10 Best John Wick Ripoffs, Ranked

Rajiv Sharma

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Top Tier John Wick Ripoffs (Exceptional Action & Style)

Nobody (2021)

Nobody perfectly embodies the spirit of John Wick. Bob Odenkirk's portrayal of a seemingly ordinary man unleashing a torrent of pent-up fury resonates deeply with the John Wick archetype. The film shares the same commitment to practical effects and incredibly creative fight choreography.

• Gun-fu mastery: The fight scenes are brutal, inventive, and intensely satisfying, echoing John Wick's signature style.
• Neo-noir atmosphere: The film's muted color palette and gritty realism create a compelling atmosphere, mirroring the stylistic choices of the John Wick franchise.
• Revenge plot: The core narrative revolves around a revenge plot, a staple of the John Wick universe, albeit with unique twists. The stylish action thriller elements are front and center.

Atomic Blonde (2017)

Atomic Blonde stands out with its female-led action and a distinct 1980s Cold War setting. Charlize Theron delivers a powerhouse performance as an MI6 agent navigating a treacherous world of espionage and double-crosses. While the gun-fu might be less pronounced than in John Wick, the hand-to-hand combat is equally impressive.

• Stylish action: The film is a masterclass in stylish action, utilizing dynamic camera work and creative fight choreography to deliver exhilarating sequences.
• Espionage thriller: The intricate plot and compelling characters elevate the film beyond a simple action movie, adding layers of intrigue and suspense.
• Female-led action: Atomic Blonde offers a powerful female protagonist, a refreshing change of pace from the male-dominated action genre, showing that women can take on the lead in intense action sequences and stylish action movies.

Mid-Tier John Wick Ripoffs (Good Action, Some Flaws)

Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)

Gunpowder Milkshake blends stylish action with elements of dark humor and female empowerment. While not as consistently impressive in its fight choreography as John Wick, it still delivers some genuinely exciting action sequences and stylish visuals. It leans more towards action comedy, differentiating it from the grittier tone of John Wick.

• Female-driven action: The film showcases a strong ensemble cast of female characters, each with their unique fighting styles and personalities.
• Stylish visuals: Gunpowder Milkshake boasts a vibrant visual aesthetic, setting it apart from the more muted tones of some John Wick ripoffs.
• Action comedy blend: The inclusion of humor occasionally detracts from the intensity of the action, making it a slightly less direct comparison to John Wick.

Kate (2021)

Kate is a gritty and violent action thriller focusing on a dying assassin seeking revenge. While it features intense action sequences and a compelling protagonist, it lacks the same level of stylistic flair and intricate fight choreography as John Wick. It delivers on gritty action and intense action sequences, but falls short in stylistic elements.

• Revenge thriller: The central plot of revenge is undeniably reminiscent of John Wick's core narrative.
• Gritty action: The film is unapologetically violent, delivering a visceral and intense viewing experience. It uses this to great effect in several sequences.
• Less refined action: The fight choreography, while effective, lacks the same level of precision and artistry found in John Wick.

Honorable Mentions (Worth Watching, but Less Similar)

• The Night Comes for Us (2018): Indonesian action film with brutal, unrelenting violence. Less stylish than John Wick, but boasts impressive fight choreography.
• The Villainess (2017): South Korean action film with incredible fight sequences and a twisty plot. More focused on martial arts than gun-fu.
• Haywire (2011): Gina Carano-led action film with realistic fight choreography. Pre-dates the John Wick era, but shares a similar spirit.
• The Accountant (2016): Ben Affleck as a mathematical savant and assassin. Less stylish, but features some well-executed action scenes.
• Shoot 'Em Up (2007): Over-the-top action comedy with a unique visual style. A fun, if less refined, entry in the subgenre.
• Bullet Train (2022): A stylish, comedic action film featuring Brad Pitt, with inventive fight sequences and a memorable cast.

Conclusion

From the flawlessly executed gun-fu of Nobody to the stylish espionage of Atomic Blonde, several films have successfully captured the essence of John Wick's unique blend of action and style. While some, like Gunpowder Milkshake and Kate, offer enjoyable action experiences with a few noticeable differences, these top contenders provide an exciting alternative for fans seeking more neo-noir action and stylish action thrillers. Have you seen any other great John Wick ripoffs? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below! Let's build the ultimate list of the best action movies like John Wick, and find more great alternatives to the John Wick franchise.