7 Must-Watch Action Movies for Fans of American Assassin

Featuring Dylan O’Brien, Michael Keaton, and a stellar cast, American Assassin is an exhilarating action thriller directed by Michael Cuesta. Adapted from a novel by Vince Flynn, this high-octane film centers on Mitch Rapp (played by Dylan O’Brien), whose life takes a tragic turn when his girlfriend is killed in a terrorist attack.

Consumed by grief and driven by vengeance, Rapp embarks on a rigorous training regimen to track down the terrorist responsible for his girlfriend’s death. He eventually teams up with Stan Hurley (Keaton), a veteran Navy SEAL and Cold War operative, who prepares him for a covert role in the CIA’s black ops.

As Rapp delves deeper, he unravels a vast conspiracy that thrusts him into the perilous realm of international terrorism. The film is packed with thrilling action scenes and an emotional storyline. For fans of action-packed cinema, we’ve compiled a list of seven other movies that share similar themes.

Action Movies Like American Assassin: Safe, Without Remorse, and More

1) Peppermint – Amazon Prime Video

Starring Jennifer Garner and directed by Pierre Morel, Peppermint is a gripping vigilante action movie. The plot follows Riley North (Garner), who seeks vengeance after a drug cartel murders her family, and her attempts to find justice are thwarted by the legal system.

Much like American Assassin, this film depicts an ordinary individual thrust into a life of crime and deception in the name of avenging loved ones. Both films resonate emotionally, enhancing the impact of their action sequences.

2) The Man from Nowhere – Amazon Prime Video

Directed by Lee Jeong-beom, The Man from Nowhere is a South Korean neo-noir action thriller featuring Won Bin. The narrative follows Cha Tae-sik (Bin), a pawnshop owner with a troubled past, who goes to great lengths to rescue a young girl with whom he shares a special bond after she is kidnapped.

Similar to American Assassin, this film emphasizes a singular hero’s journey to dismantle a larger conspiracy, fueled by deeply personal motivations. Both movies provide gripping narratives and intense action sequences.

3) Without Remorse – Amazon Prime Video

Based on Tom Clancy’s novel, Without Remorse is a fast-paced thriller directed by Stefano Sollima, featuring Michael B. Jordan as US Navy SEAL John Kelly. After his pregnant wife and team members fall victim to Russian hitmen, Kelly embarks on a vengeful path that immerses him in a sprawling conspiracy.

The film delivers heart-pounding action and resembles American Assassin with its blend of revenge and a personal journey.

4) The Foreigner – Amazon Prime Video

The Foreigner, based on Stephen Leather’s novel, stars Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan in a story directed by Martin Campbell. The film follows Ngoc Quan (Chan), an ex-soldier who seeks revenge against those responsible for his daughter’s death in a terrorist attack.

Similar to American Assassin, this narrative intertwines themes of personal loss and the quest for vengeance in the face of terrorism.

5) Death Wish – Amazon Prime Video

Directed by Eli Roth, Death Wish is a vigilante action film starring Bruce Willis as Dr. Paul Kersey, whose family is brutally attacked by criminals. Frustrated by the ineffectiveness of law enforcement, Paul resorts to taking justice into his own hands.

This film echoes the premise of American Assassin, showcasing a protagonist driven to action by personal tragedy, resulting in a narrative filled with adrenaline and suspense.

6) Safe – Amazon Prime Video

Safe stars Jason Statham and is penned and directed by Boaz Yakin. The narrative revolves around Luke Wright (Statham), a former cop turned cage fighter who must protect a talented young girl from various criminal factions.

The film is action-packed and explores the treacherous world of organized crime, akin to American Assassin. In Safe, Luke’s mission is also driven by personal tragedy but focuses on safeguarding an innocent life.

7) Acts of Vengeance – Amazon Prime Video

Acts of Vengeance, directed by Isaac Florentine, stars Antonio Banderas as Frank Valera, a lawyer whose wife and daughter are murdered, allegedly by the Russian mafia. Consumed by grief, Valera trains rigorously in combat skills to exact revenge.

This film, much like American Assassin, presents a protagonist who is propelled by the desire to avenge his lost loved ones, resulting in a gripping and action-filled experience.

For those captivated by action movies that center on vengeance, this list offers several engaging options to explore.

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