Top 10 Action Films Similar to John Wick

From Johnny Utah to Neo, Keanu Reeves has delivered countless iconic performances, but it's his role as John Wick that has captured fans' hearts worldwide. The John Wick series stands out for its exhilarating blend of fast-paced, meticulously choreographed action, creative cinematography, and stunning set design. A major draw is Reeves' commitment to performing his own stunts, adding a layer of authenticity and excitement that fans adore. These elements, combined with a compelling narrative and Reeves' magnetic presence, make the John Wick movies a thrilling experience that's hard to top.

While the first three John Wick films are endlessly rewatchable and our review hailed John Wick: Chapter 4 as a masterpiece, the hunger for more action-packed cinema like this is understandable. Here’s a curated list of top movies that echo the high-octane thrill of John Wick.

Top Movies Like John Wick

11 ImagesFor those eager to dive back into the John Wick universe, check out our guide on how to watch John Wick 4 and where to stream the entire series.

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: Rentable on various platforms

Often hailed as “the greatest action movie ever,” The Raid 2 is a sequel that exceeds its predecessor in both quality and scale. From the same creative team behind The Night Comes for Us, this film showcases exceptional fighting and stunt work, setting the stage for future action cinema. Like John Wick, it features numerous intense fight scenes and compelling secondary characters, yet it's the lone hero against a small army that truly resonates.

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: 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. The film's recent release highlights studios' growing understanding of audience preferences: a blend of mindless violence and dark humor. Bob Odenkirk's standout performance adds depth and humor to the mix. Similar to John Wick, the protagonist's resilience in the face of severe injuries sets Nobody apart.

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 is known for its extreme, over-the-top violence, which immediately captivated audiences. Filmed entirely from a first-person perspective, this film uniquely manages to engage viewers with a faceless, voiceless protagonist. The comedic self-awareness and increasingly ridiculous action sequences make it a must-watch for fans of intense action.

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

Set against the backdrop of Cold War Berlin, Atomic Blonde is a stylish and thrilling espionage film that cements Charlize Theron's status as a leading action star. The film's intricate plot and dynamic chemistry between Theron and James McAvoy enhance its appeal, offering a unique twist on the action genre akin to John Wick.

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: Netflix

Adapted from a graphic novel, The Night Comes for Us tells a gritty tale of Triad violence. The film's blend of action styles, reminiscent of Kill Bill and John Wick, delivers a bloodier and more intense viewing experience. Its darker, more hopeless tone adds an art-house feel that lingers with viewers.

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: Hulu, or rentable on other platforms

Taken shares a similar theme with John Wick: a man with a particular set of skills seeking vengeance. Liam Neeson's portrayal of Brian Mills, a father on a mission to rescue his daughter, resonates deeply with audiences. Despite Neeson not performing his own stunts, his presence in an action-packed role remains a fan favorite.

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: Netflix

Extraction offers non-stop action and intricate stunt work, directed by Sam Hargrave, a former stunt coordinator for films like Avengers: Endgame and Atomic Blonde. The film's relentless action scenes and long takes, where actors perform most of their stunts, mirror the intensity of John Wick. Plus, Chris Hemsworth's powerhouse performance adds an extra thrill.

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: Peacock and Prime Video, or rentable on other platforms

More story-driven than John Wick, The Villainess stands out with its creative fight choreography and set design. The film's similarities to John Wick include the fighting styles and the iconic katana motorcycle scene, which predates John Wick: Chapter 3. Kim Ok-bin delivers a powerful performance, adding depth to this thrilling action film.

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 an 80s action classic where Arnold Schwarzenegger's John Matrix goes to extreme lengths to rescue his kidnapped daughter. While it's packed with cheesy moments and excessive explosions, the film's action-packed narrative and Schwarzenegger's one-man army persona make it a memorable entry in the genre.

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: Prime Video, rentable on other platforms

The Man From Nowhere blends action with emotional depth, delivering a compelling narrative of revenge. Despite some stylistic choices, the film's plot, performances, and action sequences are top-notch. With a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, this film is a must-watch for those seeking a balance of action and drama similar to John Wick.

And that concludes our list of the 10 best movies to watch if you're a fan of John Wick. What do you think of our selection? Do you have any other recommendations? Let us know in the comments!