The John Wick series has become one of the most iconic action franchises of the modern era. Known for its breathtaking choreography, sleek battles, and a lead character who speaks little but acts decisively, John Wick has captivated audiences worldwide with its relentless action. If you’re a fan of John Wick, you’ll likely appreciate a similar type of cinematic thrill—films that feature cool protagonists, stylishly staged action, and jaw-dropping fight choreography. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best John Wick movies you should check out, alongside the achievements that helped the series become a global sensation.
1. John Wick (2014)
Director: Chad Stahelski | Streaming on: Various platforms
What’s it about? The first film in the John Wick franchise introduces us to a retired hitman (Keanu Reeves) who is forced to come out of retirement after his beloved dog is killed by a Russian gangster. What follows is a relentless, high-octane journey of vengeance as Wick takes on the criminal underworld that wronged him.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: The original John Wick film is a game-changer in the world of action movies. Its sleek choreography, world-building, and intense fight sequences were revolutionary for the genre. The minimalistic approach to dialogue and the focus on action set the template for what would become one of the most beloved action franchises in recent years.
Critics and Achievements: The film received widespread critical acclaim for its unique take on the action genre. It was praised for its inventive fight scenes, precise choreography, and Keanu Reeves’s performance. The movie grossed over $88 million worldwide, making it a surprising hit and cementing its place in action movie history.
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
2. John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
Director: Chad Stahelski | Streaming on: Various platforms
What’s it about? The second installment dives deeper into the criminal underworld established in the first film. John Wick, once again forced to take action, is forced to honor an old debt, leading him into a dangerous conspiracy where allegiances are tested and his past decisions come back to haunt him.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: John Wick: Chapter 2 expands on everything fans loved in the first movie, bringing more complex action scenes, a deeper exploration of the criminal world, and a much larger-scale adventure. The action is more refined, the stakes are higher, and the world-building is richer than before. It's a perfect follow-up that sets up the escalating thrill of the subsequent films.
Critics and Achievements: Critics lauded the film’s pacing and stunt work, especially its highly stylized fight sequences and Keanu Reeves’s continued mastery of the role. The film grossed over $171 million globally, confirming the franchise's growing appeal.
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
3. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019)
Director: Chad Stahelski | Streaming on: Various platforms
What’s it about? Picking up immediately after the events of the second film, Chapter 3 sees John Wick on the run after being excommunicated from the assassin’s guild. With a bounty placed on his head, Wick must fight his way through hordes of assassins as he seeks refuge from an ever-growing threat.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: Chapter 3 takes the action to a whole new level, offering even more intense and beautifully choreographed sequences, including the thrilling motorcycle chase and the iconic knife fight. The film amplifies the stakes, adding more depth to the lore and keeping fans on the edge of their seats throughout. It’s bigger, better, and more exhilarating than its predecessors.
Critics and Achievements: Once again, the film received critical praise for its action sequences, with particular focus on the creativity of the choreography. The film grossed over $326 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing action films of the year. It also earned several awards, including nominations for Best Stunt Coordination at the 2020 Taurus World Stunt Awards.
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
4. Hard Boiled (1992)
Director: John Woo | Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video
What’s it about? Set in Hong Kong, Hard Boiled follows a tough cop (Chow Yun-fat) as he attempts to take down a ruthless gang while dealing with the emotional fallout of losing his partner. The film features wild gunfights and intense hand-to-hand combat, characteristic of John Woo's style.
Why John Wick Fans Will Love It: Hard Boiled is often considered a precursor to the high-intensity action scenes seen in John Wick. Directed by John Woo, the film offers explosive gunfights, meticulous choreography, and a dark, stylish aesthetic. Without John Woo’s influence, there might not be a John Wick series as we know it today.
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
5. Atomic Blonde (2017)
Director: David Leitch | Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video
What’s it about? Set against the backdrop of the Cold War in Berlin, Atomic Blonde stars Charlize Theron as MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton, who is sent to investigate the murder of a fellow agent. She must navigate a web of deceit and international intrigue, all while engaging in intense combat and spy craft.
Why John Wick Fans Will Love It: Much like John Wick, Atomic Blonde features a cool and capable protagonist who handles brutal fight scenes with finesse. The film is renowned for its fluid action sequences, including the unforgettable one-take fight in a stairwell. If you love slick choreography and tough-as-nails leads, this film delivers in spades.
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
6. The Raid (2011)
Director: Gareth Evans | Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video
What’s it about? A police SWAT team enters a high-rise building occupied by a ruthless drug lord, with the goal of taking him down. However, they find themselves trapped as the building turns into a deathtrap, leading to brutal, close-quarters combat.
Why John Wick Fans Will Love It: The Raid features some of the most intense hand-to-hand combat ever captured on screen, making it a perfect choice for John Wick fans who appreciate tight, fast-paced action. The choreography is stunning, and the film’s raw energy is palpable.
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Conclusion:
For John Wick fans, the world of intense action and sleek choreography doesn't end with Wick's saga. From the brutal martial arts of The Raid to the stylish combat of Atomic Blonde, there are plenty of films that deliver a similar high-octane experience. These films share the same elements that made John Wick such a beloved series: fast, well-choreographed action, cool protagonists, and unforgettable fight scenes. Whether you're a fan of sleek gunplay, intricate martial arts, or relentless action, these movies are sure to satisfy your need for thrills.
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