Top 10 Action Movies Similar to John Wick

Keanu Reeves has left an indelible mark on cinema with iconic roles like Johnny Utah, Ted, and Neo, culminating in the beloved John Wick series. The allure of the John Wick movies is multifaceted. Is it the adrenaline-pumping, meticulously choreographed action scenes that captivate us? Perhaps it's the innovative cinematography and set designs that keep our eyes glued to the screen. Or could it be the awe-inspiring fact that Reeves performs the majority of his own stunts? These elements, among others, contribute to the series' enduring appeal and re-watchability. Even with the first three films being perennial favorites and our John Wick: Chapter 4 review lauding the latest installment as a masterpiece, fans are always on the lookout for more action-packed thrills. Here's a curated list of the top movies that echo the spirit of John Wick.

Top Movies Like John Wick

11 ImagesCurious about where and how to watch John Wick 4 and the entire series? Dive into our comprehensive guide on how to stream John Wick movies.

The Raid 2 (2014)

Image credit: Sony Pictures ClassicsDirector: 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

Hailed by some as "the greatest action movie ever," The Raid 2 is a sequel that outshines its predecessor in both quality and budget. Crafted by the team behind The Night Comes for Us, this film showcases an array of impressive fighting and stunt skills, setting a high bar for future projects. Like John Wick, The Raid 2 features numerous intense fight scenes and compelling secondary characters, yet it all boils down to one man facing off against a seemingly insurmountable number of foes.

Nobody (2021)

Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: 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

Nobody is a fresh take on action-packed dark comedy, elevating the "old guys kicking ass" genre to new heights. As the newest addition to this list, it's clear that studios are tuning into what audiences crave: intense violence mixed with dark humor. While not the first to explore this blend, Nobody nails the formula, bolstered by Bob Odenkirk's stellar performance and witty dialogue. Its similarity to John Wick lies in the protagonist's remarkable resilience, shrugging off injuries that would incapacitate most.

Hardcore Henry (2015)

Image credit: STXfilmsDirector: 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 extreme and exaggerated violence immediately won over audiences. No warnings needed; the Bond-esque opening sequence is violent enough to set the tone. Filmed entirely from a first-person perspective, the movie uniquely manages to evoke sympathy for a faceless, voiceless protagonist. With the humorous self-awareness brought by Sharlto Copley's multiple characters, Hardcore Henry ramps up the absurdity until its wild finale, perfect for those craving over-the-top action.

Atomic Blonde (2017)

Image credit: Focus FeaturesDirector: 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: Available for rent on Amazon and other platforms

Atomic Blonde is a stylish, retro espionage thriller that cements Charlize Theron's status as a formidable action heroine. Set in Berlin during the fall of the Wall, the film follows British spy Lorraine Broughton (Theron) as she navigates a web of deceit and betrayal. The Cold War setting adds layers of intrigue, with plot twists aplenty. The dynamic between Theron and James McAvoy enhances the film's appeal, making it a must-watch for fans of unique action narratives.

The Night Comes for Us (2018)

Image credit: NetflixDirector: 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

Adapted from a graphic novel, The Night Comes for Us delves into the dark world of the Triad, a powerful Chinese crime syndicate. The film blends graphic violence with a compelling narrative, drawing inspiration from movies like Kill Bill and John Wick. Its unique edge comes from a more somber and hopeless tone, creating an art-house feel that lingers long after the credits roll.

Taken (2008)

Image credit: EuropaCorp DistributionDirector: 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

Taken mirrors the intensity of John Wick, with a similar premise of a daughter being kidnapped from a formidable father. Brian Mills (Liam Neeson) showcases unwavering determination in his quest to rescue his daughter, akin to John Wick's relentless pursuit. Although Neeson doesn't perform his own stunts, his presence in this high-octane action film is a gift to fans. Taken remains one of the finest examples of Liam Neeson's action prowess.

Extraction (2020)

Image credit: NetflixDirector: 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 a relentless action thriller that follows a lone wolf on a dangerous mission. After a brief introduction, the film plunges into non-stop action, featuring some of the most complex stunt work in recent cinema. Directed by Sam Hargrave, who previously coordinated stunts for films like Avengers: Endgame and Atomic Blonde, Extraction delivers action as intense and hardcore as John Wick. The long takes and real stunts, coupled with Chris Hemsworth's commanding presence, make it a standout.

The Villainess (2017)

Image credit: Next Entertainment WorldDirector: 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 distinguishes itself with a more narrative-driven approach than John Wick, yet it shares similarities in its dynamic fight choreography and set designs. The film's standout feature is its innovative fight scenes, such as the katana motorcycle sequence, which set a new standard for action films. With Kim Ok-bin delivering a powerhouse performance, The Villainess is a must-see for fans of action movies with strong female leads.

Commando (1985)

Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: 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: Available for rent on Amazon and other platforms

Commando is a quintessential 80s action flick that showcases Arnold Schwarzenegger as John Matrix, a retired Special Forces Colonel on a mission to save his daughter. While it may not be everyone's top action hero, Schwarzenegger's portrayal as a one-man army is undeniably entertaining. With its over-the-top explosions and a memorable villain, Commando delivers a fun, if cheesy, action experience.

The Man From Nowhere (2010)

Image credit: CJ EntertainmentDirector: 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, or rentable on other platforms

The Man From Nowhere is a gripping blend of action and emotion, balancing intense action sequences with heartfelt storytelling. Despite some dated editing and scoring choices, the film's plot, performances, and action stand out. The well-crafted characters add humor and depth, making the revenge-driven narrative a compelling journey. With a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, this film is a testament to the power of well-executed genre mixing.