The 10 Best John Wick-Inspired Action Movies

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Gun-Fu Mastery: Movies with Exceptional Fight Choreography

Innovative and realistic fight choreography is a cornerstone of any successful John Wick-inspired film. The franchise's influence is evident in the increased emphasis on practical effects, intricate gunplay, and a blend of martial arts styles. These films go beyond simple shootouts, delivering balletic displays of violence that are both thrilling and believable.

• The Night Comes for Us (2018): This Indonesian action masterpiece features brutal and unrelenting fight sequences, showcasing a raw and visceral style that rivals John Wick's intensity. The choreography is relentless, emphasizing close-quarters combat and creative weapon usage.
• Atomic Blonde (2017): Charlize Theron delivers a powerhouse performance in this stylish spy thriller, featuring extended, single-take fight sequences that are both breathtaking and incredibly well-executed. The realistic gun-fu and hand-to-hand combat are undeniably John Wick-esque.
• Nobody (2021): Bob Odenkirk surprises audiences with his unexpectedly lethal skills in this action-packed thriller. The fight choreography is surprisingly brutal and inventive, showcasing a believable escalation of violence that echoes John Wick's signature style.
• Raid: Redemption (2011): While preceding John Wick, this Indonesian action film significantly influenced the gun-fu style. Its intense, claustrophobic fight sequences in a single building are a masterclass in close-quarters combat, influencing many subsequent films, including John Wick.

Neo-Noir Style and Atmosphere: Dark, Gritty Worlds

The neo-noir aesthetic of John Wick is as crucial as its action. The dark, gritty atmosphere, stylish visuals, and evocative use of lighting and color palettes contribute significantly to the films' overall mood and tone. This visual style elevates the action sequences, adding depth and intrigue beyond the sheer spectacle.

• Drive (2011): Nicolas Winding Refn's stylish thriller expertly employs a neo-noir aesthetic, creating a visually stunning and atmospheric experience. Its muted color palette, stark lighting, and carefully composed shots are reminiscent of John Wick's visual language.
• Baby Driver (2017): Edgar Wright's action-comedy utilizes vibrant colors and stylish editing to create a distinctive visual style. While lighter in tone than John Wick, its precise action sequences and kinetic energy share a similar visual flair.
• Blade Runner 2049 (2017): Though not strictly an action film, this visually stunning sequel perfectly embodies the neo-noir aesthetic. Its dark, atmospheric world and meticulously crafted visuals resonate with the stylish darkness of John Wick.
• Sin City (2005): This stylized crime thriller, using stark black and white with splashes of color, is a prime example of the neo-noir genre, directly influencing the dark and gritty visual style adopted in John Wick.

Compelling Characters and Intricate Plots: Beyond the Action

While the action sequences are undeniably captivating, the best John Wick-inspired movies also feature well-developed characters and engaging storylines. These films go beyond mindless violence, offering complex characters with compelling motivations and intriguing plots that keep viewers invested.

• Haywire (2011): Gina Carano stars in this action thriller featuring realistic fight choreography and a gripping, character-driven narrative. The intricate plot and relatable protagonist set it apart from purely action-focused films.
• The Equalizer (2014): Denzel Washington delivers a powerful performance in this action thriller, showcasing a character with a complex past and compelling motivations. The story transcends the action, exploring themes of justice and redemption.
• Taken (2008): This gripping action thriller focuses on a retired CIA agent's desperate search for his kidnapped daughter. The intense plot and compelling character arc make it a compelling watch beyond the action sequences.
• Upgrade (2018): This sci-fi action thriller features a compelling protagonist grappling with technological enhancements and dark consequences. The narrative is intricate and thought-provoking, supplementing the thrilling action sequences.

The Top 10 John Wick-Inspired Action Movies: Our Picks

Here are our top 10 John Wick-inspired action movies, selected based on their stylish action sequences, neo-noir aesthetic, compelling characters, and intricate plots:

1. The Night Comes for Us (Link to IMDb/Streaming Service)
2. Atomic Blonde (Link to IMDb/Streaming Service)
3. Nobody (Link to IMDb/Streaming Service)
4. Drive (Link to IMDb/Streaming Service)
5. Baby Driver (Link to IMDb/Streaming Service)
6. Haywire (Link to IMDb/Streaming Service)
7. The Equalizer (Link to IMDb/Streaming Service)
8. Taken (Link to IMDb/Streaming Service)
9. Upgrade (Link to IMDb/Streaming Service)
10. Raid: Redemption (Link to IMDb/Streaming Service)

(Insert high-quality images or short video clips for each movie here)

Conclusion

The best John Wick-inspired action movies share a common thread: a masterful blend of stylish action, neo-noir aesthetic, compelling characters, and intricate plots. Exceptional fight choreography, realistic gun-fu, and a commitment to cinematic style are key elements that elevate these films beyond simple action fare. From the brutal intensity of The Night Comes for Us to the stylish grace of Atomic Blonde, these films showcase the enduring legacy of John Wick and its impact on the action genre. We encourage you to watch these films and share your favorite John Wick-inspired action movies—or even the best John Wick movies themselves—in the comments below! What are your top picks for similar action movies, or action movies like John Wick? Let us know!