Looking for more action-packed films after diving into the world of John Wick? Well, guess what? I’m here to help you out! If you’re a fan of the John Wick series, I’ve got a list of exciting movies that you might want to check out next. Get ready to be entertained all over again!
Over the course of four movies, we’ve been introduced to the intense universe of assassins who prowl in the shadows, taking on contract kills at every turn. We’ve followed John Wick (played by the incredible Keanu Reeves) as he comes out of retirement and takes down a bunch of bad guys.
But here’s the twist: These movies aren’t mere John Wick copies. We’re giving a nod to Bob Odenkirk for his impressive turn in Nobody, stepping out of his comfort zone. And let’s not forget Netflix’s Gunpowder Milkshake, although it didn’t quite meet all the expectations. So, brace yourself for a list of movies that stand on their own, with a touch of uniqueness—oh, and one of them even features an adorable dog!
Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
Kung Fu Hustle (2004) | ||
Genre Action, Comedy, Fantasy | Runtime 91 minutes | |
Directed by Stephen Chow | 7.7/10 | |
Cast Stephen Chow, Eva Huang, Yuen Wah, Yuen Qiu, Danny Chan Kwok-kwan |
Prepare to be amazed by the unexpected talents hidden among your neighbors! Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Hustle delivers this message with a twist. Set in the gritty Pig Sty Alley, a place so gritty that even The Bowery King would need a shower after visiting, this action-packed gem features retired kung fu legends who come out of retirement to prove they’ve still got what it takes. And guess what? Amid all the serious action, Kung Fu Hustle brings the laughs, thanks to Chow’s signature humor.
Bullet Train (2022)
Bullet Train (2022) | ||
Genre Action, comedy, thriller | Runtime 1 hour 52 minutes | |
Directed by David Leitch | 6.8/10 | |
Cast Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Koji |
Remember how John Wick surprised us with its gripping storyline? Well, Bullet Train does the opposite—with a plot stuffed to the brim with action. Brad Pitt plays a hitman named ‘Ladybug’ on a mission to snatch a valuable briefcase from a bullet train speeding through Japan. But there’s a catch—the briefcase is held by two fellow hitmen, the English brothers ‘Lemon’ and ‘Tangerine.’ As if that’s not enough, there are more killers and a revenge-driven character known as The Wolf (played by Bad Bunny) in the mix. Imagine John Wick with a slapstick twist!
Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003)
Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003) | ||
Genre Action, crime, thriller | Runtime 1 hour 50 minutes | |
Directed by Quentin Tarantino | 8.2/10 | |
Cast Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah |
Looking for hitmen, revenge, epic fights, and stylish flair? Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece, Kill Bill Vol. 1, has got it all. The Bride (Uma Thurman) is on a mission to avenge herself against Bill (David Carradine), her former squad leader who left her for dead on her wedding day. Overflowing with kung-fu, gunplay, and Tarantino’s signature dialogue, this movie is a true delight.
Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014) | ||
Genre Action, spy | Runtime 2 hours 9 minutes | |
Directed by Matthew Vaughn | 7.8/10 | |
Cast Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Strong, Sophie Cookson |
If you adore the elegance of The Continental hotels in John Wick, you’ll love the Kingsman series. Eggsy (Taron Egerton) is a young man on the brink of failure, until he’s recruited into a secret society of agents operating out of a tailor’s shop on London’s Savile Row. Packed with style and twists, Kingsman offers a blend of John Wick’s action with James Bond’s charm.
Léon: The Professional (1994)
Léon: The Professional (1994) | ||
Genre Action, crime, drama, thriller | Runtime 1 hour 50 minutes | |
Directed by Luc Besson | 7.9/10 | |
Cast Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, Gary Oldman, Danny Aiello, Peter Stormare |
Meet Mathilde (Natalie Portman), a girl who learns the importance of a hitman’s skills when her father faces a threat from a corrupt DEA agent (Gary Oldman). Enter Léon (Jean Reno), her neighbor and a hired killer, who teaches her the art of survival and revenge. The Professional thrives on contrasts, with Oldman’s manic performance against Reno’s understated warmth.
Game Night (2018)
Game Night (2018) | ||
Genre Action, comedy, crime, thriller | Runtime 1 hour 40 minutes | |
Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein | 7.0/10 | |
Cast Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Kyle Chandler, Billy Magnussen |
For a comedic spin on the John Wick theme, give Game Night a shot. Max (Jason Bateman) and Annie (Rachel McAdams) have their ordinary game night turned upside down when a guest is kidnapped. As they delve into the criminal world, chaos and hilarity ensue. Mixing action with laughs, Game Night is a hidden gem.
Atomic Blonde (2017)
Atomic Blonde (2017) | ||
Genre Action, thriller, spy | Runtime 2 hours 5 minutes | |
Directed by David Leitch | 7.2/10 | |
Cast Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, Sofia Boutella, John Goodman, Toby Jones |
Atomic Blonde might remind you of John Wick, and for a good reason—its director David Leitch worked on John Wick 1. But Atomic Blonde stands on its own, delving into the lives of spies before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Charlize Theron shines as MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton, adding style, violence, and charm to the mix.
Taken (2008)
Taken (2008) | ||
Genre Action, Crime, Thriller | Runtime 1 hour 29 minutes | |
Directed by Pierre Morel | 7.8/10 | |
Cast Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Leland Orser, Jon Gries |
Just like John Wick, Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) comes out of semi-retirement with a vengeance when something precious to him is taken away—his daughter. This time, it’s not a dog, but the stakes are just as high as he takes on a group of abductors in Paris. Taken’s success lies in Neeson’s unexpected transformation into an action star, making for a taut, exhilarating film.
Wrapping it up!
If you’re yearning for more pulse-pounding action and intrigue in the aftermath of John Wick, these cinematic gems are primed to sweep you into a heart-racing journey. From assassins to revenge sagas, each film on this list promises an electrifying experience that will leave you at the edge of your seat. Get ready to be enthralled!