Top 10 Movies Like John Wick: A Ranked List

7 min read Post on May 11, 2025

Top 10 Movies Like John Wick: A Ranked List

#1 - Nobody (2021)

Similar themes of revenge and underestimated protagonist:

Nobody perfectly captures the John Wick spirit. Bob Odenkirk, far from his comedic Better Call Saul persona, delivers a stunning performance as an underestimated family man pushed to his limits, unleashing a brutal arsenal of skills. The film shares John Wick's core theme of revenge, albeit with a slightly more grounded, albeit still wildly violent, approach.

Brutal fight choreography: The action sequences are flawlessly executed, showcasing Odenkirk's surprising combat prowess.
Underdog story: Like John Wick, the protagonist is initially presented as ordinary, only to reveal extraordinary capabilities.
Dark humor: A touch of dark humor punctuates the violence, adding another layer to the film's charm.
Unexpected twists: Nobody keeps you guessing until the very end.
Focus on hand-to-hand combat alongside firearms: A perfect mix of gun-fu and close-quarters combat.

#2 - Atomic Blonde (2017)

Stylish action and strong female lead:

Charlize Theron delivers a powerhouse performance in Atomic Blonde, a stylish spy thriller echoing John Wick's aesthetic. The film's visually stunning fight sequences, often shot in a single take, are as impressive as anything in the John Wick universe. The Cold War setting adds a unique flavor, but the core elements – intense action and a compelling protagonist – remain firmly in place.

Intense action scenes: The fight choreography is brutal and breathtaking.
Cold War setting: The film's backdrop creates a distinct atmosphere.
Strong female protagonist: Lorraine Broughton is a force to be reckoned with.
Similar aesthetic and tone to John Wick: The film shares a similar neo-noir style and gritty tone.
Expert use of practical effects: The action feels real and impactful.

#3 - Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)

Female-led action with a similar "assassin underworld" theme:

Gunpowder Milkshake throws a female-centric spin on the assassin underworld trope. With a stylish, over-the-top approach to action and a compelling mother-daughter dynamic at its heart, the film provides a distinctly feminine take on the themes explored in John Wick.

Stylish action sequences: The action is both brutal and visually stunning.
Mother-daughter dynamic: The core relationship drives the narrative forward.
Strong female characters: The film features a powerful ensemble cast of women.
Elements of revenge and redemption: Similar themes to John Wick resonate throughout.
Colorful visual style: The film's visuals stand out, making it a visual treat.

#4 - The Night Comes for Us (2018)

Brutal and unrelenting Indonesian action cinema:

Prepare for a relentless barrage of action in The Night Comes for Us. This Indonesian masterpiece showcases brutal and graphic fight sequences unlike anything you’ve ever seen, pushing the boundaries of on-screen violence while maintaining a captivating narrative. It's not for the faint of heart, but for fans of intense action, it's a must-see.

Extremely violent action sequences: This film doesn't shy away from extreme violence.
High body count: Expect a lot of action and a high death toll.
Gangster themes: The film explores the criminal underworld.
Intense fight choreography: The action sequences are breathtaking and brutal.
Visually stunning: The film is a visual feast, even amidst the violence.

#5 - Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2 (2003-2004)

Quentin Tarantino's influence on the genre:

Quentin Tarantino's influence on the John Wick franchise is undeniable, and Kill Bill is a prime example of the stylish, violent action that paved the way. Uma Thurman's iconic performance as The Bride, alongside the film's stylized violence and revenge plot, makes it a must-watch for any fan of the genre.

Iconic fight choreography: The fight scenes are legendary.
Strong female lead: The Bride is a powerful and unforgettable character.
Stylized violence: Tarantino's signature style is on full display.
Revenge plot: A classic revenge story fuels the narrative.
Cult classic status: Kill Bill has achieved iconic status in action cinema.

#6 - Raid: Redemption (2011) & Raid 2: Berandal (2014)

Indonesian martial arts masterpieces:

The Raid films are Indonesian martial arts masterpieces, delivering non-stop, incredibly intense action sequences. With minimal dialogue and maximum action, these films showcase incredible martial arts skills and thrilling close-quarters combat in a way that few other films can match.

Unrelenting action: The action is constant and intense.
Incredible martial arts: The fight choreography is unparalleled.
Close-quarters combat: The majority of the action takes place in tight spaces.
High stakes: The characters are always facing life-or-death situations.
Minimal dialogue, maximum action: The focus is squarely on the action.

#7 - Taken (2008)

Classic revenge thriller with impressive action sequences:

Liam Neeson's performance as Bryan Mills in Taken is iconic. This classic revenge thriller, while less stylized than John Wick, still delivers impressive action sequences and a compelling plot centered on a father's desperate attempt to rescue his daughter.

Focus on a father's revenge: The central theme is a father's desperate mission.
Realistic action scenes (for the time): The action is grounded, albeit still exciting.
Simple yet effective plot: The straightforward narrative keeps you engaged.
High stakes: The consequences are severe, adding to the tension.
Classic revenge movie: A timeless example of the revenge thriller genre.

#8 - The Accountant (2016)

A different take on the assassin genre with Ben Affleck:

The Accountant offers a different take on the assassin genre. Ben Affleck plays a skilled accountant with a hidden life as a lethal assassin. The film balances action sequences with an intriguing plot that focuses on precision and intelligence rather than pure, overwhelming force.

Stealth action sequences: The action emphasizes precision and planning.
Mathematical brilliance: The protagonist's mathematical skills play a crucial role.
Intriguing plot twists: The plot keeps you guessing.
Character-driven action: The action is intertwined with the character's development.
Focus on precision: The action scenes are precise and deliberate.

#9 - Point Blank (2019)

Fast-paced action and thrilling chase sequences:

Point Blank delivers non-stop, fast-paced action and thrilling car chases. If you're looking for a movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, with relentless action and high stakes, this one’s for you.

Fast-paced action: The action rarely slows down.
Thrilling car chases: The car chases are intense and exhilarating.
High stakes: The consequences are consistently severe.
Short and sweet: The film is concise and to the point.
Relentless action: The action never lets up.

#10 - Haywire (2011)

While similar to Atomic Blonde, Haywire boasts a similar intensity and intricate fight choreography, albeit with a different female lead and a less stylized approach. It's a great addition to the list for fans of practical effects and raw action.

Conclusion

From the brutal gun-fu of Nobody to the stylish espionage of Atomic Blonde and the relentless action of The Night Comes for Us, this list offers a diverse range of movies that capture the essence of the John Wick experience. These films all share a commitment to stylish action, intricate fight choreography, compelling plots, and memorable characters. So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for a cinematic marathon! Watch these movies like John Wick and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! For even more options, search for "best action movies like John Wick" and discover more cinematic masterpieces offering that same blend of visceral action and stylish flair. The enduring appeal of films that deliver this kind of exhilarating cinematic experience continues to thrill audiences worldwide, and these films are prime examples.