10 Best John Wick Ripoffs, Ranked

Pedro Alvarez

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Top Tier John Wick Ripoffs (Exceptional Action & Style)

These films not only mimic the John Wick action but elevate it with unique elements, offering a fresh take on the stylish assassin genre.

• Nobody (2021): This neo-noir action thriller starring Bob Odenkirk delivers a surprisingly brutal and effective take on the retired assassin trope. Nobody perfectly captures the John Wick essence through its expertly choreographed fight sequences, blending hand-to-hand combat with creative gun-fu. The stylistic choices, particularly the use of slow-motion during key action sequences, mirror John Wick's signature aesthetic. The film's surprisingly dark humor also adds a layer of depth, setting it apart from other John Wick ripoffs. Specific scenes like the extended hallway fight showcase the meticulous planning and execution of the action choreography, easily rivaling the best of John Wick.

• Atomic Blonde (2017): Set during the Cold War, Atomic Blonde is a stylish spy thriller that boasts incredible hand-to-hand combat sequences. Charlize Theron's portrayal of Lorraine Broughton is a perfect example of a lethal, stylish assassin, reminiscent of John Wick's controlled aggression. The film’s use of color, particularly the vibrant neon palette of 1980s Berlin, creates a visually stunning atmosphere. While it's less focused on gunplay than John Wick, the intense fight choreography and the overall stylish visuals solidify its place as a top-tier John Wick ripoff. The extended single-take fight sequence in the apartment is a testament to the film's commitment to realistic and breathtaking action.

Mid-Tier John Wick Ripoffs (Solid Action, Flawed Narrative)

These films deliver enjoyable action but sometimes stumble in storytelling or character development, falling slightly short of the top tier.

• The Night Comes for Us (2018): This Indonesian action cinema masterpiece delivers intense violence and unrelenting action sequences. The film features some of the most brutal and creative fight choreography ever put to screen, surpassing even John Wick in sheer intensity at times. However, the plot, while engaging in its own right, occasionally suffers from some pacing issues and underdeveloped characters. The use of a dark and gritty underworld setting, however, directly parallels the world built in the John Wick universe, making it a solid, if somewhat flawed, entry in the John Wick ripoffs category. Keywords: intense violence, Indonesian action cinema, underworld setting.

• Kate (2021): This assassin thriller stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead as a dying assassin seeking revenge. Kate offers exciting action sequences with a female protagonist at its center. While the fight choreography is impressive, and the revenge narrative is compelling, the plot occasionally feels predictable and lacks the same level of intricate world-building seen in John Wick. Still, the relentless action and the strong lead performance make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre searching for John Wick ripoffs.

Honorable Mentions: Near Misses and Promising Attempts

These films share thematic or stylistic elements with John Wick but don't quite reach the same heights of execution.

• Gunpowder Milkshake (2021): This female-led action film boasts stylish action sequences and a fun, if somewhat derivative, plot. While it shares some stylistic similarities with John Wick, particularly in its visually arresting aesthetic, the plot feels less cohesive and lacks the same depth of world-building.

• Bullet Train (2022): This action-comedy features a stellar cast and plenty of over-the-top action. However, its comedic tone and less grounded narrative differentiate it significantly from the serious tone of the John Wick franchise, making it more of a stylistic cousin than a direct John Wick ripoff.

Criteria for Ranking John Wick Ripoffs

The ranking of these films considers several key aspects:

• Action choreography and execution: The quality, creativity, and realism of the fight sequences are paramount.
• World-building and atmosphere: How well does the film create a believable and engaging world?
• Character development and plot: Are the characters well-developed, and is the story compelling?
• Overall entertainment value: The overall enjoyment and thrill factor of the film.

Conclusion

From the top-tier stylish action of Nobody to the intense violence of The Night Comes for Us, the world of John Wick ripoffs offers a diverse range of thrilling cinematic experiences. This list of the 10 best John Wick ripoffs provides a starting point for your next action-packed movie marathon. Whether you're looking for flawless stylistic brilliance or intense, visceral action, there’s a John Wick inspired film here for you. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare for some seriously exhilarating action! Dive into the world of John Wick ripoffs and find your next favorite adrenaline-fueled film.