Red Scorpion

If you want action that respects the story underneath it, Red Scorpion is available in Australia on Amazon Prime Video and Beamafilm, and in the US on Amazon Prime Video and Philo right now. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. 315 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. No filler scenes, no spinning wheels between the action. Put it on tonight on Amazon Prime Video and see for yourself.

Red Scorpion is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The set pieces are impressive, but it is the story underneath them that gives Red Scorpion its staying power. A Soviet commando is sent to eliminate a rebel leader in Africa. Soon he finds himself doubting his mission. Dolph Lundgren and M. Emmet Walsh lead a cast that keeps the chaos grounded in who's actually at stake. It was released in 1988. The action sequences are expensive-looking without drawing attention to their own budget — they serve the story rather than interrupting it. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Red Scorpion is the kind of thing you put on to unwind and find yourself sitting forward twenty minutes in. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Dolph Lundgren is the obvious draw, but the supporting cast gives the action the context it needs to land. The action holds up because the character work underneath it never lets up.

Red Scorpion was released in 1988, directed by Joseph Zito. The full 105-minute film is available to watch now. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.