Top 10 Films That Channel The John Wick Vibe

7 min read Post on May 12, 2025

Top 10 Films That Channel The John Wick Vibe

Nobody (2021)

The Understated Hero:

Like John Wick, the protagonist in Nobody starts seemingly ordinary before unleashing devastating skills. Bob Odenkirk's performance as Hutch Mansell is a masterclass in controlled fury, subtly hinting at a hidden world of lethality. The film masterfully builds tension, revealing Hutch's capabilities gradually, mirroring the gradual unveiling of John Wick's legendary status.

Brutal, realistic fight choreography: The fight scenes in Nobody are visceral and intense, focusing on practical effects and showcasing realistic brutality.
Focus on hand-to-hand combat alongside firearms: Hutch utilizes a mix of martial arts and firearms, mirroring Wick's diverse skillset.
A protagonist driven by a desire for revenge: The core narrative revolves around Hutch's justifiable rage, a common thread in both Nobody and the John Wick franchise.
Exploration of a hidden world of assassins and criminals: Similar to the underworld depicted in John Wick, Nobody introduces us to a clandestine world of violence and intrigue.

Atomic Blonde (2017)

Stylish Action and Espionage:

Atomic Blonde mirrors John Wick's stylish aesthetic and deadly efficiency, transporting viewers to the gritty world of Cold War espionage. Charlize Theron delivers a powerhouse performance as Lorraine Broughton, a lethal agent navigating a treacherous landscape.

Intense, extended fight sequences in tight spaces: The film's fight choreography is innovative and breathtaking, often taking place in claustrophobic environments.
A strong female lead with exceptional combat skills: Lorraine Broughton's abilities are showcased throughout, providing a strong female counterpart to John Wick's prowess.
A gritty, realistic depiction of Cold War espionage: The film’s atmosphere and setting complement the stylish action, creating a captivating world of intrigue and danger.
A similar color palette and tone to John Wick: The film uses a muted color palette and a gritty tone, adding to its overall stylistic similarity to John Wick.

The Night Comes for Us (2018)

Over-the-Top Indonesian Action:

This Indonesian action film delivers non-stop, brutal action with a similar sense of relentless determination found in John Wick. Prepare for a high body count and intensely violent action sequences.

Exceptional Indonesian martial arts showcased throughout: The film showcases a unique blend of Indonesian martial arts styles, making it visually distinct.
High body count and intensely violent action scenes: The film doesn't shy away from graphic violence, mirroring the intensity of John Wick's action sequences.
A morally gray protagonist caught in a violent underworld: Ito's character arc explores the moral ambiguity common in both films, making him a compelling anti-hero.
Shares the commitment to practical effects and realistic violence: The Night Comes for Us prioritizes practical stunts and realistic violence, enhancing the film's gritty realism.

Raid: Redemption (2011) & Raid 2: Berandal (2014)

Unrelenting Indonesian Action Cinema:

These films are renowned for their innovative fight choreography and intense action sequences, heavily influencing the resurgence of practical, visceral action cinema. Their influence on the John Wick style is undeniable.

Influential in the resurgence of action cinema: These films helped pave the way for a new wave of action movies that prioritized practical effects and realistic fight choreography.
Close-quarters combat in confined spaces: Similar to many John Wick sequences, the Raid films feature intense close-quarters combat in tight spaces.
A focus on practical effects and realistic violence: The commitment to practical effects enhances the realism and intensity of the action.
A similar sense of breathless intensity: The films maintain a relentless pace, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats throughout.

Haywire (2011)

Female-Led Action Thriller:

Haywire features a strong female lead and intricate fight sequences in various settings. Gina Carano's performance as Mallory Kane showcases exceptional fight choreography and a compelling narrative.

Realistic fight choreography: The fight scenes are known for their realism and intensity.
Strong female protagonist in a world dominated by men: Mallory Kane's character is a refreshing change in the action genre, showcasing a skilled female protagonist.
A plot that unfolds with twists and turns: The narrative keeps viewers engaged with unexpected turns and reveals.
Shares the focus on practical stunts and a visceral fight style: The film prioritizes practical stunts and realistic fight scenes.

Drive (2011)

Stylish Violence and Minimalist Aesthetic:

Drive features a similar sense of cool and controlled violence, along with a minimalist aesthetic. Ryan Gosling's performance as the Driver is captivating and iconic.

Stylish visuals and a minimalist approach: The film's visual style is striking and memorable, contributing to its overall atmosphere.
A lone wolf protagonist with a hidden past: The Driver is a mysterious and enigmatic character with a secretive past, much like John Wick.
Focus on atmosphere and tension: The film builds suspense through its atmosphere and creates a sense of unease.
Shares the same level of quiet intensity: The film shares the same level of quiet intensity and controlled violence as John Wick.

Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2 (2003-2004)

A Classic Revenge Story:

Quentin Tarantino's masterpiece shares the thematic elements of revenge and stylish violence that are central to the John Wick franchise. The influence on modern action cinema is significant.

Over-the-top action and stylized violence: The film features exaggerated yet stylish action sequences.
A strong female protagonist seeking revenge: The Bride's journey for revenge is a key element, mirroring John Wick's motivations.
A blend of multiple genres: Kill Bill successfully blends various genres, similar to the action-thriller elements of John Wick.
Iconic status in the action genre: The film's influence on modern action cinema is undeniable.

The Equalizer (2014) & The Equalizer 2 (2018)

Veteran Takes on the Underworld:

Denzel Washington's portrayal of Robert McCall shares the quiet intensity and controlled fury of John Wick. McCall is a retired operative who uses his skills to exact justice.

A highly skilled protagonist taking on the criminal underworld: McCall's skills and determination are reminiscent of John Wick's capabilities.
A focus on hand-to-hand combat and firearms: The films feature a mix of hand-to-hand combat and gun-fu.
A sense of controlled fury: McCall's rage is controlled and measured, much like John Wick's.
Shares the satisfaction of well-executed revenge: The films provide cathartic moments of revenge, echoing a key element of the John Wick series.

Taken (2008)

Relentless Pursuit of Revenge:

Liam Neeson's performance in Taken set a precedent for the later emergence of similar action heroes, including John Wick. The film's focus on a father's desperate search for his daughter resonates with themes of vengeance.

A father's determination to rescue his kidnapped daughter: This central plot point drives the narrative and fuels the protagonist's actions.
High-stakes action sequences and suspense: The film builds suspense and delivers thrilling action sequences.
The protagonist's unwavering determination: Bryan Mills' determination is unwavering, akin to John Wick's relentless pursuit of his goals.
A precursor to the "retired badass" trope: Taken helped popularize the trope of the retired, highly skilled operative who is forced back into action.

Conclusion:

From stylish espionage thrillers to brutal Indonesian action flicks, many films capture the essence of the John Wick vibe. This list provides a starting point for exploring films that offer similar blends of gun-fu, stylish action, and compelling revenge narratives. If you're a fan of John Wick, be sure to check out these ten movies to experience more of the exhilarating action and compelling stories that make the John Wick franchise so captivating. Dive into the world of stylish action – explore more films that channel the John Wick vibe!