10 great action movies to watch that follow the John Wick mold

Brad Pitt’s Brad Pitt movie, “The Big Picture,” is currently playing in theatres. Bullet Train. The film is a thrilling slice of absurd cinematic comedy about a train that travels from Tokyo to Japan. It also features multiple hitmen fighting for a briefcase. This movie is a must-see for cinephiles who appreciate practical stunt work and choreography more than CGI. This is the man who did it. Bullet TrainDavid Leitch, a filmmaker who is well versed in film action and cinematography:

Leitch has directed films that have been highly successful and high profile, such as Atomic BlondeAnd Deadpool 2His first directed effort, which he shared with Chad Stahelski, is undoubtedly the most important action movie of the last decade. John Wick. There’s much to be said about the Wick franchise, from its clandestine world of sharp-dressed assassins to the heroic yet humane character at its center with low-stakes but relatable motivations. But it really changed the action game when it came to how it depicted fight sequences, blending traditional kung fu staging with martial arts that don’t often show up in movies, like the throw-based judo and limb-breaking jiu-jitsu.

This series has gunplay choreography. The emphasis is on fluid, but tactically-changing movements. It manages to remain clear and simple despite the chaotic scenes on the screen. Leitch and Stahelski’s background as former stunt performers (Stahelski doubled for Keanu Reeves, no less) goes a long way toward that, and plenty of other studios have caught on and started to place former stunt professionals in directing roles (and putting more of an emphasis on stunt performers in front of the camera) in hopes of capturing some of that John Wick magic. That’s a Hollywood trend we can get behind. So, if you have seen Leitch’s latest or if you are just itching for some on-screen action, we have compiled a list of 10 similar action films that came out in Wick’s You can now watch wake right in your own home. Every entry on this list shares creatives, concepts, or just plain vibes with the Keanu-led modern classic and works wonderfully as a follow-up if you’ve seen Bullet Train Want more?.

Accident Man

Image: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

A number of contract killers meet up at a pub only for people who are in their specific profession. They go there to enjoy a relaxing drink and learn about the next job. Mike Fallon (martial arts star and Scott Adkins) is one such patron. His speciality is to make his contracts look like accidental accidents. He’s a consummate professional, but when the love of his life is taken out by someone who frequents the bar, it becomes all too personal. Now the “Accident Man” is going to work his way through every hitman, mercenary, and psychopath in the place until he finds the one responsible for her death.

Adkins’ filmography has been a collection of high-quality action films, which have achieved great success despite the fact that they are often made with limited budgets. Adkins adapted this one from a lesser-known British comic. It is his best film. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the Wick franchise but also thinks those films could stand to be a little less self-serious. Accident ManThere are many great sequences in martial arts (like Adkins vs. Black Dynamite’s Michael Jai White and Darth Maul himself, Ray Park, in a memorable two-on-one encounter) and loads of comedic quirk that help it never lose sight of the fact that action movies can be fun as well as exciting.

Accident ManPrime Video has it, as well as free access with advertisements on Tubi and Plex.

Birds of Prey (and The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn).

Warner Bros.

A certain amount of spectacle is required for superhero movies. If your heroes happen to be gritty street-level characters like Harley Quinn, the Huntress, and Black Canary, the typical approach for the genre of CGI spectacle just won’t cut it.

Warner Bros. realised this early on when they ordered lengthy reshoots. Birds of Preyto increase action, and bring the entire team on board for the actions of the John WickThe process was overseen by series, known collectively as 87eleven. These hand-to-hand fighting sequences are among the most well-filmed and choreographed of all recent superhero movies. Whether it’s Margot Robbie’s Harley taking out a precinct full of cops single-handedly or the entire squad going toe-to-toe with a gaggle of masked goons in an abandoned amusement park, Birds of Prey proves you don’t need to rely so heavily on computer-generated effects for great superhero action.

Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley QuinnYou can watch ) on HBO Max.

Extracting

Photo: Jasin Boland/Netflix

A wonderful side-product to the amazing product John Wick’s success has been more studios recognizing that no one understands how action looks best on screen better than stunt performers, following the example of Stahelski and Leitch’s respective career arcs. This has led to more former stunt performers getting a chance to sit in the director’s chair for high-level projects, like this Netflix original. Sam Hargrave was the MCU’s stunt coordinator for several films, including this Netflix original. Avengers: Endgame) and starring another Marvel stalwart — Chris Hemsworth — Extracting is a nearly nonstop demonstration of the prowess of the film’s stunt team (and its very game superstar leading man). There are a variety of action scenes on the screen, from thrilling tactical shootouts to well-executed car chases to brutal fight sequences.

Extracting, which is about a mercenary’s attempt to rescue a kidnapping victim, feels like everyone involved crafted it under the assumption that they would never get another chance to make a project like this again — so they went all out. Judging by the jaw-dropping sequence at the halfway point of the film that features the hero battling his way through a section of urban sprawl to protect the target of his mission — in which Hargrave uses seamless editing to make it appear as if all 12 minutes of it are continuous action performed in one unbroken shot — maybe that feeling is not so far-fetched.

ExtractingYou can watch it on Netflix.

Fable

Image courtesy of Netflix

After a large-scale, mythical job, Akira Sato (a boss and mentor) gives him a strange order. He will live an ordinary civilian life for one-year while he lies low. He must not kill anyone in this time. Despite his hesitations, Akira agrees, and before long, the man who the Japanese underworld speak of in hushed tones as “The Fable” is trying to simply find a day job and not be noticed. Soon trouble follows in the shape of an unstable, recently paroled underling of the yakuza, and a pair star-struck young murderers, which complicates the matter. With all the looming dangers, can Akira be trusted to keep his word? And why exactly does his boss insist on him taking this sabbatical from the only thing he’s good at, anyway?

This Japanese action-comedy poses an interesting idea — someone who kills people for a living would probably be pretty socially stunted. It seems obvious once it’s stated, but it’s not something normally explored in movies with shootouts and heavy stunt work. Fable deals with this concept in a thoughtful (yet lighthearted) way, allowing the viewer to spend a lot of time with Akira as he tries (and awkwardly fails) to adjust to being a “normal” person with a job and friends. The oddball humor and lengthy stretches without any action may be too much for some, but those with patience will be rewarded with slick, frenetic action set-pieces that prove action doesn’t have to be lethal to be exciting.

A sequel is also available (available on Netflix). The Fable: The Killer Who Doesn’t KillThis increases the fun quotient while still downplaying eccentric humor.

Fable You can watch it on Netflix.

Kate

Photo: Jasin Boland/Netflix

In recent years, the notion of the untouchable protagonist has been a less common action movie trope. In these types of movies, the lead character would endure gunfire and brawls without a scratch. Popularity of John Wick helped to remind audiences and filmmakers that narratively it was possible for a hero to get some roughing before they finally triumph.

2021’s KateThis simple idea is taken to an absurd extreme. The film stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead as the title character, an American assassin working in Japan who is poisoned and has just hours to live, and even less time to find those responsible and make them pay for what they’ve done. The rapidly declining Kate must face a series of intense, well-choreographed and violent confrontations with the yakuza in her pursuit of vengeance. She is left with a mess of gunshot wounds and other injuries. The action on display is (again) courtesy of members of the 87eleven team (continuing their working relationship with Winstead from the previous year’s Birds of PreyIt is also their most powerful work.

Winstead’s part in selling the action on screen deserves special mention. Winstead is equal parts vulnerable as she is ferocious, which makes the film so much more enjoyable. Hopefully, she’ll have many more opportunities to showcase her unique physicality in action roles in the future. In the meantime though KateThis is not one to be missed.

Kate You can watch it on Netflix.

Nobody

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment Image

While multiple films on this list feel like they could be previously unseen stories pulled directly from the John Wick universe, 2021’s NobodyThe only movie where this is actually proven to be true, is Wick. The film is directed by Derek Kolstad (the creator and screenwriter of the Wick series). It focuses on an ex-government assassin who tries unsuccessfully to retire as a suburban father, but runs into Russian gangsters. The plot description will show that John Wick has many themes. Nobody. This connection is further strengthened by the involvement of the 87eleven stunt and action team from the beginning.

With so much shared DNA, it’s easy to make the argument that they are connected even if that was never actually the intention. Nobody stands on its own, though, thanks to Bob Odenkirk and the “average Joe” vibe he brings to the lead character. His casting was the film’s big selling point during its release. Interviews on the promo tour were focused on Odenkirk’s two-year-long training with Action Legend Daniel Bernhardt, who also appeared in the film. Odenkirk made an incredible effort to portray a credible threat. When Odenkirk is allowed to break free during a bus fight against several assailants in the movie, it’s clear that all of his hard work was evident in the most action-packed sequence from 2021.

No one It is now available on HBO Max.

The Protégé

Lionsgate Image

Many of these “assassin with a score to settle” movies tread familiar ground. Martin Campbell’s 2021 film entry (GoldenEye), for example, doesn’t do anything particularly innovative with its story of a career assassin (Maggie Q) looking to avenge the murder of her mentor and surrogate father (Samuel L. Jackson). Two key aspects make up the fact that it makes up for this. One is casting. The aforementioned Jackson and Q are capable and engaging performers, but the film’s secret weapon is Michael Keaton as the mysterious “Rembrandt,” who works as both a foil to and love interest for Maggie Q’s deadly lead character. Keaton does a great job portraying Q and her struggle for love. But when Keaton’s story requires him to become physically active, the 70-year old actor is unstoppable and focuses with a passion and focus that is remarkable and commendable.

Another key to your success is The ProtégéThis veteran director provides solid direction. While the choreography of the action on display is clearly influenced by the John Wick films, Campbell’s way of capturing this very modern action style on screen is decidedly classic and reserved in its approach. It lets the actors (and their stunt doubles) work within the space and doesn’t obscure their efforts with unneeded close-ups or overly aggressive editing. The ProtégéAlthough it may not seem very original, the video is an excellent fusion of both old and new school sensibilities that will appeal to viewers who prefer a thoughtful approach to chaotic situations.

The ProtégéPrime Video allows you to see it.

War

Image by Yash Raj Films

India is a hub for Indian genre cinema, with streaming websites making it more accessible than ever. It can be difficult to know where to begin with the many titles that are available. If you are an action fan, there is no better jumping-on point than 2019’s War.

The film, about a rogue special forces commander (Hrithik Roshan) on a warpath of revenge and the up-and-coming soldier (Tiger Shroff) who tries to stop him, borrows heavily from American films like the Mission Impossible and Fast & Furious series, but does so with a sense on cinematic exaggeration that is pure Bollywood excess. It’s no stretch to say that the opening bit of violence that kicks the story off, involving a neon-soaked assassination by sniper rifle, would fit right into a John Wick story. You can find all references and homages in this Western action movie. War are perfectly suited for easing a trepidatious international film novice into India’s unique style of melodramatic action.

WarPrime Video allows you to see it.

Wrath of Man

Image: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures

Low-level security guard at a cash truck stops a robbery and is celebrated as a hero. The question is: How can a man with a low score on the security test suddenly excel at gunfighting when he was hired? Why does he want to have more opportunities to fight with thieves? This is the central mystery behind 2021’s Wrath of ManStarring Jason Statham.

This film is high in the running for the darkest entry of Statham’s entire career. Guy Ritchie is the director who first gave Statham his leading role. Wrath of ManThis is an ominous revenge story that includes paramilitary bank thieves, shadowy government agencies, and brutal gangsters. The film eventually turns into one the most violent gun fights of recent movie history. At the center of all the chaos is Statham’s singular presence as an unstoppable force of righteous retribution. The film loosely takes inspiration from a French 2004 movie called “The Retribution.” Cash truckThe appearance of Wrath of ManThe way the series drops viewers in to a secret world of criminals and asks them to maintain their codes of conduct is very similar to that of John Wick.

Wrath of ManParamount Plus, Prime Video, and Paramount Plus are both available.

Xtreme

Photo: Quim Vives/Netflix

Spain is not a country typically known for its action films, but that fact did little to deter stuntman-turned-actor Teo García. Xtreme (aka XtremoThe long-held passion of the screen actor was “()” which took many years to fully fund and be produced in his native country. This is a straight-forward action tale with all of the gunplay, martial art, and general badassery that action fans could desire delivered with a post production.Wick glossy sheen. Garcia brings a unique screen presence to Xtreme that is best described as “What if a pit bull could throw spin kicks?” The film uses this aura of bruising menace to really sell the impact of his fight scenes.

The film was sadly lost in the shuffle of Netflix’s seemingly never-ending barrage of content when it was released last year, but it is worth seeking out for action lovers looking to broaden their horizons. Just to give you an idea of what to expect, Xtreme: at one point García dispatches some bad guys in brutal fashion with a detached car seat headrest. Keanu would be proud.

Xtreme You can watch it on Netflix.