Netflix’s new action-comedy, Back in Action, is creating a buzz for all the right reasons. Directed by Seth Gordon, this star-studded romp marks Cameron Diaz’s return to the screen alongside Jamie Foxx. The film follows CIA agents Matt (Foxx) and Emily (Diaz), a couple forced to go into hiding after a dangerous mission goes sideways. Fifteen years later, their quiet family life in Atlanta gets upended when the past comes knocking. Packed with espionage, high-octane action, and hilarious family dynamics, Back in Action on Netflix is the perfect mix of thrills and laughs; albeit with the same conveniences of what the genre entails. So, if you’re craving more movies like Back in Action, you’re in luck! These 6 films offer similar blends of action, comedy, and the all-important element of human connection. The common thread is of course about a covert couple who have to return to their familiar battleground with the changes in their lives; but the list will focus more on movies, that like, Back in Action, do it all with light humor.
1. True Lies (1994)
A remake of the 1991 French film La Totale!, True Lies directed by James Cameron follows Harry Tasker (Schwarzenegger), a mild-mannered computer salesman who leads a double life as a top-secret spy for a covert U.S. government agency. Unbeknownst to his wife, Helen (Curtis), and teenage daughter, Dana, Harry is constantly on high-stakes missions around the world. However, Harry’s carefully balanced double life begins to unravel when he suspects Helen might be having an affair. In a twist of events, Helen gets unintentionally pulled into one of Harry’s espionage missions, leading to a series of chaotic, hilarious, and thrilling situations.
A classic that redefined the action-comedy genre, True Lies is a must-watch for fans of high-stakes espionage and domestic drama. The over-the-top action sequences and laugh-out-loud moments make it a timeless choice for fans of movies similar to Back in Action.
2. Killers (2010)
Directed by Robert Luketic and starring Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl, Killers (2010) follows Jen Kornfeldt (Heigl), a recently single woman who, while vacationing in Nice, France, meets Spencer Aimes (Kutcher), a charming and handsome man. Spencer sweeps her off her feet, and they quickly fall in love. What Jen doesn’t know is that Spencer is a highly trained assassin who works for a top-secret government agency. Tired of his dangerous life, Spencer decides to retire from being a hitman and settles into a quiet suburban life with Jen.
Three years later, the couple is happily married, but their peaceful life takes a sharp turn when Spencer’s past catches up with him. A $20 million bounty is placed on his head, and suddenly, Spencer and Jen find themselves surrounded by friends, neighbors, and co-workers who are secretly assassins trying to kill Spencer.
While it leans heavily on the romantic comedy side, the action-packed sequences and spy drama make it an excellent companion to Back in Action.
Related to Movies like ‘Back in Action’ – 5 Movies to watch if you like ‘Ghosted’ on Apple TV+
3. Knight and Day (2010)
James Mangold’s Knight and Day is a perfect pick for a list of movies like Back in Action because you can see the references that are used in the Netflix original. Mangold’s film follows June Havens (Diaz), an ordinary woman who finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of espionage after a chance encounter with Roy Miller (Cruise), a rogue secret agent. Their paths cross at an airport, and before June knows it, she’s being pursued by both the CIA and deadly assassins.
Roy is on the run after being framed for stealing a powerful new energy source, a perpetual energy battery called the Zephyr. As June is unwillingly swept into Roy’s dangerous world, the two embark on a wild journey across multiple countries, dodging bullets, explosions, and betrayals at every turn.
Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz team up in this zany action adventure about a rogue spy and an unsuspecting woman caught in his whirlwind. Knight and Day echoes the playful tone and exhilarating pace of Back in Action, making it a no-brainer for fans of action-comedy with electric chemistry between leads.
4. Spy (2015)
Written and directed by Paul Feig, Spy centers on Susan Cooper (McCarthy), a desk-bound CIA analyst who works as the eyes and ears for suave field agent Bradley Fine (Jude Law). Despite her incredible intelligence, quick thinking, and loyalty, Susan is constantly underestimated by her colleagues and stuck in a support role.
When Fine is killed during a mission and the identities of the agency’s top operatives are compromised, Susan volunteers to go undercover for the first time. Despite her inexperience, she is tasked with infiltrating the dangerous world of arms dealer Rayna Boyanov (Rose Byrne), who is threatening to sell a suitcase nuke to the highest bidder.
Susan adopts a series of unglamorous cover identities and dives headfirst into the high-stakes mission, stumbling through dangerous encounters, extravagant parties, and shootouts while proving she’s far more capable than anyone anticipated. Along the way, she is hilariously hindered (and sometimes helped) by Rick Ford (Jason Statham), an overconfident yet clumsy rogue agent.
The movie’s sharp humor, thrilling espionage, and standout performances from McCarthy, Rose Byrne, and Jason Statham make it an ideal choice for anyone seeking movies like Back in Action.
5. The Family Plan (2023)
Apple TV+’s The Family Plan stars Mark Wahlberg as Dan Morgan, a suburban car salesman who is actually a former government assassin. When his secret past is exposed, Dan must take his unsuspecting family on the run to protect them from imminent danger.
The film also stars Michelle Monaghan as Jessica Morgan, Dan’s wife, along with Zoe Colletti and Van Crosby as their children. As the family embarks on a spontaneous road trip to evade Dan’s former employer, they encounter a series of comedic and action-packed situations that test their bonds and reveal hidden strengths.
With Wahlberg’s knack for action-comedy and a storyline blending covert missions with heartfelt family moments, this movie is a perfect pick if you loved the mix of thrills and family-focused humor in Back in Action on Netflix.
6. Role Play (2024)
Starring Kaley Cuoco as Emma and David Oyelowo as her husband Dave, Thomas Vincent’s Role Play revolves around Emma, who leads a double life as a loving wife and mother in suburban New Jersey, while secretly working as an assassin for hire.
To rekindle their marriage, Emma and Dave decide to engage in a role-playing game, meeting at a hotel as strangers. This plan takes a dramatic turn when Emma’s two worlds collide, leading to a series of events that force Dave to confront the truth about his wife’s secret life.
Much like Back in Action, this Amazon Prime Original is one of those movies that thrives on its blend of marital dynamics and covert action. If you loved the duality of Diaz and Foxx balancing family life with dangerous missions, you’ll find Role Play equally gripping.
