10 Intense Movies Like John Wick for Action Fans
It’s not far-fetched to say that most fans consider the John Wick series as their favorite Keanu Reeves movie. The reasons are clear: the fast-paced and well-choreographed action scenes, paired with exceptional and creative cinematography. If you’re wondering whether there are other movies like John Wick that could capture your attention, you’re in luck! Here are 10 action movies that will remind you of John Wick.
First on the list is The Raid 2 (or The Raid: Retaliation as it’s properly called), a 2014 Indonesian action thriller directed by Welsh filmmaker Gareth Evans. Widely regarded as one of the greatest action movies ever made, The Raid 2 is a high-octane sequel that surpasses its predecessor in both quality and budget. With the same team behind The Night Comes for Us, the cast showcases their incredible fighting and stunt skills. Like John Wick, The Raid 2 features plenty of intense fight scenes and strong secondary characters, but in the end, it’s all about one man taking on a small army of assailants. This is a must-watch for fans looking for a movie like John Wick.
Nobody (2021)
Next up is Nobody, an American action thriller directed by Ilya Naishuller and written by Derek Kolstad. This film brings the “old guy kicking ass” genre to a new level. It’s a dark comedy with plenty of action, and Bob Odenkirk’s performance and line deliveries are spot-on. What makes this movie similar to John Wick? The protagonist, Hutch Mansell, shares John Wick’s resilience and ability to recover from injuries that would destroy others. This film is a fresh take on the action genre, capturing what fans crave in movies like John Wick: mindless violence paired with dark humor.
Hardcore Henry (2015)
Taking us back to 2015, Hardcore Henry is an over-the-top action film that some might find extreme, but those who love it, love it for exactly that reason. The movie is shot entirely from a first-person perspective, making it unique in its approach. Despite giving the protagonist no face and literally no voice, the film still manages to make you sympathize with them. With comedic self-awareness and increasingly ridiculous action, Hardcore Henry is a wild ride that you won’t want to miss if you’re into over-the-top action reminiscent of a movie like John Wick.
Atomic Blonde (2017)
If you’re looking for a shift from the typical male protagonist, Atomic Blonde is the movie for you. This retro, kick-ass film of international espionage and double agents stars Charlize Theron as Lorraine Broughton, a British spy navigating the chaotic city of Berlin during the year the Wall came down. With plenty of twists and turns, Atomic Blonde is a stylish and action-packed film. The on-screen chemistry between Theron and James McAvoy only adds to the movie’s appeal. Based on the 2012 graphic novel The Coldest City, this is one action movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Night Comes for Us (2018)
Another movie adapted from a graphic novel is The Night Comes for Us, a 2018 film that tells the story of the horrifying actions and events caused by the Triad, a Chinese crime syndicate. The movie is a mix of styles, combining elements of Kill Bill and John Wick to create a bloodier, yet slightly excessive sequence of events. What makes The Night Comes for Us unique is its bleak and hopeless tone, which gives it an art-house feel that lingers long after the movie ends. This is another movie like John Wick that delivers intense and relentless action.
Taken (2008)
If you loved the storyline of Commando, then Taken is a must-watch. The movie follows Bryan Mills, a man with an unshakable focus on achieving his goal of rescuing his kidnapped daughter. Like John Wick, Mills is relentless in his pursuit, taking out anyone who stands in his way. While Liam Neeson, who was 56 at the time, may not perform his own stunts like Keanu Reeves, his presence in a hardcore action flick is a blessing to fans everywhere. Taken is truly one of the best Liam Neeson movies of all time and an iconic movie like John Wick.
Extraction (2020)
If you enjoyed watching Chris Hemsworth wield Thor’s hammer, you’ll love seeing him throw henchmen around like ragdolls in Extraction. This movie tells the story of a lone wolf who takes on the world, delivering practically non-stop action from start to finish. With intricate stunt work and relentless action scenes, Extraction is a film that fans of John Wick will definitely appreciate. Directed by Sam Hargrave, the stunt coordinator for Avengers: Endgame and Atomic Blonde, this movie is guaranteed to impress.
The Villainess (2017)
The Villainess is a movie that stands out, no matter how you look at it. Although it’s more story-driven than John Wick, it features creative fight choreography and cinematography that will raise your expectations for action movies. The movie even did the katana motorcycle fight scene two years before John Wick: Chapter 3. With incredible performances and well-designed sets, The Villainess is one of two movies on this list with a female protagonist, and it does not disappoint.
Commando (1985)
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s classic Commando is another film on this list that shows just how far a man can go when someone takes his daughter from him. As John Matrix, Schwarzenegger plays a retired Special Forces Colonel who takes on a one-man army to rescue his daughter. With its excessive explosions and cheesy 80s action, Commando is a movie that many have watched and re-watched over the years. While it may be a bit silly at times, it’s also a great way to appreciate how far action movies have come.
The Man from Nowhere (2010)
Last on our list is The Man from Nowhere, a South Korean action thriller that mixes genres and delivers an emotional punch. The movie was South Korea’s highest-grossing film in 2010, and it’s easy to see why. With a revenge-based plot, impressive performances, and well-executed action scenes, The Man from Nowhere is a movie that will keep you hooked from start to finish. While it may not have as much action as John Wick, the build-up is well worth the wait.
There you have it—10 movies that deliver the same level of excitement, action, and intensity as John Wick. Have you seen any of these movies? Do any of them compare to John Wick in your opinion?
