10 Action Movies Like John Wick: A Ranked List

6 min read Post on May 11, 2025

10 Action Movies Like John Wick: A Ranked List

Top Tier: Matching John Wick's Intensity (Keyword: Best John Wick Alternatives)

This category features films that most closely mirror the intensity, style, and action of John Wick. These are the best John Wick alternatives for those seeking a near-identical experience.

#1 Nobody (2021):

Bob Odenkirk delivers a surprising and brutal performance in this action-packed thriller. Think John Wick meets a dark comedy.

Exceptional fight choreography: The fight sequences are brutally realistic and cleverly staged, showcasing Odenkirk's surprising physical prowess.
Relatable protagonist: Unlike a typical action hero, Odenkirk's character is an ordinary man pushed to his limits, making him surprisingly relatable.
Dark humor: The film masterfully blends intense action with darkly comedic moments, creating a unique and engaging tone.
Unexpected twists: The plot keeps you guessing until the very end, delivering a satisfyingly unpredictable narrative.

The similarities between Nobody and John Wick are striking. Both feature seemingly ordinary men with exceptional hidden skills, forced into violent confrontations. The world-building, while different in specifics, shares a similar gritty realism, and the overall tone balances intense action with moments of quiet reflection.

#2 Atomic Blonde (2017):

Charlize Theron’s stunning performance as an undercover MI6 agent in 1980s Berlin delivers a stylish and fiercely violent action spectacle.

Incredible fight sequences: The extended, unbroken takes of the fight scenes are breathtaking, showcasing Theron's dedication and skill.
Strong female lead: Theron's portrayal is a powerful example of a strong, capable female protagonist in the action genre.
Retro aesthetic: The film's 1980s Berlin setting adds a unique visual flair, perfectly complementing the stylish action.
Espionage thriller elements: The film incorporates elements of espionage and political intrigue, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

Atomic Blonde mirrors John Wick's stylish violence and intricate fight choreography, but with a distinct retro aesthetic and a strong female lead. The fight styles, while different, share a similar level of precision and brutality.

Mid-Tier: Similar Themes and Action (Keyword: Action Movies similar to John Wick)

These films share thematic elements and action styles with John Wick, offering a similar adrenaline rush but with distinct flavors.

#3 Gunpowder Milkshake (2021):

A female-led action film with stylish gunplay and a strong storyline about family and loyalty.

Fast-paced action: The action sequences are relentless and exciting, keeping the viewer engaged from beginning to end.
Strong female characters: The film features a diverse cast of strong, capable women, each with their unique skills and personalities.
Visually stunning: The film boasts a visually striking aesthetic, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.
Unique world: The film creates a unique and engaging world with its own internal logic and rules.

Gunpowder Milkshake offers a female-centric take on the stylish action genre, sharing John Wick's emphasis on precise gunplay and visually stunning fight choreography.

#4 The Raid: Redemption (2011) & The Raid 2: Berandal (2014):

Indonesian martial arts action at its finest. Brutal, relentless, and incredibly well-choreographed.

Intense close-quarters combat: The films are renowned for their breathtaking and brutal close-quarters combat sequences.
Realistic fight choreography: The fights feel incredibly real and visceral, making the action all the more impactful.
Relentless action: The films deliver non-stop action, rarely giving the viewer a moment to breathe.
Unique setting: The unique Indonesian setting adds a distinct flavor to the action.

The Raid films offer a raw and visceral take on action, mirroring John Wick's intensity and commitment to realistic fight choreography, albeit with a focus on martial arts rather than gun-fu.

#5 Nobody (2021):

(Already covered above, but its inclusion here reinforces its position as a strong contender in the John Wick-like action movie category.)

Lower Tier: Action with John Wick-esque Elements (Keyword: Movies with similar fight scenes to John Wick)

These films feature action sequences and stylistic elements reminiscent of John Wick, but may not fully capture the overall tone or intensity.

#6 Haywire (2011):

Gina Carano’s MMA background shines in this action thriller with a strong female lead.

Realistic fight choreography: Carano's MMA expertise translates into incredibly realistic and brutal fight sequences.
Strong female lead: Carano's performance is a standout, portraying a capable and resourceful female protagonist.
Suspenseful plot: The film features a gripping and suspenseful plot that keeps the viewer engaged.

#7 Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014):

Stylish action with over-the-top violence and a humorous tone.

Stylish action: The film boasts a unique visual style, blending action with a distinct sense of British flair.
Quirky humor: The film incorporates dark humor, adding a layer of levity to the intense action sequences.
Strong supporting cast: The film features a strong ensemble cast, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

#8 Upgrade (2018):

Sci-fi action with a focus on inventive fight choreography.

Unique sci-fi elements: The film incorporates unique sci-fi elements that enhance the action sequences.
Inventive fight sequences: The fight choreography is innovative and inventive, showcasing a unique approach to action.
Thrilling plot: The film features a gripping and suspenseful plot that keeps the viewer engaged.

#9 The Equalizer (2014):

Denzel Washington delivers a powerful performance in this action thriller with a morally ambiguous protagonist.

Intense action sequences: The film features intense and well-choreographed action sequences.
Morally gray protagonist: Washington's character is a morally ambiguous figure, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
Suspenseful plot: The film features a suspenseful plot that keeps the viewer engaged.

#10 Taken (2008):

A classic action thriller with a focused and effective approach to action.

High-stakes plot: The film features a high-stakes plot that creates a sense of urgency and tension.
Intense action: The action sequences are intense and effectively choreographed.
Father-daughter relationship: The central father-daughter relationship adds emotional depth to the narrative.

Conclusion:

This list offers a diverse selection of action movies that capture the essence of what makes John Wick so compelling: stylish violence, intricate fight choreography, and compelling protagonists. Whether you prefer intense gun-fu or realistic hand-to-hand combat, there's a John Wick-like action movie on this list for you. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and enjoy these thrilling cinematic experiences! Find your next favorite John Wick-like action movie today!