10 Best John Wick Ripoffs, Ranked

4 min read Post on May 12, 2025

The Top Tier: Unmissable John Wick-Inspired Action (Top 3)

#1 Nobody: A Surprisingly Brutal Suburban Thriller

Nobody isn't just a John Wick ripoff; it's a masterful elevation of the genre. Bob Odenkirk's performance as a seemingly ordinary suburbanite hiding a deadly past is captivating.

Breathtaking Gun-Fu: The film delivers bone-jarring action sequences that rival John Wick's in intensity and choreography. The slow-motion shots and intricate fight choreography are simply superb.
Compelling Character Arc: Odenkirk's transformation from mild-mannered dad to ruthless assassin is both believable and thrilling.
Stylish Action: Nobody boasts a similar neo-noir aesthetic, blending gritty realism with stylish violence. The color palette and camera work are perfectly executed.

#2 Atomic Blonde: Cold War Spy Thriller with Explosive Action

Set during the Cold War, Atomic Blonde delivers a stylish and violent ride. Charlize Theron's portrayal of Lorraine Broughton is iconic, showcasing incredible physical prowess and deadly efficiency.

High-Octane Action: The fight sequences are brutal and relentless, showcasing incredible stunt work and innovative fight choreography.
Strong Female Lead: Theron's performance anchors the film, providing a compelling and powerful female character rarely seen in action thrillers of this style.
80s Aesthetic: The film's 1980s setting and soundtrack add to its unique style, making it a stylish and visually distinct entry in the genre of assassin thrillers.

#3 Kate: A Visually Stunning Last-Stand Story

Kate offers a visceral and emotionally charged take on the assassin genre, with Mary Elizabeth Winstead delivering a powerhouse performance.

Intense Action Sequences: The film’s action is relentless and brutal, often shot in tight close-ups to enhance the impact.
Emotional Depth: Unlike many John Wick imitators, Kate delves into its protagonist's emotional backstory, adding layers of complexity.
Neo-Noir Influences: The film's visual style, dark tone, and gripping storyline borrow heavily from the John Wick aesthetic, creating a visually captivating experience.

The Solid Contenders: Worth a Watch for Action Fans (4-6)

#4 Gunpowder Milkshake: Stylish and Empowering Female-Led Action

Gunpowder Milkshake stands out with its strong female cast and empowerment themes, adding a unique twist to the assassin genre. While perhaps less focused on intricate gun-fu than others on this list, the action is still impactful.

#5 The Night Comes for Us: Indonesian Action Masterpiece

This Indonesian action film delivers non-stop, brutal action with incredible fight choreography. While different in tone and setting from John Wick, its commitment to intense action and stylish violence makes it a worthy contender.

#6 Haywire: MMA-Inspired Action and a Complex Plot

Gina Carano's Haywire delivers hard-hitting MMA-inspired fight choreography, offering a refreshing take on the action thriller. Although not as stylish as John Wick, its raw intensity is undeniable.

Honorable Mentions: Good Attempts, But Not Quite There (7-10)

#7 Prince of Darkness: A Decent Attempt with Shortcomings

While Prince of Darkness tries to capture the stylish action and world-building of John Wick, it ultimately falls short in terms of character development and plot.

#8 Bullet Train: Stylish but Lacks the Emotional Depth

Bullet Train boasts impressive action sequences and an all-star cast, but it lacks the emotional depth and character development that make John Wick so compelling.

#9 Free Fire: A Gunfight Extravaganza, But Less Style

Free Fire is a relentless gunfight, but its lack of stylistic finesse keeps it from truly competing with the best John Wick ripoffs.

#10 The Accountant: Action-Thriller Hybrid with a Different Focus

The Accountant blends action with thriller elements, but it prioritizes a different kind of suspense, making it less of a direct John Wick clone.

Conclusion

Nobody, Atomic Blonde, and Kate stand out as the top three John Wick ripoffs, each offering unique strengths in terms of action, character development, and overall style. These films showcase the best examples of stylish action cinema and demonstrate the enduring influence of John Wick on the genre. Our ranking considered gun-fu prowess, compelling characters, stylish cinematography, and a commitment to thrilling action sequences. Have you seen any other great John Wick-esque action films? Share your thoughts on the best John Wick clones, top John Wick imitations, or other John Wick-inspired action films in the comments below!