Ranking The 10 Best Movies That Channel John Wick's Style

Natalie Brooks

5 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

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The Gun-Fu Masters: Movies Mirroring John Wick's Action Choreography

John Wick's impact on action cinema is undeniable, particularly its innovative approach to gun-fu. The precision, the impact, the balletic brutality – it's a style many filmmakers have attempted to replicate. The best John Wick style movies understand that effective gun-fu isn't just about shooting; it's about choreography, martial arts prowess, and close-quarters combat expertise seamlessly integrated.

• Innovative Fight Choreography: Movies like The Raid: Redemption and its sequel, The Raid 2, set a new standard for realistic and intense fight sequences. The brutal efficiency and innovative use of the environment mirrors John Wick's approach. Similarly, Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior showcases the power and precision of Muay Thai, influencing the visceral impact of John Wick's fight scenes.

• Practical Effects and Stunt Work: Many films rely heavily on CGI to create their action sequences, but the best action movies like John Wick prioritize practical effects and skilled stunt work. This commitment to realism elevates the impact of the fight scenes and makes them more believable and engaging. The Night Comes for Us, for example, features some of the most impressive and brutal hand-to-hand combat ever filmed, all achieved with practical effects.

• Beyond Guns: While guns are certainly a staple of John Wick's style, the best imitators also showcase a variety of weapons and fighting styles. Knives, melee weapons, and even improvised weapons become extensions of the characters' skills, mirroring the versatility displayed in John Wick's arsenal.

Neo-Noir Atmosphere and World-Building: Capturing John Wick's Gritty Underbelly

Beyond the action, John Wick's success lies in its meticulously crafted world. The neo-noir atmosphere, the stylish visuals, and the cinematic lighting all contribute to the film's gritty and immersive feel. The best stylish action movies understand the importance of creating a believable and engaging underworld.

• Visual Style and Lighting: The dark, desaturated color palettes and strategic use of lighting in John Wick create a sense of tension and mystery. Films like Blade Runner 2049, with its stunning visuals and atmospheric lighting, capture a similar mood. Drive, with its neon-drenched Los Angeles nightscape, further exemplifies this neo-noir aesthetic.

• Immersive Underworld Settings: John Wick's Continental Hotel, a neutral ground for assassins, is a powerful example of world-building. The best neo-noir action films create equally compelling settings – hidden societies, criminal organizations, and morally ambiguous characters all contribute to the immersive experience. Sin City, with its stark black-and-white visuals and stylized violence, creates a visually striking and memorable underworld.

• Morally Ambiguous Characters: The protagonists in these films aren't always heroes in the traditional sense. They're often morally grey characters operating in a world of shadows, making their actions and motivations complex and engaging.

The Anti-Hero's Journey: Exploring the Relatable Ruthlessness

The appeal of John Wick lies partially in his relatable ruthlessness. He's an anti-hero, driven by revenge and a desire for justice within a morally ambiguous world. This archetype is central to many successful John Wick style movies.

• Compelling Protagonists: These anti-heroes are not simply violent; they possess depth, complexity, and often a tragic backstory that makes them compelling. Their motivations, while often brutal, resonate with audiences.

• Emotional Depth and Complexity: The best John Wick inspired films delve into the emotional turmoil of their protagonists, revealing their vulnerabilities and making them more human despite their violent actions.

• Complex Motivations: The reasons behind their actions are nuanced, often involving loss, betrayal, or a sense of injustice. This depth adds complexity and elevates the narrative beyond simple revenge stories.

The Top 10 List: Our Ranking of the Best John Wick-Inspired Films

Here are our top 10 picks for films that capture the essence of John Wick's stylish action and compelling storytelling. This list encompasses a range of films, showcasing the diverse ways filmmakers have channeled John Wick's unique style. (Note: Images or trailers would be included here for each film in a published article).

1. The Raid: Redemption (2011) - Gareth Evans
2. The Night Comes for Us (2018) - Timo Tjahjanto
3. John Wick (2014) - Chad Stahelski (The original, for comparison!)
4. Nobody (2021) - Ilya Naishuller
5. Atomic Blonde (2017) - David Leitch
6. Drive (2011) - Nicolas Winding Refn
7. Haywire (2011) - Steven Soderbergh
8. Blade Runner 2049 (2017) - Denis Villeneuve
9. The Equalizer (2014) - Antoine Fuqua
10. Upgrade (2018) - Leigh Whannell

Conclusion

From the exhilarating gun-fu to the atmospheric neo-noir settings and compelling anti-heroes, many films have successfully channeled the unique style of John Wick. This list showcases the best of these, offering a diverse range of cinematic experiences that share a common thread of stylish violence and captivating storytelling. These best action movies of all time, in their own right, offer a thrilling exploration of action cinema at its finest.

Ready to experience more adrenaline-fueled action that echoes the brilliance of John Wick? Explore our ranked list and discover your next favorite John Wick style movies! Let us know your thoughts on our top 10 in the comments below!