10 Must-Watch Movies & Shows Like The Black Book

Description: A man suffering from amnesia discovers he possesses extraordinary combat and survival skills, leading him on a globe-trotting quest to uncover his true identity while evading shadowy enemies.

Fact: The film's gritty, handheld camera work revolutionized action cinematography. It was based on a 1980 novel by Robert Ludlum.

Description: A professional driver with strict rules finds himself entangled in a dangerous criminal plot, leading to high-speed chases and expertly choreographed fight scenes.

Fact: Jason Statham did most of his own driving stunts. The film's action sequences were choreographed by Corey Yuen, a renowned Hong Kong action director.

Description: A burnt-out ex-CIA operative finds redemption by protecting a young girl, only to unleash a brutal wave of vengeance when she is kidnapped, blending emotional depth with intense action.

Fact: The film is based on a 1980 novel of the same name. Director Tony Scott used a distinctive visual style with rapid cuts and saturated colors to heighten the emotional impact.

Description: A retired intelligence officer with a particular set of skills takes on a violent criminal underworld to protect the innocent, blending action with a methodical, almost philosophical approach to justice.

Fact: The film is loosely based on the 1980s TV series of the same name. Denzel Washington trained in kali, a Filipino martial art, for his role.

Description: A retired CIA operative uses his specialized skills to rescue his daughter after she is kidnapped by human traffickers, showcasing a relentless pursuit and brutal efficiency in dispatching enemies.

Fact: The film's famous phone call monologue was improvised by Liam Neeson. It was originally intended to be a straight-to-DVD release but became a box office hit.

Description: A quiet pawnshop keeper with a violent past embarks on a bloody rampage to rescue a kidnapped girl, blending emotional resonance with brutal, visceral action.

Fact: The film won several awards in South Korea, including Best Actor for Won Bin. Its knife fight scene is considered one of the best in action cinema.

Description: A grieving father with a hidden military background takes matters into his own hands to avenge his daughter's death, showcasing a blend of tactical precision and raw emotion.

Fact: Jackie Chan's performance was praised for its dramatic depth, a departure from his usual comedic roles. The film is based on the novel 'The Chinaman' by Stephen Leather.

Description: A highly skilled forensic accountant with a mysterious past and lethal combat abilities uncovers a dangerous conspiracy, combining cerebral elements with explosive action sequences.

Fact: Ben Affleck trained extensively in martial arts for the role. The film's portrayal of autism was praised for its nuanced approach.

Description: A cold war spy thriller featuring a fierce, highly skilled operative navigating a web of betrayal and violence, with stylized action sequences and a neon-drenched aesthetic.

Fact: Charlize Theron performed many of her own stunts, including a brutal stairwell fight shot in a single take. The film is based on a graphic novel titled 'The Coldest City.'

Description: A former hitman is drawn back into the criminal underworld he left behind, leading to a high-octane revenge spree marked by stylized action and a deep lore surrounding its assassin society.

Fact: Keanu Reeves performed most of his own stunts. The film's action sequences were inspired by Hong Kong action cinema and Japanese samurai films.