The 10 Best John Wick-Inspired Action Movies

Felix Dubois

6 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Gun-Fu Masters: Movies Featuring Intense Gunplay and Martial Arts Fusion

John Wick's signature style seamlessly blends brutal gunfights with precise martial arts. This innovative approach to action has inspired numerous films that prioritize both firearms proficiency and hand-to-hand combat expertise. The best John Wick-inspired action movies in this category showcase a mastery of both disciplines, resulting in dynamic and visually stunning fight sequences.

• The Raid: Redemption (2011): This Indonesian action masterpiece is a brutal showcase of close-quarters combat, featuring relentless fight choreography and incredibly creative uses of the environment.
• The Night Comes for Us (2018): Another Indonesian gem, this film takes the relentless action of The Raid and ramps it up even further, delivering a non-stop barrage of intense fight sequences and stylish violence.
• Nobody (2021): Bob Odenkirk's surprising transformation into a lethal action hero showcases impressive gun-fu skills and incredibly well-crafted fight choreography.
  • Example: The extended fight scene in the stairwell is a modern classic of gun-fu, rivaling some of John Wick's best moments.

These films demonstrate the effectiveness of combining gun-fu and visceral martial arts to create unforgettable action sequences. The key is the seamless integration—the transitions between gunplay and hand-to-hand combat are fluid and impactful, creating a thrilling viewing experience.

Neo-Noir Style and Atmosphere: Dark, Gritty Worlds That Mirror John Wick's Universe

The John Wick films are steeped in a neo-noir atmosphere, characterized by dark and moody visuals, morally ambiguous characters, and a stylishly gritty world. Many John Wick-inspired action movies successfully emulate this aesthetic, creating immersive and atmospheric worlds that complement the intense action.

• Drive (2011): This stylish thriller features a minimalist aesthetic, a melancholic protagonist, and stunningly choreographed action sequences.
• Blade Runner 2049 (2017): While not strictly an action film, its visually stunning neo-noir world and focus on intricate details create an atmosphere that mirrors the stylish grimness of John Wick.
• Atomic Blonde (2017): This spy thriller features a similar cold, stylish aesthetic, with a focus on intricate fight choreography and a dark, morally ambiguous storyline.
  • Example: The extended, single-take fight scene in the apartment showcases the power of visual storytelling and stylish action.

The use of lighting, color palettes (often muted tones and deep shadows), and cinematography are crucial in creating this neo-noir atmosphere. These films prove that style and atmosphere can significantly enhance the overall impact of the action.

Intricate Action Sequences: Precision and Choreography in the Spotlight

The action in John Wick isn’t just brutal; it's meticulously planned and executed. The best John Wick-inspired action movies understand this, prioritizing creativity and realism in their fight choreography.

• Haywire (2011): This film, directed by Steven Soderbergh, features practical effects and realistic fight choreography, setting a new standard for action filmmaking.
• The Accountant (2016): This action thriller features intense, well-choreographed fight sequences punctuated by quieter moments of suspense, similar to the pacing of John Wick.
• Upgrade (2018): This sci-fi action film features inventive and thrilling fight sequences that blend close-quarters combat with technological enhancements.
  • Example: The fight choreography often incorporates the environment, mirroring the creative use of the environment in John Wick.

These films highlight the importance of practical effects and detailed planning in creating believable and engaging action sequences. The focus is on precision and realism, elevating the fight scenes beyond simple spectacle.

Underworld and Crime Thrillers: Exploring the Criminal Underbelly

John Wick's world is populated by assassins, crime bosses, and a complex underworld hierarchy. Many John Wick-inspired action movies draw inspiration from this aspect, creating narratives centered on criminal organizations and morally ambiguous protagonists.

• Collateral (2004): This neo-noir crime thriller showcases a dark and gritty underworld, featuring a compelling cat-and-mouse chase between a hitman and a taxi driver.
• Prisoners (2013): Though not solely an action film, its suspenseful atmosphere and exploration of a dark criminal underworld offer a thematic similarity to John Wick.
• You Were Never Really Here (2017): This dark and violent thriller features a morally ambiguous protagonist operating within a brutal criminal underworld.
  • Example: The film's exploration of the emotional toll of working within such a violent environment mirrors aspects of John Wick's character arc.

The intricate webs of crime and the morally gray characters within them add depth and complexity to the narratives, making them more engaging than simple shoot-em-ups.

Beyond the Gun: Exploring Alternative Weaponry and Fighting Styles

While John Wick is known for its gun-fu, other John Wick-inspired action movies expand the possibilities by incorporating alternative weaponry and fighting styles, maintaining the intensity while offering variety.

• Oldboy (2003): This South Korean classic features extended, brutal hallway fight sequences and unconventional weaponry.
• Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003): This film showcases stunning Muay Thai martial arts, offering a different flavor of intense, visceral combat.
• John Wick Chapter 4 (2023): Even within the John Wick universe, the series shows evolution in weaponry and fighting styles, demonstrating the limitless potential in this subgenre.
  • Example: The use of various melee weapons, like the iconic pencil, adds unexpected twists to the fight choreography.

These films demonstrate that the energy and thrill of John Wick can be achieved through diverse approaches to action, highlighting the versatility of the genre.

Conclusion: Your Next John Wick-Inspired Action Movie Adventure Awaits!

The best John Wick-inspired action movies share key ingredients: a blend of gun-fu and martial arts, a stylish neo-noir atmosphere, intricate and realistic action choreography, compelling narratives set within complex criminal underworlds, and sometimes, inventive uses of weaponry and fighting styles beyond guns. From the relentless action of The Raid to the stylish brutality of Atomic Blonde, these films prove that the legacy of John Wick continues to inspire creativity and innovation in the action genre. Go watch these amazing action movies like John Wick, and then share your favorite best John Wick style movies in the comments below! What other John Wick-inspired action movies would you add to this list?