Ranking The 10 Closest John Wick Imitators

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

4.9

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Top Tier Imitators – Capturing the Essence of John Wick

These films successfully capture the stylish violence and intricate world-building that define the John Wick universe, though each offers its unique twist.

#1 Nobody (2021):

Nobody boasts incredibly well-choreographed fight sequences that rival John Wick's in their intensity and creativity. Bob Odenkirk's performance is surprisingly compelling, portraying a seemingly ordinary man with a lethal secret.

• Bullet Points:
  • The hallway fight scene is a direct homage to John Wick's signature style.
  • The use of everyday objects as weapons echoes the resourceful nature of John Wick's fighting.
  • The exploration of a hidden underworld of assassins, albeit less elaborate than John Wick's, adds to the film's appeal.
  • The film successfully balances intense action with moments of quiet character development.

#2 Atomic Blonde (2017):

Atomic Blonde nails the stylish, hyper-kinetic action and neo-noir aesthetic. Charlize Theron delivers a powerhouse performance as a lethal spy navigating a complex web of political intrigue. The film's 80s setting adds a distinct flavor.

• Bullet Points:
  • The long-take fight sequences are breathtaking and meticulously choreographed.
  • The film’s color palette and visual style evoke a distinct 80s atmosphere, contributing to its unique identity.
  • While the world-building is less developed than in John Wick, the stylish action more than compensates.
  • The film’s focus on espionage adds a different layer to the assassin genre.

#3 The Night Comes for Us (2018):

This Indonesian action film takes the gun-fu to a whole new level with brutal and relentless fight choreography. While not directly mimicking John Wick's style, it shares its commitment to intense, realistic-looking violence and a dark, morally ambiguous world.

• Bullet Points:
  • The extended fight sequences are arguably even more brutal and visceral than those in John Wick.
  • The film's exploration of loyalty and betrayal within a criminal underworld resonates with John Wick's themes.
  • The Indonesian setting provides a fresh and unique backdrop for the assassin genre.
  • The film’s relatively low budget makes its impressive action sequences all the more remarkable.

Mid-Tier Imitators – Solid Action, but Lacking the Depth

These films deliver entertaining action but fall short in replicating the depth and world-building of the John Wick franchise.

#4 Gunpowder Milkshake (2021):

A fun, female-led action flick with some stylish fight scenes, but the plot is somewhat predictable and lacks the intricate world-building of John Wick.

• Bullet Points:
  • Stylish action sequences, but lack the fluidity and precision of John Wick.
  • Female empowerment themes are a plus.
  • The world feels less developed and less grounded.

#5 Kate (2021):

Features strong action and a compelling lead performance, but the story lacks originality and the world feels less detailed.

• Bullet Points:
  • Impressive fight choreography, especially the final showdown.
  • The ticking clock plot device is well-executed.
  • Lacks the immersive world-building of John Wick.

#6 Bullet Train (2022):

While visually stunning and boasting a star-studded cast, the plot is convoluted and the action, while entertaining, doesn't possess the same level of precision and choreography as John Wick.

• Bullet Points:
  • High-octane action sequences.
  • Strong performances from the ensemble cast.
  • The plot is overly complicated and lacks focus.

Lower-Tier Imitators – Action Flicks with John Wick Influences

These films attempt to emulate John Wick but ultimately fall short in capturing its essence.

#7 Extraction (2020):

While boasting a compelling lead performance by Chris Hemsworth, the film focuses more on gritty realism than stylish action.

• Bullet Points:
  • Gripping, realistic action sequences, but not as stylish.
  • The plot is straightforward and predictable.
  • The film focuses on a different style of action cinema.

#8 Free Fire (2016):

A claustrophobic gunfight with a unique style, but lacks the intricate world-building and character development of John Wick.

• Bullet Points:
  • Unique style and memorable dialogue.
  • The plot is limited by its setting.
  • The action is confined, unlike John Wick's dynamic fight choreography.

#9 The Accountant (2016):

Features Ben Affleck in a compelling role, but the action sequences are few and far between and lack the signature gun-fu style of John Wick.

• Bullet Points:
  • A solid thriller with a unique premise.
  • Sparse action scenes, with little stylistic flair.
  • The focus is on suspense rather than action choreography.

#10 Hardcore Henry (2015):

A unique first-person perspective action film, but its chaotic style is a far cry from the controlled precision of John Wick's fight sequences.

• Bullet Points:
  • Innovative first-person perspective.
  • Visually stunning and intense, but lacks narrative depth.
  • The chaotic style is the opposite of John Wick's controlled precision.

Conclusion

This ranking highlights the difficulty of replicating the unique blend of gun-fu, stylish cinematography, and intricate world-building that makes John Wick so iconic. While several films attempt to capture its essence, few truly succeed in matching its level of artistry and impact. From the meticulously choreographed fight sequences of Nobody to the stylish action of Atomic Blonde, these films demonstrate the enduring influence of the John Wick franchise on the action genre. However, each film ultimately falls short in some aspect of completely capturing the unique magic of the John Wick universe.

Have you seen any other movies that you believe are close imitators of John Wick? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's discuss the best and worst John Wick imitators and build a comprehensive list of neo-noir action films for fans to explore. What are your favorite John Wick-esque action movies? Let the debate begin!