If you loved the 2021 action thriller “Nobody” starring Bob Odenkirk as a seemingly ordinary family man who turns out to have a very particular set of skills from his secret past, then you’re probably craving more movies with a similar vibe. You know, the kind of films where an unassuming everyman reveals himself to be a total badass and goes on a rampage of revenge against the bad guys who messed with the wrong dude.
Well, you’re in luck, because I’ve rounded up the 18 best movies that deliver the same kind of gritty, brutal, and wildly entertaining action as “Nobody.” From cult classics to recent blockbusters, these flicks are packed with pulse-pounding thrills, jaw-dropping fight scenes, and vigilante justice that will keep you glued to the screen. So grab some popcorn, strap in, and get ready for an adrenaline-fueled movie marathon.
1. John Wick (2014)
When it comes to movies like “Nobody,” the “John Wick” franchise is the gold standard. In the first film of the series, Keanu Reeves plays the titular character, a retired hitman who goes on a bloody quest for vengeance after some thugs break into his home, steal his car, and worst of all, kill his beloved puppy (which was a final gift from his recently deceased wife). With slick neo-noir style, heart-stopping action sequences, and a fascinating underworld of assassins, “John Wick” is an absolute blast from start to finish.
2. The Equalizer (2014)
Denzel Washington stars as Robert McCall, a mild-mannered former special agent who now lives a quiet life and works at a home improvement store. But when he meets a teenage girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) who is under the control of violent Russian gangsters, McCall dusts off his old skills and dishes out some brutal vigilante justice to save her. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, “The Equalizer” is a stylish and hard-hitting thriller that proves once again why Denzel is one of the all-time great action stars.
3. Wrath of Man (2021)
Director Guy Ritchie and star Jason Statham, who previously teamed up for crime comedies like “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch,” reunite for this gritty and intense revenge thriller. Statham plays a mysterious new security guard for an armored truck company who surprises his coworkers with his deadly efficiency during a heist. But his true motives are slowly revealed through a series of nonlinear flashbacks, leading to a bloody climax of retribution. With a stacked cast that also includes Holt McCallany, Jeffrey Donovan, and Josh Hartnett, “Wrath of Man” is a must-watch for Ritchie and Statham fans.
4. John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
The second installment in the “John Wick” series ups the ante with even more insane action and world-building. This time, Wick is forced out of retirement (again) by a blood oath to an Italian crime lord, sending him on a globe-trotting mission of mayhem from New York to Rome. With dazzling cinematography, bone-crunching fights, and a scene-stealing turn by Common as a rival assassin, “John Wick: Chapter 2” is a more-than-worthy sequel that expands the mythology of the franchise.
5. The Equalizer 2 (2018)
Denzel Washington returns as Robert McCall in this solid sequel that finds the vigilante on a personal mission of revenge after his friend and former colleague (Melissa Leo) is murdered. While not quite as fresh as the first film, “The Equalizer 2” still delivers the goods with intense action set pieces (including a climactic showdown in a coastal town during a hurricane) and Washington’s magnetic screen presence. Plus, it’s always a pleasure to see Bill Pullman show up, this time as McCall’s old CIA handler.
6. Ballerina (2023)
This South Korean action thriller follows a young woman named Mina (Jeon Jong-seo) who was raised to be a deadly assassin but now dreams of becoming a ballerina. When her former mentor and father figure is murdered, Mina must use her lethal skills to protect herself and seek revenge against the powerful gangsters responsible. With stylish visuals, kinetic fight choreography, and a breakout performance by Jeon, “Ballerina” is a high-octane and emotionally charged entry in the “female assassin” subgenre.
7. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019)
In the third chapter of the “John Wick” saga, our hero finds himself on the run with a $14 million bounty on his head after being declared “excommunicado” by the shadowy assassins’ guild known as the High Table. With even more mind-blowing action (including a fight in a stable full of horses and a swordfight on motorcycles), “Parabellum” is a relentlessly thrilling ride that also delves deeper into Wick’s backstory and introduces memorable new characters like Halle Berry’s Sofia, another highly skilled assassin with a pair of loyal attack dogs.
8. Sweet Girl (2021)
Jason Momoa stars in this Netflix action thriller as a devastated husband who vows to get justice for his wife’s death and protect his daughter (Isabela Merced) at all costs. But as he uncovers a vast conspiracy involving a pharmaceutical company and some dangerous criminals, he realizes that the mission will be far more complicated and perilous than he imagined. While the plot takes some predictable turns, “Sweet Girl” is elevated by Momoa’s intense performance, well-choreographed fight scenes, and a clever twist that recontextualizes everything that came before.
9. Trigger Warning (2024)
Jessica Alba headlines this upcoming Netflix action movie as Parker, a Special Forces veteran who returns to her hometown after her father’s mysterious death. As she investigates, Parker uncovers a web of corruption and danger that forces her to unleash her lethal skills to protect her family and get to the truth. With a stacked supporting cast that includes Anthony Michael Hall, Tone Bell, and Jake Weary, “Trigger Warning” looks like a promising addition to the “female vigilante” subgenre.
10. American Ultra (2015)
Jesse Eisenberg plays against type as Mike Howell, a seemingly ordinary stoner who works at a convenience store and plans to propose to his girlfriend, Phoebe (Kristen Stewart). But Mike soon discovers that he’s actually a highly trained CIA sleeper agent when his former handler (Connie Britton) “activates” him to save his life from government assassins. With a clever mix of action, comedy, and romance, “American Ultra” is a fun and offbeat take on the “secret agent” thriller that coasts on the quirky chemistry between Eisenberg and Stewart.
11. Kate (2021)
In this neon-soaked Netflix action flick, Mary Elizabeth Winstead plays the titular character, a ruthless assassin who is poisoned and given only 24 hours to live. With the clock ticking, Kate rampages through the Tokyo underworld to get revenge on her killers, forming an unlikely bond with the teenage daughter (Miku Martineau) of one of her past victims along the way. Featuring stylish visuals, bone-crunching action, and a fierce lead performance by Winstead, “Kate” is a cool and pulpy blast of adrenaline.
12. Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse (2021)
Based on the 1993 novel by Tom Clancy, this Amazon Prime action thriller stars Michael B. Jordan as John Clark, a Navy SEAL who seeks revenge after Russian assassins murder his pregnant wife. As he uncovers a vast international conspiracy, Clark must navigate the murky waters of CIA politics while honing his skills as an elite operative. While not quite as memorable as the Jack Ryan films, “Without Remorse” is still a solid and gritty military thriller anchored by Jordan’s charismatic performance.
13. Atomic Blonde (2017)
Charlize Theron is a total force of nature as Lorraine Broughton, an MI6 agent tasked with retrieving a crucial dossier in Berlin during the final days of the Cold War. With its neon-drenched cinematography, pulse-pounding soundtrack, and jaw-dropping action choreography (including an instantly iconic stairwell fight sequence), “Atomic Blonde” is a stylish and brutal spy thriller that cements Theron’s status as one of the premier action stars of her generation. Plus, it has a great supporting cast including James McAvoy, John Goodman, and Sofia Boutella.
14. Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)
Karen Gillan leads the way in this stylish and colorful Netflix action flick about Sam, a second-generation assassin who must protect an 8-year-old girl after a job goes wrong. To survive the onslaught of rival hitwomen and crime syndicates, Sam teams up with her estranged mother (Lena Headey) and her lethal associates, played by Angela Bassett, Carla Gugino, and Michelle Yeoh. While the plot is a bit thin, “Gunpowder Milkshake” makes up for it with eye-popping visuals, inventive fight scenes, and the sheer joy of watching these amazing actresses kick ass together.
15. Polar (2019)
Based on the webcomic series by Victor Santos, this Netflix action thriller stars Mads Mikkelsen as Duncan Vizla, aka the Black Kaiser, a legendary assassin who comes out of retirement when his former employer marks him as a liability and sends a squad of younger, ruthless killers to eliminate him. With its hyper-stylized violence, darkly comedic tone, and gonzo performances by Mikkelsen and Vanessa Hudgens (as one of the assassins), “Polar” is a wild and blood-soaked ride that earns its comparisons to “John Wick.”
16. Extraction (2020)
Chris Hemsworth stars as Tyler Rake, a black-market mercenary who is hired to rescue the kidnapped son of an imprisoned Indian drug lord in Dhaka, Bangladesh. But the mission quickly goes awry, forcing Rake to navigate a city on lockdown while protecting the boy from rival gangs and corrupt police. Produced by the Russo Brothers (of Marvel fame) and featuring blistering action sequences (including a jaw-dropping 12-minute single take), “Extraction” is a gritty and propulsive thriller that showcases Hemsworth’s impressive physical prowess.
17. The Protégé (2021)
Maggie Q stars as Anna, a skilled contract killer who was rescued as a child by the legendary assassin Moody (Samuel L. Jackson) and trained to follow in his footsteps. But when Moody is brutally murdered, Anna embarks on a globe-trotting mission of revenge, putting her up against a charming but dangerous adversary (Michael Keaton). With sleek action, exotic locations, and playful chemistry between Q and Keaton, “The Protégé” is a fun and stylish throwback to classic espionage thrillers.
18. Peppermint (2018)
Jennifer Garner delivers a gritty and intense performance as Riley North, a mother who transforms herself into a lethal vigilante after her husband and daughter are murdered by a drug cartel and the corrupt justice system fails to bring their killers to justice. With brutal action sequences and a relentless pace, “Peppermint” is a satisfying revenge thriller that allows Garner to showcase her impressive physical skills and dramatic chops in a rare leading action role.
So there you have it, 18 pulse-pounding, adrenaline-fueled movies that are sure to satisfy any fan of “Nobody” and its particular brand of gritty, revenge-driven action thrills. From the stylish neo-noir of “John Wick” to the colorful and comedic “Gunpowder Milkshake,” these films offer a wide range of tones and settings while still delivering the goods when it comes to jaw-dropping fight scenes, intense shootouts, and badass vigilante justice.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic like “The Equalizer” or want to discover a hidden gem like “Polar,” this list has something for every action junkie. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to be blown away by these unforgettable thrill rides. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself wanting to take up martial arts or become a secret assassin after watching them. As always, remember to keep it legal and safe in the real world, and save the vigilante justice for the big screen.
