The 10 Best John Wick-Inspired Action Movies

Hugo van Dijk

6 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

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1. Nobody (2021): A Surprisingly Brutal Suburban Thriller

• Similar Themes: Nobody expertly mines the same vein of underestimated protagonist and unexpected violence that makes John Wick so compelling. Bob Odenkirk's seemingly ordinary accountant unleashes a whirlwind of brutal efficiency once pushed too far, echoing the quiet intensity of John Wick's persona.

• Action Style: The action in Nobody is intense and realistic, prioritizing practical effects and creative weapon use. Forget flashy wire-fu; this is raw, visceral hand-to-hand combat and ingenious improvisation with everyday objects, mirroring John Wick's practical approach to fight choreography.

• Bullet Points:

  • Bob Odenkirk delivers a career-defining performance, showcasing surprising physicality and emotional depth.
  • High-octane action sequences emphasize brutality and realism, offering a satisfyingly gritty alternative to overly stylized fight scenes.
  • The film cleverly weaves family dynamics into the action, adding a layer of emotional complexity rarely seen in this genre.

2. Atomic Blonde (2017): Cold War Espionage with a Stylish Punch

• Stylish Action: Atomic Blonde boasts some of the most impressive and innovative action sequences of the past decade. Long, continuous takes and meticulously choreographed fight scenes, often utilizing the environment itself as a weapon, directly recall the stylistic flourishes of John Wick.

• Setting and Tone: The Cold War setting and gritty atmosphere of Atomic Blonde create a similarly neo-noir feel, further solidifying its place within this lineage of stylish action thrillers. The film's color palette and deliberate pacing contribute to its distinct visual identity.

• Bullet Points:

  • Charlize Theron delivers a powerhouse performance as Lorraine Broughton, a lethal MI6 agent.
  • Stunning visuals and a killer soundtrack amplify the film's already impressive action sequences.
  • Intricate fight sequences creatively utilize the environment, showcasing both brutal efficiency and artistic choreography.

3. Gunpowder Milkshake (2021): Female-Led Action with a Touch of Whimsy

• Strong Female Lead: Gunpowder Milkshake offers a refreshing perspective on the genre, featuring a powerful female assassin and a supporting cast of equally formidable women. This shift in perspective, while still embracing stylish violence, broadens the appeal and adds a new dimension to the formula.

• Stylish Violence: The film masterfully blends stylish action with a touch of humor and visually distinct character designs. This unique blend sets it apart from other entries in the subgenre, adding a layer of playful energy while maintaining its commitment to thrilling action sequences.

• Bullet Points:

  • A diverse cast of female assassins, each with their own unique skills and personalities.
  • A visually distinct style, incorporating bold colors and unique character designs.
  • A fun, fast-paced narrative that keeps viewers engaged from beginning to end.

4. The Night Comes for Us (2018): Indonesian Action Extravaganza

• Brutal Action: Prepare for an onslaught of unrelenting violence in The Night Comes for Us. This Indonesian action film delivers on brutal action sequences in a way that few others can match. The sheer intensity and volume of fight choreography are truly awe-inspiring.

• Unique Setting: The film offers a unique cultural context compared to most Western action films, showcasing impressive Indonesian martial arts and a different flavor of neo-noir. This shift in locale provides a fresh perspective within the genre.

• Bullet Points:

  • Impressive Indonesian martial arts are prominently displayed throughout the film.
  • The relentless pace and high body count contribute to the film's visceral impact.
  • A morally complex protagonist adds depth to the narrative.

5. Kate (2021): A Gritty, Dark Revenge Story

• Revenge Plot: Like John Wick, Kate centers around a revenge plot that drives the narrative. This shared thematic element allows it to resonate strongly with fans of the original while still forging its own unique path.

• Modern Setting: The film grounds the story in a contemporary setting, offering a more realistic and grounded feel compared to some of the more fantastical entries in the genre.

• Bullet Points:

  • Mary Elizabeth Winstead delivers a powerful performance as the titular assassin.
  • A tight, suspenseful storyline keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
  • Brutal and effective action sequences make for a satisfying viewing experience.

6. Haywire (2011): A Martial Arts Masterpiece

• Practical Fight Choreography: Steven Soderbergh's Haywire predates John Wick, yet shares its commitment to practical fight choreography and realistic hand-to-hand combat. Gina Carano's MMA background shines through in the film's stunning action sequences.

• Intriguing Plot: The complex plot, filled with twists and turns, keeps viewers guessing, much like the intricate world-building in John Wick.

• Bullet Points:

  • Gina Carano's incredible martial arts skills are on full display.
  • A captivating, unpredictable storyline.
  • A strong female lead in a traditionally male-dominated genre.

7. The Equalizer (2014): A Veteran's Deadly Return

• Understated Protagonist: Denzel Washington embodies the quiet intensity of John Wick, portraying a retired assassin drawn back into the deadly world he left behind. The film balances its action sequences with a thoughtful exploration of its protagonist's morality.

• Satisfying Vengeance: The film delivers satisfying retribution, a core element of the John Wick mythos.

• Bullet Points:

  • Denzel Washington's commanding screen presence.
  • A blend of thrilling action and character-driven drama.
  • A satisfyingly violent resolution.

8. Shoot 'Em Up (2007): Over-the-Top Gun Fu

• Exaggerated Gunplay: Shoot 'Em Up revels in its over-the-top gunplay, showcasing creative and inventive uses of firearms. This excessive style, while differing in tone from John Wick, shares its commitment to stylish action sequences.

• Visually Stunning: The film is visually arresting, with a distinctive aesthetic that complements its relentless action.

• Bullet Points:

  • Clive Owen's charismatic performance.
  • A highly creative and inventive approach to gun battles.
  • A darkly comedic tone that differentiates it from other films on this list.

9. Upgrade (2018): Sci-Fi Action with a Unique Twist

• Cyberpunk Action: This sci-fi thriller blends stylish action with a cyberpunk aesthetic, exploring themes of technology and revenge. The unique blend of genres sets it apart while maintaining the core elements of stylish violence.

• Innovative Fight Choreography: The film incorporates elements of futuristic combat into its fight scenes, creating a distinctive fighting style.

• Bullet Points:

  • A unique take on the revenge thriller.
  • Innovative and visually impressive action scenes.
  • Exploration of themes of technology and humanity.

10. Nobody (2021): A Surprisingly Brutal Suburban Thriller

Conclusion

From the gritty realism of Nobody to the female-led empowerment of Gunpowder Milkshake, and the Indonesian martial arts spectacle of The Night Comes for Us, these ten films offer a diverse range of approaches to the John Wick formula, each contributing its unique style and thematic elements to the action genre. These films showcase the enduring impact of John Wick and its ability to inspire creative and thrilling action cinema. Experience the thrill of these amazing John Wick-inspired action flicks! Dive into the world of stylish action with these top picks and discover the best John Wick-esque action movies today! You can find these films on various streaming services and digital platforms.