10 Best John Wick Ripoffs, Ranked

4 min read Post on May 11, 2025

Top Tier Gun-Fu & Stylish Action: The Closest Contenders

This tier showcases films that come closest to replicating the kinetic energy and stylish violence that define John Wick. These are the best John Wick alternatives for fans craving more of that signature blend.

1. Nobody (2021): A Deep Dive into Understated Brutality

Gun-fu sequences: Nobody features incredibly well-choreographed fight scenes, showcasing Bob Odenkirk's surprising physicality and a brutal, realistic approach to violence. The iconic hallway fight scene is a standout, echoing the intensity of John Wick's signature encounters.
Stylistic choices: The film expertly balances moments of quiet intensity with explosive bursts of action, mirroring the pacing of John Wick. The color palette and cinematography contribute to a similarly gritty and stylish atmosphere.
Memorable action scenes: From the bus fight to the final showdown, Nobody delivers non-stop action that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Director Ilya Naishuller's background in action-packed filmmaking is clearly evident.
Critical Acclaim: Critics praised the film for its unexpected action thrills and Odenkirk's transformative performance. Many reviewers cited it as a worthy successor in the neo-noir action thriller genre.

2. Atomic Blonde (2017): A Slick & Brutal Take on the Neo-Noir Action Thriller

Mirroring John Wick's Style: Atomic Blonde boasts a similar blend of stylish action, intricate fight choreography, and a morally ambiguous protagonist. The film's setting, Cold War-era Berlin, provides a visually striking backdrop for the high-octane action.
World-building, weaponry, and character motivations: The film's meticulously crafted world, complete with espionage intrigue and a vast array of weaponry, mirrors the detailed world-building present in John Wick. Lorraine Broughton's motivations are equally complex, adding another layer of depth.
Unique aspects: Atomic Blonde distinguishes itself through its unique visual style, including its distinctive color grading and the use of long takes during action sequences. The film's soundtrack also plays a crucial role in shaping its overall atmosphere.

3. Gunpowder Milkshake (2021): Intense Action and a Compelling Narrative

Plot, characters, and cinematic experience: Gunpowder Milkshake delivers a female-led action spectacle with a compelling mother-daughter storyline running alongside the relentless gun-fu. The film's unique blend of action and emotion sets it apart.
Action sequences: While not as consistently brutal as John Wick, Gunpowder Milkshake boasts creative and inventive action sequences that showcase impressive choreography and stylish camerawork. The use of slow motion and creative editing enhances the impact of each fight.
Neo-noir action: The film successfully incorporates elements of neo-noir, particularly in its atmosphere and color palette, providing a distinctive visual style to complement the action. It's a great action thriller movie for fans of the genre.

Solid Second Tier: Action-Packed with a Few Flaws

These films deliver solid action and share thematic similarities with John Wick, but may falter slightly in execution or originality.

4. The Night Comes for Us (2018): Brutal Indonesian Action

5. Kate (2021): A Fast-Paced Assassin Thriller

6. Peppermint (2018): Revenge Thriller with Over-the-Top Action

Honorable Mentions: Worth Watching for Fans of the Genre

These films share some thematic elements with John Wick but might not perfectly replicate its style, offering a slightly different flavor of action.

7. Haywire (2011): Early Example of Gritty Action

8. Equalizer (2014) & Equalizer 2 (2018): Denzel Washington's Action

9. The Old Guard (2020): Immortal Mercenaries

10. Bullet Train (2022): Fast-Paced, Over-the-Top Action

Finding Your Next John Wick Obsession

Of the films reviewed, Nobody, Atomic Blonde, and Gunpowder Milkshake stand out as the closest contenders to John Wick's unique brand of stylish action and compelling storytelling. Each offers distinct strengths, from brutal realism to female-led empowerment, while retaining the kinetic energy that defines the genre. Our ranking considered the films' action choreography, plot development, character depth, and overall cinematic experience.

Have you seen any other great John Wick-inspired movies? Share your favorites in the comments below! What are your thoughts on the best John Wick alternatives? Let us know which John Wick style action movies you think deserve a spot on this list!