The 100 greatest movie hitmen, ranked by how good they are at their job

This text is a tribute to some of the most iconic and influential hitman characters in cinema history. The author discusses how these characters have left lasting impacts on the genre and continue to inspire new films.

One surprising aspect of Richard Linklater’s latest Netflix film, “Hit Man,” is its early debunking of the title’s fictional occupation. The director explores the history of Hollywood hitmen through a succinct cinematic essay, depicting how this concept has become interwoven into American folklore over nearly a century. Simultaneously, Glen Powell’s character clarifies that such a profession doesn’t exist in reality. No one is sitting around, ready to be hired via the internet for a few thousand dollars to resolve your issues in some secluded marsh.

Despite its controversial nature, the concept of a hitman continues to captivate us. It represents the allure of a solitary figure, thriving off the chaos and complexity of life, love, hate, sex, and death. The potential narratives are infinite. In essence, the hitman serves as our most blatant allegory for capitalism: an autonomous worker, frequently executing the unpleasant tasks of corporations, be they legitimate or illicit, earning a living unwillingly at the cost of others.

Hitmen possess an undeniable allure. They’re alluringly dangerous, intelligent, wealthy, and sophisticated killers, frequently portrayed by our most attractive and charismatic stars during the pinnacle of their sex appeal and coolness. The films featuring hitmen are often summer blockbusters brimming with elements of sex, murder, stylish attire, and intriguing locales. These plots offer a captivating blend of complexity and simplicity, allowing viewers to engage as deeply or casually as they choose. I challenge you to find someone who doesn’t enjoy a well-crafted hitman movie – such an individual would likely lack joy and excitement in their life.

For my own pleasure and hopefully yours, I’ve made the decision to compile a list of the top 100 hitmen in cinema history. Before we begin, let me clarify the rules:

As a seasoned gamer, I’d describe it like this: Here is a list of characters who have been hired to eliminate a particular target for financial reward. It’s essential to note that this doesn’t involve personal motivations such as politics, revenge, or self-defense. The primary focus is on the professional aspect of the assignment – no serial killers, no vigilantes seeking “justice,” no ideological suicide bombers, and no mind control like in “The Manchurian Candidate,” Bucky Barnes from “Captain America,” or Reggie Jackson from “The Naked Gun.”

It’s not necessary for you to finish the job in its entirety, as we’ve already taken care of that. Let me emphasize, we’ve already handled it. However, by involving incompetent hitmen, we can truly value and admire those who excel at their craft.

Tier 6: The Shitty Hitmen

100. Charley Partanna & Irene Walker (Jack Nicholson & Kathleen Turner), Prizzi’s Honor — Words can’t do justice to how awful Nicholson’s “yous guys” accent is in this, you have to find it online.

99. Owen Lift & Larry Donner (Danny DeVito & Billy Crystal), Throw Momma From the Train

98. Luca Brasi (Lenny Montana), The Godfather — Crazy, I know. But Brasi makes an incredible wedding toast, shows up to a meet as the least plausible double agent in the history of the mafia (refuses a drink and won’t shake hands to seal the arrangement), gets his hand stabbed, and is promptly garroted.

97. Jay (Neil Maskell), Kill List

96. Mickey (James Gandolfini), Killing Them Softly

As a fan, I’d rephrase it like this: I’d say that Greg Portman, played by Tomas Arana in “The Bodyguard,” seems to be the least brilliant hitman among all. At a party in Miami, he finds his target all by herself and fails to act, only to attempt an assassination during the Academy Awards ceremony as she receives her Best Actress Oscar on stage.

In the film “Exiled” directed by Johnnie To, it is demonstrated that strong human connections can negatively impact a hitman’s ability to carry out their assignments effectively.

As a fan, I’d describe “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind” this way: In this intriguing film directed by George Clooney, I, Chuck Barris, make an astonishing confession – I’ve allegedly taken the lives of 33 individuals. Yet, the movie itself seems to question the veracity of my claims, leaving us, the audience, in a state of uncertainty.

92. Seth (Paul Dano), Looper

The King’s Men, or the Killers of the Flower Moon: These individuals, marked by their despicable actions, have been systematically taking land and wealth from their neighbors and even their spouses. Their killings lack any artistic or noble qualities, yet they continue unabated in broad daylight. A cloak of institutionalized racism shields them, allowing these atrocities to persist with impunity.

90. Philip Raven (Alan Ladd), This Gun for Hire

89. Alex Lewis (Liam Neeson), Memory

88. Harlen Maguire (Jude Law), Road to Perdition — Killed by:

87. Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks), Road to Perdition

86. Vincent (John Travolta), Pulp Fiction — The record is as follows: He’s backup to Jules taking out a crew of stoned, Big Kahuna-eating debtors, whom he is nearly murdered by because of his poor attention to detail. He accidentally blows poor Phil LaMarr’s head off. He’s rude to The Wolf. And he leaves a machine gun in the kitchen of the apartment he’s supposed to be watching while he takes a shit, getting himself killed.

85. Ray & Ken (Colin Farrell & Brendan Gleeson), In Bruges — I love these two mismatched grouches stuck in a Belgisch purgatory, awaiting their fate, but one accidentally kills a kid, and one has a chance to complete an easy hit and blows it, resulting in his death.

84. Cappy Gordon (Jack Palance), Second Chance

83. Sierra Six (Ryan Gosling), The Gray Man

Tier 5: The Mediocre Hitmen

82. Ricky (Karl Scheydt), The American Soldier

81. Claude (Vince Edwards), Murder By Contract

80. Tom Reagan (Gabriel Byrne), Miller’s Crossing

79. Sun-woo (Lee Byung-hun), A Bittersweet Life

78. Frank Falenczyk (Ben Kingsley), You Kill Me

“The Killer” (Michael Fassbender): The entire film explores themes of imperfection and thwarted intentions, yet the sole contract killing depicted in the story ultimately ends in failure.

76. Robert Rath (Sylvester Stallone), Assassins

In the movie “Looper,” Joe, portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, spends his time in a cornfield. His job is to wait for individuals from the future to materialize, capturing them and executing them with a shotgun. This task is far from complex or sophisticated.

74. Jonathan Zimmermann (portrayed by Bruno Ganz), in “The American Friend” – I have previously discussed Ganz’s role as Zimmerman. He is an unusual assassin, a quiet picture framer who agrees to carry out a hit to secure his family’s future despite knowing he has a terminal blood disease. However, things go awry when he takes on an additional contract, and Tom Ripley, played by Dennis Hopper, steps in to help him clean up the mess.

73. Frank Bono (Allen Baron), Blast of Silence

Henry Brogan, portrayed by Will Smith in “Gemini Man” – I’ll be honest. Both Will and his clone possess impressive talents, yet unfortunately, they are let down by the film itself. I’m deducting points solely based on Ang Lee’s oversight of disabling motion smoothing.

71. John Deray (Michael Caine), The Marseille Contract

Tier 4: The Cartoon Characters

In the “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones,” Temuera Morrison portrays the character of Jango Fett. He is revealed to be the biological template for the clone army led by the Sith Lord, but the reason behind this remains unclear. Instead of carrying out a significant assignment himself, he hires Zam Wesell for an important task targeting Princess Padme. However, both Jango and Zam fail miserably – the former gets killed by a rancor beast, and his head is subsequently severed by Mace Windu.

69. John Wick (Keanu Reeves), John Wick: Chapter 2 — I know, I know. Hear me out. The only contract Baba Yaga actually takes is one he is forced into. Then the hit he’s going to be set up for taking basically kills herself before he can kill her, setting in motion the plot that will animate the next two films and ruin the lives of everyone John comes into contact with.

As a passionate fan of “The Watchmen,” I firmly believe in Zack Snyder’s intriguing interpretation of the Kennedy assassination: “My preferred theory? The Comedian, brilliantly portrayed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, was behind it all.”

Tommy “Buns” Bundy, also known as DMX in Belly, finds himself caught between two opposing sides. On one occasion, he dons a disguise and eliminates an adversary’s son in cold blood. However, things take an unexpected turn when he is covertly enlisted by a clandestine organization to assassinate Reverend Saviour. Surprisingly, Tommy chooses the path of righteousness despite the contract’s obligations. Ultimately, he fails to complete his assignment but manages to do what is good, just, and moral. However, adhering to the exercise’s guidelines compels me to criticize this complex character for his involvement in violence, even if it was ultimately for a noble cause.

66. Chiquita (Paula Ouch), Belly

Tony Montana, portrayed by Al Pacino in “Scarface,” delivers a compelling dual act. Two pivotal moments shape and ultimately shatter his life. Despite the numerous atrocities committed during the movie, Tony displays a glimmer of redemption by preventing the detonation of a bomb intended for a car carrying an activist/journalist’s family, putting cartel interests at risk. Consequently, retaliation from Sosa ensues in the form of a hit squad targeting Tony’s residence.

64. The Skull (Geno Silva), Scarface

63. The Fraternity, Wanted

62. Agent 47 (Timothy Olyphant), Hitman

61. Golgo 13 (Sonny Chiba), Golgo 13: Assignment Kowloon

60. Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

59. Oddjob (Harold Sakata), Goldfinger — This is a representative placeholder for all the Bond henchmen and assassins, because you can’t do them justice without hijacking the entirety of this list. Oddjob perfectly captures the giddy cartoonishness of this saturation era of Summer Drive-In Bond Flicks. Would also have heard arguments for Jaws, Francisco “Pistols” Scaramanga, Fatima Blush, Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd, Red Grant, The Three Blind Mice, Xenia Onatopp, and perhaps even Ernst Stavro Blofeld himself.

58. The Joker (Heath Ledger), The Dark Knight — I wouldn’t blame a critic for quibbling here. There are some arguments to be made that the Joker doesn’t actually want to kill Batman, because he says so himself. He obviously doesn’t complete the hit, but he takes half of every criminal dollar in Gotham, and nearly kills Batman.

As a dedicated gamer, I’d describe Chiaki Kuriyama’s character, Gogo Yubari from “Kill Bill,” this way: Among the assassins pursuing The Bride, I’m one of the few who take it as a profession rather than a personal matter. And let me tell you, I came pretty darn close to completing that mission!

56. Hammer Girl (Julie Estelle), The Raid 2

55. El Mariachi (Antonio Banderas), Once Upon a Time in Mexico — It’s El Mariachi, man. This guy has a guitar case full of guns. What else do you need?

54. Django Freeman & Dr. King Schultz (Jamie Foxx & Christoph Waltz), Django Unchained

Tier 3: The Henchmen

53. The Boat Crew, The Usual Suspects

52. The Crazy 88, Kill Bill: Can the proficiency of a team of 88 highly-trained assassins be questioned if they are all eliminated by a solitary six-foot-blonde woman in athletic attire wielding a sword? Grasping the enormity of this feat is not an easy task, considering The Bride and countless others attempted and failed where these 88 skilled individuals did.

51. Older Guy & John Boy (Keith David & Matt Bomer), The Nice Guys

50. The Soviets, Atomic Blonde

49. The One Armed Man/Sykes (Andreas Katsulas), The Fugitive

In the intriguing world of hitmen, Jeanette, portrayed by Marie-Josée Croze in “Munich,” stands out as a captivating Dutch assassin. Her allure and enigma shine brightly – yet tragically, it’s her distinctive scent that leads the team of assassins to identify and ultimately eliminate her. This scene, marked by Jeanette’s demise, ranks among the most impressive kills in Spielberg’s “Munich.”

As a skilled gamer, I’d describe it like this: “I, as the unstoppable character Charlie (Jai Courtney) in Jack Reacher, take down five unsuspecting opponents with an air of suspense and precision around PNC Park. The scene is meticulously crafted for a frame job, showcasing exceptional filmmaking and shooting techniques.”

As a fan of “Michael Clayton,” I’d describe the scene where Arthur Edens is killed as follows: The team’s execution of Arthur is undeniably the most ruthless and swift act in this film. Witnessing his sudden, brutal demise is one of the most shocking moments that leaves a lasting impact. Unfortunately, their plan to plant a bomb in Michael’s car goes awry, and they end up losing him during a high-speed chase. Despite our best efforts, we’re not infallible.

45. In “The Godfather,” the vengeful hitters: After Sonny Corleone’s murder, Vito swears off retaliation against the rival families, but Michael defies this decision. The film brilliantly weaves together tension and visual narrative as Michael assumes the role of Godfather at his nephew’s christening, while the hitmen discreetly prepare for their lethal missions.

Tier 2: The Hitmen

In an intriguing twist, Gary Johnson, as portrayed by Glen Powell in “Hit Man,” eliminates numerous lives on screen, catering to clients’ desires for fantasy assassinations. His true targets, however, are the emotionally wounded, distressed individuals he deceives and exploits for financial gain. Contrary to popular belief, Johnson doesn’t complete any contracted killings in this movie. Nonetheless, his chilling demeanor and unwavering ruthlessness make him a compelling and convincing candidate for the role of a professional hitman.

43. Bruno Antony (Robert Walker), Strangers On a Train

42. The Jackal (Bruce Willis), The Jackal

Tommy DeVito, portrayed by Joe Pesci in “Goodfellas,” may not appear as high up as one might expect. While it’s reasonable to assume his involvement in the Lufthansa Heist and its subsequent fallout, we can only confirm the deaths of Stacks Edwards and Morrie. These incidents lack poetic or moving impact due to the film’s overall portrayal of unsavory characters. Including Tommy in any hit count based on this film’s events would not align with our objective: a meticulous, factual analysis.

In this Italian film, “Salvo” (performed by Saleh Bakri), is portrayed as a chilling and fearsome character from the very beginning. An unforgettable scene, filmed from the victim’s perspective, creates an eerie atmosphere akin to horror. The scene is mostly silent with no background music, effectively conveying the feeling of being pursued by an assassin. Bakri delivers a menacing performance throughout the movie, but as in many stories, a code of honor proves to be the downfall for the hitman, who ultimately falls victim to the very hit he declines.

In the film “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” Angelina Jolie, portraying Mrs. Smith, carries out an individual assassination assignment that is both alluring and captivating, showcasing her remarkable abilities in attracting and deceiving targets – a skill not to be underestimated. Despite the common belief that being attractive and mastering seduction are essential talents for an assassin, Jolie delivers an unforgettable performance with a breathtaking leap from a building as she escapes the kill scene.

In this assassin duo, Brad Pitt as Mr. Smith outshines Angelina Jolie as Mrs. Smith due to a slightly greater number of casualties. The film offers a touch of poker, Pitt portrays a convincing drunken lout, and he sports the buzzcut from “Fight Club” that has grown slightly. The movie is enjoyable, with Pitt delivering loving forehead bumps as brothers in between eliminating all opponents.

37. Julian Noble (Pierce Brosnan), The Matador

Max von Sydow portrays the character Joubert in “Three Days of the Condor.” This figure embodies the enigmatic and immoral hitman style of Le Carré’s creations. He mercilessly eliminates targets to survive, yet possesses a captivating charm that chills to the bone.

35. The crew from Munich (Munich)

In the film “Shooter,” portrayed by Mark Wahlberg as Bob Lee Swagger, we witness an extraordinary demonstration of sniping skills right from the start. However, it’s important to note that uncontracted killings are generally off-limits for discussion. Yet, this movie is a compilation of impressive shooting feats. From popping dog food cans from a great distance to slicing helicopter blades mid-air, Swagger puts on a breathtaking performance akin to a trick-shot competition. And he does it all with his signature ponytail. That’s who Bob Lee Swagger is!

Leonard, portrayed by Guy Pearce in “Memento,” can be considered the most proficient killer in this lineup. He functions flawlessly as an assassin, responding to manipulation from his handlers to eliminate their targets. His compelling backstory and memory deficiency make him a complex character; however, these very traits also raise the question of whether he truly comprehends that he’s being paid for murder. Despite this ambiguity, it is suggested that Leonard has indeed carried out numerous contracts throughout the film.

Jackie Cogan, portrayed by Brad Pitt in “Killing Them Softly,” plays a multifaceted role in the film. He serves as the contractor, designer, human resources manager, collective bargainer, project manager, and skilled laborer all rolled into one. This comprehensive involvement is deliberate, reflecting the reality of a post-housing crash American economy where self-sufficiency is crucial for achieving anything due to betrayals and letdowns from various capitalist entities. In this context, Pitt’s character embodies the concept of vertical integration.

31. Miguel Bain (portrayed by Antonio Banderas): Among all the assassins depicted in the film, none have relished their role more than Banderas’ character. Unlike other killers who grapple with inner turmoil, this man takes great pleasure in eliminating lives.

30. Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck), The Accountant — A fascinating experiment: autism as a hitman superpower for a highly disciplined, double-exceptional killer. It refines an image that has become a trope unto itself: the meticulous assassin with a starched collar who mines a kind of functional OCD for their work.

As a gamer, I’d describe Léon’s role in “Leon: The Professional” like this: I, Léon, begin the movie by sneaking into the inner circle of a ruthless drug lord and his henchmen to take them down one by one with clever and exhilarating tactics. It’s a fantasy, yes, but as the guardian angel/moral compass of the story, I get to be more than just a hitman, protecting Natalie Portman while dishing out justice in style. The moral gray lines of my profession are blurred, but when you’re dealing with this much danger, we can overlook that detail.

Mitchell Braddock, portrayed by John Hurt in “The Hit,” is an ruthless and deadly individual. He eliminates almost everyone he encounters in the movie, regardless of their intentions towards him or their relationship to his objectives. His efficiency is unquestionable.

27. Kong/Joe (Pawalit Mongkolpisit/Nicolas Cage), Bangkok Dangerous — This 2008 remake feels like a semi-classic that’s been lost to time among the morass of forgettable action flicks Cage churned out in this weird period, all with nearly identical DVD covers. The 1999 Thai original is kinetic and inventive, a better film, but all in all, both are pretty great.

26. Wong Chi-Ming (Leon Lai), in “Fallen Angels” by Wong Kar-wai: A captivating and unconventional exploration of love, existentialism, and chaos from the perspective of an unrestrained hitman and his eccentric aide. This film employs surreal elements reminiscent of dreams, yet Wong’s masterful direction leaves no doubt about his cinematic prowess.

Martin Blank, portrayed by John Cusack in “Grosse Pointe Blank,” stands out as a unique and proficient hitman. The movie is deserving of more recognition for its gritty, dark, and prescient narrative. It paved the way for the criminals-in-therapy theme that became popular in the late ’90s with shows like “The Sopranos” and “Analyze This,” which gained greater acclaim later on.

As a huge fan of “Pulp Fiction,” I’d describe Samuel L. Jackson’s character, Jules, as Vincent’s polar opposite. While Vincent is straightforward and somewhat unintelligent, Jules is eloquent and quick-thinking. He’s deep in thought and holds spiritual values, contrasting Vincent’s animalistic instincts driven by sensual pleasures. Ultimately, it’s Jules who makes the crucial decisions – when to act and whom to target. His impact on ’90s American cinema is undeniable, making him an unforgettable figure in film history.

As a passionate gamer and a big fan of western movies, I can’t help but highly recommend the Coen Brothers’ underrated masterpiece, “True Grit.” This film, based on Charles Portis’ novel, is a breath of fresh air in the genre, bringing out the humor and depth that was often overlooked when it was first released as a John Wayne vehicle back in 1969.

As a fan, I’d describe Heizo Sahara, portrayed by Arata Furuta in Takashi Miike’s “13 Assassins,” as a character who adds an intriguing twist to the narrative about duty and morality. Unlike his fellow assassins, who seem dedicated to their cause for altruistic reasons, Sahara stands out as the only one working for monetary compensation.

Two formidable hitmen, Jean-Louis Trintignant as Lucien and Roy Scheider as Lenny, engage in an intriguing game of hide-and-seek in the film “The Outside Man.” Given their ruthless natures, it’s a close call. However, I lean towards acknowledging the legendary status and unyielding French temperament of Trintignant’s character.

Tier 1: Killer Elite

20. Charlie Storm (Lee Marvin), The Killers — Charlie is cool as hell as a hardened, seasoned silver fox near the end of his rope, trying to solve the mystery of a lucrative hit that was too easy. His search for an answer makes for one of the great hard-boiled crime neo-noirs.

In this scene from “The Godfather Part II,” portrayed by Robert De Niro as Vito Corleone, demonstrates exceptional skill and precision in executing a hit on Don Fanucci. This is a pivotal moment in Vito’s criminal career, where he must look his target in the eye and pull the trigger, making it an intimate kill. It could be considered a quid pro quo arrangement, with financial rewards factored in between Vito, Clemenza, and Tessio. The scene is masterfully crafted by Coppola, with subtle details such as the flickering light bulb adding tension as Fanucci screws it back in, unaware of the impending danger. De Niro’s portrayal of Vito waiting patiently with a towel-wrapped arm, and the swift execution with bullets to the heart and cheek, leaving a bullet in the corpse’s mouth – this is how an assassination should be filmed.

18. Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro), The Irishman — Scorsese’s bookend to his organized crime trilogy features Frank Sheeran, a real person who claims to have killed 25-30 people for the Bufalino crime family. The veracity of these claims is up for some debate, but the murder of Al Pacino as Jimmy Hoffa, Sheeran’s dear friend, may be the saddest onscreen kill the master ever committed to film.

As a huge fan of Michael Shannon’s acting abilities, I can’t help but be captivated by his mesmerizing performances on the silver screen. Among these notable roles is that of Richard Kuklinski in “The Iceman.” This character showcases Shannon at his best as an unnerving and terrifying portrayal of a psychopath. Kuklinski’s violent tendencies are not just a means to an end, but rather a necessary outlet for him to preserve his fragile equilibrium and sanity within the confines of his own world.

16. Forest Whitaker as Ghost Dog:, the most thoughtful, ethical, and spiritually grounded assassin depicted here. In an episode of The Sopranos during Columbus Day, Whitaker executes acts of retribution and justice, subtly altering the balance of karma. The introductory track by Killa Priest sets the tone for this film, emphasizing the importance of commitment to principles and way of life as they crumble away. Ghost Dog’s assassination technique includes shooting a mobster through the drain in his hideout, right between the eyes – an impressive display.

Meiko Kaji’s ranking as #15 on this list should be reconsidered, given her significant influence on Japanese cinema and beyond, particularly in the ’60s and ’70s action genre. Notably, she is an essential inspiration for Quentin Tarantino. However, her film “Lady Snowblood,” which showcases many of her most impactful performances, primarily focuses on revenge kills. Initially, though, Yuki, portrayed by Kaji, works as an assassin. The movie opens with a contracted hit, where she eliminates a group of gangsters.

14. Arthur Bishop (Charles Bronson/Jason Statham), The Mechanic — Bronson and Statham had to be here, but I wasn’t expecting them to finish this high. And yet, this might be either legend’s best film? Bronson’s original is cheap, and kind of looks and sounds like a capsule Boogie Nights parody porn shot by Paul Thomas Anderson as Jack Horner, but is brutal and effective exploitation. Its spirit is retained and even improved on in the remake. When Statham kills his handler (the late Donald Sutherland), his only friend and the tether to his humanity, it’s both tender and shocking in its sudden cold-bloodedness.

13. Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), The Godfather — There is simply no kill on this list that means more to the history of cinema than Michael fishing that pistol out from behind the old-school toilet in that Italian restaurant in the Bronx and popping McCluskey and Sollozzo, removing an immediate threat for Vito and starting a war between the five families. When you consider it’s Michael’s first act as a member of the family, and his first kills outside the theater of war, this is Magic winning the chip as a rookie.

12. Alejandro Gillick, portrayed by Benicio del Toro in “Sicario,” personifies the ruthless actions of a clandestine faction, determined to combat cartel brutality through their own lawlessness. He is transformed into a grim reaper of vengeance, having suffered the loss of his family and ultimately seeking retribution for the tragedy. A disturbing and gripping portrayal.

11. The Jackal (Edward Fox), The Day of the Jackal: An unconventional film that continues to pave the way for new storytelling techniques. The Jackal is a master of disguise and an expert in both lovemaking and assassination. His ultimate objective, which is as much a spiritual and intellectual quest as it is a professional assignment.

Stanley Tucci’s character, Khamel, makes a significant impact in “The Pelican Brief” despite being a peripheral figure. In the first 15 minutes of this ’90s legal thriller, featuring two major stars, Khamel manages to execute not one, but two Supreme Court justices in quick succession within Washington D.C. One of these killings takes place in a public area, specifically a porn theater, adding an element of shock and audacity. Furthermore, he may have been responsible for Sam Shepard’s death via a car bomb while the actor was in an intoxicated state. Khamel’s performance is both efficient and chilling.

Donnie Yen’s portrayal of Caine in “John Wick: Chapter 4” stands out among the franchise’s impressive roster of assassins. From Ms. Perkins and the colorful characters at The Continental, to the entertaining performances by Common, we’ve seen some fantastic scenes. However, none can compare to Donnie Yen’s breathtaking introduction as a blind assassin in a hotel kitchen. His action sequences blend the lines between reality and artistry, showcasing both impressive athleticism and raw emotion. Caine is unlike any other cinematic hitman we’ve seen before – a mesmerizing mix of Gene Kelly’s grace, Jean Claude Van Damme’s power, and a Harlem Globetrotter’s agility with a gun. The choreography in the kitchen scene is nothing short of magnificent balletic violence. Moreover, Caine’s ultimate mission is to eliminate the seemingly invincible John Wick, saving his daughter in the process. And remarkably, he manages to accomplish this feat (for now).

8. Nikita/“Josephine” (Anne Parillaud), in “La Femme Nikita” – The genesis of Luc Besson’s captivating, lethal women. This movie lays the foundation for the “John Wick” franchise, immersing us into the intricately woven world of a clandestine organization of global assassins. Nikita is a force to be reckoned with, transforming from a rebellious delinquent into a proficient killer, effective in both close quarters and long range. However, this film transcends typical action fantasies, exploring the genuine human elements and emotional depths beneath its surface, as opposed to portraying larger-than-life comic book characters – an aspect that likely contributed to the success of a long-running cable television series based on it.

7. Angel Eyes (Lee Van Cleef), a formidable antagonist in the iconic Spaghetti Western film “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” – his menacing presence and unwavering commitment to completing tasks for which he is compensated make him a standout choice among other possible roles considered for this maximalist portrayal.

In “Collateral,” Vincent, portrayed by Tom Cruise, is a ruthless and amoral nihilist who is hired for a deadly assignment in the sprawling and disconnected metropolis of Los Angeles. Adept with any weapon and hand-to-hand combat, he boasts an intelligence that matches his deadly skills, as well as an irresistible charm. His immorality is complete, making him an unstoppable force. Not even the formidable goatee of Mark Ruffalo can hinder his progress.

5. Shuji Kamimura (Joe Shishido), A Colt Is My Passport — Whatever the impact of this movie has been, it’s not great enough. Feels like a Velvet Underground situation, where it may not have gotten the audience it deserved, but everyone who saw it went on to make or star in a movie with a hitman. A story that haunts me is that the star, Joe Shishido, was a young, blandly handsome actor who decided to augment his features in an attempt to get better parts. He got cheekbone implants, which gave him an unforgettable, distinct look (like a hot guy with the mumps). It worked: he went on to become a star. This is his masterpiece, an impossibly stylish hit gone wrong that builds to a classic crescendo in just 84 minutes. As soon as I wrap this blurb up I’m going to start working on my hitman screenplay.

4. Ogami Ittō (Tomisaburo Wakayama), Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance — Few films can claim to have sparked not just a great six-film series but an entire genre. That’s what Kenji Misumi accomplished with the first installment following the adventures of this groundbreaking character. The conceit of a cold-hearted killer in charge of a precious, adorable, vulnerable child is a formula so enticing it has stretched all the way to the Star Wars universe. But, gimmick aside, Ogami Ittō is a slippery, compelling hero and anti-hero with his own ideas of what constitutes honor and dignity. He keeps you guessing, and at times you want to root against him, but you can’t when faced with his son beaming up at him. A perfect formula.

3. William Munny (Clint Eastwood), Unforgiven — “Who’s the fella who owns this shithole?” If you’re still reading, you just got chills. Once again, I feel at a loss for the proper superlatives. It’s Eastwood. How many people has this guy killed on screen? But Munny is his lasting masterpiece, in the first paragraph of his obituary. Unforgiven is a film that doesn’t invent the neo-western, but perfects it, a Liberty Valance that fucks. A kind of coda that obviously doesn’t close the book on a genre that once defined American popcorn cinema, but is probably its final, lasting statement. Munny’s climatic massacre of Little Bill’s crew, when he embraces his nature, the killer he’s resisted the entire film, is so fucking great that no matter how many times the themes and beats of this film and this specific type of climactic bloodletting are replicated, they will never be improved upon.

As a fan, I’d describe “Le Samouraï” by Jean-Pierre Melville as a captivating blend of a procedural investigation and an introspective exploration of existence. The opening scene sets the stage for a meticulously planned hit, revealing Jef (Alain Delon) taking great care to establish an alibi and manipulate time with his mistress. This preparation proves crucial in evading detection from the relentless commissaire.

Chow Yun-fat as Ah Jong in “The Killer”: John Woo’s groundbreaking masterpiece continues to captivate audiences with its electrifying intensity, first released 35 years ago. A pioneering blend of hitman films, this seminal work bridges the gap between the somber, existential hitman movies emerging from France and New Hollywood in the ’70s and the extravagant action and excessive violence of Japanese gangster films and Spaghetti Westerns, as well as American blockbusters in the ’80s. Woo skillfully balances the gritty realism of each kill, immersing viewers in the gloomy atmosphere and surreal sets, while releasing a thousand doves. This innovative aesthetic has left an indelible mark on major multi-billion dollar action franchises and contemporary prestige genre films still striving to emulate its energy and vision.

Chow Yun-fat is an indispensable element in Woo’s films, bringing his unique blend of toughness and emotional restraint to life as the brooding, intense protagonist who commands the screen. His portrayal of Ah Jong, also known as Jef, is reminiscent of the solitary anti-heroes found in classic French and American action movies, with a dash of superhuman badassness akin to Joe Shishido and Tomisaburo Wakayama’s iconic roles. This compelling combination of grit and pathos has been replicated countless times yet continues to captivate audiences.

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2024-07-14 16:21