The Professionals

Right now you can watch The Professionals in the US on Netflix — and it moves faster than most of the genre's competition. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. No filler scenes, no spinning wheels between the action. Available now on Netflix — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, The Professionals is worth clearing space for. The Professionals moves fast and earns its action sequences rather than just delivering them. An arrogant Texas millionaire hires four adventurers to rescue his kidnapped wife from a notorious Mexican bandit. Burt Lancaster and Lee Marvin lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1966. The Professionals earns its bigger moments by making you care about the outcome before it happens. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

The genre has a long history of front-loading its best moments — The Professionals is not one of those. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Burt Lancaster brings a physicality to the role that elevates every set piece. Action that earns its sequences rather than just delivering them.