5 Perfect Action Movies of Recent Years to Watch While Waiting for John Wick 5
The future of the John Wick franchise just got its most exciting update, but until the fifth installment comes out you have to watch something, right?
Even though there's no news if Keanu Reeves is coming back for the new movie, the fact that John Wick 5 is still happening is amazing. And it's no surprise that people want it to come to theaters, as action movies are one of the most popular genres in cinema, because they deliver heart-pounding excitement and keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Over the past five years, the genre has seen incredible growth, combining high-octane fight choreography, jaw-dropping stunts, and inventive storytelling. But while Hollywood still leads the industry, the most exciting action films of recent years have come from around the globe.
With that in mind, here are 5 movies you need to see before John Wick 5 hits theaters.
1. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
_36599.webp)
The iconic Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, played by Tom Cruise, returns to Top Gun to train a new generation of aviators for a high-stakes mission in this Joseph Kosinski. His team includes the cocky Hangman, the confident Phoenix, and the son of Maverick's late best friend, Rooster, who still holds a grudge.
The 2022 film is a perfect sequel to the iconic original. It has heart, exploring Maverick's journey, the bond between the pilots, and a poignant reunion with Iceman. What's best is that while it could have relied only on nostalgia, the movie delivers high-caliber entertainment that matches the excitement of the genre.
2. RRR (2022)
The highest grossing Indian film of 2022 worldwide is RRR, directed by S.S. Rajamouli. Set in 1920s British-occupied India, the movie follows two revolutionary figures, Komaram Bheem and Alluri Sitarama Raju, who form an unlikely friendship while fighting against the British Empire. The movie combines inventive action sequences with a gripping story of friendship and betrayal.
“I’ve spent some time now trying to discern what distinguishes RRR from some of the more run-of-the-mill, tired action movies coming out of India. I believe it boils down to the heart of the story. RRR does not sacrifice storytelling at the expense of action setpieces. While the action is certainly breathtaking, it’s all enabled by incredible character and a profound story of friendship and patriotism,” Redditor eventfulnothings said.
3. Tenet (2020)
Christopher Nolan 's Tenet is another masterpiece worth mentioning here. This mind-bending action thriller twists the usual spy formula with a time-inversion concept that creates unpredictable and visually stunning set pieces.
Although the story can be challenging to follow, Tenet rewards viewers who embrace its complexities with a unique, unforgettable experience. And the performances of John David Washington and Robert Pattinson make it all worthwhile.
4. Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)
Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah and starring Will Smith, Martin Lawrence and Joe Pantoliano, the film brings a new energy to the Bad Boys franchise and creates some of the most exciting action sequences.
For example, by adding a thrilling first-person shooter perspective. And Smith and Lawrence's chemistry remains at the heart of the film, balancing humor and high-stakes action.
5. Nobody (2021)
Fans of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, this one's for you. Nobody stars Bob Odenkirk as Hutch Mansell, a seemingly ordinary suburban dad who is pushed to the edge after a home invasion. Seeking revenge for his daughter's stolen bracelet, he finds himself up against the Russian mob and forced to unleash the skills of his former life as an assassin.
“In the way that Keanu really made the John Wick movies so great, Bob Odenkirk just makes this movie so awesome. Revenge movies are kind of a dime a dozen but the actors in these two really set them apart in my opinion,” Redditor chrisball96 said.
