Movies

10 Must-Watch Assassin Movies That Will Blow Your Mind

BBG News

Hollywood has had a lasting interest in assassins, portraying them variously as antagonists, such as in films like The Godfather and Mission: Impossible, or more recently as complex anti-heroes such as John Wick. These characters are frequently positioned as adversaries to secret agents, law enforcement officers, and other heroic figures. They often exude a chilling aura that makes them compelling on the silver screen. At their peak, assassins are shown as individuals propelled by skill and dedication, creating some of the most challenging opponents for a hero to face.

Characters such as those found in movies like “Ballerina” and the “Hitman” series remain popular in Hollywood, providing audiences with a wealth of entertainment. These characters offer versatility, being suitable for genres spanning from comedy to thriller and action, resulting in an array of excellent films to select from. From iconic figures of the ’90s to groundbreaking action movies, they are consistently worth watching.

Directed by George Armitage

  • Rent on AppleTV

Grosse Pointe Blank

The movie centers around Martin Blank, a seasoned assassin, who finds himself back in his childhood town of Grosse Point. Coincidentally, this is the same time when his old school arranges their tenth reunion. Amidst catching up with old friends, Martin attempts to blend into his former social circle while staying under the radar until he finishes his assignment. Yet, things take an unexpected twist as he encounters an old flame, causing more complications in his life, not least of which is a rival assassin lurking around town.

In a more relaxed rewording, “Grosse Pointe Blank is not as grim as other assassin films, instead, it presents a ’90s hitman character played by Cusack amidst a romantic comedy setting, which creates an extraordinary mix.” Alternatively, “While most people lean towards the grittier aspects of assassin films, Grosse Pointe Blank stands out by featuring a ’90s hitman role for Cusack in a romantic comedy context, creating a unique and memorable blend.

Directed by Quentin Tarantino

  • Stream on AMC+

The movie Pulp Fiction revolves around two hitmen, Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield, who execute tasks assigned by their boss, the infamous LA crime lord Marsellus Wallace. Their job is filled with one mishap after another, from them hastily cleaning up their car following a murder to Vincent babysitting Wallace’s wife. After a brush with death, Jules starts contemplating his life as an assassin, while Vincent’s destiny eventually leads him into a showdown with a former boxer on the run.

Prior to “Pulp Fiction”, characters such as Jules and Vincent, who were typically low-ranking henchmen and hitmen, often took a backseat in movies. However, the unique decision to portray organized crime from their perspective resulted in an engaging blend of comedy and thriller. Although they weren’t the top-tier professionals like The Jackal or the invincible experts such as the Deadly Vipers, their escapades working for Wallace resonated deeply with a new wave of movie enthusiasts.

Directed by Denis Villeneuve

  • Stream on Netflix

Sicario revolves around FBI agent Kate Macer, who gets drawn into a special task force led by the CIA, with the objective of disrupting Mexican drug cartel activities. Joining CIA operative Matt Graver and an enigmatic assassin named Alejandro Gillick, she engages the cartels in their own territories and uncovers corruption within American institutions. However, when the team’s last assignment arrives, she discerns that she has been manipulated towards a hidden objective: not to disband, but to manage the cartels instead.

Sicario conceals its assassin revelation until the climax, yet it masterfully reshapes the entire narrative, making a second viewing essential to fully grasp its depth. Upon rewatching, Sicario transforms from a law enforcement saga into a methodical assassin retribution tale, where the protagonist remains oblivious until the finale. One of Taylor Sheridan’s finest works, the film effectively launched his New American Frontier Trilogy and stands as one of his most unforgiving thrillers.

Directed by Chad Stahelski

  • Rent On AppleTV

The story of John Wick unfolds as we find ourselves in the life of a retired assassin named John, who was once married and is now left with only a pet dog given to him by his deceased wife. However, this canine companion is tragically taken from him when a gang, including the son of a powerful mob boss, cruelly kills the puppy and assaults John. In response to this heart-wrenching event, John decides to return to his old ways and seeks vengeance for his beloved pet. He reconnects with his former associates and embarks on a lone crusade against the entire criminal family, resulting in intense gunfights as he systematically eliminates members of the Mafia.

In the 2010s, John Wick nearly single-handedly set a new standard for action films, excelling in both gripping fight sequences and visually striking cinematography. The movie’s neon-lit scenes create an exhilarating action experience, while its deep dive into a hidden society of assassins adds richness to the storyline. Nowadays, it’s hard to think of anyone associated with Hollywood assassin roles as closely as John Wick.

Directed by Fred Zinnemann

  • Rent On AppleTV

The novel “The Day of the Jackal” revolves around a secretive British assassin known as the Jackal, who is hired by a right-wing French group, OAS, with the objective of killing President Charles de Gaulle. As French intelligence starts closing in on the remaining members of OAS, they uncover this impending plot, just as the Jackal begins executing his plan in Paris. With a tenacious French detective on the case, events escalate quickly as the Jackal must constantly alter his plans due to growing suspicion among more individuals.

The novel “The Day of the Jackal” is still renowned for its portrayal of a meticulous and genius assassin, who is almost like a chameleon in his knack for executing his tasks unnoticed and uncaptured. Over the years, it’s challenging to find an excellent assassin film that doesn’t acknowledge the 1973 original. Edward Fox’s portrayal of the Jackal is a career-defining role for him, and the adaptable character trait has become a common element in this genre.

Directed by Luc Besson

  • Rent on AppleTV

The story of “Leon: The Professional” commences when a crooked group of DEA agents, under the command of Stansfield, brutally slaughters a family associated with the drug trade. Unfortunately for them, they miss one member – Matilda, the daughter. With no other options to survive, she seeks refuge with their enigmatic neighbor, Leon, who is an assassin living in seclusion. Initially hesitant, Leon eventually takes her under his wing, teaching her the deadly craft of killing. This enables Matilda to prepare her revenge against Stansfield and his henchmen.

The movie features Gary Oldman’s memorable portrayal of Stansfield, alongside Jean Reno and Natalie Portman’s unconventional father-daughter relationship, making it an edgy ’90s assassin film that fans will appreciate. Although some parts of the narrative may seem outdated now, it remains a compelling story about revenge. The character Leon, despite being a skilled hitman, is portrayed as a likable figure due to his well-written nature, solidifying his status as one of cinema’s finest assassins.

Directed by Jean-Pierre Meville

  • Stream on Prime Video and MAX

As a cinephile, I find myself captivated by the intrigue-filled narrative of “Le Samourai.” In this film, I step into the shoes of Jef Costello, a meticulous assassin known for crafting flawless alibis to accompany his deadly deeds. However, after my latest assignment, I’m noticed and that leads to a power struggle with my employer, leaving me in a precarious position as the authorities delve deeper into the case. With time running out, I embark on an urgent quest to unmask my client before it’s all over.

Le Samourai” is a movie that may not be widely recognized by mainstream American audiences, but it offers an exceptional portrayal of a hitman’s life and character, as well as the loneliness inherent in his profession. This masterpiece of French Noir manages to achieve what many assassin films fail to do – it encourages viewers to empathize with and support the tragic protagonist. The film is remarkably modern in its themes, seeming more akin to the raw crime tales of ’70s Hollywood than anything else. With enough tension to keep audiences hooked until the very end, it’s a timeless piece that continues to captivate viewers today.

Directed by Joel & Ethan Coen

  • Stream on Paramount+ and MGM+

1980 serves as the backdrop for this story, which kicks off when a Texas hunter named Llewelyn Moss stumbles upon a satchel brimming with money at a crime scene involving a violent gang shootout. After secretly stashing the cash, Moss revisits the crime site and finds himself pursued by ruthless mob hitmen, forcing him to go into hiding. In hot pursuit is Anton Chigurh, an assassin who shows no mercy. As Moss comes to terms with being relentlessly hunted, he devises a plan to barter for his life. Meanwhile, a small-town sheriff embarks on a search to find him.

In a remarkable turn of events, the movie “No Country For Old Men” transformed from excellent to exceptional due to its villain, portrayed brilliantly by Javier Bardem as Chigurh. Often lauded as the most convincing portrayal of a psychopath on screen, Chigurh’s extraordinary intensity made him scarier than many horror movie antagonists, largely because he was virtually unstoppable in the film. His ruthless, relentless demeanor and twisted personal moral code earned him one of cinema’s most formidable assassins.

Directed by Michael Mann

  • Stream on Paramount+

The story unfolds when a ruthless assassin named Vincent hails a taxi in Los Angeles driven by a laid-back individual called Max. At first, Vincent appears to be just another passenger, but when one of his hits becomes public knowledge, he coerces Max into joining his sinister schemes to ensure his own safety and success throughout the night. Meanwhile, an LAPD detective is hot on the trail of Vincent, aiming to apprehend him before he can carry out a series of murders that could potentially wipe out a witness roster linked to the mob. As the night progresses and events grow increasingly ominous, Max’s chances of escaping the dangerous predicament become slimmer and slimmer.

In this rephrased version, the text presents an authentic and gritty portrayal of a hitman to its viewers, skillfully embodied by Tom Cruise in one of his outstanding performances. The character’s cold, composed demeanor towards his profession makes him a chilling antagonist, standing among Mann’s top villains. As a notable entry in the neo-Noir genre, the film is not just a compelling narrative but also an atmospheric experience, offering a grim, cynical view of life from the perspective of the villain.

Directed by Quentin Tarantino

  • Stream on USA Network and NBC

The film “Kill Bill” centers around the narrative of The Bride, a previous assassin who regains consciousness following an attempted assassination by her former mentor and lover, Bill, which left her comatose. Believing her unborn child to be deceased due to the attack, she sets out on a vengeful path, eliminating each member of her old assassin group, the Deadly Vipers. Her journey takes viewers through various encounters, such as her battle with O-Ren Ishii and the Crazy 88, leading up to her climactic confrontation with Bill. The plot delves into the backstories of assassins in a broader sense, offering insights into their origins.

As a film critic, I can confidently say that there’s nothing quite like Kill Bill in the world of action-packed assassin movies. This masterpiece of 21st century cinema is a breathtaking blend of intense action sequences and deep emotional depth.

Uma Thurman delivers an outstanding performance as a formidable action hero, and the cast of memorable villains provides a challenging fight that truly tests her mettle. The two-part saga perfectly encapsulates everything you’d want in an assassin story.

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2025-06-01 17:07

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