7 Best Movies Like Havoc On Netflix

Gareth Evans’ action-packed thriller movie “Havoc” has climbed to the number one spot on Netflix‘s worldwide rankings, thanks largely to Tom Hardy’s electrifying portrayal of Detective Patrick Walker. The film has undeniably left viewers exhilarated and craving more action. Fortunately, Netflix offers a variety of movies similar to “Havoc”, some of which even share significant similarities in plot and visual aesthetic.

There’s no shortage of films featuring gang conflicts, drugs, and corrupt cops on streaming platforms. However, not all of them offer the same level of excitement as Havoc. Nonetheless, many top-tier action movies currently available on Netflix cater perfectly to fans of Hardy’s recent thriller, boasting similarly intense action sequences and stars whose caliber rivals that of Havoc’s cast. In fact, actors like Denzel Washington, Liam Neeson, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Wahlberg, and Chris Hemsworth could easily hold their own against Hardy in the action movies they’re streaming on Netflix right now.

7. Run All Night

2015

Prior to his 2024 Netflix blockbuster “Carry-On”, director Jaume Collet-Serra’s most impressive action thriller was “Run All Night”. In this film, Liam Neeson portrays a retired Irish gangster who finds himself entangled in a botched heroin deal due to his son. Similar to “Havoc”, the movie is packed with intense action sequences and brutal gunfights without compromise. Unlike Gareth Evans’ recent release featuring the Triads, the chief adversaries in “Run All Night” are the Albanian mafia.

Viewers who found the interactions between Forest Whitaker’s Lawrence Beaumont and Justin Cornwell’s Charlie in Havoc engaging will also find the complex and strained relationship between Liam Neeson’s character and his son, portrayed by Joel Kinnaman, intriguing in Run All Night. Additionally, the closing scene of Run All Night shares a striking similarity with the bittersweet ending of Havoc.

6. Extraction

2020

In this action-packed film set in the Indian Subcontinent, we delve into a tale of fathers and sons entangled within the brutal conflict of drug cartels. Extraction showcases Chris Hemsworth delivering an outstanding performance outside his Marvel roles, mirroring Tom Hardy’s character from Havoc, named Tyler Rake, an Australian mercenary. This movie is a thrilling ride as it races forward, with high-speed chases and intense gunfights unfolding across both dense jungles and bustling cities.

In “Extraction,” Hemsworth is backed by exceptional performances from Randeep Hooda and Rudhraksh Jaiswal, notably. While the movie may be short on moral depth, it more than compensates with sleek, expertly choreographed action scenes that provide a high-octane, completely engrossing journey through the seedy underbelly of Dhaka and Mumbai. If you’re a fan of “Havoc,” the new setting in “Extraction” will only amplify the feeling of disorienting danger and unpredictable peril that surrounds Tyler Rake’s mission. Be warned, this film is not for the faint-hearted.

5. The Equalizer

2014

In the initial installment of the renowned franchise featuring Denzel Washington, we meet Robert McCall, a former Marine and Intelligence officer for Defense, who finds purpose in rescuing Chloë Grace Moretz’s character Alina from ruthless Russian gangsters who have ensnared her in a life of servitude. The Equalizer stands apart from many other films on this list by delving deeper into the lives of its characters, while also showcasing its high-octane prowess when necessary. Notably, the film’s last 30 minutes transform into an extended action sequence, solidifying Washington’s position as a genre icon.

Robert McCall may not initially appear as the perfect fit for his longest-running action role, but it’s this part he has played most frequently. In “The Equalizer,” McCall collaborates once more with director Antoine Fuqua, who was behind Washington’s Academy Award-winning performance in the 2001 film “Training Day.” Since their joint project stemmed from a four-season crime thriller series of the ’80s, it was expected that the cinematic success of “The Equalizer” would pave the way for at least one follow-up. True to form, three “Equalizer” movies are now streaming on Netflix.

4. 2 Guns

2013

In this list, “2 Guns” is the second film starring Denzel Washington, showcasing his status as a true action hero. Contrary to belief, despite being less intense than “Havoc”, it’s almost equally gripping. Washington and Mark Wahlberg portray undercover agents who battle corruption in law enforcement and a Mexican drug cartel. Although it has a humorous undertone, “2 Guns” doesn’t lack action, as indicated by its name, which suggests plenty of shootouts.

In a different vein than Denzel Washington’s most renowned films, this action-comedy offers an equally entertaining experience reminiscent of intense thrillers such as “Havoc”. The story of Bobby Beans (Robert Trench) and Stig (Michael Stigman) doesn’t delve into tragedy, but their friendship develops a heartwarming depth comparable to Patrick Walker’s affection for his daughter in “Havoc”, or the complex bond between Lawrence Beaumont and his son, Charlie.

3. Shaft

2000

In a modern twist on the 1971 blaxploitation hit, “Shaft,” Samuel L. Jackson steps into the shoes of Detective John Shaft II, a New York City cop skilled in gunfights and crime-solving. This action-packed crime thriller both honors its predecessor and pushes the genre forward into the 21st century. Jackson’s performance as the titular character exudes an extra layer of toughness, making his portrayal stand out even when compared to his less impressive role in the subpar 2019 sequel of “Shaft.

With its distinctive style, featuring an iconic soundtrack and cleverly delivered dialogue, Shaft is another film on this list that has a more playful atmosphere compared to Havoc. Despite this lighter tone, the action scenes in Shaft are no less intense. In fact, when it needs to, the movie escalates with a barrage of gunfire. Furthermore, its initial plot about a city’s influential figure’s son being involved in a crime resonates strongly with fans of Havoc.

2. Layer Cake

2004

Among the movies on the list, “Layer Cake” shares the least similarities with “Havoc” in terms of genre, but they’re the only two drug-themed action films currently on Netflix starring Tom Hardy. Released in 2004, “Layer Cake” is an action thriller that echoes the style of Matthew Vaughn’s longtime collaborator and mentor, Guy Ritchie. Known for its rapid pace, quick dialogue, and distinctly British feel, it was during the making of this film that Tom Hardy appeared in one of his early major roles. In “Layer Cake,” Hardy portrayed a character very different from those he typically plays.

In this production, Tom Hardy portrays Clarkie, a polished assistant to Daniel Craig’s character, who is a drugs distributor without a named title. While he typically doesn’t contribute much in terms of physical protection for his team, one might envision him better suited as Craig’s enforcer or even a top-ranking gangster in the movie “Layer Cake.” Despite this, it’s intriguing to witness Tom Hardy at the commencement of his career in a British gangster role, reminiscent of “Havoc,” although he takes on an unexpected part.

1. Inside Man

2006

As a dedicated cinephile, let me tell you that one of Denzel Washington’s films on this list is none other than Spike Lee’s masterpiece, “Inside Man.” In this intriguing tale, Denzel takes on the role of Detective Keith Frazer, who finds himself in a unique position as a negotiator for the NYPD during a daring bank heist. However, unlike typical action-packed roles, Washington’s character is more of an observer, as the main events unfold within the confines of the bank itself, orchestrated by gang leader Dalton Russell, portrayed brilliantly by Clive Owen.

What makes “Inside Man” stand out is its gripping narrative that relies less on action and more on a mind-bending mystery. The ending, much like Detective Patrick Walker’s story in “Havoc,” leaves our police officer with as many questions as answers, making it a thrilling ride until the very end.

This film stands out among other action thrillers due to its exceptional performances from Jodie Foster and Christopher Plummer, Lee’s superb direction, and a captivating soundtrack by jazz composer Terence Blanchard. If you’re a fan of Havoc, you’ll find it particularly appealing for its contrasting themes and visuals compared to the recent movie you watched, as well as for its resemblance in tone to the Gareth Evans action film.

2025-05-02 23:40