10 Best John Wick Ripoffs, Ranked

Laila Abdi

8 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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<p>John Wick redefined the action genre, inspiring a wave of imitators. But which "John Wick ripoffs" truly capture the stylish gun-fu, intricate plots, and bone-crunching fight choreography of the original? This ranked list dives into ten of the best, exploring what makes them worthy successors to the Baba Yaga legacy. We'll analyze their unique elements while highlighting what makes them compelling alternatives for fans craving more of that signature Wick-style action. We'll explore everything from neo-noir aesthetics to intense revenge plots, examining what elevates these films beyond simple imitations.</p>

<h2>Top Tier: The Closest to the Wick Experience (Ranks 1-3)</h2>

<h3>#1 Nobody (2021):</h3> <p> Nobody, starring Bob Odenkirk, is arguably the closest a film has come to replicating the John Wick experience. It flawlessly blends intense action sequences with a compelling character arc, showcasing a seemingly ordinary man unleashing a hidden reservoir of deadly skills. The film masterfully balances brutal violence with moments of quiet intensity, mirroring Wick's own complex persona.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Key Plot Points:</strong> A seemingly ordinary suburban dad unleashes his lethal past when his family is threatened.</li> <li><strong>Director:</strong> Ilya Naishuller</li> <li><strong>Actors:</strong> Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, Christopher Lloyd</li> <li><strong>What Sets it Apart:</strong> Nobody's surprising depth of character and surprisingly heartfelt moments differentiate it while staying true to the core tenets of the John Wick universe – brutal, efficient action, and a world of unseen consequences.</li> <li><strong>Why it Ranks #1:</strong> The perfect blend of realistic action, compelling character development, and a surprisingly emotional core makes Nobody the ultimate John Wick-inspired film.</li> </ul>

<h3>#2 Atomic Blonde (2017):</h3> <p>Charlize Theron delivers a powerhouse performance in Atomic Blonde, a stylish spy thriller set during the Cold War. The film boasts breathtaking fight choreography, a visually stunning aesthetic, and a complex narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end. Its neo-noir atmosphere and intense action sequences firmly place it in the upper echelon of John Wick-inspired films.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Key Plot Points:</strong> A MI6 agent infiltrates Berlin during the final days of the Cold War to recover a list of double agents.</li> <li><strong>Director:</strong> David Leitch (also stunt coordinator on John Wick)</li> <li><strong>Actors:</strong> Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, John Goodman</li> <li><strong>What Sets it Apart:</strong> The film's stylish visuals, intricate plot, and Theron's commanding presence make it a standout.</li> <li><strong>Why it Ranks #2:</strong> The incredible action sequences, coupled with a compelling story and strong performances, make Atomic Blonde a must-see for fans of the genre.</li> </ul>

<h3>#3 The Night Comes for Us (2018):</h3> <p>This Indonesian action film delivers relentless, brutal action sequences that rival John Wick in their intensity. The Night Comes for Us is a visceral, bloody masterpiece, featuring incredible fight choreography and a captivating story of loyalty and betrayal within a ruthless Indonesian crime syndicate. It's a raw, unflinching look at violence and its consequences.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Key Plot Points:</strong> A former triad assassin is forced to fight his way out of a deadly situation.</li> <li><strong>Director:</strong> Timo Tjahjanto</li> <li><strong>Actors:</strong> Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim, Julie Estelle</li> <li><strong>What Sets it Apart:</strong> The film’s unflinching violence and stunning fight choreography, set against a unique cultural backdrop.</li> <li><strong>Why it Ranks #3:</strong> Its unrelenting action and commitment to visceral filmmaking make it a truly unforgettable experience.</li> </ul>

<h2>Mid-Tier: Solid Action with Unique Twists (Ranks 4-6)</h2>

<h3>#4 Kate (2021):</h3> <p>A stylish and action-packed Netflix original, Kate features Mary Elizabeth Winstead as a ruthless assassin given a limited time to live after being poisoned. The film is a high-octane thrill ride with impressive action sequences and a surprisingly emotional core.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Key Plot Points:</strong> A dying assassin seeks revenge on those who betrayed her.</li> <li><strong>Director:</strong> Cedric Nicolas-Troyan</li> <li><strong>Actors:</strong> Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Woody Harrelson, Miku Martineau</li> <li><strong>What Sets it Apart:</strong> The ticking-clock element adds a layer of urgency and emotional depth.</li> <li><strong>Why it Ranks #4:</strong> While not as refined as the top tier, Kate delivers satisfying action and an engaging story.</li> </ul>

<h3>#5 Gunpowder Milkshake (2021):</h3> <p>This female-led action film features a stellar cast and a unique blend of action and humor. While not strictly a "John Wick ripoff," it shares a similar aesthetic and tone, showcasing stylish fight choreography and a world of deadly assassins.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Key Plot Points:</strong> A young assassin teams up with her mother and a group of female assassins to take down a powerful crime syndicate.</li> <li><strong>Director:</strong> Navot Papushado</li> <li><strong>Actors:</strong> Karen Gillan, Lena Headey, Carla Gugino</li> <li><strong>What Sets it Apart:</strong> The strong female cast and unique blend of action and dark humor.</li> <li><strong>Why it Ranks #5:</strong> A fun and stylish action movie with a strong female cast, but ultimately lacking the depth of the top contenders.</li> </ul>

<h3>#6 Haywire (2011):</h3> <p>Directed by Steven Soderbergh, Haywire predates John Wick but shares its focus on realistic fight choreography and a complex plot involving betrayal and deception. Gina Carano's MMA background shines through in the intense and believable fight sequences.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Key Plot Points:</strong> A highly skilled MMA fighter is double-crossed during a mission.</li> <li><strong>Director:</strong> Steven Soderbergh</li> <li><strong>Actors:</strong> Gina Carano, Michael Douglas, Ewan McGregor</li> <li><strong>What Sets it Apart:</strong> Its realistic fight sequences and stellar cast.</li> <li><strong>Why it Ranks #6:</strong> A precursor to the modern action thriller, Haywire still holds up with its impressive action and suspenseful plot.</li> </ul>

<h2>Lower Tier: Worth a Watch, But Not Quite Wick-Level (Ranks 7-10)</h2>

<h3>#7 Extraction (2020):</h3> <p>While featuring impressive action sequences, Extraction focuses more on the gritty realism of its setting and less on the stylized gun-fu that defines John Wick. It's a solid action thriller, but not quite as polished or stylish.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Key Plot Points:</strong> A black-market mercenary undertakes a dangerous mission to rescue the kidnapped son of an international crime lord.</li> <li><strong>Director:</strong> Sam Hargrave</li> <li><strong>Actors:</strong> Chris Hemsworth, Randeep Hooda, Priyanshu Painyuli</li> <li><strong>What it Lacks:</strong> The stylized action and neo-noir aesthetic of John Wick.</li> <li><strong>Why it Ranks #7:</strong> Solid action, but lacks the stylistic flair of higher-ranked entries.</li> </ul>

<h3>#8 The Accountant (2016):</h3> <p>Ben Affleck stars as a math savant who moonlights as an assassin in this intriguing thriller. However, the action is less frequent and less stylized than in John Wick, making it a less direct comparison.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Key Plot Points:</strong> A highly skilled accountant with autism spectrum disorder works for dangerous clients while also trying to stay off the radar of the authorities.</li> <li><strong>Director:</strong> Gavin O'Connor</li> <li><strong>Actors:</strong> Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, J.K. Simmons</li> <li><strong>What it Lacks:</strong> The consistent, high-octane action of John Wick.</li> <li><strong>Why it Ranks #8:</strong> A decent thriller with some action, but a different focus.</li> </ul>

<h3>#9 Shoot 'Em Up (2007):</h3> <p>This over-the-top action comedy offers a unique style and a memorable performance by Clive Owen, but the humor and absurdity make it a different beast than the more serious tone of John Wick.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Key Plot Points:</strong> A mysterious man protects a newborn baby from a ruthless gang of assassins.</li> <li><strong>Director:</strong> Michael Davis</li> <li><strong>Actors:</strong> Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti, Monica Bellucci</li> <li><strong>What Sets it Apart:</strong> Over-the-top action and dark humor.</li> <li><strong>Why it Ranks #9:</strong> A fun action film, but less refined than many other entries.</li> </ul>

<h3>#10 Crank (2006):</h3> <p>Another early example of high-octane action cinema, Crank pushes the boundaries with its frenetic pace and creative camerawork. However, its extreme style and reliance on adrenaline often overshadows more nuanced storytelling elements.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Key Plot Points:</strong> A hitman poisoned with a toxin that will kill him unless he keeps his adrenaline pumping.</li> <li><strong>Director:</strong> Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor</li> <li><strong>Actors:</strong> Jason Statham, Amy Smart, Jose Pablo Cantillo</li> <li><strong>What Sets it Apart:</strong> Its frenetic pace and creative camerawork.</li> <li><strong>Why it Ranks #10:</strong> An influential action film, but not quite in the same league as others on this list.</li> </ul>

<h2>Conclusion</h2>

<p>From hyper-stylized gun-fu to intricate plots of revenge, this list explored ten films that successfully capture elements of the John Wick magic, while forging their own distinct identities. While some come incredibly close to replicating the Baba Yaga experience, others offer unique takes on the action thriller genre. Each film, however, demonstrates the enduring influence of John Wick on the landscape of modern action cinema.</p>

<p>Ready to dive into the world of stylish action? Explore these top John Wick ripoffs and let us know your favorites in the comments below! What other John Wick-esque movies do you think deserve a spot on this list? Share your thoughts and continue the conversation on the best John Wick alternatives!</p>