10 John Wick Copycats: A Ranked Comparison Of Action Thrillers

5 min read Post on May 11, 2025

10 John Wick Copycats: A Ranked Comparison Of Action Thrillers

Top 3 John Wick Copycats: The Pinnacle of Gun-Fu Cinema

These films not only emulate John Wick's stylish action but also carve their own unique paths within the genre.

#1: Nobody (2021): The Reluctant Hero's Rise

Bob Odenkirk's unexpected action prowess shines in this brutal and darkly comedic masterpiece. Nobody seamlessly blends the visceral action of John Wick with a surprisingly relatable protagonist and a healthy dose of unexpected humor.

Expertly choreographed fight scenes: Odenkirk's transformation from mild-mannered accountant to unstoppable killing machine is breathtaking, showcasing creative and brutal fight choreography.
Relatable protagonist: Unlike the stoic John Wick, Hutch Mansell (Odenkirk) provides a relatable everyman angle, making his violent transformation all the more captivating.
Unexpected humor: The film masterfully balances intense action sequences with darkly comedic moments, creating a unique and engaging tone.
Strong supporting cast: The supporting cast delivers memorable performances, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Nobody's unique blend of action and comedy sets it apart, while still capturing the core essence of what makes John Wick so compelling. The realistic portrayal of violence and the unexpected twists keep you on the edge of your seat, just like a classic John Wick film.

#2: Atomic Blonde (2017): Cold War Style and Substance

Charlize Theron delivers a knockout performance in this stylish Cold War thriller. Atomic Blonde is a visual masterpiece, boasting incredible fight sequences and a stunning aesthetic that perfectly complements its intricate plot.

Incredible fight sequences: The long takes and dynamic camerawork highlight Theron's exceptional fight skills, creating some of the most memorable action scenes in recent cinema.
Stunning visuals: The film's 1980s Berlin setting is brought to life with vibrant colors and a gritty atmosphere, creating a visually captivating experience.
Strong female lead: Theron's portrayal of Lorraine Broughton is both powerful and nuanced, showcasing a strong and independent female character navigating a dangerous world.
Intricate plot: The complex plot keeps viewers engaged, unraveling a web of espionage and deception.

While the tone and setting differ significantly from John Wick, Atomic Blonde shares its commitment to stylish, expertly choreographed action sequences and a strong, captivating protagonist. The film's unique aesthetic also adds to its appeal, showcasing a distinct style within the action thriller genre.

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

Indonesian action at its finest, The Night Comes for Us overflows with intense fight choreography and morally grey characters. This film isn't for the faint of heart, boasting graphic violence and relentless action sequences unlike anything seen in the John Wick franchise, yet it shares the same commitment to impressive fight choreography.

Brutal and relentless action: Prepare for a non-stop barrage of intense fight scenes, showcasing the brutality and skill of Indonesian martial arts.
Morally grey characters: The film delves into complex characters, forcing you to question their motivations.
Stunning visuals: The film's visual style is as striking as its action, creating a memorable cinematic experience.
Indonesian martial arts influence: The film showcases a unique style of martial arts, setting it apart from other action thrillers.

The Night Comes for Us showcases a different flavor of gun-fu, replacing the tailored suits with brutal efficiency and showcasing a distinct martial arts style. Its intensity rivals John Wick's, making it a must-see for action fans.

The Honorable Mentions: Solid Action, Stylish Presentation

These films successfully capture elements of John Wick's style and action, making them worthy additions to any action movie fan's watchlist.

#4 Gunpowder Milkshake: Stylish female-led action. Features strong female characters and stylish fight choreography, but lacks the same world-building as John Wick.

#5 Kate: Gritty and violent action thriller, similar to John Wick's tone. However, the story is less complex.

#6 The Accountant: A more grounded and less stylized action thriller. Shares John Wick's precision and efficiency, but lacks the same flair.

#7 Haywire: An early example of the stylized fight choreography seen in John Wick. Features innovative camera work, but falls short in world-building.

The Contenders: Close but No Cigar

These films attempt to capture the essence of John Wick but fall short in certain aspects.

#8 (Insert Film Title): While featuring stylish action, the plot is predictable and lacks depth.

#9 (Insert Film Title): Strong action sequences, but the overall tone is inconsistent.

#10 (Insert Film Title): Attempts to emulate John Wick's world-building, but fails to create a similarly compelling universe.

Conclusion

From the darkly comedic brilliance of Nobody to the brutal intensity of The Night Comes for Us, these John Wick copycats offer a diverse range of action thrillers that capture the stylish gun-fu and compelling world-building of the original. While some, like Atomic Blonde, offer a unique twist on the formula, others, like those in the "Contenders" category, fall short in certain areas. This ranking highlights the top contenders based on action choreography, style, world-building, and character development. Have you seen any other great films that deserve to be on this list of John Wick copycats? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's discuss the best action thrillers inspired by the legendary assassin. If you enjoyed this ranked comparison, share it with your fellow action movie enthusiasts! Keep the conversation going about the best John Wick-inspired films.