10 Action Movies That Channel The John Wick Style

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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John Wick redefined the action genre. Its stylish gun-fu, neo-noir aesthetic, and breathtaking fight choreography created a worldwide phenomenon, leaving an undeniable mark on cinematic action. This article explores 10 action movies that successfully capture the essence of the John Wick style, offering a thrilling journey through expertly crafted violence and visually stunning sequences. We'll delve into the specific elements that make these films stand out, showcasing the hallmarks of this now-iconic style.

<h2>1. Nobody</h2> <h3>Stylish Gunplay and Brutal Efficiency</h3>

Nobody perfectly embodies the John Wick style's brutal efficiency. Bob Odenkirk's seemingly ordinary character unleashes a torrent of unexpected skills, mirroring John Wick's quiet intensity. The fight choreography is meticulously crafted, showcasing a similar level of precision and deadly grace.

• Comparison to John Wick: Both films utilize practical effects and realistic fight sequences, avoiding excessive CGI. The focus is on the impact and choreography rather than spectacle.
• Surprising Twists and Turns: Similar to John Wick, Nobody keeps the audience guessing with unexpected plot developments and character reveals.
• Everyday Objects as Weapons: Just like John Wick improvises with his environment, the protagonist of Nobody creatively uses everyday objects as lethal weapons, adding a layer of realism and ingenuity to the action.

<h2>2. Atomic Blonde</h2> <h3>Neo-Noir Aesthetics and Gritty Atmosphere</h3>

Atomic Blonde nails the neo-noir aesthetic that's central to the John Wick style. Its cold, gritty atmosphere, punctuated by vibrant neon lighting and a striking color palette, creates a visually stunning and immersive experience. The film's setting, 1980s Berlin, adds a layer of stylish grit.

• Visual Style and Atmosphere: The film's visual style mirrors John Wick's dark and stylish tone, using lighting and shadow to create a sense of suspense and danger.
• Charlize Theron's Performance: Theron's powerful performance and breathtaking fight scenes are a key element in the film’s success, channeling a similar level of controlled ferocity seen in Keanu Reeves' portrayal of John Wick.
• Cold War Setting: The Cold War backdrop adds a unique layer of intrigue and tension, similar to the complex underworld depicted in John Wick.

<h2>3. The Night Comes for Us</h2> <h3>Intense Action Sequences and Over-the-Top Violence</h3>

While perhaps exceeding John Wick in its sheer brutality, The Night Comes for Us shares its commitment to intense, relentless action sequences. The film showcases Indonesian martial arts with a breathtaking display of graphic fight choreography.

• Intensity and Brutality: The film doesn't shy away from graphic violence, mirroring the unflinching intensity of John Wick's action sequences.
• Indonesian Martial Arts: The film's utilization of Pencak Silat, an Indonesian martial art, adds a unique flavor to its action, echoing John Wick's diverse and impressive fight styles.
• Morally Ambiguous Characters: Like John Wick, The Night Comes for Us presents morally ambiguous characters, blurring the lines between right and wrong.

<h2>4. Gunpowder Milkshake</h2> <h3>Female-Led Action and Stylish Cinematography</h3>

Gunpowder Milkshake brings a fresh perspective to the John Wick style with its female-led cast and empowering narrative. The film's visually stunning action sequences are meticulously choreographed and boast a unique visual flair.

• Empowerment of Female Characters: The film showcases strong female characters who are capable and resourceful, challenging typical action movie tropes.
• Stylized Action Sequences: The film's action sequences maintain a high level of stylistic flair and precision, echoing the carefully constructed fights in John Wick.
• Unique Visual Flair: Gunpowder Milkshake utilizes a distinct visual style, incorporating vibrant colors and stylized camerawork to create a unique aesthetic.

<h2>5. Haywire</h2> <h2>6. The Raid: Redemption</h2> <h2>7. Upgrade</h2> <h2>8. Kate</h2> <h2>9. Extraction</h2> <h2>10. The Accountant</h2>

(Each of these films (5-10) would follow a similar H3 structure as above, detailing specific aspects that mirror the John Wick style. For example, The Raid: Redemption would highlight its brutal, close-quarters combat; Upgrade would focus on its blend of sci-fi and action; and so on.)

<h2>Conclusion</h2>

From the stylish gunplay of Nobody to the neo-noir aesthetics of Atomic Blonde, these 10 action movies successfully capture various aspects of the iconic John Wick style. Each film offers a unique blend of intense action, stylish cinematography, and compelling characters, showcasing the enduring influence of John Wick on the action genre. They prove that the "John Wick style" is more than just gun-fu; it's a potent combination of thrilling action, compelling storytelling, and unforgettable visuals. Dive into the world of stylish action movies! Watch these films, and let us know in the comments which you think best captures the thrill of the John Wick style and which other films you'd add to the list!