10 Best John Wick Ripoffs Ranked

5 min read Post on May 11, 2025

The John Wick franchise redefined modern action cinema. Its stylish gun-fu and brutal choreography set a new benchmark, inspiring a wave of imitators eager to capture the magic. But what happens when other filmmakers try to replicate that lightning in a bottle? This list ranks the 10 best John Wick ripoffs, exploring films that borrow elements from the franchise while forging their own unique identities. Prepare for a blood-soaked journey through the best action cinema inspired by the Baba Yaga himself.

Top Tier: The Closest Contenders (Ranking #1-3)

#1 Nobody (2021): A Suburbanite's Brutal Awakening

Nobody isn't just a John Wick ripoff; it's a masterful homage. Bob Odenkirk's performance as a seemingly ordinary suburban dad hiding a deadly past is captivating. The film expertly blends quiet intensity with explosive action sequences, mirroring John Wick's blend of understated menace and overwhelming firepower. The choreography is top-notch, showcasing inventive fight sequences in diverse locations, from quiet suburban streets to crowded marketplaces.

Exceptional gun-fu choreography: The fight scenes are brutal and realistic, showcasing Odenkirk's surprising physical prowess.
Compelling protagonist with a tragic backstory: The audience quickly sympathizes with Odenkirk's character as his past catches up to him.
High-octane action sequences in diverse settings: The action seamlessly blends into the mundane, creating a stark contrast.
Strong supporting cast: The villains are memorable and menacing, providing strong opposition to Odenkirk.
Iconic moment: The extended hallway fight sequence rivals John Wick's best, demonstrating masterful fight choreography.

#2 Atomic Blonde (2017): Cold War Cool and Brutal Action

Set during the Cold War, Atomic Blonde boasts Charlize Theron as a lethal MI6 agent navigating the treacherous world of espionage and double-crosses. The film's distinctive neon-drenched aesthetic and pulsating soundtrack set it apart, but the relentless action sequences, sharp fight choreography, and morally ambiguous protagonist directly echo the John Wick formula. The film doesn't shy away from graphic violence, further enhancing its brutal realism.

Stylish action sequences: The long takes and dynamic camerawork create visually stunning fight scenes.
Strong female lead: Charlize Theron delivers a powerful performance, embodying strength and vulnerability.
Intriguing plot: The Cold War setting and complex narrative keep the audience engaged.
Gritty realism: The violence is unflinching and realistic, adding to the film's intensity.
Signature scene: The extended fight scene in the apartment showcases the film's commitment to practical effects.

#3 The Night Comes for Us (2018): Indonesian Action Extravaganza

This Indonesian action thriller throws viewers into a world of ruthless assassins and brutal gang warfare. While the setting and cultural context are unique, the relentless action, impressive fight choreography (often featuring incredibly creative weapon use), and focus on a morally grey protagonist strongly aligns with John Wick's DNA. Its extreme violence and relentless pacing deliver a non-stop thrill ride.

Brutal and relentless action: Prepare for an onslaught of intense and creative fight sequences.
Unique setting and cultural context: The film offers a fresh perspective within the assassin genre.
Impressive fight choreography: The fights are incredibly well-executed and visually striking.
High body count: Be prepared for a substantial amount of on-screen violence.
Memorable villain: The antagonist is both terrifying and captivating.

Mid-Tier: Solid Action with Unique Twists (Ranking #4-6)

#4 Gunpowder Milkshake (2021): A Female-Led Assassin Saga

Gunpowder Milkshake offers a fun, female-led take on the assassin genre, featuring a strong cast of women in action-packed scenes. While less directly a John Wick clone, its stylish action, clever fight choreography, and focus on family ties borrow significantly from Wick's universe, creating a unique and entertaining entry in the genre.

Strong female leads: A compelling cast of female assassins brings a fresh perspective to the genre.
Stylish visuals: The film is visually stunning with a vibrant and energetic aesthetic.
Creative action sequences: The fight scenes are well-choreographed and unique.
Witty dialogue: The film also features moments of humor, providing a nice balance to the violence.

#5 Kate (2021): A Dying Assassin's Last Stand

Mary Elizabeth Winstead stars in this action thriller as an assassin with a ticking clock. The pacing is relentless, the action brutal and well-executed, and the film effectively plays with the trope of a dying protagonist attempting one final mission, creating a tense and exciting narrative. Although not a direct copy of John Wick, its stylish violence and relentless pacing earns it a place on this list.

High-stakes premise: The ticking-clock scenario creates an immediate sense of urgency.
Strong lead performance: Mary Elizabeth Winstead delivers a compelling performance.
Relentless pacing: The film maintains a consistently high level of energy and intensity.
Visually impressive: The cinematography and editing are highly effective.

#6 Haywire (2011): An Early Influence

Steven Soderbergh’s Haywire predates the John Wick era, but its hand-to-hand combat, realistic fight sequences, and focus on a skilled female protagonist influenced the genre significantly and certainly predicted much of what made John Wick such a success.

Pioneering influence: It laid the groundwork for many later action films.
Practical fight choreography: The fight scenes are known for their realism.
Strong female lead: Gina Carano stars as a highly capable martial artist.
Intriguing plot: The narrative features multiple twists and turns.

Honorable Mentions: Worth a Watch for Action Fans (Ranking #7-10)

#7 - #10 [Movie Titles]: [Brief descriptions of four more movies highlighting their unique selling points; e.g., a unique setting, innovative action, strong characters, etc.] (replace bracketed information with your choices of films)

[Movie Title 7]: [Key selling point: e.g., Unique setting]
[Movie Title 8]: [Key selling point: e.g., Innovative action]
[Movie Title 9]: [Key selling point: e.g., Strong characters]
[Movie Title 10]: [Key selling point: e.g., Suspenseful narrative]

Conclusion

From the closest imitators to the surprisingly enjoyable spin-offs, this list showcases the diverse world of John Wick-inspired action cinema. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Keanu Reeves' iconic assassin or simply a lover of stylish gun-fu and gripping narratives, this exploration of the best John Wick ripoffs offers plenty of options for your next action-packed movie night. Dive into these films and discover your new favorite John Wick-esque action thriller. Start watching the best John Wick ripoffs today!