The 10 Best John Wick-Inspired Action Movies

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Gun-Fu and Fight Choreography: Mastering the Wick Style

John Wick's signature gun-fu style—a seamless blend of gunplay and martial arts—is arguably its most defining characteristic. This innovative approach to action sequences elevates the genre beyond typical shootouts, demanding precision, creativity, and a deep understanding of both firearms and hand-to-hand combat. Many films have attempted to emulate this style, with varying degrees of success. What sets the best apart is the choreography's intricacy, the fluidity of movement, and the visceral impact of each strike and shot.

• Exceptional Gun-Fu Examples:
  • Nobody: Bob Odenkirk delivers a surprising and brutal performance, showcasing impressive gun-fu skills in tightly choreographed sequences.
  • Atomic Blonde: Charlize Theron's performance is a masterclass in close-quarters combat, blending hand-to-hand fighting with inventive weapon use.
  • The Night Comes for Us: This Indonesian action film delivers relentless, brutal, and incredibly creative fight choreography that rivals John Wick in its intensity.
  • Bullet Train: This stylish action comedy features impressive fight choreography that blends humor and high-octane action.

The fight scenes in these films aren't just about the number of punches or bullets; they're about the artistry of the movement, the precision of the timing, and the overall storytelling within the action. Choreographers like 87Eleven (John Wick), who often utilize practical effects and stunt work, are crucial to creating this realistic and engaging style of action.

Neo-Noir Aesthetics: Style and Atmosphere

Beyond the action, John Wick's visual style is a critical element of its success. The neo-noir aesthetic, characterized by its dark color palettes, moody lighting, and gritty atmosphere, elevates the film beyond typical action fare. The use of shadows, neon lights, and richly detailed set designs creates a visually stunning and immersive world.

• Films with Similar Neo-Noir Aesthetics:
  • Drive: Nicolas Winding Refn's stylish thriller perfectly captures the essence of neo-noir with its stunning visuals and atmospheric tension.
  • Blade Runner 2049: Denis Villeneuve's visually breathtaking sequel expands on the original's neo-noir themes, creating a haunting and unforgettable world.
  • Baby Driver: Edgar Wright's exhilarating action-comedy incorporates vibrant color palettes into its neo-noir foundation, creating a unique and stylish visual experience.

The cinematography in these films is crucial; every shot is carefully composed to create a specific mood and enhance the narrative. The lighting, color palettes, and set design all work together to establish a distinct visual identity that enhances the overall viewing experience.

World-Building and Storytelling: Beyond the Gunfights

While the action sequences are undeniably captivating, the best John Wick-inspired films go beyond the gunfights to create compelling narratives and believable worlds. A well-developed story, engaging characters, and a captivating plot are crucial elements that elevate these movies beyond simple action spectacles.

• Strong Narratives and World-Building:
  • Atomic Blonde: While the action is fantastic, the film also offers a complex spy thriller narrative set against the backdrop of Cold War Berlin.
  • Haywire: This action thriller presents a compelling story centered around a betrayed operative seeking revenge.
  • Nobody: The film builds a surprisingly deep and engaging narrative around a seemingly ordinary man pushed to his limits.

These films demonstrate that strong storytelling and detailed world-building can complement and enhance the action sequences, creating a more immersive and satisfying cinematic experience. The characters are well-developed, with their motivations and backstories contributing to the narrative's emotional depth.

Underdog Protagonists and Ruthless Villains

A key element of many John Wick-inspired films is the dynamic between the skilled but often underestimated protagonist and the ruthless antagonists they face. These protagonists often find themselves thrust into situations beyond their control, forced to rely on their skills and resourcefulness to survive. The antagonists are typically powerful and menacing figures, providing a compelling challenge for the hero to overcome.

• Similar Protagonist/Antagonist Dynamics:
  • Taken: Liam Neeson's retired CIA agent is a compelling example of an underestimated protagonist forced to unleash his deadly skills.
  • The Equalizer: Denzel Washington's vigilante showcases a similar dynamic, with a seemingly ordinary man possessing extraordinary abilities.
  • The Man from Nowhere: This South Korean action film features a compelling underdog protagonist and ruthless antagonists in a gripping narrative.

These films successfully portray both the vulnerability and resilience of their protagonists, contrasting them against the cold brutality of their antagonists, creating captivating conflict and raising the stakes.

The 10 Best John Wick-Inspired Action Movies: The List

1. John Wick (The original, naturally!) [Link to where to watch]
2. Nobody [Link to where to watch]
3. Atomic Blonde [Link to where to watch]
4. The Night Comes for Us [Link to where to watch]
5. Drive [Link to where to watch]
6. Haywire [Link to where to watch]
7. The Man from Nowhere [Link to where to watch]
8. Bullet Train [Link to where to watch]
9. Taken [Link to where to watch]
10. The Equalizer [Link to where to watch]

(Include images/video clips for each movie here)

Conclusion

John Wick-inspired action films offer a thrilling blend of intricate gun-fu, stylish neo-noir aesthetics, compelling narratives, and memorable characters. The best examples go beyond simple action spectacles, creating immersive worlds and engaging stories that resonate with audiences long after the credits roll. These films demonstrate that stylish action can be paired with strong storytelling, creating a dynamic and captivating cinematic experience.

Ready for more adrenaline-pumping action? Explore our list of the 10 best John Wick-inspired action movies and discover your next cinematic obsession! Share your favorite John Wick-esque films in the comments below. Let us know which John Wick-inspired movie you think deserves a spot on this list!