10 Best John Wick Ripoffs, Ranked

6 min read Post on May 11, 2025

Top Tier John Wick Inspired Action (Rankings 1-3): These films capture the essence of John Wick's style and intensity.

#1 - Nobody:

Nobody perfectly embodies the spirit of John Wick. Bob Odenkirk's performance as Hutch Mansell, a seemingly ordinary suburban dad harboring a deadly past, is captivating. The film expertly blends quiet character moments with explosive, expertly choreographed fight sequences that rival John Wick's in their brutality and inventiveness. It's a masterclass in controlled violence and understated intensity, making it the ultimate John Wick ripoff.

Memorable Fight Scenes: The bus fight sequence is a modern classic, showcasing brutal, realistic fight choreography. The home invasion scene is another standout, displaying Hutch's tactical prowess and resourceful use of everyday objects as weapons.
Protagonist Arc: Hutch's transformation from mild-mannered family man to unstoppable killing machine is deeply satisfying and mirrors John Wick's own journey of reluctant vengeance.
Neo-Noir Atmosphere: The film's stylish visuals and gritty tone contribute to a neo-noir atmosphere, reminiscent of John Wick's visually stunning world. This enhances the overall impact of the action and storytelling.

#2 - Atomic Blonde:

Charlize Theron delivers a powerhouse performance in Atomic Blonde, a stylish spy thriller brimming with visceral action sequences. While the setting and plot differ from John Wick, the film shares a similar aesthetic, featuring breathtaking fight choreography, a focus on practical effects, and a commitment to intense, realistic violence. The film's use of a vibrant 1980s Berlin setting also distinguishes it while still capturing the John Wick vibe.

Stylish Action: Atomic Blonde's fight scenes are breathtaking, showcasing Theron's incredible athleticism and the film's commitment to intricate choreography. The extended single-take fight sequences are particularly impressive.
Intriguing Plot: The complex spy plot, set against the backdrop of the Cold War, keeps viewers engaged even during the quieter moments.
Strong Female Lead: Theron's portrayal of Lorraine Broughton is a strong, independent female character who expertly handles the physical and mental challenges thrown her way.

#3 - Gunpowder Milkshake:

This female-led action film shares John Wick's stylish aesthetic and impressive fight choreography. Featuring Karen Gillan, Lena Headey and Carla Gugino, the film boasts creative and violent action sequences, a unique storyline and distinct female empowerment. While not reaching the same heights of narrative depth as Nobody, it's still a stylish and entertaining action flick worth watching for fans of the genre.

Impressive Fight Choreography: The film's action sequences are fluid, inventive, and brutal, showcasing a range of fighting styles.
Strong Female Cast: The film features a powerhouse female cast who deliver impressive performances.
Stylish Visuals: The vibrant visuals and retro soundtrack add to the film's overall aesthetic appeal.

Mid-Tier Mayhem (Rankings 4-6): These films offer exciting action but may lack some of the stylistic polish of the top tier.

#4 - The Night Comes for Us:

This Indonesian action film delivers relentless, brutal action. It lacks the stylistic polish of the top tier but still packs a punch with its intense fight sequences and captivating story.

Brutal Action: The film doesn't shy away from violence, offering some of the most intense fight choreography on this list.
Compelling Story: The plot is engaging, even if it’s not as complex as some of the higher-ranked films.
Unique Setting: The Indonesian setting offers a unique perspective compared to the more common Western settings.

#5 - Kate:

This Netflix original features Mary Elizabeth Winstead as an assassin on a revenge mission with a ticking clock. While not as polished as the top entries, the film’s intense action sequences and compelling storyline, makes it a solid action thriller.

Intense Action: The fight scenes are visceral and intense.
Strong Performance: Winstead delivers a captivating performance.
Fast-Paced Plot: The film’s short runtime keeps things moving.

#6 - The Villainess:

This South Korean action film is a stylish and brutal ride with incredibly impressive stunt work. The plot might be slightly convoluted but the non-stop action makes it a worthy addition to the list.

Impressive Stunts: The stunt work is absolutely stunning, featuring incredible fight choreography and wire-fu.
Stylish Action: It features a distinctly unique visual style.
Compelling Female Lead: The female protagonist is a well-developed and engaging character.

Honorable Mentions (Rankings 7-10): These films offer aspects reminiscent of John Wick, but might not fully capture the overall feel.

#7 - Haywire:

This action thriller, directed by Steven Soderbergh, features Gina Carano in a lead role and while not directly a “John Wick rip-off” shares similar action themes and stylistic choices.

Realistic Fight Choreography: The action is grounded in reality, making it believable and intense.
Strong Female Lead: Carano's performance is memorable.
Stylish Direction: Soderbergh's direction adds a unique visual flair.

#8 - Shoot 'Em Up:

Clive Owen's performance anchors this over-the-top action film. It’s a far cry from the neo-noir feel of John Wick, but the absurd action is wildly entertaining.

Over-the-Top Action: The film is not for the faint of heart, but fans of crazy, hyper-violent action will love it.
Memorable Characters: The memorable characters, including Owen’s badass protagonist, add to the film’s charm.
Unique Style: The film’s unique visual style and darkly comedic tone make it stand out.

#9 - Upgrade:

This sci-fi action thriller offers a unique blend of action and body horror. It shares the focus on intense, well-choreographed fight sequences with John Wick, but in a more futuristic setting.

Unique Sci-Fi Elements: The blend of action and sci-fi is unique.
Intense Action: The action is well-choreographed and intense.
Gripping Plot: The plot keeps you guessing throughout.

#10 - Free Fire:

This stylish action film features a stellar cast engaged in a prolonged gun battle. While not as refined as John Wick, the intense gunplay and tense atmosphere provide some exciting moments.

Intense Gun Battles: The film features extended and intense gun battles that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Stellar Cast: The film features a great cast with excellent chemistry.
Unique Style: The film has a stylish and cool aesthetic.

Conclusion:

From the top-tier contenders to the honorable mentions, this list offers a comprehensive exploration of the best John Wick ripoffs. Each film brings its unique blend of action, style, and suspense, offering a diverse range of cinematic thrills for fans of the genre. Whether you're seeking intense gun-fu, stylish fight choreography, or a compelling revenge story, this guide will lead you to the perfect John Wick-inspired cinematic adventure. So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for some seriously awesome action! Which of these John Wick-esque films are you most excited to watch? Let us know in the comments below!