If you enjoyed the gritty, suspenseful world of 'Diary of a Hitman' (1991), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same dark, thrilling essence. Whether you're drawn to morally complex characters, intense action, or gripping storytelling, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Point Blank (1967)
Description: A stylish, existential revenge thriller about a betrayed criminal methodically hunting down those who wronged him, told with innovative editing techniques.
Fact: The film's nonlinear narrative and use of silence influenced generations of filmmakers, including Quentin Tarantino.


The Bourne Identity (2002)
Description: Follows a skilled operative piecing together his identity while being hunted by his former employers, featuring realistic hand-to-hand combat and tradecraft.
Fact: The film's shaky-cam action style revolutionized spy movies and was widely imitated in subsequent years.


Collateral (2004)
Description: A tense, character-driven thriller that explores the moral ambiguity of a hitman's life, set against the backdrop of a nocturnal urban landscape.
Fact: The film was shot almost entirely at night, using high-definition digital cameras to capture the unique look of Los Angeles after dark.


A History of Violence (2005)
Description: Examines how a man's violent past resurfaces to disrupt his peaceful present, exploring themes of identity and the inescapability of one's nature.
Fact: The film's brief but intense fight scenes were choreographed to appear realistically brutal rather than stylized.


The Equalizer (2014)
Description: Features a retired operative who uses his particular set of skills to deliver brutal justice, balancing between methodical planning and explosive action.
Fact: The protagonist's habit of timing his violent acts was inspired by real-world special forces techniques.


No Country for Old Men (2007)
Description: A gritty, existential crime story that delves into the randomness of violence and the moral decay surrounding professional killers.
Fact: The film's iconic villain, Anton Chigurh, was directly adapted from Cormac McCarthy's novel, complete with his unique weapon of choice.


Drive (2011)
Description: Blends brutal violence with poetic stillness, following a stoic protagonist who operates on both sides of the law in a neon-lit urban setting.
Fact: The film's synth-heavy soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon and influenced a wave of retro-style electronic music.


The American (2010)
Description: A slow-burning, atmospheric thriller about a solitary assassin questioning his life choices while on a final assignment in a remote Italian village.
Fact: The film's minimalist approach and focus on the protagonist's isolation were inspired by classic European cinema.


Killing Them Softly (2012)
Description: A cynical, dialogue-heavy crime film that portrays hitmen as working-class professionals in a decaying economic landscape.
Fact: The film's political subtext uses 2008 financial crisis news broadcasts as a constant background element.


John Wick (2014)
Description: Focuses on a retired hitman drawn back into the violent underworld he tried to leave behind, featuring stylized action and a deep exploration of the assassin's code.
Fact: The film's intricate world-building includes a secret society of assassins with its own currency and rules.
