10 Best John Wick Ripoffs, Ranked

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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1. Nobody

• Exceptional Gun-Fu and Fight Choreography: Nobody boasts some of the most brutal and inventive fight choreography since John Wick. The iconic hallway fight scene, a clear nod to the original, is a masterpiece of brutal efficiency, showcasing intense hand-to-hand combat and clever use of everyday objects as weapons. Keywords: stylish action, gun kata, intense fight scenes, brutal fight choreography.

• Compelling Protagonist: Bob Odenkirk's portrayal of Hutch Mansell, a seemingly ordinary suburban dad, is unexpectedly compelling. His transformation from mild-mannered family man to unstoppable killing machine is both believable and thrilling, making him a truly relatable, albeit violent, underdog. Keywords: grizzled assassin, vengeful protagonist, underdog story, relatable character.

• Similar Themes and Tone: Nobody shares John Wick's neo-noir aesthetic and explores similar themes of revenge, loyalty, and the brutal realities of the underworld. The film embraces a dark, gritty tone, enhancing the intensity of the action and the emotional stakes. Keywords: dark underworld, neo-noir elements, stylish violence, revenge thriller.

• Bullet Points:

  • The extended fight scene in the apartment building is a highlight, showcasing impressive practical effects.
  • Hutch's quiet rage and internal conflict are effectively portrayed, making him a compelling protagonist.
  • The film subtly hints at a larger, more complex criminal underworld, leaving room for potential sequels.

2. Atomic Blonde

• Stylish Action and Visuals: Atomic Blonde is a visual feast, utilizing bold color palettes, dynamic camerawork, and a unique visual style to create a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. The film’s aesthetic is undeniably stylish, capturing the era while offering a distinct visual flair. Keywords: stylish visuals, cinematic action, visually stunning, 80s aesthetic.

• Strong Female Lead: Charlize Theron delivers a powerhouse performance as Lorraine Broughton, a lethal spy navigating the dangerous world of Cold War espionage. Her character is a master of hand-to-hand combat and strategic thinking, making her a truly compelling female assassin. Keywords: female assassin, powerful heroine, badass woman, strong female lead.

• Intense Hand-to-Hand Combat: The fight scenes in Atomic Blonde are brutally realistic and incredibly well-choreographed, showcasing a range of martial arts styles and showcasing impressive physicality. The extended single-take fight sequences are particularly memorable. Keywords: hand-to-hand combat, martial arts, brutal fight choreography, single-take fight scene.

• Bullet Points:

  • The film's use of vibrant colors and neon lighting creates a distinctive visual identity.
  • Lorraine's resourcefulness and unwavering determination make her a compelling and inspiring character.
  • The fight scene in the stairwell is a particularly impressive example of the film’s kinetic action.

3. Gunpowder Milkshake

This female-led action film delivers stylish gunplay and a unique take on the assassin genre, featuring a compelling mother-daughter dynamic within a world of deadly female assassins. Keywords: female assassin team, stylish gunplay, mother-daughter dynamic, action comedy.

4. Kate

A gripping, visceral thriller showcasing Mary Elizabeth Winstead as an assassin facing a ticking time bomb, Kate offers a brutal and thrilling ride in the vein of John Wick. Keywords: female assassin, ticking clock thriller, brutal action, revenge story.

5. The Night Comes for Us

This Indonesian action masterpiece delivers relentless, over-the-top violence with stunning fight choreography. While significantly gorier, it shares the kinetic energy and stylish brutality of John Wick. Keywords: Indonesian action cinema, brutal violence, stunning fight choreography, relentless action.

6. The Villainess

Another South Korean import to this list, The Villainess is an exceptionally well-choreographed, incredibly violent, and stylish action film that takes no prisoners. Keywords: South Korean action cinema, stylish action, brutal violence, intense fight sequences.

7. Haywire

This early example of the subgenre features Gina Carano's impressive martial arts skills in a tightly-plotted and thrilling action film. Keywords: martial arts action, female lead, tightly plotted, suspenseful thriller.

8. Upgrade

This sci-fi thriller blends action with a cyberpunk aesthetic. While different in tone, its focus on visceral action and a revenge-driven plot makes it a worthy entry. Keywords: sci-fi action, cyberpunk aesthetic, visceral action, revenge plot.

9. The Accountant

While less focused on gun-fu, this film features Ben Affleck as a highly skilled accountant with deadly skills and a strong focus on intense action sequences. Keywords: intense action sequences, skilled protagonist, suspenseful thriller, unexpected twists.

10. Free Fire

A tense, chaotic shootout in a warehouse, Free Fire features a relentless barrage of gunfire and a surprisingly engaging cast. Keywords: gunfight movie, intense action, suspenseful thriller, ensemble cast.

Conclusion:

From the brutal efficiency of Nobody to the stylish visuals of Atomic Blonde and the relentless action of The Night Comes for Us, these ten films showcase the enduring impact of John Wick on action cinema. They represent the best John Wick ripoffs, each offering its unique take on stylish violence, compelling characters, and intricate fight choreography. These films offer a range of styles and tones, but all share a common thread: a dedication to delivering thrilling, high-octane action experiences. Have you seen any other great John Wick-inspired films? Share your recommendations in the comments below! Let's discuss the best John Wick alternatives and other movies similar to John Wick that deserve recognition!