Ranking The 10 Closest John Wick Imitators

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

4.1

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The Top Tier: Near-Perfect Wick Imitations (Top 3)

#1 Nobody: A Masterclass in Gun-Fu and Style

• Similar Fight Choreography: Nobody mirrors John Wick's commitment to practical effects and intricate fight choreography. The extended, brutal fight sequences are a masterclass in visceral action, showcasing a similar level of detail and precision. It's pure John Wick style action.
• Intense Gun Battles: The film features several intense gun battles, rivaling John Wick's in terms of their raw intensity and inventive use of weaponry. The pacing is expertly handled, building tension and delivering satisfying payoffs.
• World-Building: While not as expansive as John Wick's underworld, Nobody creates a believable and engaging criminal ecosystem, hinting at a larger world beyond the immediate conflict.
• Character Arc: The protagonist's journey is compelling, mirroring John Wick's reluctant return to violence. We see a similar transformation from seemingly ordinary man to unstoppable force.
• Dark Tone: The neo-noir atmosphere is consistently maintained, enhancing the film's gritty realism and mirroring John Wick's dark and stylish aesthetic.

#2 Atomic Blonde: A Worthy Contender with Unique Twists

• Neo-Noir Influences: Atomic Blonde expertly employs neo-noir aesthetics, evoking a similar sense of stylish grit and tension found in John Wick. The color palette and cinematography are particularly striking.
• Stylish Action Sequences: The film's action sequences are highly stylized and cleverly choreographed, using a variety of weapons and fighting styles. While different in tone from John Wick, the overall stylishness is undeniable.
• John Wick-Inspired: The influence of John Wick is clear in the film's commitment to realistic yet visually stunning fight scenes. The pacing and editing choices are also reminiscent of the John Wick style.
• Unique Elements: Atomic Blonde distinguishes itself through its Cold War setting and espionage plot, adding a unique layer to the familiar John Wick formula.

#3 The Night Comes for Us: Gritty Realism Meets Stylish Violence

• Realistic Action: The Night Comes for Us prioritizes realistic violence, delivering brutal and impactful fight sequences that are both intense and visually stunning. The realism contrasts slightly with John Wick's more stylized approach, but the impact is just as strong.
• Brutal Gun Fights: The gun fights are exceptionally brutal and unrelenting, showcasing a similar commitment to practical effects and intense choreography. The sheer volume of violence is certainly comparable to John Wick.
• John Wick's World: The film creates a violent and morally ambiguous world that shares thematic similarities with John Wick's underworld, albeit with a more Indonesian gangster setting.

The Strong Contenders: Capturing the Essence of Wick (4-6)

#4- #6: [Insert 3 Film Titles Here]: Solid Action with a Wickian Vibe

(For each of these films, use bullet points to detail their strengths, weaknesses, and comparisons to John Wick, using keywords like "action thriller," "John Wick-esque," and "stylish gunplay.")

Honorable Mentions: Good Action, but Lacking the Wick Spark (7-10)

#7 - #10: [Insert 4 Film Titles Here]: Approaching the Wick Standard

(For each film, use bullet points to explain why they are good action films but fall short of fully capturing the John Wick experience. Highlight where they differ from the original in terms of style, storytelling, and overall impact, using keywords such as "action movie," "similar to John Wick," and "inspired by John Wick.")

Conclusion

This ranking explored ten films that attempted to emulate the groundbreaking action and style of John Wick. While some came remarkably close, capturing the intricate choreography and neo-noir atmosphere, others fell short in capturing the essence of the original. The films listed showcase a spectrum of what's possible when trying to replicate John Wick's unique style. From the masterclass in gun-fu offered by Nobody to the gritty realism of The Night Comes for Us, each film offers a unique take on the John Wick formula.

Call to Action: Have you seen any other films that you think deserve a spot on this list of John Wick imitators? Share your recommendations in the comments below! Let's discuss the best John Wick-inspired action movies!