10 Action Movies Like John Wick: A Ranked List

Mei Lin

7 min read Post on May 11, 2025

10 Action Movies Like John Wick: A Ranked List

1. #1 - Nobody – The Ultimate John Wick Clone

Reasons for Ranking: The closest equivalent to John Wick's blend of stylish violence and unexpected depth.

Plot and Themes: Nobody follows a seemingly ordinary family man who unleashes his lethal past after a home invasion. Like John Wick, the protagonist is a highly skilled assassin forced back into the deadly world he left behind, seeking revenge and facing formidable opponents. The themes of family, redemption, and the consequences of violence resonate strongly with John Wick's narrative.
Action Sequences: The fight choreography in Nobody mirrors John Wick's precise and brutal style, featuring creative uses of everyday objects as weapons and expertly executed close-quarters combat. The bus fight sequence, in particular, is a standout moment echoing the intensity of John Wick's iconic gun-fu.
Cast and Roles: Bob Odenkirk delivers a stunning performance as the seemingly ordinary man hiding a deadly secret, showcasing a surprising range and physicality reminiscent of Keanu Reeves' portrayal of John Wick.
Critical Reception: Nobody received critical acclaim for its action sequences, well-developed characters, and surprisingly dark humor, solidifying its place as one of the best action movies like John Wick.

2. #2 - Atomic Blonde – Stylish Gunplay and Gritty Realism

Reasons for Ranking: A stylish spy thriller that shares John Wick's commitment to realistic fight choreography and morally gray characters.

Plot and Themes: Set during the Cold War, Atomic Blonde follows an MI6 agent navigating a treacherous world of espionage and double-crosses. Its gritty realism and morally ambiguous characters mirror the complex world inhabited by John Wick.
Action Sequences: The film features extended, breathtaking fight sequences filmed in a single take, showcasing the actors' skill and the precision of the choreography, comparable to the long, fluid action sequences in John Wick.
Cast and Roles: Charlize Theron delivers a powerhouse performance as the resourceful and deadly Lorraine Broughton, exhibiting the same level of intensity and physical prowess as Keanu Reeves in John Wick.
Critical Reception: Praised for its stylish visuals, intense action, and Theron's performance, Atomic Blonde stands out among action movies like John Wick for its commitment to practical effects and gritty realism.

3. #3 - The Night Comes for Us – Intricate World-Building and Complex Characters

Reasons for Ranking: A Indonesian action masterpiece with a richly detailed criminal underworld and morally complex characters, echoing John Wick's intricate world-building.

Plot and Themes: This Indonesian action film plunges into a violent criminal underworld, focusing on a former assassin forced to confront his past. The world is richly detailed and the characters possess depth and moral ambiguity, much like the world of John Wick.
Action Sequences: Featuring brutal and relentless fight choreography that pushes the boundaries of onscreen violence. The extended fight scenes are visually stunning and demonstrate a unique style, akin to the intensity of John Wick's combat.
Cast and Roles: Iko Uwais leads the cast with a commanding performance, displaying the intense physical prowess that's a hallmark of action movies like John Wick.
Critical Reception: While less mainstream than other entries, The Night Comes for Us has cultivated a cult following among action movie enthusiasts who appreciate its uncompromising style and stunning action.

4. #4 - Raid: Redemption – High-Octane Action and Suspense

Reasons for Ranking: Non-stop action and suspense, mirroring John Wick's relentless pacing and intense fight sequences.

Plot and Themes: A SWAT team gets trapped in a high-rise building teeming with criminals. The film focuses on unrelenting action and survival, similar to the high-stakes situations frequently found in John Wick.
Action Sequences: The film is renowned for its incredible, uninterrupted fight sequences in cramped spaces, a testament to the skill of the actors and filmmakers. This close-quarters combat is a key element found in many action movies like John Wick.
Cast and Roles: Iko Uwais again shines, proving his mastery of action movie choreography.
Critical Reception: Raid: Redemption is critically acclaimed for its innovative action sequences and its influence on the modern action genre.

5. #5 - The Guest – A Masterclass in Practical Effects

Reasons for Ranking: A stylish thriller that utilizes practical effects to create breathtaking action sequences, similar to John Wick’s emphasis on practical stunts.

Plot and Themes: A mysterious soldier insinuates himself into a grieving family’s life. The film blends suspense, action, and mystery to great effect.
Action Sequences: The action scenes are creative and well-choreographed, showcasing impressive practical effects and stunt work. This mirrors John Wick's dedication to practical action.
Cast and Roles: Dan Stevens gives a mesmerizing performance as the charming but lethal David.
Critical Reception: The Guest has gained a cult following for its blend of thriller elements and expertly executed action sequences.

6. #6 - Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2 – Unique Weaponry and Creative Kill Scenes

Reasons for Ranking: Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece showcases creative kill scenes and unique weaponry, echoing John Wick's signature style.

Plot and Themes: The Bride seeks revenge on the assassins who betrayed her. The film is iconic for its stylized violence and unique approach to storytelling.
Action Sequences: The iconic sword fights and creative kill scenes are a major draw, similar to the stylized action found in many action movies like John Wick.
Cast and Roles: Uma Thurman delivers a powerful performance as the Bride.
Critical Reception: Kill Bill is a critically acclaimed classic of the action genre.

7. #7 - Nobody (Again, due to its significant similarities) – A Surprisingly Similar Narrative Structure

Reasons for Ranking: The narrative arc of a seemingly ordinary person with a hidden, deadly past is strikingly similar to John Wick’s.

Plot and Themes: As detailed above, the narrative arc strongly mirrors that of John Wick.
Action Sequences: (See above)
Cast and Roles: (See above)
Critical Reception: (See above)

8. #8 - Haywire – Beneath the Surface: Exploring Shared Themes

Reasons for Ranking: Explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and the hidden lives of highly skilled operatives.

Plot and Themes: A highly skilled MMA fighter is betrayed and seeks revenge. The themes of betrayal and revenge are central to both Haywire and John Wick.
Action Sequences: The fight scenes in Haywire feature realistic and brutal fight choreography, reflecting the intensity of John Wick's action sequences.
Cast and Roles: Gina Carano's performance is a highlight.
Critical Reception: A well-made action film with solid performances and exciting action.

9. #9 - Shoot 'Em Up – Underappreciated Action Gem

Reasons for Ranking: A hyper-stylized action film with creative gunplay and over-the-top violence, a similar style to John Wick.

Plot and Themes: A mysterious man finds himself entangled in a battle over a newborn baby.
Action Sequences: The action scenes are inventive and exhilarating, featuring creative use of weapons and intense gun fights.
Cast and Roles: Clive Owen leads the cast with his effortless cool.
Critical Reception: While less mainstream, it's beloved by action fans for its unique style.

10. #10 - Point Blank – An Honorable Mention

Reasons for Ranking: Though not as stylistically similar, it features intense action sequences and a compelling narrative that shares aspects with John Wick.

Plot and Themes: A medical professional is forced to help a criminal escape. The film offers a suspenseful and thrilling ride.
Action Sequences: While not as stylized, the action is intense and engaging.
Cast and Roles: Anthony Mackie and Frank Grillo deliver compelling performances.
Critical Reception: A solid action thriller with engaging plot twists.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it – 10 action movies like John Wick to keep you entertained. From the near-clone Nobody to the stylish Atomic Blonde and the brutal The Night Comes for Us, this list offers a variety of films that capture the same exhilarating style and intensity as John Wick. Which one are you most excited to watch? Let us know in the comments below! And don't forget to share your own favorite action movies that capture the same exhilarating style and intensity as John Wick.