Ranking The 10 Closest John Wick Copycats

5 min read Post on May 12, 2025

Ranking The 10 Closest John Wick Copycats

Top 3 John Wick Copycats: The Closest Contenders

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

Nobody isn't just a John Wick copycat; it's a sophisticated homage. The film masterfully replicates the signature gun-fu style, featuring breathtakingly choreographed action sequences that rival John Wick's intensity. Bob Odenkirk's transformation into a lethal assassin is compelling, mirroring John Wick's quiet intensity and hidden depths. The film's aesthetic, with its muted color palette and focus on practical effects, perfectly captures the neo-noir atmosphere of the John Wick universe.

Action Sequences: The extended fight scenes in Nobody are brutal and realistic, showcasing a similar level of skill and precision as those in John Wick. The use of everyday objects as weapons is also a noteworthy parallel.
Moral Ambiguity: The protagonist, Hutch Mansell, isn't a purely heroic figure. His past and motivations are gradually revealed, adding layers of complexity to his character, much like John Wick's own backstory.
Stylistic Elements: The film replicates John Wick's use of practical effects, precise camera work, and a gritty, realistic visual style, creating an atmosphere of intense suspense.
Mirroring Scenes: The extended fight scene in the suburban neighborhood directly mirrors the style and intensity of many of John Wick's iconic action set pieces.

#2: Atomic Blonde – A Gritty and Realistic Approach

While Atomic Blonde possesses a distinct personality, its gritty realism and stylish action sequences place it firmly within the conversation of John Wick copycats. Charlize Theron's performance as Lorraine Broughton is captivating, showcasing a similar blend of skill, resilience, and morally ambiguous choices. The film opts for a more grounded approach to action compared to the balletic gun-fu of John Wick, but its intensity and suspense are undeniable.

Grounded Action: Atomic Blonde emphasizes practical effects and brutal fight choreography, eschewing excessive CGI in favor of a more realistic depiction of violence.
Narrative Similarities: Both Atomic Blonde and John Wick feature lone-wolf assassins navigating complex webs of deceit and betrayal within secretive organizations.
Protagonist Comparison: Lorraine Broughton, like John Wick, is a highly skilled professional forced back into action after a period of relative peace. Both characters are haunted by their past.
Key Action Set Pieces: The extended fight scene in the embassy stairwell is a standout moment, showcasing the film's commitment to visceral and impressive action.

#3: The Night Comes for Us – Blending Action with Intrigue

The Night Comes for Us stands out with its relentless action and intricate storyline. While not directly mirroring John Wick's stylistic choices, it showcases a similar commitment to extended, meticulously choreographed fight sequences. The film's world-building, depicting a violent underworld ruled by ruthless gangs, is remarkably detailed and immersive.

Action and Suspense: The film expertly blends brutal action with a suspenseful narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The stakes are constantly high, and the tension rarely lets up.
World-Building: The film creates a compelling and believable world of Indonesian gangsters and Triads, providing a richly detailed backdrop for the action.
Supporting Characters: The supporting characters in The Night Comes for Us are memorable and complex, adding depth to the narrative and expanding the film's universe.
John Wick Elements: The film successfully incorporates elements such as intricate fight choreography, a morally gray protagonist, and a high body count, making it a worthy addition to any John Wick-inspired action film list.

The Next Tier: Honorable Mentions (Movies 4-7)

This section will feature brief descriptions of four additional films demonstrating similarities to the John Wick formula, categorized for better comparison.

Movie 4: [Movie Title 4] – Similar Weaponry, Comparable Fight Choreography, Distinct Storyline.
Movie 5: [Movie Title 5] – Similar World-Building, Different Protagonist, Gritty Atmosphere.
Movie 6: [Movie Title 6] – Comparable Action Sequences, Less Stylized, Intriguing Plot.
Movie 7: [Movie Title 7] – Similar Moral Ambiguity, Different Setting, Unique Action Style.

Outside the Circle: Action Films Inspired by John Wick (Movies 8-10)

These films are less direct copycats, but clearly showcase the influence of John Wick.

Movie 8: [Movie Title 8] – Inspired by the Gun-Fu Style, Unique World.
Movie 9: [Movie Title 9] – Influenced by the Moral Ambiguity of the Protagonist, Different Genre Blend.
Movie 10: [Movie Title 10] – Inspired by the World-Building, Distinct Action Style, Unique Story.

Conclusion

This ranking of John Wick copycats highlights the enduring impact of the franchise on action cinema. Nobody, Atomic Blonde, and The Night Comes for Us stand out as the closest contenders, each capturing different aspects of John Wick's unique style and storytelling. The honorable mentions and films inspired by John Wick further demonstrate the franchise's influence on the genre.

Have you seen these John Wick copycats? Which ones do you think come closest to capturing the magic of the original? Let us know in the comments below! Share your favorite John Wick-esque action films and join the conversation on the best John Wick clones. Which action movies do you consider to be worthy successors to the John Wick legacy?