If you loved the gritty, high-stakes action of Bangkok Dangerous (2008), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 thrilling movies and shows that capture the same intense atmosphere, complex characters, and explosive action. Whether you're a fan of crime thrillers or undercover operations, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Oldboy (2003)
Description: A psychological revenge thriller with brutal fight scenes and a twisted narrative, exploring themes of isolation and vengeance.
Fact: The famous hallway hammer fight scene was shot in one continuous take, showcasing the protagonist's raw desperation.


The Chaser (2008)
Description: A tense and fast-paced thriller about a former detective turned pimp racing against time to save one of his girls from a serial killer.
Fact: The film was based on real-life serial killer Yoo Young-chul, adding a chilling layer of realism.


The Man from Nowhere (2010)
Description: A gritty action thriller featuring a lone protagonist with a dark past who embarks on a violent quest for redemption, set against the backdrop of a criminal underworld.
Fact: The film's climactic knife fight scene is considered one of the most intense and well-choreographed in Korean cinema.


I Saw the Devil (2010)
Description: A dark and violent revenge thriller where the protagonist descends into moral ambiguity while pursuing a sadistic killer, blurring the lines between justice and vengeance.
Fact: The film was temporarily banned in Korea due to its extreme violence, but later released with cuts.


The Raid 2 (2014)
Description: A relentless action film with intricate fight choreography and a sprawling crime saga, focusing on an undercover cop navigating a violent underworld.
Fact: The film's car chase scene was shot entirely without CGI, using practical effects for maximum realism.


John Wick (2014)
Description: A sleek and brutal action film about a retired hitman seeking vengeance, featuring meticulously choreographed gunfights and a shadowy criminal underworld.
Fact: The film's 'gun-fu' style was inspired by Hong Kong action cinema and Japanese samurai films.


No Tears for the Dead (2014)
Description: A high-stakes action drama centered around a hitman who becomes emotionally entangled with his target, leading to a brutal and emotional showdown.
Fact: The film was shot in both Korea and the United States, adding an international flavor to its urban crime setting.


John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
Description: A continuation of the high-octane action saga, with the protagonist navigating a global network of assassins and facing off against relentless enemies.
Fact: The film's Rome sequences were shot on location, adding an exotic and grand scale to the action.


John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019)
Description: A non-stop action spectacle with the protagonist fighting for survival against an army of assassins, featuring inventive fight scenes and a richly detailed underworld.
Fact: The film's library fight scene used real books as props, with the actors trained to avoid damaging rare editions.


The Villainess (2017)
Description: A stylish and brutal action film featuring a female assassin seeking revenge, with elaborate fight sequences and a nonlinear narrative.
Fact: The opening first-person action sequence was praised for its innovative cinematography and intensity.
