine-part thriller centered on Etta Tiger Jonze, a restless woman in the Florida Keys who dreams of a life in Miami's sub-tropical kingdom. When her family's drug-running business is upended by tragedy, she embarks on a dangerous journey for revenge into the criminal underbelly of Miami. This series explores themes of personal growth, the consequences of one's actions, and the intricate dynamics of the criminal world. The trailer hints at a gripping narrative, with Etta navigating a dangerous path filled with mobsters, monsters, and a mysterious femme fatale.
Mortal Kombat II: Brutal combat on the big screen
Mortal Kombat II is the latest installment in the iconic fighting game franchise, bringing its brutal combat to the big screen. The film pits fan-favorite champions, including Johnny Cage, against one another in a no-holds-barred contest to defeat the dark rule of Shao Kahn. This high-stakes battle threatens the very existence of the Earthrealm and its defenders. The trailer showcases intense action sequences, with the characters engaging in fierce battles that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
The Punisher: One Last Kill: Frank Castle's redemption arc
Before his appearance in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Frank Castle, the iconic vigilante, is back in a Marvel Television special titled The Punisher: One Last Kill. The special explores Frank's search for meaning beyond revenge, as he's pulled back into the fight by an unexpected force. The trailer starts meditatively, showcasing Frank's iconic vest, before transitioning into intense brawling sequences and lethal dispatches of foes. This special delves into the complexities of redemption and the moral dilemmas faced by a vigilante seeking a different path.
Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: Ghost War: Real-time espionage thriller
John Krasinski's Jack Ryan is back for a feature-length mission, titled Ghost War, which operates in real-time. The film reunites Ryan with CIA operative Mike November and former CIA boss James Greer, as they team up with MI6 officer Emma Marlowe to confront an escalating threat. The trailer hints at a gripping narrative, with the team navigating a treacherous web of betrayal, buried secrets, and an enemy that appears to know their every move. This real-time format adds a layer of tension and urgency to the espionage thriller, making it a thrilling watch.
The Mandalorian & Grogu: A big-screen Star Wars adventure
Din Djarin and his adorable pal Grogu are making their big-screen debut in The Mandalorian and Grogu, the first big-screen Star Wars adventure since The Rise of Skywalker. Following the fall of the Empire, the bounty hunter and his apprentice are recruited by the New Republic for their most thrilling mission yet. The trailer showcases a mix of action and emotional moments, with the duo embarking on a journey that promises to deliver on the promise of a thrilling Star Wars adventure. This release is highly anticipated by fans, as it brings the beloved characters to life in a new and exciting way.
Spider-Noir: A live-action Marvel series in black and white
Spider-Noir is a new live-action series outing for the Marvel character, with a unique twist. The show sees private investigator Ben Reilly hired to take on a couple of seemingly straightforward cases, but mobsters, monsters, and a mysterious femme fatale soon spin a web of intrigue. The trailer showcases the show's authentic black-and-white and true-hue full-color options, adding a layer of visual intrigue. This series explores the complexities of identity, heroism, and the moral dilemmas faced by a private investigator in a world filled with supernatural elements.
May 2026 is shaping up to be a thrilling month for action movie enthusiasts, with a diverse range of releases across streaming platforms and theaters. From globetrotting spy thrillers to big-screen Star Wars adventures, these seven offerings will keep you on the edge of your seat, offering a mix of intense action, gripping narratives, and unique twists on beloved characters.
