Top 10 Action Films Similar to John Wick

From Johnny Utah to Neo, Keanu Reeves has given us many iconic roles, but none have captured fans' hearts quite like the John Wick series. What makes these movies so enthralling? Is it the heart-pounding, meticulously choreographed action scenes? Or perhaps the visually stunning cinematography and set designs that keep us glued to the screen? It could also be the fact that Keanu Reeves himself performed most, if not all, of his own stunts, adding a layer of authenticity to the high-octane sequences. These are just some of the reasons why the John Wick films continue to be a beloved action franchise.

Despite the first three films being endlessly re-watchable and our review of John Wick: Chapter 4 labeling it a masterpiece, you might be seeking more action-packed adventures. Dive into our curated list of the best movies similar to John Wick to explore a new dimension of adrenaline-fueled cinema.

Top Movies Like John Wick

11 ImagesInterested in watching the latest installment? Check out our guide on how to watch John Wick 4 and where to stream the entire series for an unforgettable binge.

The Raid 2 (2014)

Director: Gareth Evans | Writer: Gareth Evans | Stars: Iko Uwais, Arifin Putra, Oka Antara | Release Date: January 21, 2014 | Review: IGN's The Raid 2 review | Where to watch: Available for rent on various platforms

Often hailed as "the greatest action movie ever," The Raid 2 surpasses its predecessor with a bigger budget and even more intense action. Directed by the same team behind The Night Comes for Us, this film showcases the cast's exceptional fighting and stunt skills, setting a new standard for action cinema. Like John Wick, The Raid 2 features numerous fight scenes and compelling secondary characters, but ultimately, it's about one man taking on an army of adversaries.

Nobody (2021)

Director: Ilya Naishuller | Writer: Derek Kolstad | Stars: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, RZA | Release Date: March 26, 2021 | Review: IGN's Nobody review | Where to watch: Available on NBC, or rentable on Amazon and other platforms

The latest addition to the action-comedy genre, Nobody elevates the "old guys kicking ass" trope to new heights. As the newest entry on this list, it's clear that studios are tapping into what audiences crave: relentless action mixed with dark humor. Bob Odenkirk's stellar performance and sharp dialogue delivery enhance this formula, making Nobody a standout. Much like John Wick, the protagonist's resilience against seemingly insurmountable odds is a key draw.

Hardcore Henry (2015)

Director: Ilya Naishuller | Writer: Ilya Naishuller | Stars: Sharlto Copley, Danila Kozlovsky, Haley Bennett | Release Date: September 12, 2015 | Review: IGN's Hardcore Henry review | Where to watch: Stream on fuboTV, or rent on Amazon and other platforms

Hardcore Henry's over-the-top violence and first-person perspective set it apart, instantly captivating audiences. With a Bond-esque intro that's violent enough to filter out the faint-hearted, this film's unique approach to storytelling, where the protagonist lacks a face and voice, still manages to evoke sympathy. The comedic self-awareness, especially with Sharlto Copley's clones, adds to its charm. If you're after extreme action, Hardcore Henry delivers with increasing absurdity until its wild finale.

Atomic Blonde (2017)

Director: David Leitch | Writer: Kurt Johnstad | Stars: Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, John Goodman | Release Date: March 12, 2017 | Review: IGN's Atomic Blonde review | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon and other platforms

Atomic Blonde is a thrilling dive into the world of Cold War espionage, cementing Charlize Theron's status as a formidable action heroine. Set in a chaotic Berlin as the wall falls, the film follows British spy Lorraine Broughton. The plot twists and turns as trust becomes a luxury, and Theron's chemistry with co-star James McAvoy adds depth to this gripping narrative. This film is a must-watch for fans of stylish action and intricate storytelling.

The Night Comes for Us (2018)

Director: Timo Tjahjanto | Writer: Timo Tjahjanto | Stars: Joe Taslim, Iko Uwais, Julie Estelle | Release Date: September 22, 2018 | Review: IGN's The Night Comes for Us review | Where to watch: Available on Netflix

Based on a graphic novel, The Night Comes for Us delves into the brutal world of the Triad, a Chinese crime syndicate. The film blends graphic action with a narrative that echoes Kill Bill and John Wick, creating a bloodier, more intense experience. What sets it apart is its darker, more hopeless tone, which lends it an art-house feel that lingers long after the credits roll.

Taken (2008)

Director: Pierre Morel | Writer: Luc Besson, Robert Mark Kamen | Stars: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Leland Orser | Release Date: February 27, 2008 | Review: IGN's Taken review | Where to watch: Available on Hulu, or rentable on other platforms

Like John Wick, Taken showcases a protagonist with unwavering focus on his mission. Brian Mills (Liam Neeson) will stop at nothing to rescue his kidnapped daughter, much like John Wick's relentless pursuit. Both actors, Reeves at 49 and Neeson at 56, bring a mature intensity to their roles. While Neeson doesn't perform his own stunts, his presence in this action-packed film is a gift to fans. Taken stands as one of the best Liam Neeson movies ever.

Extraction (2020)

Director: Sam Hargrave | Writer: Joe Russo, Anthony Russo, Ande Parks | Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Rudhraksh Jaiswal, Randeep Hooda | Release Date: April 24, 2020 | Review: IGN's Extraction review | Where to watch: Available on Netflix

Extraction is another tale of a lone wolf against the odds, featuring nearly non-stop action and some of the most intricate stunt work in recent cinema. With Sam Hargrave, the stunt coordinator from Avengers: Endgame and Atomic Blonde, at the helm, the film was destined to excel in its action sequences. The relentless, hardcore scenes and long takes, where actors perform most of their stunts, echo John Wick's style. Plus, watching Chris Hemsworth effortlessly dispatch foes is a thrilling bonus.

The Villainess (2017)

Director: Jung Byung-gil | Writer: Jung Byung-gil, Jung Byeong-sik | Stars: Kim Ok-vin, Shin Ha-kyun, Sung Joon | Release Date: May 21, 2017 | Review: IGN's The Villainess review | Where to watch: Available on Peacock and Prime Video, or rentable on other platforms

The Villainess offers a more story-driven experience than John Wick but stands out with its innovative fight choreography. The similarities include the fighting styles, the choreography (including a katana motorcycle fight scene two years before John Wick: Chapter 3), and even some set designs. This film, with its female lead, showcases Kim Ok-bin's remarkable performance, setting a new standard for action movies.

Commando (1985)

Director: Mark L. Lester | Writer: Joseph Loeb III, Matthew Weisman, Steven E. de Souza | Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rae Dawn Chong, Alyssa Milano | Release Date: October 4, 1985 | Review: IGN's Commando review | Where to watch: Rentable on Amazon and other platforms

Commando is a classic Arnold Schwarzenegger film that follows John Matrix's relentless quest to save his kidnapped daughter. While it might not feature your favorite action hero, Schwarzenegger's portrayal of a retired Special Forces Colonel makes him a formidable one-man army. Known for its cheesy 80s action, the film's over-the-top explosions and flamboyant villain add a humorous touch, making it a fun watch.

The Man From Nowhere (2010)

Director: Lee Jeong-beom | Writer: Lee Jeong-beom | Stars: Won Bin, Kim Sae-ron | Release Date: August 4, 2010 | Where to watch: Available on Prime Video, rentable on other platforms

A blend of action and emotion, The Man From Nowhere (also known as This Man) combines thrilling action with heartfelt moments. Despite some corny editing and score choices, the film's plot, performances, and action sequences shine. The well-developed characters add a comedic angle, making it a unique entry in the genre. While it may not match John Wick's action intensity, its revenge-driven narrative makes the build-up rewarding. With a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, it's a film that deserves attention.

What is the best movie like John Wick? --------------------------------------

CommandoTakenThe Man from NowhereThe VillainessThe Raid 2NobodyHardcore HenryExtractionAtomic BlondeThe Night Comes for UsSomething else (let us know in the comments!)

AnswerSee ResultsAnd that's our selection of the top 10 movies to watch if you're a fan of John Wick. What are your thoughts on our list? Do you have any suggestions for movies that we missed? Let us know in the comments!