If you loved the action-packed, gritty world of 'Mandrill' (2009), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same adrenaline-fueled thrills, stylish action sequences, and charismatic antiheroes. Whether you're a fan of martial arts, espionage, or revenge plots, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Undisputed (2002)
Description: A raw and intense prison fight film focusing on underground boxing, where the protagonist must prove himself in a brutal, no-holds-barred environment.
Fact: The film's fight choreography was inspired by real underground boxing matches. It later spawned a successful franchise with sequels.


The Transporter (2002)
Description: A high-speed action film featuring a professional driver with a strict code who gets entangled in dangerous missions, combining car chases with hand-to-hand combat.
Fact: Jason Statham performed most of his own driving stunts. The film's action sequences were choreographed by the same team behind 'District B13'.


District B13 (2004)
Description: High-octane action with a focus on parkour and martial arts, set in a dystopian urban environment where the protagonist must navigate chaos to achieve his goals.
Fact: The film popularized parkour in mainstream cinema, with its co-creator David Belle being one of the discipline's founders. It was shot in real locations without CGI for the stunts.


The Equalizer (2014)
Description: A methodical and violent tale of a retired operative who returns to action to protect the innocent, characterized by precise, calculated violence and a strong moral code.
Fact: Denzel Washington trained extensively in martial arts for the role. The film's climax features a meticulously timed home improvement store fight scene.


Taken (2008)
Description: A high-stakes thriller about a former operative using his skills to rescue a loved one, marked by relentless pacing and a no-nonsense approach to action.
Fact: The film's iconic phone monologue was improvised by Liam Neeson. It became a cultural phenomenon and spawned two sequels.


Ip Man (2008)
Description: A biographical martial arts film showcasing the life of a legendary Wing Chun master, featuring meticulously choreographed fight sequences and themes of honor and resilience.
Fact: Donnie Yen performed all his own stunts without the use of wires. The film sparked a global interest in Wing Chun and led to several sequels.


The Man from Nowhere (2010)
Description: A gritty action thriller featuring a lone protagonist with a mysterious past who embarks on a violent quest for justice, blending intense fight scenes with emotional depth.
Fact: The film's climactic knife fight scene is considered one of the most realistic and brutal in Korean cinema. It won several awards, including Best Actor at the Blue Dragon Film Awards.


The Foreigner (2017)
Description: A revenge-driven thriller featuring an older protagonist who uses his military skills to take on a powerful organization, blending political intrigue with personal vengeance.
Fact: Jackie Chan performed his own stunts despite being in his 60s during filming. The movie is based on the novel 'The Chinaman' by Stephen Leather.


John Wick (2014)
Description: A stylized action film with a protagonist seeking vengeance, known for its sleek cinematography, intricate world-building, and highly choreographed gun-fu sequences.
Fact: Keanu Reeves underwent months of rigorous firearms and martial arts training. The film's 'gun-fu' style revolutionized modern action choreography.


Headshot (2016)
Description: A brutal action film with a protagonist suffering from amnesia who must rely on his lethal skills to survive and uncover his past, filled with relentless fight scenes.
Fact: The film's lead actor underwent extensive training to perform complex fight sequences. It was praised for its unflinching violence and realistic combat.
