If you loved the gritty action and revenge-driven plot of El Gringo (2012), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same adrenaline-pumping thrills, intense shootouts, and lone-wolf protagonists. Whether you're a fan of high-stakes crime dramas or relentless action flicks, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Desperado (1995)
Description: A stylish action film featuring a mysterious protagonist seeking vengeance, filled with over-the-top gunfights and a strong Mexican setting. The film's visual flair and relentless action sequences make it a standout.
Fact: This film marked Antonio Banderas' breakout role in Hollywood as the lead character, replacing the original actor from the prequel.


From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
Description: A genre-blending film that starts as a crime thriller and abruptly shifts into a supernatural horror. The film's unpredictable narrative and over-the-top action sequences make it memorable.
Fact: The screenplay was written by Quentin Tarantino, who also co-stars in the film, and it marked Robert Rodriguez's first major studio project.


The Way of the Gun (2000)
Description: A hard-boiled crime film with a focus on professional criminals and their meticulously planned heists gone awry. The film's unflinching violence and cynical tone set it apart.
Fact: The film's opening scene, featuring a brutal brawl, was shot in a single take to heighten its realism.


The Mexican (2001)
Description: A darkly comedic crime film that blends elements of romance and adventure, centered around a cursed antique pistol and the chaotic journey it triggers. The film's mix of humor and danger is a defining trait.
Fact: Despite its title, most of the film was actually shot in Nevada and California, not Mexico.


Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)
Description: A visually striking action film with a complex plot involving political intrigue, assassinations, and a lone gunman caught in the middle. The film's vibrant cinematography and chaotic energy are key highlights.
Fact: Johnny Depp's character was originally written as a much smaller role, but his performance led to significant expansion of his part.


The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (2005)
Description: A poignant and gritty modern western that explores themes of justice, friendship, and redemption across the U.S.-Mexico border. The film's raw emotional depth and stark landscapes are key elements.
Fact: Tommy Lee Jones not only starred in the film but also made his directorial debut with this project.


No Country for Old Men (2007)
Description: A neo-western crime thriller with a relentless antagonist and a stark, unforgiving portrayal of violence. The film's minimalist dialogue and intense cat-and-mouse chase define its tone.
Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is considered one of the Coen Brothers' masterpieces.


Machete (2010)
Description: A high-octane action film with a gritty, revenge-driven plot set against a backdrop of Mexican cartels and corrupt officials. The film blends intense violence with dark humor, creating a stylized and chaotic narrative.
Fact: Originally conceived as a fake trailer in the 2007 film 'Grindhouse,' it was later expanded into a full-length feature due to popular demand.


Savages (2012)
Description: A brutal and fast-paced crime thriller involving drug cartels, kidnappings, and moral ambiguity. The film's unrelenting tension and violent confrontations drive the narrative forward.
Fact: The film's screenplay was adapted from a novel of the same name, written by Don Winslow, who also co-wrote the script.


Sicario (2015)
Description: A tense and atmospheric thriller that delves into the brutal world of drug cartels and the morally ambiguous operatives who combat them. The film's stark realism and gripping suspense are central to its impact.
Fact: The word 'Sicario' translates to 'hitman' in Spanish, reflecting the film's dark themes of assassination and cartel violence.
