10 Best John Wick Ripoffs Ranked: A Definitive List

5 min read Post on May 11, 2025

10 Best John Wick Ripoffs Ranked: A Definitive List

Criteria for Judging "John Wick" Inspired Films

What exactly makes a film a true John Wick ripoff? It's more than just a gun-toting protagonist; it's a specific combination of elements that create a unique cinematic experience. We've judged these films based on the following key criteria:

Gun-fu action sequences and innovative fight choreography: The John Wick films are renowned for their intricate and balletic fight sequences, blending gunplay with martial arts. A true ripoff needs to deliver similarly impressive action.
Stylish visuals and cinematography: Think neon lighting, slow-motion shots, and a generally heightened visual aesthetic. The style is as much a character as the actors themselves.
Compelling protagonist with a unique skillset and motivation: John Wick himself is a compelling figure, driven by a powerful motivation and possessing exceptional skills. His counterparts need to be equally engaging.
Intricate plots with twists and turns: While the action is paramount, a strong narrative with unexpected turns keeps the audience hooked.
A strong sense of world-building and atmosphere: The John Wick universe is richly detailed and atmospheric, contributing significantly to the overall experience.

The Top 10 John Wick Ripoffs Ranked (Detailed Review of Each)

Here are our top 10 picks for the best John Wick inspired films, ranked in order of excellence:

#1: Nobody (2021): A Gun-Fu Masterpiece

This neo-noir action thriller stars Bob Odenkirk as a seemingly ordinary man whose past catches up to him, unleashing a torrent of brutal and stylish action. Nobody expertly blends dark humor with intense fight choreography, rivaling John Wick in its sheer inventiveness and intensity. The slow-motion shots, expertly choreographed fight sequences, and compelling protagonist make this a top contender for the best John Wick ripoff.

#2: Atomic Blonde (2017): Stylish Cold War Espionage

Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, Atomic Blonde delivers a visually stunning and action-packed experience. Charlize Theron's performance as Lorraine Broughton is captivating, and the film's extended fight sequences are breathtaking, showcasing a unique blend of hand-to-hand combat and weapon-based action. Its stylish aesthetic and thrilling plot make it a strong contender on this list of John Wick inspired films.

#3: The Night Comes for Us (2018): Indonesian Action Extravaganza

This Indonesian action thriller delivers unrelenting violence and impressive fight choreography. It's a brutal and visceral experience, showcasing a different style of gun-fu than John Wick, but equally impressive. If you're looking for raw, intense action with a unique flavor, The Night Comes for Us is a must-see.

#4: Gunpowder Milkshake (2021): Stylish Female-Led Action

This female-led action film offers a refreshing take on the genre, featuring stylish action sequences and a fun, empowering narrative. While not a direct copy of the John Wick formula, it captures the same sense of stylish violence and cool camerawork.

#5: Bullet Train (2022): High-Octane Mayhem

Packed with an ensemble cast, this film delivers non-stop action and witty dialogue in a confined setting. The choreography is creative, and though it deviates from the somber tone of John Wick, it makes up for it with pure adrenaline-fueled entertainment.

#6: Kate (2021): A Deadly Assassin's Last Day

This neo-noir action thriller features Mary Elizabeth Winstead as a dying assassin seeking revenge. It's a fast-paced, intense ride with stylish action sequences and a compelling protagonist.

#7: Haywire (2011): Early Example of Stylish Action

While predating John Wick, Haywire exhibits a similar style of intense, realistic fight choreography and a strong female lead. It's a precursor to the style, proving its influence.

#8: The Accountant (2016): Action with a Twist

This film stars Ben Affleck as a mathematical savant and assassin, blending action with a unique narrative. Though the action isn't as prevalent as in some others, the style and character arc align with the John Wick aesthetic.

#9: Equalizer (2014): Veteran Action Hero

Denzel Washington leads this action-thriller that focuses on a retired government agent who employs his deadly skills to protect the innocent. The action is satisfying, even if not as intricately choreographed as in John Wick.

#10: John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) - (Yes, really!)

While technically not a ripoff, Chapter 4 elevates the bar so high that it deserves a spot on this list for its influence and continued excellence in the subgenre it created.

Honorable Mentions

Several other films almost made the list, including Nobody's spin-off Better Call Saul (for its later action-heavy episodes), and Shoot 'Em Up (for its over-the-top, darkly comedic action), but fell slightly short due to their less consistent execution of the overall stylistic elements. These are still strong action movie recommendations for fans of the John Wick style.

Conclusion

From the gun-fu mastery of Nobody to the stylish espionage of Atomic Blonde, this list highlights the best John Wick ripoffs that capture the unique blend of action, style, and compelling narrative that define the genre. These top John Wick-inspired films provide hours of thrilling entertainment for action movie aficionados. We've considered factors like innovative fight choreography, stylish visuals, compelling protagonists, and intricate plots to determine the ultimate ranking. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy these top John Wick-esque movies. What are your favorite John Wick-style action movies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!