Aside from all of the sudden, questionable cancelations and arguably declining quality, the popular streaming platformNetflixcontinues to deliver where it counts. Namely, in the realm ofactionthrillers. The streamer has now unleashed one of the best action movies of 2025…and you’ve almost definitely never heard of it.
Netflix has hada lot to offer action fansover the last few years, picking up genre fare from all over the globe and aiming the likes ofRebel Ridge, Ad Vitam, Carry-On, The Shadow Strays, Exterritorial, Havoc, Mercy for None, and more directly at the eyes of viewers everywhere. Now, the streamer has released this crime thriller tale of an elite bodyguard who, after being framed, finds himself in the crosshairs of his former best friend.
Directed by Syafiq Yusof and Abhilash Chandra, and starring Sharnaaz Ahmad, Shukri Yahaya, Syafiq Kyle, Syazwan Zulkifly, Amelia Henderson, Wan Hanafi Su, and Zamarul Hisham, the action thriller in question isBlood Brothers: Bara Naga. The action outing has alreadybeen a big hit at the box officein its native Malaysia, having already entered the all-time Top 10 after earning almost RM30 million in just a week. Blood Brothers is now streaming on Netflix, and you can check out the official synopsis below.
“Elite bodyguard Ariff finds himself in a deadly showdown when he is framed for a crime and his best friend Ghaz turns into his fiercest adversary.”
‘Blood Brothers’ Delivers Plot Twists, Intense Shootouts & “Heart-Pounding Action”
While the plot is nothing new, often,the best action moviejust has to hit all the right beats in the right order. AndBlood Brothersdoes exactly this with aplomb.Casey’s Movie Maniaawarded the movie a near-perfect 4/5, even likening the opening set-piece to that of Taylor Sheridan and Denis Villeneuve’scritically acclaimed crime thriller,Sicario.
“And right from the start, Yusof and Chandra quickly get down to business with an action-packed opening set-piece. Boosted by Ricky Lionardi and Teoh Eng Hooi’s propulsive score along with the co-directors’ dynamic camerawork, the scene immediately reminds me of the iconic border ambush in Sicario. The ensuing shootout and hand-to-hand combats are thrillingly staged with enough verve, and it helps that the sound design accentuates the scene further, giving the viewers a palpable you-are-there cinematic vibe."
Another 4/5 was awarded byFathom Magazine, who describedBlood Brothersas “Malaysia’s cinematic magnum opus” and praised the “heart-pounding action.”
“Blood Brothers: Bara Naga has officially raised the bar for Malaysian cinema. Between its magnetic performances, stunning visuals, and storytelling that packs both punch and pathos, it’s no wonder the film is being hailed as a national treasure. To the cast, crew, and creative masterminds behind this film—terima kasih for giving us something that feels this big, this bold, and this bloody good.”
Finally, Chandini Del ofTRPapplauded the action thriller from top to bottom, and even revealed that a cinematic universe could be in the worksthanks to a mid-credits scene…
“It’s got the hallmarks of an excellent action flick – the world of the story is built with intention, the characters have enough backstories to justify their actions, the stakes are high enough for us to believe that sh** will go down if things go wrong, plot twists that make you go OMG no way, and a climax that will leave you satisfied.”
