10 Shows & Movies Like The Continental: From the World of John Wick

Description: Oldboy's themes of revenge and its stylized, brutal action align with The Continental's tone. The film's emotional intensity and intricate plot are similar to the moral complexities in the John Wick universe. Both feature protagonists pushed to their limits by a shadowy underworld.

Fact: The hallway fight scene was shot in one take. Won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. Director Park Chan-wook drew inspiration from Japanese manga.

Description: The Equalizer features a retired operative who returns to violence to protect the innocent, much like the protagonists in The Continental. The film's methodical, precise action and moral ambiguity align with the John Wick universe. Both films emphasize the protagonist's unique skills and code of honor.

Fact: Denzel Washington trained with Navy SEALs for the role. The film is loosely based on the 1980s TV series of the same name. Director Antoine Fuqua wanted the action to feel realistic and grounded.

Description: Dredd's ultra-violent, stylized action and dystopian setting parallel The Continental's gritty aesthetic. Both films feature a lone enforcer navigating a lawless world, with a focus on brutal, close-quarters combat. The visual style and tone are similarly dark and relentless.

Fact: Shot in 3D, with the 'slo-mo' sequences designed to showcase the effect. Karl Urban never removes his helmet, staying true to the comic. The film was a box office disappointment but gained a cult following.

Description: This South Korean thriller shares The Continental's themes of revenge and redemption, with a protagonist who is a former operative drawn back into violence. The film's intense action sequences and emotional depth are reminiscent of the John Wick series. Both feature a lone warrior against a criminal underworld.

Fact: Won Best Film at the Korean Film Awards. The final knife fight took months to choreograph. Lead actor Won Bin retired from acting after this film.

Description: Atomic Blonde shares the same gritty, stylish action as The Continental, with a focus on hand-to-hand combat and espionage. The film's neon-lit visuals and Cold War setting echo the atmospheric tension of the John Wick universe. Both feature a protagonist navigating a treacherous underworld with lethal efficiency.

Fact: Charlize Theron performed most of her own stunts. The film is based on the graphic novel 'The Coldest City'. The one-take stairwell fight scene took weeks to choreograph and shoot.

Description: John Wick is the direct predecessor to The Continental, sharing the same universe and themes of underground assassins, high-stakes action, and a meticulously crafted criminal underworld. Both feature the Continental Hotel as a key location, emphasizing its role as a neutral ground for assassins. The visual style, choreographed fight scenes, and noir aesthetics are also highly similar.

Fact: Keanu Reeves trained extensively in judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu for the role. The film was inspired by classic revenge films like 'Point Blank' and 'The Killer'. The 'gun-fu' style of combat was developed specifically for the movie.

Description: This film shares The Continental's unflinching violence and themes of a man forced into extreme action. The protagonist's descent into brutality and the film's gritty, no-nonsense style are reminiscent of the John Wick series. Both explore the limits of human endurance and morality.

Fact: Vince Vaughn underwent a physical transformation for the role. The film was shot in sequence to maintain intensity. Director S. Craig Zahler is known for his ultra-violent storytelling.

Description: Upgrade's blend of high-tech action and brutal hand-to-hand combat mirrors The Continental's style. The film's dark tone and themes of revenge and control are similar to the John Wick universe. Both feature protagonists who are enhanced in some way to become lethal weapons.

Fact: The film was made on a modest budget of $3 million. The fight scenes were choreographed to look like the protagonist is being controlled by an AI. Director Leigh Whannell also wrote the 'Saw' and 'Insidious' franchises.

Description: This South Korean action film shares The Continental's high-octane, choreographed fight scenes and themes of assassins and revenge. The film's first-person action sequences and brutal violence are reminiscent of the John Wick series. Both explore the cost of a life of violence.

Fact: The opening scene is a single-take action sequence. Lead actress Kim Ok-vin trained in martial arts for the role. The film was inspired by 'La Femme Nikita' and 'Kill Bill'.

Description: Nobody mirrors The Continental's themes of a retired killer drawn back into violence, with a protagonist who is deceptively lethal. The film's action sequences are similarly brutal and well-choreographed, and it shares a darkly humorous tone. Both explore the idea of a hidden world of assassins and criminals.

Fact: Written by Derek Kolstad, the creator of John Wick. Bob Odenkirk trained for two years to perform the action scenes. The bus fight scene was inspired by classic Jackie Chan movies.