From Bullets to Revenge: Best Movies Like John Wick for Your Binge List
If you’re craving best action movies where the action is visceral, the heroes are relentless, and style matters just as much as brutality, these picks should hit the spot. If you love John Wick — fast pacing, stylized fights, killers with codes, revenge arcs, etc. We have included something similar.
Extraction (2020)
Why you’ll like it: Extraction has many of the same DNA traits as John Wick, a lone, highly skilled protagonist on a rescue mission, brutal combat, cinematic fight sequences, and big set-piece action. There’s no big plot twist needed; it just delivers non-stop tension.
Atomic Blonde (2017)
Why you’ll like it: Directed by David Leitch (who has ties to the John Wick crew), this film mixes elegant style, very precise fight choreography, and a cool, almost neon-noir vibe. The protagonist is tough, the action is sharp, and there’s serious attitude.
The Man from Nowhere (2010)
Why you’ll like it: It’s got the revenge arc, the emotional stakes (especially involving a child), and a very capable lead who goes up against overwhelming odds. The tone is lean, personal, and when the action hits, it hits hard.
Sisu (2022)
Why you’ll like it: If you want gritty, concentrated vengeance stories, Sisu delivers. Its premise is simple but effective: someone is dragged in, forced to fight back, and every moment is high tension. The style is unflinching.
Bullet Train (2022)
Why you’ll like it: A bit more playful than John Wick perhaps, but the fight choreography, the ensemble of dangerous characters, and the slick execution make it a great companion piece. Also fun when you're in the mood for action with some dark humor.
Ballerina (2025)
Why you’ll like it: This one is part of the John Wick universe, so it shares much of the theatrical style, assassin-world lore, and intense physical action. If you like the world of Wick, this sidequel gives more of that with a new lead.
What to Expect vs John Wick
Here are what these movies generally share with John Wick, and where they diverge:
Similarities:
These movies share similarities in their highly choreographed fight and gun-play scenes, often featuring solo or near-solo protagonists driven by intense emotions like grief, revenge, or honor. They also typically have dark and stylish visuals with a strong emphasis on mood and tone, and are often set in underworld, assassin, or criminal society environments, creating a gritty and suspenseful atmosphere.
Differences:
While these movies share some similarities, they also have distinct differences. Some, like Bullet Train, incorporate more humor and ensemble casts, deviating from the typical stoic badassery. The emotional stakes can vary greatly, with some stories being more personal, like The Man from Nowhere, while others are more plot-driven.
The production style, budget, scope, and scale can also differ significantly, with some films like John Wick having higher budgets and more elaborate set pieces. Additionally, the focus on character depth and psychological cost can range from emphasizing catharsis through action to exploring the emotional toll on the characters.
Final Picks Based on Mood
If you're in the mood for something specific, here are some final picks. For raw vengeance and minimal fluff, Sisu or The Man from Nowhere are solid choices. If you're craving slick style and a spy or espionage vibe, Atomic Blonde is the way to go. If big spectacle and humor are more your thing, Bullet Train is a great bet. Fans of the John Wick universe will enjoy Ballerina, while those looking for non-stop action sequences should check out Extraction.