I still remember when John Wick first came out in 2014 – it was a total game changer! The movie throws you right into the action with Keanu Reeves as a retired hitman who’s forced back into the life when some gangsters steal his car and, even worse, kill his puppy. What really stood out to me was how incredibly stylish and intense it was, with these amazing, long-take action sequences that were just beautifully choreographed and brutal. Honestly, I think John Wick single-handedly breathed new life into the action genre and reminded everyone just how great Keanu Reeves is in these kinds of roles.
The film, influenced by classic revenge stories, Hong Kong action films, and neo-noir, was a huge success with both audiences and critics. It’s grown into a franchise with three sequels, a TV series called The Continental, and a spin-off movie, Ballerina, plus video games and comics. The film also sparked a trend of action movies focused on stylish fights, intense violence, and a sleek look. John Wick himself changed what people expect from action heroes. He’s part of a new wave of protagonists who rely more on skill, quiet determination, and physical performance than on being big and talkative.
The impact of John Wick on today’s movies is clear, from big-budget blockbusters to smaller independent films. It’s changed action cinema with its highly skilled, solitary assassins, detailed underworld rules, and stylish, fast-paced gunfights, leaving a lasting impression on the genre.
‘Kate’ (2021)
Netflix
In her last assignment, a highly skilled assassin named Kate discovers she’s been poisoned. With limited time left, she sets out on a violent quest for revenge, determined to find out who betrayed her. Kate is a fast-paced action film filled with striking visuals and a touch of dark humor. While praised for its style, some viewers found the story predictable and similar to other action movies, like John Wick.
While Kate shares similarities in style and story with other action films set in gritty urban environments, it sometimes relies too heavily on those influences to truly feel original. However, viewers who enjoy fast-paced, over-the-top action and revenge plots will likely be very entertained.
‘Atomic Blonde’ (2017)
Focus Features
Featuring Charlize Theron as a spy tasked with recovering a stolen list of secret agents just before the Berlin Wall fell, Atomic Blonde trades the contemporary setting of John Wick for the tense atmosphere of the Cold War. However, it shares a similar stylish look and sparse dialogue with the Keanu Reeves action film.
Look, as someone who loves action movies, it wasn’t a shock to see Atomic Blonde mentioned. David Leitch, one of the guys behind John Wick, directed it, and you can feel his background in stunts. Every fight scene isn’t just chaotic, it’s beautifully done – like a really violent dance. The impacts are sharp, the choreography is amazing, but it still feels brutally realistic, you know? It’s just a masterclass in action filmmaking.
‘Extraction’ (2020)
Netflix
Even though critics had varying opinions, Extraction became Netflix’s most popular original movie ever, attracting over 99 million viewers in its first month. The film’s success led to a sequel, and reports suggest another sequel and a spin-off are also being planned. The story follows Chris Hemsworth as an Australian mercenary hired to rescue the kidnapped son of an Indian drug lord in Bangladesh.
The movie delivers a series of over-the-top action sequences with a few surprising turns and betrayals. Though the story spans the globe and the lead actor isn’t as subtle as Keanu Reeves in John Wick, the fight scenes share a similar style: focused on accuracy, practical stunts, and long takes that emphasize powerful impact rather than flashy visuals.
‘Hotel Artemis’ (2018)
Open Road Films
Although Hotel Artemis had a promising idea and a talented cast featuring Jodie Foster, Jeff Goldblum, Charlie Day, and Dave Bautista, it didn’t perform well in theaters, earning only $13.3 million despite costing $15 million to make. The film centers on a nurse who operates a hidden hospital for criminals in a futuristic Los Angeles. While the movie’s detailed rules for the criminal underworld clearly draw inspiration from John Wick, it creates a unique and interesting world. Unfortunately, that world feels underdeveloped, suggesting a richer story that never fully materializes.
This film embraces the dark, stylish action of John Wick, where the violence feels less like the main point and more like a way to move the story forward. The fight scenes are carefully choreographed and remind you of Keanu Reeves’ best work. Along with the movie’s strange and beautiful city settings, it’s clear that John Wick had a big impact on Hotel Artemis.
‘Monkey Man’ (2024)
Universal Pictures
Dev Patel’s directorial debut, Monkey Man, is a hidden action masterpiece where he also plays the lead role. The film takes inspiration from the fast-paced, visually striking action of John Wick and its gritty underworld, but adds a unique cultural perspective rooted in India. While the hero’s quest for revenge is motivated by broader social and political issues compared to John Wick, the film still delivers the same thrilling, intense, and beautifully choreographed fight sequences.
Although it shares some elements with other action films, Patel’s movie stands out with its raw, shaky camera work during fight scenes, which makes the action feel incredibly visceral and exciting. The film’s distinctive Asian setting and cultural details also give it a unique identity, setting it apart from many other movies inspired by John Wick and allowing it to forge its own path.
‘Bullet Train’ (2022)
Sony Pictures
Unlike the serious tone of John Wick, Bullet Train is a funny and action-packed movie set entirely on a fast-moving Japanese bullet train. Brad Pitt stars alongside a talented cast including Sandra Bullock, Brian Tyree Henry, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Joey King. The story follows a group of assassins with different goals who all end up on the same train. As the train races forward, things get increasingly tense, and they find themselves in a dangerous showdown.
I really enjoyed Bullet Train, and it’s easy to see why David Leitch, one of the directors behind John Wick, was chosen for the job. He brought his signature action style – super energetic, visually stunning, and, let’s be honest, pretty violent – but he also added a lot of fun. There’s a definite Jackie Chan influence with the physical comedy, and a touch of Tarantino’s dark humor and pop culture nods. Plus, it’s got a great ensemble cast. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it’s a genuinely fun ride and feels surprisingly fresh.
‘Love Hurts’ (2025)
Universal Pictures
Marvin Gable is a successful real estate agent with a secret past – he used to be a hitman. When someone puts a target on his back, he’s forced to dust off his old skills to survive. The movie, directed by Jonathan Eusebio, features exciting and inventive action sequences that are clearly inspired by films like John Wick, but it also draws from a variety of other influences.
Subscribe for deeper dives into John Wick’s action legacy
Discover deeper analysis and curated picks by subscribing to our newsletter—explore how John Wick reshaped action filmmaking, find must-see films inspired by its style, and follow evolving trends in choreographed combat and cinematic design.
The film draws inspiration from many sources, including the heartfelt emotions of Everything, Everywhere All at Once, classic romantic comedies like When Harry Met Sally and The Proposal, and older Hong Kong action films. However, these influences don’t quite come together, resulting in an overly ambitious movie that feels messy, tonally uneven, and ultimately disappointed both audiences and critics.
‘Nobody’ (2021)
Universal Pictures
Rounding out director David Leitch’s contributions is Nobody, a film with a similar gritty feel to John Wick, though it also includes plenty of humor. Like many action movies, it centers on a former hitman who’s pulled back into a life of violence. This time, Bob Odenkirk plays an ordinary family man who has to defend his loved ones when a dangerous criminal seeks revenge.
As a huge fan of action films, I was blown away by Nobody. It clearly builds on the incredible style of John Wick – those amazing long takes, perfectly planned fights, and incredible gun-fu are all there – but I honestly think director David Leitch has leveled up his game. The action feels even more raw, immediate, and gripping than before. What really sets Nobody apart, though, is the main character. Unlike the cool, almost untouchable John Wick, Bob Odenkirk’s character is funny, a little bit of a mess, and really relatable. I think that’s why so many people, including me, loved it – it was both a critical and box office success!
Found an error? Send it info@movieweb.com so it can be corrected.
Read More
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Wanna eat Sukuna’s fingers? Japanese ramen shop Kamukura collabs with Jujutsu Kaisen for a cursed object-themed menu
- Bob Iger revived Disney, but challenges remain
- First look at John Cena in “globetrotting adventure” Matchbox inspired movie
- Outlander’s Caitríona Balfe joins “dark and mysterious” British drama
- Mystic Realms introduces portal-shifting card battles with legendary myth-inspired cards, now available on mobile
- How TIME’s Film Critic Chose the 50 Most Underappreciated Movies of the 21st Century
- Jacobi Elordi, Margot Robbie’s Wuthering Heights is “steamy” and “seductive” as critics rave online
- Avengers: Doomsday’s WandaVision & Agatha Connection Revealed – Report
- TOWIE’s Elma Pazar stuns in a white beach co-ord as she films with Dani Imbert and Ella Rae Wise at beach bar in Vietnam
2026-02-08 22:22