Ranking The 10 Closest John Wick Imitators

6 min read Post on May 11, 2025

Ranking The 10 Closest John Wick Imitators

The Top Tier: Direct Spiritual Successors (Keyword: John Wick style action)

These films most closely mirror the John Wick formula, incorporating similar stylistic choices and thematic elements.

Nobody (2021):

Bob Odenkirk delivers a surprisingly brutal and effective performance in this action-thriller. The film's unexpected twist on the seemingly ordinary suburbanite-turned-lethal-assassin trope resonates strongly with John Wick's own premise.

Similar one-man-army protagonist: Like John Wick, Odenkirk's character is a highly skilled but seemingly retired assassin forced back into the fray.
Creative fight choreography: The film showcases inventive and brutal fight sequences, utilizing everyday objects as weapons in a style reminiscent of John Wick.
Grounded realism contrasted with over-the-top action: Nobody masterfully blends realistic violence with moments of exhilarating, almost balletic action, creating a compelling balance.

The film excels in its character development and surprisingly emotional core, even surpassing John Wick in certain aspects of character depth. However, it slightly falls short in the sheer scope and intricacy of the world-building present in the John Wick universe.

Gunpowder Milkshake (2021):

A female-led action flick that embraces the stylish violence and world-building aspects of John Wick, Gunpowder Milkshake offers a fresh perspective while staying true to the core tenets of the genre.

Strong female characters: The film boasts a compelling cast of female assassins, each with unique skills and motivations.
Unique weapon choices: From creatively modified umbrellas to an arsenal of stylish firearms, the weaponry adds to the film's overall aesthetic.
Vibrant visuals: The film utilizes a striking color palette and stylized cinematography to enhance the action sequences and overall atmosphere.

While not as grounded in realism as John Wick, Gunpowder Milkshake compensates with its visually stunning action sequences and empowering female-led narrative. The world-building, although distinct, shares a similar sense of layered intrigue and interconnected criminal underworld.

Honorable Mentions: Capturing the Essence (Keyword: Neo-noir action films)

These films may not perfectly replicate the John Wick style, but they capture the essence of its stylish action and compelling narratives.

Atomic Blonde (2017):

Charlize Theron delivers a powerhouse performance in this stylish Cold War thriller. The film's setting and tone differ, but the relentless action and intricate fight choreography echo John Wick's kinetic energy.

Intense hand-to-hand combat: The film features extended and brutal hand-to-hand fight sequences, showcasing Theron's exceptional skills.
Strong female lead: Theron's character is a captivating and formidable protagonist, leading the action with both grace and brutality.
Gritty atmosphere: The film's setting and cinematography create a dark and gritty atmosphere, enhancing the tension and suspense.

Atomic Blonde showcases a different flavor of action, prioritizing brutal hand-to-hand combat over gun-fu. However, its stylish visuals and intense action sequences firmly place it among the honorable mentions.

The Night Comes for Us (2018):

This Indonesian action masterpiece is known for its brutal and unrelenting violence. It's a visceral experience that prioritizes kinetic energy and impactful choreography over intricate world-building.

Over-the-top action: The film delivers non-stop, incredibly violent action sequences, showcasing unique Indonesian martial arts styles.
Unique fighting styles: The film's use of Pencak Silat adds a distinct flavor to its action sequences, setting it apart from other John Wick imitators.
Intense atmosphere: The film's dark and unforgiving tone enhances the intensity of the action and keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat.

While vastly different in setting and tone, The Night Comes for Us is an essential watch for any fan of stylish action cinema, demonstrating a raw power and intensity that deserves recognition.

Kate (2021):

A fast-paced action thriller with a ticking clock and a relentless protagonist, Kate channels the intensity and revenge-driven plotline of John Wick.

Fast-paced action: The film maintains a breakneck pace, keeping the viewer engaged with constant action and suspense.
Assassin protagonist: Mary Elizabeth Winstead delivers a captivating performance as a skilled assassin on a mission for revenge.
Revenge plot: The central narrative arc of revenge closely mirrors John Wick's own core theme.

While lacking the stylistic flourishes of John Wick, Kate makes up for it with its relentless pace and emotional core, delivering a gripping and satisfying action experience.

The Contenders: Similar Themes, Different Approaches (Keyword: action thriller movies)

These films share thematic similarities with John Wick but approach action and storytelling in distinct ways.

Extraction (2020):

This Netflix action film shares a similar gritty realism, focusing on intense, visceral action sequences.

Realistic fight choreography: The fights are brutal and grounded, prioritizing realism over stylized choreography.
Focus on hand-to-hand combat: While firearms are used, hand-to-hand combat plays a significant role in the action sequences.
Intense action sequences: The film delivers several extended and captivating action sequences that keep the viewer engaged.

Extraction emphasizes visceral realism over the stylistic flair of John Wick, offering a different, but equally compelling, action experience.

The Old Guard (2020):

This film features immortal mercenaries battling in a world of espionage, offering a unique spin on the action genre.

Superhuman abilities: The immortals' powers allow for unique and spectacular action sequences.
Fight choreography: While different from John Wick's style, the fight choreography is still expertly crafted and visually impressive.
Unique action sequences: The characters' immortality allows for action set pieces that are distinct from traditional action films.

The Old Guard utilizes its unique premise to create action sequences that are both innovative and entertaining, showcasing a different approach to the genre while retaining the core elements of compelling action cinema.

The also-rans: Elements of Inspiration, But Not Quite There (Keyword: Action movies similar to John Wick)

Several films borrow elements from John Wick but ultimately fail to capture its unique blend of style and substance. These include films like Nobody (already discussed above), and Red Notice, which has elements of the heist genre and globe-trotting action, but lacks the consistent stylish fight choreography and intricate world-building that defines John Wick.

Conclusion:

While numerous films attempt to replicate the success of John Wick, few truly capture its unique blend of stylish action, intricate fight choreography, and compelling narrative. This ranking highlights the top contenders that best approximate the John Wick experience, ranging from direct spiritual successors to films sharing key thematic elements. Whether you're a seasoned John Wick aficionado or a newcomer looking for similar thrills, this list offers a starting point for your next action-packed cinematic adventure. So, dive into the world of John Wick imitators and discover your next favorite action movie. Find your perfect John Wick style action flick today!