Ranking The 10 Closest John Wick Copycats

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

4.7

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H2: #1 Nobody – The Closest Contender

• H3: Action Style and Choreography: Nobody boasts incredibly realistic and brutal fight choreography, echoing John Wick's commitment to practical effects. The protagonist's fighting style, while not exactly gun-fu, incorporates a similar level of precision and deadly efficiency.
  • Similar use of practical effects, minimizing CGI.
  • Intense, meticulously planned fight sequences showcasing a variety of combat styles.
  • Use of improvised weapons, mirroring John Wick's resourcefulness.
• H3: Plot and Narrative Structure: The revenge-driven narrative is strikingly similar to John Wick's core plot. A seemingly ordinary man is pushed to his limits, unleashing a torrent of lethal fury upon those who wronged him.
  • Central protagonist's hidden past mirrors John Wick's secret life.
  • Linear narrative structure, building towards a satisfying climax.
  • Clear antagonist and a network of supporting characters, including allies and enemies.
• H3: Overall Atmosphere and Tone: Nobody effectively captures the dark, gritty tone of John Wick, utilizing a muted color palette and a sense of underlying tension.
  • Visual style emphasizes realism and brutality.
  • Music enhances the intensity of action scenes.
  • Overall mood is dark, suspenseful, and emotionally resonant.

H2: #2 Atomic Blonde – Strong Gun-Fu

This stylish spy thriller features Charlize Theron delivering exceptional action sequences. While the gun-fu isn't as prominent as in John Wick, the hand-to-hand combat and inventive fight choreography are noteworthy. The film excels in its aesthetic and strong female lead, making it a worthy contender.

H2: #3 The Night Comes for Us – Compelling Revenge Story

This Indonesian action film delivers relentless violence and a compelling revenge narrative, albeit with a more brutal and less stylized approach than John Wick. The sheer intensity and raw energy of the action compensate for the stylistic differences.

H2: #4 Gunpowder Milkshake – Stylish Visuals

This female-led action film boasts vibrant visuals and stylish action sequences. While the gun-fu elements are less pronounced, the film compensates with its unique aesthetic and strong female characters. The color palette and visual flair are certainly reminiscent of John Wick's distinctive style.

H2: #5 Kate – Unique World-Building

Although it doesn't fully replicate the world-building of John Wick, Kate presents a unique assassin underworld with its own set of rules and intriguing characters. The film focuses more on a personal story but successfully evokes the atmosphere of a specialized criminal organization.

H2: #6 Haywire – Intriguing Characters

Gina Carano's performance in Haywire offers a compelling protagonist navigating a world of deception and betrayal. The film's action is less stylized than John Wick, but its realistic fight sequences and strong central character make it an engaging watch for action fans.

H2: #7 Upgrade – Underappreciated Gem

A sci-fi action thriller with a unique twist, Upgrade offers a blend of visceral action and technological intrigue, making it a unique entry in the conversation of John Wick-inspired films.

H2: #8 The Accountant – Action-Packed but Different

While The Accountant features Ben Affleck as a skilled assassin, its focus is more on the methodical and strategic aspects rather than the stylistic gun-fu of John Wick. The action is still excellent, but the approach is different.

H2: #9 Nobody’s Wife – Worth a Watch for Fans

A lesser-known action film, Nobody's Wife still delivers entertaining action and a thrilling plot that will resonate with John Wick fans. It's less polished but provides ample action.

H2: #10 Bullet Train – Honorable Mention

While Bullet Train doesn't directly copy John Wick's style, its high-octane action sequences and unique narrative structure make it an honorable mention. The quirky characters and ensemble cast are a notable deviation.

Conclusion:

Nobody, Atomic Blonde, and The Night Comes for Us stand out as the top three John Wick copycats, each capturing different aspects of the original's appeal—from its precise gun-fu and revenge narrative to its dark, stylish atmosphere. However, this list showcases the broad influence John Wick has had on the action genre, inspiring a diverse range of films with unique approaches to stylized violence and compelling storytelling. We’ve explored various John Wick alternatives, highlighting similar movies to John Wick, but which John Wick copycat did we miss? Let us know in the comments! Which of these best John Wick copycats is your favorite, and what other films do you think deserve a spot on this list of best John Wick copycats?