12 Best Movies Like The Accountant

The movies “The Accountant” and its sequel feature the character Christian Wolff (played by Ben Affleck), who is an autistic forensic accountant with a unique skillset – not only in numbers, but also in handling dangerous situations. His mother left when he was young due to his special needs, and his military father trained him and his brother in various combat methods. This makes Wolff unphased by clients from the mob or terrorist organizations who seek his expertise in managing their finances.

As an enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: In “The Accountant,” I, as Christian, unearth millions of dollars in misappropriated funds at the company Living Robotics within a single night, but fail to discover the identity of the culprit. However, this revelation triggers a sequence of events that eventually involves my long-lost brother Brax, portrayed by Jon Bernthal.

The film “The Accountant” boasts an intriguing structure and plenty of thrills; however, it was the complex character at its heart that breathed new life into the movie. Christian, who is a murderer but adheres to a moral compass, is fascinating in his own right – much like several characters on this list. Though they may not all be diagnosed with autism, many grapple with other challenges such as agoraphobia or amnesia, which set them apart. Alternatively, some are simply ordinary accountants grappling with circumstances beyond their depth. In essence, each movie on this list shares a likeness with “The Accountant.

Boy Kills World

Boy Against Tyranny” tells the story of a character named Boy, portrayed by Bill Skarsgaard, who resides in a city under the iron fist of a corrupt family. This is similar to how Christian confronts organized crime in “The Accountant.” However, unlike its counterpart, the 2023 film “Boy Against Tyranny” is highly stylized and visually striking. It’s set in a dystopian urban landscape under the oppressive rule of the Van Der Koys family, who annually broadcast an event called the Culling, where they eliminate their adversaries. After his mother and sister are brutally killed, Boy is taken in by a shaman (Yayan Ruhian) and left deaf and mute due to Hilda Van Der Koy’s (Famke Janssen) actions. His training, however, is singularly focused: to bring down the Van Der Koys family.

Despite flopping at the cinema, “Boy Kills World” showcases an intriguing grittiness that caters to hardcore action movie enthusiasts. This is predominantly thanks to Skarsgaard’s compelling portrayal of Boy. Skarsgaard excels in both intense physicality and a unique, offbeat interpretation of the role. Interestingly, H. Jon Benjamin voices his inner thoughts instead of dialogues, yet through facial expressions and body language, we can feel every emotion he experiences without any spoken words.

Hanna

15-year-old Hanna, portrayed by Saoirse Ronan, resides with her father Erik (Eric Bana) in a tranquil Finnish countryside. However, Hanna is not an ordinary girl; she’s a highly skilled supersoldier and deadly weapon. Her father, who used to work for the CIA, has equipped her with various combat skills. One day, Erik feels Hanna is prepared enough to make a crucial decision: whether to activate a button that summons the CIA, specifically operative Marissa Wiegler (Cate Blanchett), who aims to eliminate Erik. Despite initial reservations, Hanna eventually pushes the button, as it promises freedom from their secluded rural existence for her, at least temporarily.

Similar to the character Christian Wolff in “The Accountant,” Hanna, though young, has been trained by her father and possesses an extraordinary allure that keeps viewers captivated. Unlike Wolff, however, Hanna is a child, but one who is lethal. The narrative of Hanna unfolds as she travels across Europe and Africa in pursuit of Marissa while seeking her father. This pattern can be observed throughout the three-season series “Hanna” on Prime Video. Despite being dangerous, Hanna yearns for a typical life, adding depth to her story and making both the movie from 2011 and her journey equally gripping and intense.

Chocolate

2008’s Thai film, “Only God Forgives,” revolves around a young autistic girl named Zen (Yanin “Jeeja” Vismistananda) who, like the character Christian Wolff in “The Accountant,” engages in violent acts. However, unlike Christian Wolff, Zen is a child and her world is quite limited. It primarily encompasses herself, her mother Zin (Ammara Siripong), and the young boy Zin adopted, Moom (Taphon Phopwandee). When Zen’s mother is diagnosed with cancer and Moom learns that many local businesses owe her significant debts from her past role as a loan shark for the gangster No. 8 (Pongpat Wachirabunjong), Zen and Moom decide to collect these debts themselves.

However, businesses refuse to hand over the money, so Zen, having picked up fighting skills from both the martial arts school nearby and her favorite movies, decides to take action independently. Despite her small stature, Zen is fearsome, which means she could outmaneuver each one of them.

Watching ‘Chocolate’ is enjoyable due to its numerous action sequences. It’s puzzling how debtors tolerate being beaten by Zen, but it’s incredibly engaging. This is particularly so when Zen faces off against a boy with Tourette’s Syndrome who comes close to defeating her, until she adapts her fighting techniques to suit his style, and when she confronts the main antagonist, No. 8, at the movie’s climax.

The Bourne Identity

2002 marked the debut of “The Bourne Identity,” a movie series centered around covert assassin Jason Bourne (portrayed by Matt Damon). Although a TV movie based on Robert Ludlum’s novel with the same title was released in 1988, this film directed by Doug Liman is the big-screen adaptation the book had long anticipated. In the story, Bourne is found wounded and floating in the sea. Upon awakening, he discovers he has amnesia and can’t recall his own identity, but he recalls his exceptional combat abilities and linguistic skills. As a result, he goes into hiding while gradually piecing together who he was, what tasks he undertook, and why the CIA is pursuing him relentlessly.

In the film “The Bourne Identity,” there are numerous thrilling action scenes, including car pursuits, physical fights, and shootouts. Matt Damon’s portrayal of the character shares similarities with his friend Ben Affleck in “The Accountant” as they both depict men who possess impressive fighting abilities but aren’t your typical cold-blooded killers. One aspect that sets “The Bourne Identity” apart is the intriguing mystery surrounding Jason Bourne and his quest to uncover his own past, which adds an element of suspense and keeps viewers engaged. The character’s enigmatic nature makes him both extraordinary and relatable – a quality that resonates well with audiences.

Baby Driver

Similar to Christian Wolff in “The Accountant,” Baby (Ansel Elgort) from “Baby Driver” willingly associates with the mob, but not out of enthusiasm for working as a getaway driver for criminal gangs. Instead, it’s primarily due to his obligation to repay Doc (Kevin Spacey), a crime kingpin, for stealing his car. Baby is passionate about driving, yet he doesn’t relish his role in the underworld. His life is marked by tinnitus, a constant ringing in the ears that stems from a car crash that took the lives of his parents. To muffle this persistent noise, Baby enjoys playing an eclectic mix of music, which he cherishes deeply. The film then unfolds as a blend of action and romance, as Baby yearns to break free from his criminal past and embark on a new journey with Debora (Lily James), but finding freedom proves to be more challenging than anticipated.

Among the films listed, “Baby Driver,” penned and helmed by Edgar Wright, stands out as one of the most unique. Released in 2017, this thrilling movie is not just known for its exhilarating car chases but also for its cleverly timed moments of endearing bravado, which are rhythmically synchronized with the film’s music, lending it a distinctive flair that’s rarely found. Despite no official news about it, we continue to harbor hopes for a sequel, “Baby Driver 2.”

The Killer

Title character Michael Fassbender plays a skilled assassin known as “The Killer” in this film. Unlike his usual precision, he misses his mark one fateful day. The narrative begins with him meticulously observing a hotel room in Paris while waiting for his target. The target’s tardiness offers a reprieve that the Killer spends on leisure activities like eating, practicing yoga, and engaging in an uninterrupted internal monologue that provides us with intriguing insights.

From his speech, it’s clear that his planning is exceptionally detailed and precise, making you ponder if he might struggle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Throughout the film, his obsession with control, meticulous planning, and strict discipline suggest possible OCD traits. While “The Killer” doesn’t receive a formal diagnosis, his behavior shares similarities with characters like “The Accountant,” both of whom have unusual jobs and behaviors that set them apart from the norm.

Following a failed assassination attempt in Paris, Fassbender’s killer embarks on an international journey to unravel the mystery behind his missed target and the reasons why. Narrated from the perspective of a ruthless contract killer who maintains emotional distance, this story could potentially be dull; however, the 2023 film, directed by David Fincher, proves captivating as it subtly reveals the character’s fleeting vulnerabilities and humor hidden within Fincher’s cinematic style.

Midnight Run

1988 saw the release of “Midnight Run,” initially marketed as a buddy comedy. However, the pair at its core aren’t friends from the start; instead, they harbor mutual disdain. This is because Jack Walsh (played by Robert De Niro) is a bounty hunter who tracks down Jonathan Mardukas (Charles Grodin), a man who has jumped bail. Unlike Christian Wolff in “The Accountant,” Mardukas isn’t aware of his connection to the mob, but he eventually discovers it and donates their ill-gotten gains to charity, retaining a substantial portion for himself.

Task at hand: Walsh is assigned to escort Mardukas from New York to Los Angeles to claim his reward. However, it appears this job won’t be a walk in the park as Mardukas isn’t going to cooperate. Moreover, federal agents, crooks, and a competing bounty hunter are hot on Mardukas’ trail. In essence, what was supposed to be a straightforward “midnight run” is far from it.

Walsh finds himself transporting Mardukas from New York to Los Angeles in order to claim his due, but Mardukas isn’t making this simple for him. To make matters worse, the FBI, criminals, and a rival bounty hunter are pursuing Mardukas relentlessly. In short, the “easy” assignment Walsh was led to believe in is actually full of complications.

As a fan, I’d say “Midnight Run” is an entertaining flick, brimming with antics and thrills. Yet what sets it apart as a real treasure is the dynamic duo vibe between our leads. From squabbling over what Walsh prefers to chow down, to Mardukas feigning panic on a plane, they’ve got a charming spark that transforms them from adversaries to somewhat friendly companions by the end credits. It’s a delightful journey you won’t want to miss, and it might just be Robert De Niro’s finest performance.

Safe

2012’s film “Safe” starring Jason Statham isn’t just about the typical high-octane action he’s known for; it also features a unique twist – the character he protects, Mei (Catherine Chan), is a brilliant mathematician who works for a Chinese triad, much like The Accountant‘s character. However, unlike Christian Wolff, Mei requires assistance to deal with her dangerous situation, and that’s where Statham steps in.

In this film, Jason Statham portrays Luke Wright, an unintentionally victorious cage fighter whose fight was supposedly rigged. The brutal Russian mafia, symbolized by Vassily (played by Joseph Sikora), retaliates mercilessly against Luke, resulting in the deaths of his pregnant wife and threats to anyone connected to him. This tragic sequence of events forces Luke into a life on the streets and even contemplates suicide, until Mei enters the picture, a woman being pursued by those responsible for his wife’s death. Luke becomes entangled in a conflict between the triad, the Russian crime syndicate, and a group of corrupt police officers, all while safeguarding Mei. Although it may not be the most original movie, Statham delivers impressive action sequences, and his partnership with Chan is quite effective.

Central Intelligence

Central Intelligence” is a film that imagines the consequences if an experienced forensic accountant is recruited by a questionable CIA operative who values his financial expertise. The plot is humorously presented, with Kevin Hart portraying Calvin Joyner, a former high school star now trapped in the monotony of his accounting job as an adult. When Bob Stone (Dwayne Johnson), who turns out to be the eccentric Robbie Weirdicht from their shared past, reaches out on Facebook and invites him for drinks, Calvin obliges.

Initially, Robert (Bob) was often bullied due to his weight in high school, but now he is fit and handsome, leaving Joyner amazed. Later, Bob stays at Joyner’s place, and Joyner starts reviewing his online transactions. However, things take an unexpected turn when three CIA agents show up at Joyner’s door the next day, informing him that Stone, whom they are looking for, is a renegade agent planning to sell U.S. satellite codes to the highest bidder.

2016’s “Central Intelligence” shares similarities with a humorous take on “The Accountant,” offering less intense themes such as torture and greed, but more comedic elements like acrobatic stunts and Dwayne Johnson masquerading as Kevin Hart and his wife’s marriage counselor. Despite the complex narrative, the duo of Hart and Johnson delivers side-splitting humor, with many other funny personalities making guest appearances. This makes “Central Intelligence” an enjoyable viewing experience.

Mercury Rising

1998 film “Mercury Rising” presents a story about an autistic boy named Simon (Miko Hughes). He unravels a top-secret National Security Code, which surprisingly was printed in a magazine accessible to anyone. It’s later revealed that the code creators, Dean Crandell (Robert Stanton) and Leo Pedranski (Bodhi Elfman), intended it as a test of code-cracking abilities. However, their experiment went awry when their superior, Colonel Nick Kudrow (Alec Baldwin), deemed it unacceptable, leading him to hire an assassin to target Simon and his family. Tragically, the parents are killed, but Simon manages to escape into a crawlspace. The story then unfolds with FBI agent Art Jeffries (Bruce Willis), a compassionate individual skilled in both childcare and headstrong tactics, joining the rescue mission.

Drawing inspiration from the novel “Simple Simon” by Ryne Douglas Pearson, the film “Mercury Rising” shares similarities with “The Accountant,” notably featuring an autistic protagonist and powerful figures pursuing him relentlessly. In “Mercury Rising,” the character’s form of autism complicates social interactions, posing challenges for Jeffries as he navigates the situation. While it may seem far-fetched to consider a government agency chasing after a child in reality, this movie serves as a thought-provoking reminder to exercise caution when sharing sensitive information, like that secret code you’ve just deciphered.

The Man from Nowhere

In 2010’s South Korean film “The Man from Nowhere,” portrayed by Won Bin’s character Cha Tae-sik, there’s no record of any mental or physical health issues. However, he carries a heavy burden of grief that keeps him detached from others, much like the protagonist in “The Accountant.” Interestingly, his sole connection to people is a young girl named So-mi (Kim Sae-ron), who persistently intrudes into his solitary existence. Yet when So-mi’s mother, Hyo-jeong (Kim Hyo-seo), gets herself entangled in trouble over an opium bag at her workplace and So-mi is abducted, Tae-sik transforms from a recluse to a relentless force, determined to rescue So-mi.

If you’re someone who appreciates action-packed films like “The Accountant” and “John Wick”, then you might find “The Man From Nowhere” equally captivating. Unlike its counterparts, this film is set in a ruthless underworld where criminal gangs are involved in organ harvesting alongside drug trafficking. However, the protagonist Tae-sik matches their relentlessness. As the story unfolds, you’ll witness him not only punishing the villains but also liberating child slaves, making it a film where justice, to some extent, ultimately prevails.

Kimi

In the 2023 thriller titled “Kimi,” directed by Steven Soderbergh, “Kimi” isn’t the name of the main character, but rather a highly desired virtual assistant similar to Alexa or Siri. The protagonist, Angela Childs (played by Zoe Kravitz), is housebound due to agoraphobia and relies on this assistant. In line with movies like “The Accountant,” Angela must challenge more powerful figures to do what’s right, despite not possessing any unique abilities. Interestingly, her lack of special skills does not hinder her from participating in thrilling action scenes.

In the story, Angela, who’s responsible for overseeing data flows related to Kimi gadgets, stumbles upon what appears to be a distressing recording of a severe sexual assault. Attempting to bring it to the attention of her colleagues, she encounters resistance. This incident propels her out of her comfort zone and into the broader world. Although Angela initially seems hesitant, she unexpectedly turns out to be the ideal individual to seek justice for the victim in this gripping, concise, and well-crafted film.

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2025-06-07 23:32