If you enjoyed the dark humor and gritty crime-solving of The Cleaner (2021), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and TV shows that deliver the same mix of suspense, wit, and unconventional protagonists. Whether you're a fan of morally ambiguous antiheroes or cleverly plotted mysteries, these picks will keep you hooked.

The Bourne Identity (2002)
Description: Focuses on an amnesiac uncovering his past as a highly trained operative, featuring gritty action and a protagonist with unmatched skills.
Fact: The film's shaky-cam style revolutionized action cinematography. Matt Damon trained in boxing, fencing, and Kali for the role.


The Transporter (2002)
Description: Revolves around a professional driver with a strict code who gets entangled in dangerous missions, combining high-octane action with a lone wolf protagonist.
Fact: Jason Statham did all his own driving stunts. The film's success led to two sequels and a reboot TV series.


The Equalizer (2014)
Description: Features a protagonist with a mysterious past who uses his unique skills to help those in need, blending action with a moral code.
Fact: The movie is loosely based on the 1980s TV series of the same name. Denzel Washington performed most of his own stunts.


The Mechanic (2011)
Description: Follows a professional assassin who mentors a younger protégé, combining intricate action sequences with a mentor-student dynamic.
Fact: The movie is a remake of the 1972 film of the same name. Jason Statham performed most of his own stunts.


Taken (2008)
Description: Follows a former operative who uses his specialized skills to rescue a loved one, emphasizing relentless pursuit and tactical expertise.
Fact: The famous phone call scene was improvised by Liam Neeson. The movie's success spawned two sequels and a TV series.


The Man from Nowhere (2010)
Description: Centers on a quiet, skilled individual who emerges from obscurity to protect a child, featuring intense action and emotional depth.
Fact: The film won several awards in South Korea, including Best Actor for Won Bin. The knife fight scene is considered one of the best in action cinema.


The Foreigner (2017)
Description: Depicts a grieving father using his hidden skills to seek justice, combining personal vengeance with tactical brilliance.
Fact: Jackie Chan performed his own stunts despite being in his 60s. The film is based on the novel 'The Chinaman' by Stephen Leather.


The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017)
Description: Pairs a skilled bodyguard with a notorious hitman, blending action with humor and a focus on professional expertise.
Fact: The film's car chase scenes were shot in real traffic in Amsterdam. Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson improvised many of their lines.


The Accountant (2016)
Description: Portrays a highly skilled individual with a hidden past who uses his abilities to navigate dangerous situations, blending action with a cerebral edge.
Fact: Ben Affleck trained with a Navy SEAL to prepare for the role. The film's script was on the Black List of best unproduced screenplays in


John Wick (2014)
Description: Centers on a retired assassin forced back into his old life, showcasing intense action sequences and a focus on precision and skill.
Fact: The film's action scenes were inspired by Hong Kong action cinema and Japanese samurai films. Keanu Reeves trained extensively in judo and jiu-jitsu for the role.
