Ranking The 10 Closest John Wick Imitators

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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The Top 3: Mastering the Gun-Fu and Style

#1 Nobody (2021): A Near-Perfect Emulation of Wick's Style

• Exceptional gun-fu choreography showcasing innovative techniques: Nobody elevates the gun-fu style to new heights, incorporating creative weapon use and brutal efficiency reminiscent of John Wick's signature moves. The action sequences are meticulously crafted, showcasing a masterful understanding of both practical effects and digital enhancement.
• Strong neo-noir atmosphere and meticulously crafted world: The film's visual style is strikingly similar to John Wick's, with its shadowy settings, muted color palettes, and emphasis on atmosphere. The world feels lived-in and believable, enhancing the immersion of the viewer in the high-stakes action.
• Protagonist with a compelling backstory and relatable motivations: Bob Odenkirk's performance anchors the film, providing a compelling character arc and relatable motivations that resonate with audiences. His transformation from seemingly ordinary man to unstoppable force mirrors Wick's own journey.

#2 Atomic Blonde (2017): A Strong Contender with a Unique Twist

• Similar gun-fu elements, but with a more comedic tone: While not as relentlessly serious as John Wick, Atomic Blonde retains the stylish gun-fu, adding a layer of witty, almost balletic violence. The action is often over-the-top, yet maintains a grounded level of realism.
• Unique world-building elements that differentiate it from Wick: Set during the Cold War, Atomic Blonde offers a unique setting and aesthetic that sets it apart, while still retaining the gritty, neo-noir atmosphere. The world-building is carefully considered, adding depth and context to the espionage thriller.
• Strong character development but a less compelling narrative: While Charlize Theron delivers a powerhouse performance, the narrative itself lacks the focused, streamlined plot of John Wick. The character development is strong, but the overarching story is somewhat less satisfying.

#3 Gunpowder Milkshake (2021): Impressive Action, but Falls Short in Other Areas

• Excellent action sequences, but weaker plot: Gunpowder Milkshake delivers spectacular action sequences, with a distinct female-centric take on the gun-fu style. However, the plot itself suffers from predictability and underdeveloped characters.
• Visually striking, but lacks depth in character development: The film's visual flair is undeniable, with a vibrant color palette contrasting the darker elements of the story. Yet, the characters lack the emotional depth and complexity of those in the John Wick universe.
• Good imitation of the gun-fu style, but not as refined: The fight choreography is impressive, mimicking the efficiency and style of John Wick, but it lacks the same level of precision and innovation.

The Next 4: Solid Action, but Missing the Mark

#4 The Night Comes for Us (2018): Brutal Action, but Lacks Stylization

• This Indonesian action thriller delivers relentless, brutal action, but lacks the stylish presentation and nuanced character work of John Wick. While the fight choreography is impressive, it lacks the signature gun-fu precision.

#5 Kate (2021): Stylish but Predictable

• Kate boasts stylish action sequences and a strong lead performance from Mary Elizabeth Winstead. However, its predictable plot and underdeveloped supporting characters prevent it from reaching the heights of John Wick.

#6 Haywire (2011): A Pioneering Effort, but Shows Its Age

• Steven Soderbergh's Haywire predates John Wick and incorporates elements that would become staples of the genre. However, its action, while impressive for its time, feels less refined compared to modern examples.

#7 The Accountant (2016): Intriguing Premise, but Underwhelming Action

• The premise of The Accountant is intriguing, but its action sequences fall short of the stylish gun-fu found in John Wick, favoring more practical and less balletic combat.

The Bottom 3: Honorable Mentions – Aspiring to Wick's Greatness

#8 Nobody's Home (2019): Solid but Unremarkable

• This action movie attempts to capture the spirit of John Wick but ultimately lacks the unique style and precision that makes the original so memorable.

#9 Dragged Across Concrete (2018): Gritty but Devoid of Style

• While Dragged Across Concrete has a gritty neo-noir atmosphere, it’s devoid of the stylish action and distinct gun-fu that define John Wick’s world.

#10 Bangkok Dangerous (2008): An Early Influence, Showing its Age

• Though not a direct imitation, Bangkok Dangerous shares a similar tone and action aesthetic. However, its age shows in its less refined action sequences compared to the more modern examples.

Conclusion

This ranking explored ten films attempting to capture the magic of John Wick, examining their gun-fu, style, and neo-noir elements. While some came incredibly close, each film offers a unique take on the action genre, showcasing the lasting influence of the John Wick franchise. From the near-perfect emulation of Nobody to the honorable mentions that still attempted to capture some of that Baba Yaga magic, each film provides a different perspective on what makes a great action movie.

Call to Action: Have we missed your favorite John Wick imitator? Share your thoughts on the best action films inspired by Baba Yaga in the comments below! Let's discuss what makes a truly great John Wick-inspired movie and continue the conversation about the best examples of this subgenre of action cinema. What are your top contenders for the closest John Wick imitators?