John Wickis one of the strongest assassins in movie history, but there are plenty of examples that could definitely hold their own against Keanu Reeves’ iconic action hero. Following the announcement thatJohn Wick 5is officially happening, we can now say for certain that the fan-favorite character will return. In fact,Keanu Reeves will play John Wickin two upcoming movies in addition to hisBallerinacameo.
There are dozens ofexcellent fight sequences in theJohn Wickmovies, and Reeves’ protagonist almost always comes out on top. One of the best things about this series is just how creative and innovative the action can be, whether that’s the infamous shootout through a hall of mirrors inJohn Wick: Chapter 2or the lengthy scramble through Paris inJohn Wick: Chapter 4.The series’ protagonist displays plenty of quick thinking and fierce combat skillsin these moments, but that doesn’t mean he’s indestructible.
10Joe - Looper (2012)
Played By Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis has played several action heroesthroughout his extensive career, butLooper’s Joe remains one of the most interesting. His character in Rian Johnson’s film is an assassin who’s hired to murder convicted criminals from the future who have been sent back in time, but things take a dark turn when his next victim ends up being a future version of himself.Much ofLoopercenters around Joe’s conflicting moral dutiesfor his job and his own self-interests, with the character ultimately choosing himself and doing everything in his power to protect his own safety.
9Vincent & Jules - Pulp Fiction (1994)
Played By John Travolta & Samuel L. Jackson
While Jules and Vincent may not be the first people that come to mind when discussing skilled assassins, they certainly fit the bill - and they’ve survived more dangerous encounters than most. Not only is Jules saved by an apparent miracle at the beginning ofPulp Fiction, buthe’s also capable of dissolving an extremely volatile situation at the dinertowards the end of Quentin Tarantino’s iconic thriller. He may not have the combat skills necessary to take down John Wick in a one-on-one fight, but he could definitely use his words to his advantage.
8Aguilar - Assassin’s Creed (2016)
Played By Michael Fassbender
WhiletheAssassin’s Creedmovie gets a bad reputationfor its loose adaptation of the video games’ universe and fairly underwhelming storytelling, one area where it succeeds is through its protagonist. Fassbender’s protagonist Aguilar fits neatly into this sharp, stylish universe with his charismatic personality and fierce combat strength, which rivals even the most talented of opponents in the world ofJohn Wick. Although he lived during the 15th century and didn’t have access to the same technology as Reeves’ protagonist, the powers granted to him by the Animus make him one of the strongest assassins in cinema.
Played By Tom Hanks
Sam Mendes’Road to Perditionis one of the filmmaker’s most underrated projects, and it also features one of Tom Hanks’ most underappreciated performances to date.Hanks plays a conflicted hitman who is torn between his loyaltyto the crime family that he serves and his love for his young son, who witnessed a terrible crime that places him in grave danger. The film explores very potent ideas of power, responsibility, and the enduring power of love in ways that very few movies about assassins could manage. It’s one ofHanks’ most underrated characters, but he’s an undeniably powerful one.
6John & Jane - Mr & Mrs. Smith (2005)
Mr & Mrs Smithmay be a much funnier and more lighthearted movie than most in its genre, but that doesn’t detract from the combat strength of its characters. Both Brad Pitt’s John and Angelina Jolie’s Jane are extremely skilled assassins, as proven by their difficulty killing each other when the job calls for it.
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They employ a wide range of tricks and strategies to gain the upper hand over the other, buttheir wisdom and keen sense of perception always keep them both on top. These are invaluable skills shared by Reeves’ protagonist inJohn Wick, as he can always outthink his enemies.
5Agent 47 - Hitman: Agent 47 (2015)
Played By Rupert Friend
Another fiercely violent movie based on a video game franchise,Hitman: Agent 47takes everything that’s so compelling about the story of the games and transforms it into a much richer, more character-driven story. Whilethe 2015 film certainly has its weaknesses, Rupert Friend’s portrayal of Agent 47 is one of its biggest strengths; the actor perfectly captures the raw stoicism that makes him such a compelling protagonist. He’s never afraid to get creative with his kills and always thinks quickly on his feet, which are crucial skills that he shares with John Wick.
4Natasha Romanoff - MCU (2010-2021)
Played By Scarlett Johansson
First introduced inIron Man 2before finally appearing in her own standalone movie over a decade later, Natasha Romanoff is one ofthe strongest human members of the Avengers.She’s an incredibly precise assassinwho spent many years training in the KGB’s Red Room facility, turning her into a fearless killing machine. Of course, this contrasts strongly with her caring personality and unwavering loyalty to her friends, but none of this makes her weaker. She can still tackle any opponent that’s thrown in her direction, and John Wick would be no different.
3Vincent - Collateral (2004)
Played By Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise’s antagonist fromCollateralis certainly one of the most intimidating and domineering assassins in movie history, even if Cruise isn’t often remembered for his villainous roles. Michael Mann is renowned for his unforgettable villains and complex moral discussions, but Vincent is among his most simplistic figures - a completely detestable man who bears very few redeeming characteristics at all.
The film centers around Vincent’s journey with a cab driver named Max, whom he forces to stay quiet while he undergoes his criminal assignments.Collateralremains an excellent example of how to make such unlikable antagonists fit so neatly into a story.
2Léon - Léon: The Professional (1994)
Played By Jean Reno
There have been plenty ofgreat movies about assassins, but Luc Besson’s gripping crime thrillerLeon: The Professionalmay be the best of the bunch.The French director brings his signature style to this dark, gritty thrillerthat deals with themes of power, control, and ambition while navigating an action-packed story about the life of a mercenary. The film centers around a young girl who’s taken in by a solitary hitman after a job takes a dangerous turn, leaving the girl secluded from her family and forced to grow up in the company of a seasoned killer.
1Anton Chigurh - No Country for Old Men (2007)
Played By Javier Bardem
Javier Bardem’s Oscar-winning performance is one of the most noteworthy things about the Coen brothers’No Country Old Men, a captivating thriller about a lonesome lawman who takes it into his own hands to retrieve a large sum of money following a drug deal gone wrong. What ensues is a deadly game of cat-and-mouse as Bardem’s Chigurh hunts down Josh Brolin’s protagonist to retrieve the money, employing a huge array of tricks and tactics to get the upper hand. While he naturally doesn’t have as many fight scenes asJohn Wick, he displays a sharp mind that makes him a formidable enemy.
