Great action movies to watch from John Wick’s co-stars and adversaries

“You get to work with two martial arts legends in this movie, Donnie [Yen]Hiroyuki [Sanada],” Looper interviewer Don Kaye prompts during the recent press tour for John Wick: Chapter 4, the popular franchise’s next much-anticipated bullet-odyssey.

With genuine gusto, Keanu Reeves interjects: “Three — and Scott Adkins.”

For many a genre fan, seeing the championed action star Adkins — often headlining direct-to-video spectaculars packed with unforgettably dynamic fights — placed in the pantheon of martial arts legends by one of the genre’s biggest names was a moment of validation and celebration long coming. The past months have seen many such moments, including Wick fever and Michelle Yeoh winning the Best Actress Oscar. Or Andy Le and Brian Le, who were onstage at their SAG Awards win as Best Ensemble. Their years of YouTube action videos inspired them to choreograph (and even act in) fights. Everything at once. Recognizing and celebrating action visionaries old and new.

The John Wick movies have been the epitome of this ethos throughout their evolution, from a nearly-DTV thriller about revenge to a $100 million global epic. Reeves’s selection as lead was a sign of his career declining. 47 Ronin, and marrying Reeves’ unique stoicism with a role tailor-made for those strengths, reflects the uplifting respect for action that the franchise fosters. In a lesser film, casting veteran martial artist/actor/stuntman Daniel Bernhardt would result in a fleeting henchman appearance. The first film is not the only one that has this effect. John WickGive fans something to do Matrix Reloaded rematch between Neo and Agent Johnson, it elevates Bernhardt to an antagonistic equal: the only enemy skilled and resourceful enough to kick Wick’s ass thrice through the film.

Director Chad Stahelski would take his series’ showcase of talent to further heights with each sequel. Cassian is his part. John Wick: Chapter 2., Common plays a character who isn’t just a dogged thorn in our hero’s side, but one treated as a foil just as deadly, sharp, and loyal as Wick himself. With a bigger budget and greater scope, John Wick’s third film is where the franchise turns the hitman-gun-fu actioner into an epic genre. The third entry is an homage to Get ready to be a DragonNow, an homage to The Good, Bad, And the UglySouth Korean film The VillainessTo. Game of DeathBut, it was more important than that to fill the cast with veteran and beloved legends so mainstream audiences can get a taste of what these long-time fans love about them for many years.

Since his heights in the late ’90s and early ’00s, Mark Dacascos has likely become better known as the host of Iron Chef AmericaHe is a true martial arts star. But Stahelski’s direction treats the man like genre royalty, creating in ninja-for-hire Zero a vessel for Dacascos’ electric charm and cool coiled poise. You are now a part of the ninja-for-hire Zero team. Raid’s Indonesian showstoppers Yayan Ruhian and Cecep Arif Rahman at his side as shinobi badasses, pitting The two against Reeves as the penultimate finale showdown, couldn’t be more of a flex, showing how Hollywood should be treating the action icons of today. Even Tiger Chen, star of Keanu’s own Tai Chi Man, gets to trade throwing knives with Wick and receive the opening’s literally eye-popping coup de grace. For die-hards, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum is a who’s who of new and old favorites given a sleek, stylish sandbox to perform in. For the average uninitiated viewer, it’s a high-level exhibition of (and a sleekly curated introduction to) genre legends.

John Wick: Chapter 4The trend continues, with more prominent names appearing on an even grander stage. The incomparable Donnie Yen, the masterful Hiroyuki Sanada, the human dynamo Scott Adkins, the gravity-defying Chilean action stalwart Marko Zaror: Not since 2019’s Triple Threat (Uwais! Jaa! Chen! Adkins! Michael Jai White JeeJa Yanin This is the first time such a rich collection of martial arts talent has been assembled. They have a long career full of lesser-known talents and spectacular showcases of them talents, including Zaror, who was an under-the radar star amongst under-the radar stars. This listing is a tribute to that classic genre and the legendary John Wick series, as well as two movies recommendations for Wick guests stars.

Daniel Bernhardt (John Wick)

Vertical Entertainment

Skylines (2020)

When alien invasion film Skyline released in 2010 to a, let’s say… less-than-enamored critical reception, no one involved would’ve imagined its sequel, Beyond SkylineThis would lead to Iko Uwais stabbing aliens like an extraterrestrial Kaiju. Its multi-planet, space-superpowered thirdquel. SkylinesOne of Daniel Bernhardt’s most prominent roles would be in this film. He plays Col. Owens with a practical menace and adds tension to the film in which Lindsey Morgan fires space lasers out of her wrists while chatting with her brother, an alien-body-swap. He also confronts Cha-Lee Yoon, a Reel Deal stuntman alum (seen last in). Violent NightIt is almost just an added bonus that you can do it in such a brutal melee.

SkylinesYou can rent or buy it on VOD platforms.

Hell Hath No Fury (2021).

The renowned Barry episode “ronny/lily” is their first and last introduction to Daniel Bernhardt the actor, as opposed to Daniel Bernhardt the henchman and stunt double. However, Jesse V. Johnson’s World War II pressure-cooker Hell Hath No Fury further capitalizes on the actor’s dramatic strengths. Bernhardt’s Von Bruckner never fights in this Fuller/Peckinpah-style thriller of stolen Jewish gold and Nazi-besieged cemetery, instead hinging entirely on Bernhardt’s poise and charisma warped into silver-tongued coveting sociopathy. The reward of seeing the man who is often left to his henchmen as the main antagonist on the screen is unmatched.

Hell Hath No FuryHulu is available streaming and you can rent or buy on VOD platforms.

Mark Dacascos (John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum)

Image: Simitar Entertainment

Drive (1997)

Publication the previous year Rush Hour, it’s not unlikely to find fans who wish this buddy action comedy between escaped super-soldier Dacascos and wrong-place-wrong-time hostage Kadeem Hardison was the film that birthed a franchise. This is the most Hong Kong-style Martial Arts movie Hong Kong has ever seen. The men’s inventive choreography, coupled with the fast and lightening-fast dancing, makes it a great entertainment choice. Brittany Murphy added a lot to the chemistry. Mark Dacascos’ true strength is in his ability to fight electric-stun bad men with rubber boots on their hands. Then, he spontaneously breaks out into song and dances among rocket-themed restaurants.

DrivingIt is available for rent and purchase via VOD platforms.

Blade of the 47 Ronin (2022).

The sequel, 9 years late to the film that was critically criticized, is among movies we never thought would exist. 47 Ronin might be the ultimate contender — and as a cyberpunk-ish future-set direct-to-video “sequel” no less, pitting modern samurai clans against mystical evil ninjas over magician sword McGuffins. Ron Yuan is the film’s director. Paper TigersThe film features solidly-designed sword fights that last about 10 minutes, an abundance of faceless Ninjas and Mike Moh. Mark Dacascos imbuing his presence and game-for-anything charm in the heroes’ samurai mentor Lord Shinshiro ends up as the film’s greatest strength. Present for a sizable chunk of the narrative, he sells every line and dramatic beat with admirable conviction; considering Shinshiro is sarcastically called a “John Wick fanboy” at one point, it’s safe to assume the cast and crew knows exactly who their audience is, in the best way possible.

Blade of the 47 RoninYou can stream Netflix on your computer, or rent and buy on VOD platforms.

Yayan Ruhian (John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum)

Image by Netflix

Merantau (2009)

Inspired by Tony Jaa’s Ong-BakBoth in intent and structure MerantauGareth Evans and Iko Uwais were united before they went to melt the faces with Raid. The simple and effective story of a young village’s coming-of-age journey to the big city takes a turn into battling local traffickers, leading to a fateful confrontation between Uwais’ Yuda and Yayan Ruhian’s Eric. A deleted scene fleshed out their dynamic more, but Ruhian’s intensity cements him as a foil regardless. The duo’s exhausting and claustrophobic elevator fight remains one of the most exhilarating sequences in either actor’s filmography.

MerantauYou can stream it on Amazon Prime or Tubi. It’s also available to rent/purchase on VOD platforms.

Wira (2019)

Outside of Timo Tjahjanto’s films, plus Iko Uwais and Joe Taslim in the occasional role not shredded by editing, it seemed Raid’s other stars are destined to either minor cameos or behind-the-camera handling of action. This makes Adrian Teh’s WiraYayanRuhian was an outstanding choice, making it even more impressive. Acting as both the film’s fight choreographer and its villain’s right hand, Ruhian’s taut scowling energy as Ifrit looms over the film’s returning-badass-cleans-up-the-neighborhood conflict until paying off in a knock-down, drag-out 2v1 fight with leads Hairul Azreen and Fify Azmi. The film is filled with solid action and the satisfying ending brings out its best. If only there were more films like this one Wira’s lead in maximizing Ruhian.

WiraIs streaming available on Netflix

Marko Zaror (John Wick: Chapter 4)

Image: XYZ Films

Mandrill (2009)

It’s in Marko Zaror’s collaborations with director Ernesto Díaz Espinoza where the Chilean star’s talents get to fully shine. Their fifth film is their fourth collaboration. Condor FistThey will be arriving in April but Mandrill’s spy send-up is where Zaror gets to play with every facet of his abilities: self-deprecating, winking humor akin to his earlier superhero action-comedy MiragemanThe romantic, suave, James Bond-esque charm of Zaror is combined with astonishingly impressive acrobatic kicks. Zaror’s role is a parody of 007 tropes and an homage. Zaror does a great job of capturing special agent coolness and ridiculous goofiness in one role.

MandrillYou can rent or buy it on VOD platforms.

Redeemer (2014)

A previous Zaror-Espinoza collab, Redeemer’s cartel vigilante actioner couches its frequent fights in a comic book-esque feud between the titular legendary hitman and his nemesis, The Scorpion. Zaror uses his enormous frame to create a wall full of spiritual penance and stoic turmoil that only bursts in his brutal underworld massacre. Close-quarters gunplay and the fear evoked by the Redeemer’s notoriety brings John Wick to mind at times, but what truly stands out is Zaror’s savage, pulverizing combat, including performing the best ground grappling-integrated combat this side of Flash Point’s iconic Donnie Yen-versus-Collin Chou finale.

RedeemerYou can rent or buy it on VOD platforms.

Hiroyuki Sanada (John Wick: Chapter 4)

Image: Atlas International Film

Shogun’s Ninja (1980)

Hiroyuki Sanada from Japan is no stranger in genre movies or strange encounters. He has already faced Sub-Zero and Wolverine throughout his filmography. His earlier work as Sonny Chiba’s young protégé is filled with action thrills. Shogun’s Ninja was Sanada’s first lead role, in lanky acrobatic form as an avenging heir to a destroyed clan. With choreography and performers from Chiba’s Japan Action Club stunt team, this madcap whirlwind of (occasionally exploding) ninjas, samurai, exploitation sleaze, and surreal genre shifts doesn’t lack for acrobatic prowess or bloody sword fights. Imbued with chaotic energy by director Norifumi Suzuki — the writer of Sister Street FighterAnd its completely absurd sequel. Hanging from a Thread — Shogun’s NinjaEnjoys spider shinobi attacks, and jazzy fireside dancing numbers in equal measures. Sanada and Chiba would reunite several times in the following decade; their most gloriously gonzo collaboration in Suzuki’s A Roaring Fire, in which Sanada fights back-to-back with Chiba’s ventriloquist/magician/interpol agent and performs his own white-knuckle stunts three years before Jackie Chan’s Stories from the policeUnfortunately, it is not available in the U.S.

Shogun’s NinjaTubi is streaming.

Royal Warriors (86)

Michelle Yeoh, Michael Wong and Hiroyuki Sanade, a pair of criminal blood brothers, are being targeted in Vietnam by a group of wild stunt men. This movie’s action sequences have such a wild and thrilling climax that many other movies would be happy to include them as the final act. That’s all. Royal Warriors, technically a retroactive follow-up to Corey Yuen’s classic Yes, Madam!, but even more impressive as director David Chung’s exhilarating encapsulation of golden age Hong Kong action. Its 96 minutes propulsively flaunt every flavor of the era’s spectacle. An airplane hijacking foiled by its lead trio’s skills, weaponizing explosive decompression and serving carts against their foes? Nightclub gunfight rival The Terminator’s Tech Noir havoc? The car chase ends in a wrecking-galore, with Sanada being literally crushed by an excavator. Michelle Yeoh against a flailing Chainsaw This action feast of a film offers all that and more, while hinging on Yeoh’s dazzling presence and Sanada’s performance of revenge-consumed fury; the Japanese star brings a ferocious iciness to Royal Warriors’ more conventional tonal blend of action, romance, comedy, and even more action.

Royal WarriorsStreaming on Criterion channel until the end March

Scott Adkins (John Wick: Chapter 4)

Image: Samuel Goldwyn Films

Avengement (2019).

It is a sight to behold John Wick: Chapter 4 trailers of Adkins in fat suit and mad grin as Killa — an homage to Sammo Hung’s purple-suited crime boss in 2005’s SPL — offered an even more exciting proposition than merely the beloved martial arts star getting to shine in a mainstream action movie. That choice promised Stahelski and co. would be embracing Adkins’ gonzo character-actor side too, the same facet that turned AvengementOne of his greatest performances. Henchmen are often cast opposite Hollywood stars (remember Jason Bourne’s brief appearance as Adkins?), Adkins’ leathery feral turn in Jesse V. Johnson’s revenge brawler transformed the actor even beyond the likes of his fan-favorite Boyka role. In a juggle between prison survival flashbacks, gangster pub holdups and Prison Survival Flashbacks, Adkins was able to deliver his performance. Avengement’s nonlinear structure gives its bone-snapping brawls a compelling narrative hook. Choreographer Dan Styles eschews Adkins’ familiar kicks for an animalistic bruiser style to match the scarred metal-grill countenance.

Avengement You can stream Netflix on your computer, or rent or buy on VOD platforms.

Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday (2022)

If AvengementAdkins’ ultimate show of morphing into a character is now Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday delights as the film with Scott Adkins at his most fully formed, most comfortably charismatic, and most pushed-to-his-limits-physically in years. The film’s second half-hour marks the beginning of a Maltese party with old friends and wetwork gigs. Always ready with saucy banter and sassy retorts, Adkins’ nonstop series of oddball hitman duels culminates in an immensely kinetic showdown with Jackie Chan Stunt Team alum Andy Long, also the film’s choreographer. His more grounded actions are seen in such films as One shot, Castle FallsYou can also call it: Legacy of Lies, Hitman’s HolidayScott Adkins is unleashed.

Accident Man: Hitman’s HolidayHulu is available streaming and you can rent or buy on VOD platforms.

Donnie Yen (John Wick: Chapter 4)

Image: D & B Films Co.

Tiger Cage II (1990)

Yuen Wooping, a director who has made 12 films about kung fu and had a decade of groundbreaking choreography in his career, was elected to be the first post-production manager.Stories from the police modern-day crime barnburner Tiger Cage. Donnie Yen only played a minor role in the film. However, he did get a fight with Michael Woods. This was unlike the sequel that featured slapstick crime scenes just two years later. This is Donnie Yen’s young, showy self, at his fastest and most confident. He gets swept up in an urban cacophony full of foot chases and sewer brawls. There are also silent-comedy-esque fight gags and other room-destroying stunts. Overall, Tiger Cage II The set-piece roller coaster includes everything from sword-wielding duels in a warehouse to fistfights high up on double-decker buses.

Tiger Cage IIYou can rent or buy it on VOD platforms.

A Special ID

His mid-2010s kung fu streak was released. Dragon The Monkey King, Extra IDDonnie Yen makes a quick detour into his gritty, crime-action era. The film has a slightly lighter tone than the previous one. SPLOder Flash Point. Clarence Fok turns a stale Hong Kong cop flick into an engaging throwback to gangsters and detectives. A scuffier-than-usual Yen pounds goons into oblivion across a plethora of bloody-knuckle bodyspam beatdowns, but it’s actually co-star Jing Tian who you’ll truly remember as a revelation, akin to peak Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Khan. She’s even the focus of Extra ID’s most spectacular set piece: a breakneck car pursuit and inside-said-car brawl coordinated by stunt legend Bruce Law (of The Raid 2’s car chase fame).

Extra IDYou can stream it on Hi-Yah or Tubi. It’s also available for rental and purchase on VOD platforms.