12 Best Movies Like The Old Guard

If you’re unsure if you should read the graphic novel before watching “The Old Guard,” which is an ensemble action film featuring multiple female leads with elements of fantasy like magic and immortality, let me suggest some other movies you might enjoy after seeing it. Some films similar to “The Old Guard” share cast or crew members as well.

After watching “The Old Guard” (an action movie with a graphic novel basis, female leads, and fantasy elements), check out these other films that are similar in style and sometimes have the same actors or filmmakers.

Instead of watching ‘The Old Guard 2’ if you enjoyed the first movie, you might prefer these alternatives as they incorporate aspects similar to what made the original successful when it came out in 2020. These movies have received positive feedback from critics and fans alike.

Hancock

One movie among high-earning superhero films not made by Marvel or DC is ‘Hancock,’ which questions what it truly means to be a superhero on screen. In this film, Will Smith portrays the lead character who possesses superpowers but lacks the typical heroic demeanor. Today, movies featuring characters with powers predominantly used for good, yet displaying unpleasant behavior, are not as uncommon as they were in 2008 when ‘Hancock’ was released. Nevertheless, such characters still make up a minority rather than the norm.

In essence, if you only skim the surface of the movie “Hancock,” you might miss its deeper connections with “The Old Guard.” The film, starring Charlize Theron, initially presents her character as a typical suburban wife and mother. However, it’s later revealed that both she and Hancock are ancient and powerful beings who share a rich history spanning thousands of years. Although the plot twist might derail the story slightly, “Hancock” is still a compelling watch, particularly for fans of “The Old Guard” and Charlize Theron.

Kill Bill: Vol. 1

When it became known that Uma Thurman joined the cast of “The Old Guard 2,” there was much excitement about her comeback to action films since her last appearance in “Kill Bill: Vol 2” in 2004. During interviews promoting the new film, Thurman shared that she felt the “Kill Bill” series would be challenging to surpass, so she opted to take a break from the genre instead. However, Thurman was captivated by Charlize Theron’s performance in the initial movie and found herself motivated to re-enter the scene, as well as collaborate with Theron on this project.

Unfortunately, despite Thurman’s excellent performance in “The Old Guard 2”, the movie itself isn’t particularly strong. A more rewarding choice would be to follow a viewing of “The Old Guard” with “Kill Bill: Vol. 1”. Of course, you can still watch “Vol. 2”, but “Vol. 1” offers more action, which is a strength of both movies. Additionally, Theron mentioned during the press cycle for “The Old Guard 2” that when she entered the action world, Thurman was like a mentor to her, the original master. She and Kimmel also agreed that Thurman deserved an Oscar for “Kill Bill”.

Red

Among Bruce Willis’s finest films, “Red” stood out as one of his last productions that garnered both critical acclaim and box office success before he shifted primarily to direct-to-video projects in the 2010s and later. In essence, it could have been named “The Old Guard,” as it centers around a team of former CIA agents who are compelled to reactivate following an assault on one of them by a hired gunman.

It was enjoyable watching Willis skillfully balance acknowledging his age in action movies and poking fun at it, all while demonstrating he could still carry an action film effectively. Morgan Freeman and John Malkovich engage in some gunfire and fisticuffs, but they mostly let Willis handle the intense scenes – even so, their camaraderie is palpable. Reminiscent of “The Old Guard,” “Red” is adapted from a comic book series, and like its counterpart, the follow-up to “Red” was underwhelming. Thus, it’s recommended to watch only the initial installments of both series and overlook their sequels.

Wanted

In two films, she played Lara Croft, the renowned video game adventurer, and “Salt” is a film that deserves more recognition. However, among Angelina Jolie’s action films, one stands out as exceptional – the 2008 fantasy action movie “Wanted.” Jolie’s career bears similarities to Charlize Theron’s in many aspects, particularly in their efforts to avoid being stereotyped by Hollywood’s expectations of attractive women. They both have excelled at combining profound, Academy Award-winning roles with entertaining, blockbuster films that audiences enjoy.

In a world crafted by Russian filmmaker Timur Bekmambetov, inspired by a popular comic book series, the action-packed movie “Wanted” unfolds. Here, a clandestine group of assassins with an extraordinary skill – manipulating bullet paths – operate. However, their motives, initially presented as noble, are later exposed as less than ideal. With its release, “Wanted” marked the end of Angelina Jolie’s era of portraying seductive action heroines. Before transitioning into more mature and varied roles that didn’t rely heavily on her physical beauty, this movie served as a fitting conclusion to that phase in her acting journey.

Atomic Blonde

For fans of “The Old Guard,” I’d recommend checking out Charlize Theron-starring action flicks that share a similar vein to the movie. Among them, “Atomic Blonde” from 2017 seems particularly fitting as it offers an action-packed narrative reminiscent of “The Old Guard.” While “Mad Max: Fury Road” is objectively one of the greatest action films ever made, it might not be as closely related to “The Old Guard” in terms of story and themes.

To begin with, the film “Atomic Blonde” is adapted from a graphic novel. Interestingly, Charlize Theron’s character in “Atomic Blonde” shares more similarities with her character from “The Old Guard” than with Furiosa. Furthermore, any action movie released within the past decade is typically compared to “John Wick”, and “Atomic Blonde” resembles “John Wick” more closely than most. Additionally, upon a second viewing, you may discover aspects of “Atomic Blonde” that weren’t initially apparent, making it an enjoyable double feature with “The Old Guard”, even for repeat viewers.

Deadpool and Wolverine

As a gamer, I can’t help but ponder over the immortality of Wolverine, a topic that fuels endless debates among fans. Yet, there’s no denying one aspect about this legendary Marvel anti-hero – his healing factor has slowed his aging to an almost standstill, making him well over 200 years old in “Logan,” and still packing a punch! If the concept of characters possessing powers that enable them to live far beyond the average human lifespan sounds familiar, it’s because that’s basically how the characters in “The Old Guard” became quasi-immortal. And let’s not forget, when it comes to being a mercenary, there’s only one character who fits the bill as the “Merc with the Mouth.

Instead of “Deadpool and Wolverine,” being significantly more humorous, aggressive, and explicit than “The Old Guard,” there are other Wolverine films that might align more with its themes and aesthetics. However, if you’re seeking a similar experience for fans of “The Old Guard,” “Deadpool and Wolverine” remains the top pick due to the poor quality of “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” and the heavier tones of “The Wolverine” and “Logan.” Notably, Wolverine does not appear in other Deadpool films. For those looking for another entertaining, stylish action movie featuring mercenaries and characters who can regenerate against the effects of aging, “Deadpool and Wolverine” is the preferred choice.

Highlander

In this conversation, instead of generally discussing fantasy action films featuring immortals without specifying, let’s focus on the 1986 film “Highlander.” This movie has a unique place in the genre as every subsequent attempt to develop it into a franchise has failed miserably. The 1991 sequel is often ranked among the worst films ever made, and the following movies and TV shows haven’t fared much better. The film’s motto, “there can only be one,” seems to have come true in more ways than one.

Initially released as a cult classic, the original “Highlander” still holds its charm today. In one pivotal scene set in Madison Square Garden’s parking lot, characters Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert) and Iman Fasil (Peter Diamond) engage in an epic sword fight, unleashing a chain of events that expose 1985 New York City to an age-old conflict between immortal warriors. This film, with its undeniably over-the-top 80s charm and catchy original songs composed by Queen, is nothing short of entertaining. Despite its cheesy elements, “Highlander” offers a delightful watch, with Christopher Lambert perfectly embodying his role and Sean Connery delivering an unexpectedly self-aware performance.

The Expendables

Discussing the nostalgic charm of 80s action movies, Sylvester Stallone recognized a desire to revisit that time in the 21st century. To fulfill this wish, he played a significant role in creating “The Expendables,” a movie featuring a team of mercenaries portrayed by some of the biggest names in the action genre, not just from the 80s and 90s, but also those who rose to fame in the early 2010s, when the film was initially released. The actors Jason Statham, Randy Couture, and Terry Crews were intended to symbolize the contemporary action heroes within the movie; however, their era has now aged just as much as Sylvester Stallone’s was when “The Expendables” first premiered.

In essence, the storyline isn’t crucial; it merely serves as a pretext for legendary actors such as Dolph Lundgren, Jet Li, and Mickey Rourke to collaborate in an extravaganza of action movie legends tearing things apart. The scene featuring Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger was almost as iconic as Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny sharing a scene in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” but it was just brief appearances from the latter two. They will have larger roles in the sequel, but the original “Expendables” remains the pinnacle. After watching your mercenary ensemble action movie double feature of “The Old Guard” and “The Expendables,” I’d advise you to proceed with caution if you choose to explore more of the franchise.

Kingsman: The Secret Service

Experience even more exciting ensemble action, inspired by a popular comic book series, through “Kingsman: The Secret Service.” Directed by Matthew Vaughn, known for rejuvenating the “X-Men” film franchise with “X-Men: First Class,” this 2014 release was an unexpected hit. For those unfamiliar with the source material, they were captivated by the movie’s unique spin on James Bond-esque action, combined with a stronger focus on humor and camaraderie.

In the world of “Kingsman,” I find myself part of a prestigious organization boasting a rich history, dedicated to shielding its clients and the world from harm while executing secretive missions. My character, Taron Egerton’s, is the latest addition to this esteemed group, but it was Colin Firth who left an indelible impression with his unexpected prowess in the action-hero realm, proving he could more than hold his ground.

The follow-up film “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” and its precursor “The King’s Man” have seen decreasing audience interest so far. However, the series still seems to hold promise for a comeback and winning back fans, particularly if Vaughn is in charge, given his proven talent in that genre.

Blade

Way back when the Marvel Cinematic Universe wasn’t yet deep into the realm of immortals with “Eternals,” there was already a Marvel flick, and trust me, it was way ahead of its time – “Blade,” released in 1998. I was the one, Wesley Snipes, starring as the half-human, half-vampire slayer who took down those bloodthirsty creatures. Known for being a game changer, this R-rated movie is often hailed as one of the first successful Marvel films and remains among the rare few that carry such a rating.

Additionally, “Blade” played a significant role in shaping the language of sci-fi and action movies, though it was actually released after “The Matrix” by a year. The film’s fast-paced camera work, editing, stylish costumes, and pulsating electronic soundtrack might seem somewhat dated, but the ’90s aesthetic is currently experiencing a resurgence, making it feel nostalgic rather than outdated. The future of the MCU’s Blade movie remains uncertain, but it would be challenging to surpass the original’s groundbreaking impact. While “Blade II” from 2002 isn’t quite as strong, it is still worth viewing, and unfortunately, “Blade: Trinity” ended the trilogy on a disappointing note.

Watchmen

As a devoted admirer, I can confidently say that the impact of the 2009 Zack Snyder-directed “Watchmen” film is multifaceted and open to interpretation. It has been hailed as both a masterpiece and one of the greatest comic book adaptations ever made, while others view it as a catastrophic failure. However, there are undeniable aspects that make it an enticing suggestion for enthusiasts of “The Old Guard.”

Firstly, it boasts some incredibly stylish fight sequences and action-packed set pieces that will certainly appeal to fans of the latter series. Secondly, it revolves around a group who have fought together for a significant period but now find themselves under threat from a secretive adversary determined to eliminate them. The question becomes: can they unravel this conspiracy in time to save themselves?

Over the past two decades, “Watchmen” stands out as a captivating oddity in the annals of comic book film adaptations and the evolution of action movies. It’s also worth noting that it serves as an intriguing comparison to “The Old Guard,” where its screenplay is penned by the original comic creator, Greg Rucka, contrasting with “Watchmen,” which has been rejected entirely by one of its creators, Alan Moore.

The Woman King

To start off, “The Woman King” stands out as an exceptional action movie that unfortunately didn’t gain widespread attention. With roots in actual historical events, it narrates the tale of Nanisca (played by Viola Davis), a powerful West African general who commands an elite female battalion combating Portuguese slave traders in the mid-19th century to free the enslaved. The fact that it’s an engaging action film with numerous female leads already makes it appealing for fans of “The Old Guard”. However, there is a more tangible link between these two movies.

Indeed, both “The Old Guard” and “The Woman King” have the same director – Gina Prince-Bythewood. Interestingly, “The Old Guard” was her debut in the action genre, and its success opened doors for her next project, which is undeniably “The Woman King.” Unfortunately, Prince-Bythewood couldn’t come back to direct “The Old Guard 2” due to her commitment to producing “The Woman King” in 2022. While it’s hard to tell whether “The Old Guard 2” would have been better if she directed it, one thing is certain: “The Woman King” is fantastic and worth watching!

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2025-07-09 03:31