If you enjoyed the gripping crime thriller 'The Mongolian Connection' (2019), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same intense action, intricate plots, and cultural depth. Whether you're drawn to international crime dramas or stories of underworld intrigue, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Bourne Identity (2002)
Description: A fast-paced, gritty spy thriller with a protagonist uncovering his past while evading deadly pursuers, featuring realistic hand-to-hand combat.
Fact: The film's car chase scenes were shot without CGI, using practical effects. It revitalized the spy genre with its grounded, less glamorous approach.


Man on Fire (2004)
Description: A brutal, emotionally driven revenge story about a former operative who unleashes his skills to save a kidnapped girl, blending raw violence with deep emotional resonance.
Fact: The film is based on the 1980 novel of the same name by A.J. Quinnell. Director Tony Scott used a distinctive visual style with high contrast and saturated colors.


The Equalizer (2014)
Description: A methodical and brutal revenge story featuring a protagonist with a unique skillset who takes on criminals to protect the innocent.
Fact: Denzel Washington trained in kali, a Filipino martial art, for the role. The film is loosely based on the 1980s TV series of the same name.


Taken (2008)
Description: A high-stakes action film centered around a relentless pursuit to rescue a loved one, showcasing brutal efficiency in combat and a personal vendetta.
Fact: The iconic phone call scene was improvised by Liam Neeson. The film's success spawned a franchise and popularized the 'particular set of skills' trope.


The Man from Nowhere (2010)
Description: A dark, emotionally charged action thriller about a mysterious man who unleashes his deadly skills to protect a child, blending raw violence with deep pathos.
Fact: The film won several awards in South Korea, including Best Actor for Won Bin. The final knife fight scene is considered one of the best in action cinema.


The Foreigner (2017)
Description: A gripping revenge thriller featuring a protagonist seeking justice for a personal tragedy, blending intense action with emotional depth.
Fact: The film is based on the 1992 novel 'The Chinaman' by Stephen Leather. Jackie Chan performed many of his own stunts despite being in his 60s during filming.


Atomic Blonde (2017)
Description: A visually stunning, cold-war era action thriller with a fierce female lead, combining espionage, betrayal, and high-energy fight scenes.
Fact: The film features a nearly 10-minute-long single-take action sequence. It is based on the graphic novel 'The Coldest City' by Antony Johnston.


John Wick (2014)
Description: A stylish, high-octane action film with a protagonist driven by vengeance, featuring meticulously choreographed fight sequences and a shadowy underworld.
Fact: Keanu Reeves trained extensively in judo, jiu-jitsu, and gun-fu for the role. The film's world-building includes a secret society of assassins with its own currency.


No Tears for the Dead (2014)
Description: A melancholic action drama about a hitman grappling with guilt and redemption, blending explosive action with deep emotional stakes.
Fact: The film was shot in both South Korea and the United States. Director Lee Jeong-beom is known for his visually striking and emotionally intense action films.


The Villainess (2017)
Description: A hyper-stylized action film with a female assassin at its core, featuring breathtaking fight choreography and a nonlinear narrative.
Fact: The opening scene is a first-person perspective action sequence that lasts over 5 minutes. The film was praised for its innovative action cinematography.
