10 Best John Wick Ripoffs, Ranked

5 min read Post on May 11, 2025

The Top 3 John Wick Inspired Action Thrillers

These films capture the essence of John Wick's blend of stylish action and compelling narratives, offering a potent mix of gunplay and emotional depth.

Nobody (2021): A Darkly Comedic Masterpiece

Nobody is a brutal, darkly comedic take on the retired assassin trope, starring Bob Odenkirk. It explores themes of family and revenge, mirroring John Wick's core motivations but with a surprisingly humorous twist. The film features impressive fight choreography, showcasing Odenkirk's surprising action prowess, and delivers a satisfying conclusion.

Bob Odenkirk's surprising action prowess: Who knew Saul Goodman could be such a lethal killing machine? Odenkirk's transformation is a highlight.
Darkly humorous tone: The film expertly blends brutal violence with darkly comedic moments, creating a unique and engaging atmosphere.
Satisfying conclusion: Nobody delivers a payoff that feels both earned and emotionally resonant, leaving viewers wanting more. This is one of the best John Wick-like movies for its blend of action and humor.

Gunpowder Milkshake (2021): Female-Led Fury

Gunpowder Milkshake is a female-led action flick that brings a unique perspective to the genre. It boasts stylish visuals, over-the-top violence, and a strong ensemble cast. The film stands out with its visually stunning action sequences and its focus on a powerful group of women navigating a dangerous world.

Stylish visuals: The film's aesthetic is a key selling point, with vibrant colors and creative cinematography enhancing the action.
Strong female leads: Karen Gillan, Lena Headey, and Carla Gugino deliver powerhouse performances, making this a must-see for fans of female-driven action.
Unique weapon choices: The creative and varied weaponry adds another layer of visual flair to the already stylish action sequences. This makes it one of the more visually distinctive John Wick ripoffs.

Kate (2021): A Mother's Relentless Revenge

Kate is a relentless action thriller focusing on a mother fighting to protect her daughter. The high-octane action scenes are reminiscent of John Wick's signature style, but the emotional core centers on a mother's fierce determination and protective instincts.

Relentless pacing: The film maintains a breakneck pace, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.
Strong maternal theme: The emotional core of Kate resonates deeply, adding a layer of complexity rarely seen in this type of action film.
Gripping suspense: The suspense builds steadily throughout the film, culminating in a thrilling and satisfying climax.

Action Films with Similar World-Building & Style

These films share a similar commitment to stylish action, world-building, and a distinct visual aesthetic.

Atomic Blonde (2017): Cold War Cool

Atomic Blonde is a stylish Cold War espionage thriller with breathtaking fight choreography, mirroring John Wick's commitment to practical effects and intense action. The film is set in a unique historical setting and features Charlize Theron delivering an unforgettable performance.

Stylish 80s setting: The film's aesthetic perfectly captures the atmosphere of 1980s Berlin.
Charlize Theron's incredible performance: Theron is utterly captivating as the lethal Lorraine Broughton.
Intricate fight sequences: The fight choreography is innovative and incredibly well-executed.

The Night Comes for Us (2018): Indonesian Brutality

This Indonesian action film is known for its brutal and unrelenting violence. It shares John Wick's commitment to practical effects and intense action sequences, but offers a unique cultural perspective rarely seen in Western action cinema.

Brutal action: The film doesn't shy away from graphic violence, making it a must-see for fans of unflinching action.
Indonesian action cinema: The film provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of Indonesian action filmmaking.
Unique setting: The film's setting and cultural context are unique and compelling.

Underappreciated Gems in the John Wick Genre

These films deserve more recognition for their impressive action sequences and unique narratives.

The Villainess (2017): South Korean Style

This South Korean action film features impressive stunt work and a complex narrative, delivering innovative and inventive fight choreography rarely seen in other action films. The film presents a morally grey protagonist, adding layers of complexity to the story.

Impressive stunt work: The film's action sequences are breathtaking, showcasing incredible skill and precision.
Unique narrative structure: The non-linear storytelling keeps viewers engaged and guessing.
Korean action cinema: The film represents the best of Korean action cinema, offering a fresh and exciting take on the genre.

Haywire (2011): An Early Influence

Haywire, starring Gina Carano, is an early example of the style that later influenced John Wick. It showcases Carano's exceptional action skills and features realistic fight choreography, which helped to pave the way for the more stylized action seen in later films.

Early influence on the genre: Haywire helped establish many of the stylistic elements later adopted by John Wick.
Realistic fight choreography: The fights are grounded and believable, adding to the film's intensity.
Gina Carano's action debut: Carano's performance is a revelation, showcasing her remarkable athleticism and charisma.

Honorable Mentions: Other John Wick-esque Action Movies

Mechanic: Resurrection: A stylish sequel that delivers plenty of action and thrills.
Shoot 'Em Up: An over-the-top action comedy with memorable gun-fu and creative kills.
The Equalizer: Denzel Washington takes on the role of a retired assassin who takes on justice in his own way.

Conclusion

While the John Wick franchise remains unmatched, these 10 films offer exciting alternatives for fans craving similar action, style, and world-building. From the darkly comedic Nobody to the stylish Gunpowder Milkshake, each film on this list provides a unique take on the retired assassin archetype and the intense world of professional killers. Whether you prefer female-led action, brutal fight choreography, or intricate plots, there's a John Wick ripoff here to satisfy your craving for thrilling cinematic violence. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for another round of adrenaline-pumping action! Dive into the world of amazing John Wick-inspired movies today and discover your new favorite action thriller!