10 Action Movies Like John Wick: A Ranked List

Aria Freeman

6 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Top 5 Action Movies That Mirror John Wick's Style

This section focuses on action movies that most closely emulate the style and feel of John Wick, prioritizing gun-fu, stylish fight choreography, and a neo-noir aesthetic.

1. Nobody (2021):

A retired hitman, forced back into action, Nobody stars Bob Odenkirk as a seemingly ordinary man whose quiet life is shattered. This action comedy delivers brutal fight sequences reminiscent of John Wick, but with a surprisingly comedic edge. The film shares the same themes of revenge and perfectly executed action, making it a top contender for fans of the John Wick franchise.

Keywords: Nobody, Bob Odenkirk, action comedy, revenge thriller, similar to John Wick, brutal fight sequences

Bullet Points:

• Brutal, inventive fight sequences showcasing Odenkirk's surprising physicality.
• Unexpected humor interwoven with intense violence.
• A compelling character arc that explores themes of redemption and second chances.
• Shares John Wick's focus on precise, impactful violence.

2. Atomic Blonde (2017):

Set during the Cold War, Atomic Blonde is a spy thriller starring Charlize Theron as a lethal MI6 agent. This stylish action film boasts stunning fight choreography, particularly the extended, unbroken takes of its action scenes. The film's intense hand-to-hand combat and stylish cinematography offer a similar level of visual flair to John Wick.

Keywords: Atomic Blonde, Charlize Theron, spy thriller, Cold War, stylish action, hand-to-hand combat

Bullet Points:

• Intense hand-to-hand combat sequences, often shot in long, unbroken takes.
• Stylish cinematography and a visually striking aesthetic.
• A strong female protagonist who is as capable and deadly as John Wick.
• A thrilling plot set against the backdrop of the Cold War.

3. The Night Comes for Us (2018):

This Indonesian action masterpiece is a relentless barrage of violence and stunning fight choreography. The Night Comes for Us features incredibly skilled martial arts and a high body count, offering a visceral and intense viewing experience. While lacking the neo-noir elements of John Wick, it shares a similar commitment to brutal and expertly executed action.

Keywords: The Night Comes for Us, Indonesian action, brutal action, martial arts, violent action, fight choreography

Bullet Points:

• Non-stop, brutal action sequences showcasing incredible martial arts skills.
• High body count and intense violence.
• Visually stunning fight choreography.
• A unique setting and atmosphere compared to John Wick.

4. Gunpowder Milkshake (2021):

Gunpowder Milkshake is a female-led action film that captures the stylish blend of violence and grace seen in John Wick. The film features stylish action sequences, strong female characters, and a unique storyline exploring themes of family and loyalty. It successfully replicates the stylish and impactful action that makes John Wick so appealing.

Keywords: Gunpowder Milkshake, female-led action, stylish action, gun battles, mother-daughter relationship, strong female characters

Bullet Points:

• Stylish action sequences with a distinct visual flair.
• Strong female characters with complex relationships.
• A unique storyline that goes beyond typical revenge narratives.
• Balances intense action with emotional depth.

5. Nobody (2021):

(Further elaboration) Beyond the already mentioned aspects, Nobody stands out due to its clever use of practical effects and the surprising comedic timing interwoven with its brutal fight sequences. The character arc of Hutch Mansell (Odenkirk) is also surprisingly similar to John Wick's, albeit with a different backstory. The film masterfully blends thrilling action with moments of unexpected humor, creating a unique and captivating experience for viewers.

5 More Action-Packed Alternatives Offering Similar Thrills

This section explores action movies that, while not perfectly mirroring John Wick's style, still offer the same kind of thrilling, action-packed experience.

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

Quentin Tarantino's masterpiece, Kill Bill, features stylish violence and a strong female protagonist on a revenge quest. Uma Thurman delivers iconic fight scenes, and the film's unique visual style and memorable characters cement its place as a classic action film that shares John Wick's emphasis on stylized violence.

Keywords: Kill Bill, Quentin Tarantino, Uma Thurman, revenge, martial arts, iconic fight scenes

Bullet Points:

• Iconic and highly stylized fight scenes.
• Unique visual style and memorable soundtrack.
• Memorable characters and a compelling revenge story.
• Shares the theme of a skilled assassin seeking retribution.

7. Haywire (2011):

Haywire, starring Gina Carano, features realistic fight choreography and a strong female lead in a fast-paced espionage thriller. The film's impressive fight choreography, often utilizing MMA techniques, makes it a compelling watch for fans of practical action sequences. Though different in tone, the focus on realistic yet spectacular combat is a strong parallel to John Wick.

Keywords: Haywire, Gina Carano, MMA, espionage thriller, realistic fights, practical effects

Bullet Points:

• Impressive, realistic fight choreography utilizing MMA techniques.
• Fast-paced plot with twists and turns.
• A strong female lead in a traditionally male-dominated genre.
• Features practical effects over CGI, adding to the realism.

8. Shoot 'Em Up (2007):

Shoot 'Em Up offers over-the-top action and gratuitous violence with a unique comedic sensibility. Clive Owen delivers a charismatic performance, and the film's unconventional action sequences and dark humor provide a fun, albeit significantly more violent, alternative to John Wick's more controlled approach.

Keywords: Shoot 'Em Up, Clive Owen, over-the-top action, dark comedy, gun battles, gratuitous violence

Bullet Points:

• Unconventional and often absurd action sequences.
• Dark humor and witty dialogue.
• Relentless pace and non-stop action.
• Offers a more comedic and less serious tone than John Wick.

9. Upgrade (2018):

Upgrade is a sci-fi action thriller with unique action sequences and a gripping storyline. The film's blend of cyberpunk aesthetics, cybernetic enhancements, and intense action makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a more futuristic take on the genre. Though the action differs, the film shares a similar focus on precise, deadly efficiency in its fight scenes.

Keywords: Upgrade, sci-fi action, cybernetic enhancements, revenge thriller, unique action, cyberpunk

Bullet Points:

• Innovative and stylish action sequences.
• A dark and thrilling plot with twists and turns.
• A cyberpunk setting with a unique visual style.
• Explores themes of revenge and technological augmentation.

10. The Raid: Redemption (2011):

The Raid: Redemption is an Indonesian martial arts action film with brutal and unrelenting fight choreography confined to a single location. The film's non-stop action and innovative fight choreography, focusing on close-quarters combat, provide a visceral and intense viewing experience that shares a similar intensity to John Wick's action sequences, albeit with a different style.

Keywords: The Raid, Indonesian martial arts, intense action, close-quarters combat, martial arts, brutal fight choreography

Bullet Points:

• Non-stop action sequences in a claustrophobic setting.
• Innovative and brutal fight choreography.
• Intense and visceral viewing experience.
• Focuses on hand-to-hand combat rather than gun-fu.

Conclusion:

This list offers a diverse range of action movies that capture the essence of John Wick's stylish violence, intricate fight choreography, and compelling narratives. From the intense gun-fu of Nobody to the brutal martial arts of The Raid, these films provide a thrilling experience for any fan of John Wick. So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for a non-stop adrenaline rush! Start watching these amazing action movies like John Wick today and discover your next favorite!