10 Action Movies That Are Just Like John Wick You Need to Watch!

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In 2014, the film John Wick made a powerful impact on the world. Unlike many modern action movies which rely heavily on quick cuts and close-ups, this movie stood out due to its long, intricately planned single shots. The storyline was also complex, with a unique criminal underworld governed by distinct customs and a rulebook that added depth. To top it off, the main character, who typically operates alone in his wrongdoings, was exceptionally well-played.

It’s not surprising that other parties opted for the same blueprint. The past decade has been saturated with films mimicking the style of “John Wick”, with some duplicating the entire concept and others adding their own twists. Audiences, for the most part, didn’t express much disapproval, as this kind of imitation is quite common in the movie business. When an idea proves successful, it tends to be replicated widely.

Here are all the decent ripoffs from the 2010s.

10
‘Terminal’ (2018)

Brimming with frenetic excitement and humorous flair, the movie titled “Terminal” revolves around two professional killers entrusted by an enigmatic figure to execute a critical assignment. They encounter a waitress named Annie (Margot Robbie), who on the surface appears harmless. However, as the plot unfolds, it’s disclosed that she’s orchestrating events from behind the scenes due to her personal vendetta against the underworld. This is because she holds a grudge against the criminal world.

Harboring Deep Secrets

This production shares a similar aesthetic with the John Wick series, featuring a vibrant neon color palette and a skilled assassin on a lethal mission. Despite Margot Robbie having delivered more impressive films, this one is still worth investing some time in. The action-packed neo-noir movie, filled with star power, presents an authentic cinematic experience. The deftly moving camera elegantly portrays the unending turbulence and bustle of urban living as well as the underworld’s hidden corridors.

9
‘Polar’ (2019)

In the thriller film “Polar,” character Duncan Vizla (portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen) is an assassin planning to retire. However, his employer refuses to pay his $8 million retirement benefits, seeing it as unnecessary expenditure. Consequently, they dispatch men to hunt down the skilled assassin, but given his prowess, we know these pursuers have little chance of success.

Age is But a Number

Polar masterfully contrasts the principles of morality and self-reliance with the unpredictability of corporate authority, a battle that Mikkelsen portrays exceptionally well. His character’s brutal assassinations might stir up the excitement of a sports enthusiast. However, it’s challenging not to recognize the echoes of John Wick. The thrill of countless assassins relentlessly pursuing one individual, only to be defeated, is reminiscent in both characters. If they had crossed paths, they could have made quite an unconventional duo.

8
‘Hotel Artemis’ (2018)

The film titled “Hotel Artemis” immerses us into a 2028 Los Angeles dominated by criminal activities. It also introduces us to a unique, 13-story establishment – an exclusive infirmary for criminals, run by a compassionate yet eccentric nurse with a fondness for technology, named The Nurse (portrayed by Jodie Foster). The most engaging scenes revolve around the ongoing conflict between her exceptional medical skills and the questionable actions of her patients.

Only Miscreants Can Enter

Beyond providing thrilling action scenes, Hotel Artemis captivates viewers with advanced medical technology that we hope becomes a reality in our current world, like robot-assisted surgeries and 3D-printed transplant organs. Moreover, the casting team couldn’t have made a better choice than Forster for the lead role. However, it’s no secret where this concept originated – it’s reminiscent of the members-only criminal sanctuary known as the Continental Hotel from the John Wick series.

7
‘Furie’ (2019)

Furie

Furie centers around Hai Phuong (Veronica Ngo), once a notorious gangster, now leading a tranquil life. However, this serenity is shattered when a ruthless gang abducts her precious daughter. Unsurprisingly, Hai Phuong embarks on a relentless journey across Vietnam to rescue her child and exact revenge on the perpetrators. As a result, we are treated to one of the most gripping female-led action movies.

A Mother’s Wrath

The lesson that movie gangsters never grasp is clear: Messing with former associates, such as taking Phuong’s daughter, will always lead to trouble, much like what happened when someone harmed John Wick’s dog. In this story, we have a protagonist who has had enough of her criminal past – let’s call her Miss Wick for the sake of simplicity. She shares similarities with John Wick, but her actions will win your affection rather than being seen as a copycat. Furthermore, this film is set in Vietnam, providing a stunning backdrop for the cinematography due to the location shooting.

6
‘Re: Born’ (2016)

Regarding “Born” centers around Toshiro Kuroda, portrayed by Tak Sakaguchi. Once a relentless special ops agent, he’s softened since retiring and shuns any new work offers. However, when an old adversary dispatches a group of assassins towards him, Toshi chooses to face them solo, a lone warrior. With no margin for error because his niece relies on him, the stakes are high.

Thou Shall Not Disturb Kuroda’s Peace

Sakaguchi plays the fiery and courageous character of Kuroda exceptionally well, a man whose mistake was not anticipating and eliminating the treacherous elements surrounding him before his retirement. You’ll be captivated by the character’s evolution. Initially portrayed as a composed individual, Kuroda’s transformation into an impulsive figure triggers an all-out upheaval. The parallels to John Wick are not just in the plot of ‘villains vs retired assassin’, but also in the fighting styles, as Kuroda, like John Wick, prefers close-quarter combat.

5
‘The Villainess’ (2017)

In the action-packed film, “The Villainess,” we meet Sook-hee, played by Kim Ok-vin, who’s been honed into an expert assassin since her childhood years. However, things take a turn when police apprehend her following a bloody rampage against numerous individuals. Fortunately for Sook-hee, South Korea’s intelligence sector recognizes her talents and extends a job offer. Unfortunately, spectral events from her past are set to add complexity to her new life.

Equally Skilled Heroes

In the thrilling world of the John Wick series, you’ll find all the exhilarating action. Notably, both John Wick and his adversaries are striving for normality, yet they excel beyond comparison in their professional fields. Interestingly, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum borrowed a page from The Villainous, as evidenced by its memorable bike chase scene. The fight scenes in this Korean action film are breathtakingly beautiful, and the complex villains will provoke your empathy. Absolutely, it’s worth watching this assassin movie.

4
‘Accident Man’ (2018)

In the action movie “Accident Man,” Mike Fallon (portrayed by Scott Adkins) is a skilled assassin who orchestrates his targets’ demises to appear as accidents. This method provides him with clean alibis and witnesses who haven’t witnessed any crime scenes. However, when his girlfriend tragically meets her end, the barrier between his two lives disintegrates, taking his orderly existence with it. In response, he embarks on a mission to track down the former associates who orchestrated her death.

Mike Will Strike

In most of Scott Adkins’ films, there isn’t much that warrants a smile, but Accident Man boasts some genuine humor sprinkled throughout. Beyond the laughter, the action remains top-notch, just as we’ve come to expect from the actor. His performance here leaves an impression that he might have excelled in the John Wick role had he been given the opportunity. He handles bad guys with the same skill and precision. Fortunately, the successful franchise found a way to incorporate him into its storyline.

3
‘Novocaine’ (2025)

In the film “Novocaine,” Jack Quaid, famously known for his role in “The Boys,” plays Nathan Caine, a quiet assistant manager at a reliable credit union in San Diego who has an unusual condition – he can’t feel pain. His predictable life takes an unexpected turn when his coworker and love interest, Sherry Margrave (Amber Midthunder), is kidnapped during a robbery. Moved by her plight, he decides to track down the criminals himself.

A Character That Could Fit Right Into The Boys

The filmmaking team of Dan Berk and Robert Olsen have given us another entertaining story that feels reminiscent of the John Wick series, focusing on criminals targeting or hurting someone who shouldn’t have been touched. In a different context, Jack Quaid might not convincingly portray an action hero, given his everyday appearance. However, in this film, they cleverly keep him within his familiar zone from “The Boys,” where he has support. In this instance, it’s his unique lack of pain sensation that adds humor to the storyline, and the filmmakers skillfully play it up for comedic effect.

2
‘Atomic Blonde’ (2017)

In “Atomic Blonde”, Charlize Theron plays Lorraine Broughton, a top-tier MI6 operative assigned with obtaining a classified list of undercover agents just as the Berlin Wall is about to crumble in 1989. To accomplish her objective, she has to confront numerous assassins and shady individuals.

Information is the Greatest Currency in Espionage

It’s no wonder that the movies ‘Atomic Blonde’ and ‘John Wick’ share some similarities, given that their director, David Leitch, contributed to both films, initially intended for John Wick 2 until Charlize Theron asked him to join her project instead. Both films exhibit a neo-noir style and boast protagonists with extraordinary combat abilities. The film starring Charlize Theron is particularly intriguing as it weaves numerous plot twists into a seemingly fluffy narrative, leaving audiences in awe, just like an atomic explosion.

1
‘Nobody’ (2021)

In a seemingly ordinary life, Hutch (Bob Odenkirk), an office worker, coexists peacefully with his wife. However, not many are aware that this unassuming figure was once a formidable government assassin, longing for the old days and occasionally yearning for a return to action. When two thugs assault his home, he hesitates but finds himself in more confrontations that make him understand he doesn’t need to always be gentle. Determined to set things straight, he tightens his fist and readies weapons.

Nobody Asked for This, But We’re Glad It Happened

Ilya Naishuller’s dynamic directing takes this daring action movie to the brink of madness and then back again, leaving us captivated by its intensity, speed, and profound emotional release. Much like John Wick, Nobody presents a retired individual with abilities, as well as an antagonist who is a Russian mobster. Subsequently, the fight scenes follow a similar pattern. This likeness is not coincidental, given that Derek Kolstad, who constructed the world of Wick, is also the writer here. It’s clear they are following a successful formula.

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2025-04-02 01:03