Ranking The 10 Closest John Wick Copycats

5 min read Post on May 11, 2025

Ranking The 10 Closest John Wick Copycats

Criteria for Evaluating John Wick Copycats

To objectively rank these John Wick copycats, we need clear criteria. We'll evaluate films based on the following key aspects:

Gun-fu Action Sequences: John Wick's action isn't just about explosions; it's about precise choreography, realistic gunplay, and a distinct visual style. The iconic "gun-fu" sequences, showcasing fluid movements and creative gun use, are a hallmark of the franchise. We'll look for films that replicate this level of skill and artistry in their action choreography and stylish violence.
World-building and Lore: The depth and complexity of the John Wick underworld are crucial to its success. The intricate web of assassins, rules, and organizations creates a captivating backdrop for the action. We'll evaluate how effectively John Wick copycats build their own compelling underworld populated with memorable assassins and intricate world-building.
Character Depth and Motivations: John Wick’s success rests on its protagonist's compelling backstory and motivations. The antagonists, too, are richly developed. We'll assess the character development in these copycats, analyzing the depth and complexity of both their protagonists and antagonists.
Neo-noir Aesthetic: John Wick's visual style is instantly recognizable. Its neo-noir atmosphere, specific color palettes, and distinct cinematography contribute significantly to the overall mood and tone. We'll consider how effectively John Wick copycats emulate this distinct visual language.

Top 10 John Wick Copycats Ranked (with brief descriptions):

#1: Nobody (2021)

Nobody perfectly captures the spirit of John Wick, featuring Bob Odenkirk as an underestimated retired assassin unleashing brutal, stylish action. Its expertly choreographed gun fights, compelling protagonist, and dark atmosphere firmly place it at the top of our list of John Wick copycats. This action thriller expertly balances intense action with surprising emotional depth.

#2: Atomic Blonde (2017)

Atomic Blonde, with its 80s setting and Charlize Theron's powerhouse performance, delivers relentless action and a similarly stylish visual aesthetic. While the world-building differs, the film excels in its intense action choreography and stylish violence, making it a strong contender among John Wick copycats.

#3: The Night Comes for Us (2018)

This Indonesian action film boasts brutal, unrelenting fight sequences and a deep dive into a morally grey criminal underworld. While different in tone, its commitment to raw, visceral action makes it a worthy entry in the list of John Wick copycats.

#4: Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)

This female-led action film features incredible gunplay and stylish fight choreography. While it perhaps doesn't perfectly mirror the world-building, its dedication to creative action sequences and strong female characters earns it a spot among the top John Wick copycats.

#5: Kate (2021)

Kate provides a female perspective within the assassin genre, delivering brutal fight sequences and a neo-noir visual style. The film’s relentless action and dark, gritty atmosphere make it a notable John Wick copycat.

#6: The Accountant (2016)

While less focused on the intricate assassin world, The Accountant delivers compelling action sequences with a unique character-driven story, making it a solid entry in the list of John Wick copycats.

#7: Nobody’s Home (2023)

This Thai action movie, showcasing brutal and realistic fight choreography, places it in the ranks of top John Wick copycats. Its visceral action and compelling story make it a strong contender in this genre.

#8: Extraction (2020)

While not as stylized as John Wick, Extraction's intense action and gritty realism solidify its place as a decent John Wick copycat. Its long, continuous shots elevate the action sequences.

#9: Peppermint (2018)

Peppermint is a revenge thriller with strong female leads. The action scenes are well-choreographed, though the film doesn't delve as deeply into world-building as some other John Wick copycats.

#10: Haywire (2011)

An early example of a film showcasing intense, realistic fight choreography, Haywire’s influence is evident in later John Wick copycats.

Honorable Mentions

Several other films share similarities with John Wick, including Shoot 'Em Up and Upgrade, showcasing impressive action and stylized violence, but they don't quite reach the top 10 in terms of overall emulation of the John Wick experience. These are still worthwhile similar films and action movies for fans of the genre inspired by John Wick.

The Future of the John Wick Subgenre

The success of John Wick has undeniably impacted action movie trends. We can expect to see more films attempting to replicate its formula. The future of action cinema may see further experimentation with stylized violence, intricate world-building, and morally complex characters. The John Wick legacy is secure, influencing the genre for years to come. The evolution of the subgenre might involve increased focus on diverse characters and settings, pushing the boundaries of action choreography even further.

Finding Your Next John Wick Fix

To recap, Nobody, Atomic Blonde, and The Night Comes for Us stand out as the top John Wick copycats, each offering unique strengths. Have you seen any other great John Wick copycats? Share your favorites in the comments below! Let's discuss the best examples of films following in the footsteps of this iconic assassin film and share our thoughts on which John Wick copycats truly capture the magic.