Ranking The 10 Closest John Wick Imitators

Rajiv Sharma

5 min read Post on May 11, 2025

Ranking The 10 Closest John Wick Imitators

The Top Tier: Matching the Gun-Fu and Style (Keywords: Gun-fu, Action Choreography, Neo-noir)

#1 - Nobody: This film nails the kinetic action sequences and features similarly impressive gun-fu choreography. Bob Odenkirk's transformation into a lethal action hero mirrors Keanu Reeves's portrayal of John Wick, showcasing a surprising level of skill and brutality.

Similar Action Sequences: The extended, single-take fight scenes in Nobody directly echo the style of John Wick, emphasizing realistic and brutal combat.
Stylistic Choices: The film utilizes a similar color palette and cinematography style, creating a gritty and visually appealing neo-noir atmosphere.
Key Contributors: The involvement of Ilya Naishuller, known for his innovative action direction in Hardcore Henry, significantly contributes to the film's kinetic energy and its similarity to John Wick.

#2 - Atomic Blonde: While not a direct copy, Atomic Blonde shares John Wick's stylish action sequences and commitment to practical effects. The film's relentless pacing and Charlize Theron's captivating performance make it a compelling contender.

Areas of Success: The world-building, particularly the Cold War setting, is meticulously crafted and provides a unique backdrop for the action.
Areas of Shortcomings: The character development, while effective for Theron's character, doesn't reach the same depth as John Wick's more nuanced protagonist. The emotional core is less impactful.
Comparison to John Wick: Both films feature morally grey protagonists operating within complex and dangerous criminal underworlds, yet Atomic Blonde leans more into espionage thriller territory.

#3 - The Night Comes for Us: This Indonesian action film boasts some of the most brutal and visceral fight choreography ever put to screen. Although stylistically different from John Wick, its commitment to practical effects and intense action sequences places it firmly in the conversation of John Wick imitators.

Unique Contributions: The film offers a distinct cultural flavor and a different approach to the action genre, prioritizing relentless violence and a high body count.
Deviation from the John Wick Formula: It lacks the neo-noir aesthetic and sophisticated world-building of John Wick, focusing instead on raw, unadulterated action.

The Mid-Tier: Capturing the Tone and Atmosphere (Keywords: Neo-noir, Suspense, World-building)

#4 - Gunpowder Milkshake: This female-led action film captures the stylish neo-noir atmosphere and suspenseful tone of John Wick. The visually striking action sequences are a highlight.

Neo-noir Aesthetic: The film expertly utilizes a vibrant color palette and striking visuals to create a unique neo-noir atmosphere, albeit a more colorful one than John Wick.
Suspense and Mood: The pacing is well-managed, building suspense and maintaining a consistent mood throughout.

#5 - Kate: This Netflix action thriller features a compelling performance from Mary Elizabeth Winstead, but its world-building lacks the depth of John Wick's underworld.

Creating a Believable Underworld: While the film attempts to create a believable criminal underworld in Tokyo, it feels less fully realized than the intricate world presented in John Wick.
Key Differences: Kate focuses more on a personal revenge story, whereas John Wick explores a larger, more complex world of assassins.

#6 - Wrath of Man: Guy Ritchie's heist thriller shares some thematic elements with John Wick, such as a focus on skilled professionals operating in a dangerous world. However, the stylistic choices differ significantly.

Comparison to John Wick's World-building: Wrath of Man's world is presented more sparsely and focuses on the heist itself rather than the larger criminal underworld.

The Honorable Mentions: Elements of John Wick but Different Approaches (Keywords: Action, Thriller, Suspense)

#7 - Extraction: While lacking the intricate gun-fu of John Wick, Extraction excels in its intense action sequences and visceral fight choreography.

Incorporated Aspects of John Wick: The film shares a similar commitment to practical effects and realistic fight choreography, though it's more grounded and less stylized.

#8 - The Accountant: This thriller features Ben Affleck as a highly skilled accountant who moonlights as a lethal assassin, sharing some thematic similarities with John Wick but with a different approach.

Thematic Elements: Both films explore themes of professional assassins navigating a dangerous world, but The Accountant emphasizes psychological elements more than gun-fu.

#9 - Haywire: Steven Soderbergh's action thriller features a similar level of brutal, realistic fight choreography, although it differs significantly in style and tone.

Unique Selling Points: The film stands out for its commitment to practical effects and its unique perspective on the action genre.

#10 - Upgrade: This sci-fi action thriller features a unique premise and a different kind of action, but its intense and creative fight scenes earned it a spot on this list.

Reasons for Inclusion: While not a direct John Wick imitator, its innovative approach to action and its focus on stylish violence warrant its inclusion.

Conclusion:

From the gun-fu mastery to the neo-noir atmosphere, many films have attempted to capture the magic of John Wick. This ranking explored ten of the closest John Wick imitators, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. While none perfectly replicate the original's unique blend of style and substance, these films demonstrate the enduring impact of John Wick on the action genre. Are there any other John Wick imitators you think deserve a spot on this list? Let us know in the comments below! Keep the conversation going about the best John Wick-inspired films – and happy watching!