10 Action Movies Like John Wick: A Ranked List

6 min read Post on May 11, 2025

10 Action Movies Like John Wick: A Ranked List

Top 5 Action Movies Mirroring John Wick's Gun-Fu Mastery

This section focuses on films that truly emulate John Wick's signature blend of gunplay and martial arts. These movies aren't just action-packed; they're meticulously choreographed displays of skill and violence.

1. Nobody (2021):

A surprisingly brutal and darkly comedic action thriller starring Bob Odenkirk, "Nobody" delivers relentless action sequences reminiscent of John Wick's precise and brutal style. Odenkirk's transformation from mild-mannered everyman to unstoppable killing machine is a highlight.

Understated Protagonist: Like John Wick, the protagonist's quiet demeanor masks extraordinary abilities.
Unexpected Skills: The film showcases creative and brutal fight choreography, utilizing everyday objects as weapons.
Creative Weaponry: Improvised weapons and inventive fighting styles mirror Wick's resourcefulness.
Similar Revenge Plotline: The core narrative revolves around a revenge-fueled quest for justice, echoing John Wick's central motivation.

2. Atomic Blonde (2017):

Charlize Theron delivers a powerhouse performance in this stylish Cold War spy thriller. The fight choreography is brutal and realistic, echoing the intensity of John Wick's combat. The long takes and visceral impact of each fight make it a must-see for fans of intense action.

Stunning Fight Scenes: The action sequences are expertly crafted, showcasing Theron's incredible athleticism.
Strong Female Lead: A refreshing change of pace, Theron's character is a powerful and capable protagonist.
Gritty Atmosphere: The film's 1980s Berlin setting adds a layer of gritty realism to the action.
Spy Thriller Elements: The spy thriller elements add intrigue and suspense to the already thrilling action sequences.

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

These Indonesian action films are renowned for their relentless, bone-jarring fight sequences in claustrophobic environments. They offer a similar visceral experience to John Wick, focusing on brutal hand-to-hand combat.

Brutal Hand-to-Hand Combat: The films showcase incredible martial arts skills in intense close-quarters combat.
Intense Fight Choreography: The choreography is both brutal and innovative, constantly keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Limited Weaponry: Much like John Wick, the emphasis is on skill and efficiency rather than an arsenal of weaponry.
Claustrophobic Settings: The confined spaces amplify the intensity and brutality of the fight sequences.

4. Gunpowder Milkshake (2021):

A female-led action film featuring a stylish, over-the-top approach to violence with some comedic moments. It offers a similar sense of stylized violence and female empowerment to John Wick, but with a more playful tone.

Strong Female Characters: The film features a diverse cast of compelling female characters, each with their unique fighting style.
Stylish Action Sequences: The action sequences are visually striking and creatively choreographed.
Unique Weaponry: The characters utilize a variety of inventive weapons, adding a unique flair to the action.
Comedic Elements: The film balances its intense action sequences with moments of humor, creating a unique viewing experience.

5. Haywire (2011):

Gina Carano's MMA background shines through in this realistic and hard-hitting action thriller. The fight sequences are grounded in real-world techniques, offering a different but equally compelling take on the genre.

Real-World Fight Techniques: Carano's MMA expertise makes the fights feel authentic and brutal.
Focus on Hand-to-Hand Combat: The film emphasizes realistic hand-to-hand combat over elaborate gunplay.
Strong Female Lead: Carano's performance is captivating, making her character both relatable and intimidating.
Gritty Realism: The film's gritty and realistic approach enhances the intensity of the action.

5 More Action Films with Similar Themes and Atmospheres

This section expands the scope to include films that share thematic elements or atmospheric similarities with John Wick, even if the fight choreography differs slightly.

6. Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014):

Stylish spy action with over-the-top violence and a sharp sense of humor. It shares John Wick's blend of high-octane action and stylish presentation, albeit with a more comedic bent.

Spy Thriller Elements: The film's spy thriller plotline adds layers of intrigue and suspense.
Stylish Action: The action is stylish and creative, with a distinct visual flair.
Comedic Elements: The humor lightens the tone, creating a more balanced viewing experience.
Unique Gadgets: The use of unique gadgets and technology adds a fun element to the action sequences.

7. Taken (2008):

A classic revenge thriller with intense action sequences and a driven protagonist. While the style differs from John Wick's balletic gun-fu, the relentless pursuit of justice is a shared thematic element.

Revenge Plotline: The central narrative revolves around revenge, mirroring John Wick's core motivation.
Strong Protagonist: Liam Neeson delivers a powerful performance as a determined father seeking vengeance.
Suspenseful Atmosphere: The film maintains a high level of suspense throughout, keeping the audience engaged.
Thrilling Action Sequences: The action sequences are intense and well-executed.

8. Point Blank (2019):

A suspenseful and thrilling action movie with a high body count and intense, fast-paced action. It offers a more visceral and relentless action experience, comparable to the intensity of John Wick's fight scenes.

Fast-Paced Action: The film features non-stop action that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Intense Suspense: The plot twists and turns, adding layers of suspense to the already thrilling action.
Thrilling Plot Twists: The film delivers unexpected plot twists that keep the audience guessing.
Morally Gray Characters: The characters operate in a morally ambiguous world, adding depth to the story.

9. Upgrade (2018):

A cyberpunk action thriller with some of the most creative and inventive fight sequences. The blend of sci-fi elements and brutal action provides a unique and thrilling experience.

Sci-Fi Elements: The cyberpunk setting and technological enhancements provide a unique backdrop for the action.
Creative Action: The fight sequences are creatively choreographed and visually stunning.
Dark Themes: The film explores dark and thought-provoking themes.
Compelling Protagonist: The protagonist's journey is both compelling and emotionally resonant.

10. The Accountant (2016):

Ben Affleck stars as a highly skilled accountant with deadly skills. It features stealth and precision reminiscent of John Wick's calculated approach to combat.

Stealth-Based Action: The action focuses on stealth and precision, rather than all-out brawls.
Precise Combat: The fight choreography is meticulously planned, highlighting efficiency and skill.
Intriguing Plot: The film features a complex and intriguing plot that keeps the audience engaged.
Morally Ambiguous Character: The protagonist's morally gray nature adds depth and complexity to the story.

Conclusion

This list offers a diverse range of action movies that capture the essence of what makes John Wick so captivating: thrilling action sequences, compelling characters, and a stylish cinematic presentation. Whether you prefer gun-fu, hand-to-hand combat, or a blend of both, there's something for every action movie fan on this ranked list of films like John Wick. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for another adrenaline-fueled ride! Start watching these amazing action movies like John Wick today!