10 Action Movies Like John Wick: A Ranked Comparison

6 min read Post on May 12, 2025

10 Action Movies Like John Wick: A Ranked Comparison

Top 5 Action Movies Most Like John Wick:

This section focuses on films that share John Wick's stylistic elements – precise choreography, stylish violence, and a strong neo-noir influence.

Atomic Blonde (2017):

Bullet points: Espionage thriller, Charlize Theron's incredible fight skills, Cold War setting, similar aesthetic, stylish action sequences.
Detailed description: Atomic Blonde mirrors John Wick's precise and brutal fight choreography. Charlize Theron delivers a powerhouse performance, showcasing incredible hand-to-hand combat skills and a mastery of various weapons. The Cold War Berlin setting provides a stylish and gritty backdrop, mirroring the neo-noir atmosphere of John Wick. The film's aesthetic, from the color palette to the costume design, shares a similar level of sophistication. Expect a hyper-violent, stylish thrill ride that will satisfy any John Wick fan craving more gun-fu.

Nobody (2021):

Bullet points: Bob Odenkirk's surprising action prowess, dark humor, grounded action sequences, revenge plotline, understated protagonist.
Detailed description: While less overtly stylized than John Wick, Nobody shares its core theme of a seemingly ordinary individual with extraordinary lethal skills. Bob Odenkirk's transformation into a ruthless action hero is a revelation, delivering surprisingly brutal and effective fight choreography. The film balances intense action with dark humor, creating a unique and engaging experience reminiscent of John Wick's blend of violence and understated coolness. The pacing and character development, while different in style, maintain a similar level of suspense and intrigue.

The Night Comes for Us (2018):

Bullet points: Extreme violence, Indonesian martial arts (Pencak Silat), morally gray characters, non-stop action, brutal and relentless fight scenes.
Detailed description: This Indonesian action masterpiece is not for the faint of heart. The Night Comes for Us delivers unrelenting, brutal fight choreography showcasing Indonesian martial arts. While lacking the neo-noir style of John Wick, it compensates with sheer intensity and visual flair. The morally gray characters and non-stop action provide a different but equally compelling experience for fans of intense action cinema. The visual style is distinct, but the commitment to visceral, realistic fight sequences resonates with John Wick's dedication to practical effects.

Gunpowder Milkshake (2021):

Bullet points: Stylish action, strong female characters, comedic elements, unique visual style, female-led action film.
Detailed description: Gunpowder Milkshake offers a refreshing take on the stylish action genre, featuring a powerful ensemble of female leads. The film boasts impressively choreographed action sequences with a distinct visual flair, incorporating vibrant colors and a unique aesthetic. While the tone is slightly lighter than John Wick, with comedic elements woven into the narrative, the stylish violence and empowering female characters make it a must-see for fans of female-led action films and those seeking a similar level of stylish choreography.

Haywire (2011):

Bullet points: Realistic fight choreography, MMA-influenced action, strong female lead, suspenseful plot, brutal action thriller.
Detailed description: Haywire showcases the exceptional MMA skills of Gina Carano in a series of brutal and realistic fight sequences. While less stylized than John Wick, the film's commitment to practical effects and realistic fight choreography delivers a visceral and impactful viewing experience. The suspenseful plot and strong female lead create a compelling narrative that complements the intense action, offering a different but equally satisfying perspective on the action thriller genre. The grounded realism contrasts with John Wick's more balletic fight style, providing a fascinating comparison for action movie enthusiasts.

Honorable Mentions: Action Movies with Similar Themes (but different styles):

These films share similar themes – revenge, skilled protagonists, intense action – but diverge in their visual style or overall tone.

Taken (2008):

Bullet points: Liam Neeson's iconic role, high stakes, relentless pursuit, visceral action, classic revenge thriller.
Detailed description: A classic revenge thriller, Taken features Liam Neeson's iconic performance and a relentless pursuit fueled by a father's determination to protect his daughter. The action is visceral and intense, although it lacks the stylized gun-fu of John Wick. The film's focus on high stakes and a desperate race against time provides a different type of adrenaline rush.

The Raid: Redemption (2011) & The Raid 2: Berandal (2014):

Bullet points: Brutal Indonesian martial arts (Pencak Silat), claustrophobic settings, relentless action, minimal dialogue, intense close-quarters combat.
Detailed description: These Indonesian martial arts masterpieces are renowned for their relentless, brutal, and close-quarters combat sequences. The films are characterized by claustrophobic settings, minimal dialogue, and non-stop action showcasing the impressive skills of Indonesian martial artists. While the style is distinctly different from John Wick's, the sheer intensity and commitment to practical effects resonate with fans of high-octane action.

Upgrade (2018):

Bullet points: Sci-fi elements, innovative action sequences, cybernetic enhancements, revenge plot, sci-fi action thriller.
Detailed description: Upgrade blends sci-fi elements with intense action sequences, featuring a protagonist enhanced by cybernetic technology. The innovative fight choreography is driven by the character's technological upgrades, offering a unique and futuristic take on the action genre. While significantly different in style and tone from John Wick, the focus on revenge and the visceral nature of the action sequences make it a worthy contender for fans seeking a different kind of adrenaline rush.

Hardcore Henry (2015):

Bullet points: First-person perspective, relentless action, creative camera work, unique viewing experience, immersive action.
Detailed description: Hardcore Henry offers a truly unique cinematic experience by using a first-person perspective throughout the film. This innovative approach creates an immersive and intense viewing experience, placing the audience directly into the heart of the relentless action. While vastly different from John Wick's style, the creative camera work and non-stop action make it a compelling entry for anyone seeking a fresh and exciting approach to action filmmaking.

Conclusion:

This list provides a diverse selection of action movies that capture the essence of John Wick's stylish violence, intricate choreography, and compelling narratives. Whether you prefer realistic gun-fu or over-the-top action sequences, there's something for every action movie fan. From the neo-noir thrills of Atomic Blonde to the brutal intensity of The Raid, these films offer a thrilling cinematic journey. So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for a dose of adrenaline-pumping action! What are your favorite action movies similar to John Wick? Share your recommendations in the comments below! Continue your action movie journey by exploring more films like John Wick and finding your next favorite!