Top 10 Action Films Similar to John Wick

From Johnny Utah to Ted, and from Neo to the legendary John Wick, Keanu Reeves has carved out a niche in our hearts with his unforgettable roles. The John Wick series stands out as a pinnacle of action cinema, captivating audiences with its fast-paced, meticulously choreographed action sequences. The creative cinematography and set design pull us into the world of John Wick, while the knowledge that Keanu performed most, if not all, of his own stunts adds an extra layer of awe and admiration. These elements, among others, make the John Wick movies a beloved saga that we can't help but celebrate.

While the first three films remain endlessly re-watchable, and our review of John Wick: Chapter 4 hailed it as a masterpiece, fans are always eager for more action-packed thrills. If you're craving more adrenaline-pumping experiences similar to John Wick, dive into this curated list of the best movies that echo the intensity and style of the franchise.

Top Movies Like John Wick

11 ImagesInterested in catching the latest John Wick installment? Check out our guide on how to watch John Wick 4 and where to stream the entire John Wick series for a thrilling marathon.

The Raid 2 (2014)

Image credit: Sony Pictures Classics
Director: Gareth Evans | Writer: Gareth Evans | Stars: Iko Uwais, Arifin Putra, Oka Antara | Release Date: January 21, 2014 | Review: IGN's The Raid 2 review | Where to watch: Rentable on various platforms

Dubbed by some as "the greatest action movie ever," The Raid 2 is a high-octane sequel that outshines its predecessor in both quality and budget. From the creators of The Night Comes for Us, this film showcases the cast's exceptional fighting and stunt skills, setting a new standard for action cinema. Much like John Wick, it features numerous fight scenes and compelling secondary characters, but ultimately, it's the story of one man taking on an army of adversaries single-handedly.

Nobody (2021)

Image credit: Universal Pictures
Director: Ilya Naishuller | Writer: Derek Kolstad | Stars: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, RZA | Release Date: March 26, 2021 | Review: IGN's Nobody review | Where to watch: NBC, or rentable on Amazon and other platforms

A modern action-packed dark comedy, Nobody elevates the "old guys kicking ass" genre to new heights. As the newest addition to this list, it reflects studios' growing understanding of what audiences crave: intense violence paired with dark humor. While not the first to explore this mix, Nobody has mastered the formula, enhanced by Bob Odenkirk's dynamic performance and sharp dialogue. The film's similarity to John Wick lies in its protagonist's incredible resilience, able to bounce back from injuries that would incapacitate most.

Hardcore Henry (2015)

Image credit: STXfilms
Director: Ilya Naishuller | Writer: Ilya Naishuller | Stars: Sharlto Copley, Danila Kozlovsky, Haley Bennett | Release Date: September 12, 2015 | Review: IGN's Hardcore Henry review | Where to watch: Stream on fuboTV, or rent on Amazon and other platforms

The extreme, over-the-top violence in Hardcore Henry immediately won over audiences. No disclaimers needed; the Bond-esque opening sequence is violent enough to set expectations. Shot entirely from a first-person perspective, the film is uniquely engaging, allowing viewers to empathize with a faceless and voiceless protagonist. The inclusion of Sharlto Copley's clones adds a comedic, self-aware touch to the film's ridiculousness. If you're after relentless, over-the-top action, Hardcore Henry delivers until its wild conclusion.

Atomic Blonde (2017)

Image credit: Focus Features
Director: David Leitch | Writer: Kurt Johnstad | Stars: Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, John Goodman | Release Date: March 12, 2017 | Review: IGN's Atomic Blonde review | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon and other platforms

A stylish, retro espionage thriller, Atomic Blonde cements Charlize Theron's status as an action icon. Set against the backdrop of Berlin during the fall of the Wall, the film follows British spy Lorraine Broughton as she navigates a web of deceit and danger. The chemistry between Theron and James McAvoy adds depth to the film, making it an enthralling watch that captures the essence of international intrigue and high-stakes action.

The Night Comes for Us (2018)

Image credit: Netflix
Director: Timo Tjahjanto | Writer: Timo Tjahjanto | Stars: Joe Taslim, Iko Uwais, Julie Estelle | Release Date: September 22, 2018 | Review: IGN's The Night Comes for Us review | Where to watch: Netflix

Adapted from a graphic novel, The Night Comes for Us delves into the brutal world of the Triad, a powerful Chinese crime syndicate. The film blends graphic action with a storytelling style reminiscent of Kill Bill and John Wick, resulting in a blood-soaked, slightly excessive narrative. Its unique bleakness and art-house feel leave a lasting impression, setting it apart in the action genre.

Taken (2008)

Image credit: EuropaCorp Distribution
Director: Pierre Morel | Writer: Luc Besson, Robert Mark Kamen | Stars: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Leland Orser | Release Date: February 27, 2008 | Review: IGN's Taken review | Where to watch: Hulu, or rentable on other platforms

Like Commando, Taken is a gripping tale of a father's relentless pursuit to rescue his kidnapped daughter. Much like John Wick, Brian Mills (Liam Neeson) is driven by an unwavering focus to eliminate anyone involved in his daughter's abduction. Although Neeson doesn't perform his own stunts, his presence in this intense action film is a gift to fans. Taken remains one of the most iconic Liam Neeson films, showcasing his commanding performance.

Extraction (2020)

Image credit: Netflix
Director: Sam Hargrave | Writer: Joe Russo, Anthony Russo, Ande Parks | Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Rudhraksh Jaiswal, Randeep Hooda | Release Date: April 24, 2020 | Review: IGN's Extraction review | Where to watch: Netflix

Extraction follows the journey of a lone mercenary tackling a dangerous mission, delivering non-stop action from the get-go. With Sam Hargrave, a former stunt coordinator from films like Avengers: Endgame and Atomic Blonde, at the helm, the film's stunt work is nothing short of spectacular. The relentless action and long takes, where actors perform most of their stunts, mirror the intensity of John Wick. Plus, watching Chris Hemsworth effortlessly dispatch enemies adds an extra thrill, especially for his fans.

The Villainess (2017)

Image credit: Next Entertainment World
Director: Jung Byung-gil | Writer: Jung Byung-gil, Jung Byeong-sik | Stars: Kim Ok-vin, Shin Ha-kyun, Sung Joon | Release Date: May 21, 2017 | Review: IGN's The Villainess review | Where to watch: Peacock and Prime Video, or rentable on other platforms

More story-driven than John Wick, The Villainess distinguishes itself with its innovative fight choreography and set designs, raising the bar for action films. The film's fighting styles and set pieces, including a katana motorcycle scene predating John Wick: Chapter 3, resonate strongly with fans of the genre. Kim Ok-bin delivers a standout performance, making this film a must-watch for those seeking a female-led action thriller.

Commando (1985)

Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Director: Mark L. Lester | Writer: Joseph Loeb III, Matthew Weisman, Steven E. de Souza | Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rae Dawn Chong, Alyssa Milano | Release Date: October 4, 1985 | Review: IGN's Commando review | Where to watch: Rentable on Amazon and other platforms

A quintessential Schwarzenegger film, Commando showcases the lengths a man will go to save his daughter. John Matrix (Schwarzenegger) embodies the one-man army trope, delivering a mix of action and humor that's quintessentially 80s. With its over-the-top explosions and a villain reminiscent of Freddie Mercury, Commando offers a nostalgic and entertaining ride.

The Man From Nowhere (2010)

Image credit: CJ Entertainment
Director: Lee Jeong-beom | Writer: Lee Jeong-beom | Stars: Won Bin, Kim Sae-ron | Release Date: August 4, 2010 | Where to watch: Prime Video, rentable on other platforms

A compelling blend of action and emotion, The Man From Nowhere (also known as This Man) weaves a story that balances intense action with heartfelt moments. Despite some corny editing and musical choices, the film's plot, performances, and action sequences are top-notch. The well-developed characters add a comedic touch, while the revenge-driven narrative builds to a satisfying climax. With a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, this film is a testament to its quality and appeal.