If you loved the gritty, action-packed thrills of 'Johnny Z' (2023), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same adrenaline-fueled excitement, dark themes, and relentless action. Whether you're a fan of undead warriors or high-stakes revenge tales, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Terminator (1984)
Description: A sci-fi action film featuring a relentless, nearly unstoppable antagonist with cybernetic enhancements, blending futuristic technology with gritty urban settings.
Fact: The Terminator's iconic red-eye vision was created using stop-motion animation and simple red gels. The film's budget was so tight that many scenes were shot in real locations without permits.


Predator (1987)
Description: A high-octane action movie with a mysterious, technologically advanced enemy hunting humans, emphasizing survival and combat in a hostile environment.
Fact: The Predator's original design was scrapped after test footage made it look comical, leading to the creation of the now-iconic mandible-faced alien. The jungle scenes were filmed in Mexico during a heatwave, making the shoot extremely grueling.


RoboCop (1987)
Description: A cyberpunk action film exploring themes of man versus machine, featuring a protagonist who is part-human, part-robot, navigating a dystopian urban landscape.
Fact: RoboCop's suit was so heavy and uncomfortable that the actor could barely move, and he often needed help to sit down. The film's satirical commercials were inspired by real 1980s advertisements.


Total Recall (1990)
Description: A sci-fi thriller with a blend of action and psychological twists, set in a futuristic world where reality and memory are manipulated.
Fact: The famous three-breasted woman was created using prosthetics and clever camera angles. The film's Mars scenes were shot in Mexico's active volcano area, adding to the otherworldly atmosphere.


Demolition Man (1993)
Description: A futuristic action-comedy with a fish-out-of-water protagonist navigating a sanitized, overly controlled society, featuring high-tech weaponry and satire.
Fact: The film's prediction of a future where all restaurants are Taco Bell was due to a last-minute licensing deal. The three seashells bathroom joke remains one of the most debated mysteries in movie history.


Timecop (1994)
Description: A sci-fi action film centered around time travel and its consequences, with a law enforcement protagonist battling corruption across different timelines.
Fact: The time travel effects were achieved using a combination of practical effects and early CGI. The film was based on a comic book series, though it deviated significantly from the source material.


Judge Dredd (1995)
Description: A dystopian action film set in a chaotic future where law enforcement has absolute power, featuring a stoic, armored protagonist dispensing justice.
Fact: The film's iconic Lawgiver gun was a fully functional prop that could fire different types of ammunition. The production design was heavily influenced by classic comic book aesthetics.


The Fifth Element (1997)
Description: A visually stunning sci-fi adventure with a mix of action, humor, and eccentric characters, set in a vibrant, chaotic future world.
Fact: The film's elaborate costumes were designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, blending high fashion with futuristic elements. The alien language was created by linguists to sound authentic.


Blade (1998)
Description: A dark, action-packed vampire film with a half-human, half-vampire protagonist wielding advanced weaponry in a gritty urban setting.
Fact: The film's opening blood rave scene was inspired by underground club culture. Blade's sunglasses were custom-made to fit the actor's face perfectly, becoming an iconic part of his look.


The Matrix (1999)
Description: A groundbreaking sci-fi action film exploring themes of reality, identity, and rebellion, featuring high-tech combat and a dystopian future.
Fact: The bullet-time effect was achieved using a ring of still cameras triggered in sequence. The film's martial arts scenes were choreographed by the same team behind Hong Kong action cinema.
