If you loved the gritty, high-stakes world of 'Hotel Artemis' (2018), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that capture the same intense action, dark humor, and dystopian vibes. Whether you're a fan of underground crime syndicates or futuristic chaos, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Oldboy (2003)
Description: A dark, twisted revenge thriller with visceral action and a morally complex narrative. The film's brutal fight scenes and psychological depth create a haunting, unforgettable experience.
Fact: The famous hallway fight scene was shot in one take and took three days to film. The film won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival and is considered a masterpiece of modern cinema.


The Equalizer (2014)
Description: A vigilante action film featuring a retired operative who returns to his violent past to protect the innocent. The story unfolds in a gritty urban setting with meticulous, almost surgical violence.
Fact: Denzel Washington trained in Krav Maga for his role, and the film's climax was inspired by classic Western showdowns. It is loosely based on a 1980s TV series of the same name.


Dredd (2012)
Description: A gritty, violent action film set in a dystopian future where law enforcement operates within a confined, high-rise environment. The story focuses on survival and justice in a lawless urban jungle.
Fact: The film was shot in 3D, with practical effects and minimal CGI to enhance its visceral feel. It was a box office disappointment but gained a cult following for its faithful adaptation of the comic book character.


The Man from Nowhere (2010)
Description: A brutal and emotional action film about a quiet man with a violent past who is drawn back into the underworld to save a child. The story balances intense action with deep personal stakes.
Fact: The film's climactic knife fight took weeks to choreograph and is considered one of the best action sequences in Korean cinema. It was a box office hit in South Korea and won several awards.


The Accountant (2016)
Description: A thriller about a highly skilled but socially isolated protagonist who operates in the shadows of the criminal underworld. The film combines meticulous action with a cerebral, methodical narrative.
Fact: Ben Affleck trained with a Navy SEAL to prepare for his role, learning how to handle weapons and perform tactical maneuvers. The film's script was on the 'Black List' of best unproduced screenplays for years before being made.


Atomic Blonde (2017)
Description: A stylish, neon-drenched spy thriller with intense action sequences and a morally ambiguous protagonist. The film blends brutal fight scenes with a cold, calculating narrative set in a shadowy world of espionage.
Fact: Charlize Theron performed most of her own stunts, including a nearly 10-minute-long one-take fight scene. The film is based on the graphic novel 'The Coldest City,' set during the fall of the Berlin Wall.


John Wick (2014)
Description: A high-octane action thriller set in a stylized criminal underworld with its own set of rules and codes. The protagonist navigates through a violent, neon-lit world with precision and brutal efficiency.
Fact: The film was initially conceived as a revenge story for an older protagonist, but Keanu Reeves' involvement led to a younger, more dynamic character. The movie's iconic pencil scene was inspired by a real-life incident involving a hitman.


Upgrade (2018)
Description: A cyberpunk action thriller where technology and violence intersect in a near-future setting. The protagonist's transformation into a lethal weapon is both visually striking and thematically dark.
Fact: The film's unique camera movements were achieved using a rig that allowed the camera to move independently of the actors. It was made on a modest budget but received critical acclaim for its innovative action sequences.


The Villainess (2017)
Description: A hyper-stylized action film featuring a female assassin navigating a world of betrayal and violence. The film's kinetic fight scenes and emotional intensity mirror the protagonist's inner turmoil.
Fact: The opening motorcycle chase scene was shot in a single, dizzying take. The film blends elements of 'La Femme Nikita' and 'Kill Bill,' creating a unique blend of action and drama.


Nobody (2021)
Description: A darkly comedic action film about an unassuming family man who reveals a lethal skill set when pushed to the brink. The story combines brutal action with a sardonic tone and a hidden underworld backdrop.
Fact: Bob Odenkirk underwent intense physical training to perform his own stunts. The film was written by the same screenwriter as 'John Wick,' sharing a similar thematic approach to violence and revenge.
