Ranking The 10 Closest John Wick Imitators

Axel S�rensen

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Criteria for Judging John Wick Imitators

To effectively rank these John Wick imitator films, we've established clear criteria. The most successful imitations aren't just about explosions and gunplay; they capture the essence of what makes John Wick unique.

Gun-Fu and Action Choreography

John Wick's fight sequences are legendary, setting a new standard for realistic and stylish action. The gun-fu is precise, brutal, and creatively choreographed. To emulate this, films need to demonstrate:

• Practical Effects: Minimizing CGI and relying on practical stunts and effects for a more visceral impact. Think of the iconic pencil fight scene in John Wick.
• Close-Quarters Combat: Intricate fight choreography in confined spaces, showcasing skill and precision.
• Creative Weapon Use: Innovative uses of firearms and other weapons, going beyond simple shootouts.
• Realistic Physics: Action sequences that adhere to the laws of physics, enhancing believability and impact.

Films like The Raid: Redemption and Atomic Blonde are frequently cited for their impressive action sequences, providing strong examples of what constitutes successful gun-fu.

World-Building and Atmosphere

John Wick's success isn't solely dependent on its action; it's also its meticulously crafted underworld. A compelling world requires:

• Intricate Rules: A well-defined set of rules governing the criminal underworld, creating internal consistency.
• Believable Characters: Characters who feel real, with clear motivations and internal conflicts, even within the stylized environment.
• Unique Locations: Visually distinct locations that contribute to the film's atmosphere and world-building.
• Consistent Tone: Maintaining a consistent tone throughout, balancing action, drama, and often, a touch of dark humor.

John Wick established its world through subtle details and consistent world-building, which many imitators strive to replicate.

Character Development and Storytelling

Beyond the action, a compelling narrative and well-developed characters are crucial. Successful John Wick imitators feature:

• Nuanced Characters: Characters with depth and complexity, beyond simple archetypes.
• Intriguing Motivations: Clear motivations driving the characters' actions, creating emotional investment.
• A Plot that Supports the Action: The action sequences need to serve the narrative, rather than existing in isolation.

The strength of John Wick's protagonist, his compelling backstory and unwavering code, is a key element often imitated but rarely perfectly replicated.

Top 10 John Wick Imitator Films (Ranked)

This ranking considers the elements discussed above, balancing action choreography, world-building, and storytelling.

1. Nobody (2021) [Link to IMDB] - A retired hitman is forced back into action, showcasing impressive fight choreography and a compelling character arc. Strengths: Excellent action sequences, strong character development. Weaknesses: World-building could be more expansive. Overall: A near-perfect blend of action and character.

2. Atomic Blonde (2017) [Link to IMDB] - A stylish spy thriller with breathtaking fight sequences and a strong female lead. Strengths: Incredible action, strong female protagonist. Weaknesses: World-building could be more detailed. Overall: Stylish and exciting, but slightly less consistent than Nobody.

3. Gunpowder Milkshake (2021) [Link to IMDB] - A female-led action film with impressive gun-fu and a fun, stylish tone. Strengths: Excellent female-driven action, strong visuals. Weaknesses: Story slightly less focused than top contenders. Overall: A fantastic action movie with a strong female cast.

4. The Night Comes for Us (2018) [Link to IMDB] - A brutal and intense Indonesian action film with non-stop fight sequences. Strengths: Brutal and effective action. Weaknesses: Lacks the stylistic elegance of John Wick. Overall: A raw and visceral action experience.

5. Kate (2021) [Link to IMDB] - A stylish action thriller with a compelling female assassin protagonist. Strengths: Strong female lead, impactful action. Weaknesses: World-building is underdeveloped. Overall: A great showcase of action talent.

6. The Raid: Redemption (2011) [Link to IMDB] - A groundbreaking Indonesian action film known for its relentless fight choreography. Strengths: Innovative and brutal action. Weaknesses: Story is fairly simple. Overall: A landmark action film, but less refined than the top entries.

7. John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017) [Link to IMDB] (Yes, a sequel to the original!) To show how much the style was imitated, we have to acknowledge its evolution. Strengths: Perfected the formula of the original. Weaknesses: Less original, by definition. Overall: A crucial part of the conversation.

8. Haywire (2011) [Link to IMDB] – A solid precursor to the more stylish films that would follow. Strengths: Practical action effects, engaging protagonist. Weaknesses: Lacks the distinctive style of later films. Overall: An early influence on the genre.

9. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010) [Link to IMDB] - While not a perfect imitation, it features some stylish fight sequences. Strengths: Visually appealing, early example of stylized action. Weaknesses: Falls short in character development and world-building. Overall: Shows some stylistic influences.

10. Bullet Train (2022) [Link to IMDB] - A fun, chaotic action film, but not as focused on the gun-fu style as others. Strengths: Entertaining cast, creative set pieces. Weaknesses: Action less refined than other entries. Overall: Entertaining, but doesn't replicate Wick's style with the same precision.

Honorable Mentions

• Nobody's upcoming sequel: Expectations are high, given its success!
• Extraction (2020): While more focused on hand-to-hand combat, it features exciting action sequences.

Conclusion

This deep dive into the world of John Wick imitators reveals that replicating the film's unique blend of stylish action, intricate world-building, and compelling characters is a challenging feat. While several films successfully capture aspects of Wick’s style, Nobody and Atomic Blonde stand out for their masterful blend of all three key elements. What are your favorite John Wick-inspired films? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let us know which John Wick imitator you think deserves a higher ranking! Dive into the world of John Wick imitators and discover your new favorite action flick! Are there any other John Wick imitator movies you think deserve a mention?