Havoc

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Under the direction of Gareth Edwards, starring Tom Hardy, the Netflix Original film titled “Havoc” has seen a surge in popularity on Netflix. This is largely due to its exhilarating action scenes, palpable tension, and captivating narrative. The movie’s quality is so exceptional that it could easily have been shown in theaters, attracting audiences through word of mouth and the devotion of avid action movie fans. Remarkably, Netflix subscribers were able to enjoy this potential top action film of the year as part of their subscription.

Movies like “Havoc” can be approached from various perspectives, such as their intense narratives about drug deals gone awry, exhilarating action scenes, or their bleak portrayal of urban crime and corrupt authorities. Such films often share some key aspects that have contributed to the popularity of “Havoc“.

10
‘The Raid: Redemption’ (2012)

In the gritty streets of Jakarta, a special forces unit prepares for a daring assault on a crime boss’s stronghold. Once inside, they’re cornered and forced to battle hordes of armed goons. As their numbers dwindle, it falls upon officer Rama, an expert in martial arts, to be their last line of defense, engaging the thugs one by one.

Gareth Edwards’ Early Film Hits Just as Hard as Havoc

If you’ve recently discovered director Gareth Edwards through the acclaim of Havoc, I highly recommend taking a look at The Raid: Redemption, especially if you appreciate intense fight scenes. Although its plot may not match up to that of Havoc, it more than makes up for it with relentless action. Essentially, the movie becomes one extended brawl once the storyline is set up. This Indonesian-language action film shares the same polished visual style as Havoc, demonstrating that Edwards has been a master of his craft for over a decade.

9
‘Dragged Across Concrete’ (2019)

Officers Ridgeman (Mel Gibson) and Lurasetti (Vince Vaughn) face suspension following the release of a video showing them carrying out an illegal arrest through forced entry without a warrant and mistreating a detainee. As tensions rise across the city, Ridgeman plans one final major heist to establish a fresh start elsewhere. Blissfully unaware of the danger they are courting, Ridgeman and Lurasetti opt to burglarize another criminal, leading them into potential trouble with their chosen target.

One Last Job for Two Violent Cops

Dragged Across Concrete shares a raw atmosphere with Havoc, portraying a metropolis dominated by audacious criminals who flaunt their power openly. Although they share a similar tone, their plots and execution differ significantly; both are graphically violent in their representation of crime, but through distinct perspectives. Standalone, Dragged Across Concrete delivers an unyielding grittiness when it comes to tales of corrupt police officers, and the film’s climax is shockingly intense (in a good way).

8
‘Murder City’ (2023)

Previously incarcerated ex-DEA agent Neil (Mike Colte) makes his way back to his small town following years behind bars due to a failed drug operation he was involved with to aid his financially stricken father. Upon his release, however, he discovers that not only are his father’s debts still outstanding but he is also being coerced into performing tasks for relentless crime lord Ash (Stephanie Sigman). Despite seeking a route to absolution, Neil devises a plan to report his superior without endangering the security of his family.

Navigating Corruption and Gang Violence

Titled “Murder City,” a Tubi Original production, this gritty film can’t hide its budget limitations and occasional dubious production decisions. Yet, it masterfully delves into the complexities of a tormented protagonist and offers a chilling portrayal of a ruthless and unyielding criminal underworld reminiscent of Havoc. Performances by Mike Colte and Stephanie Sigman are nothing short of sensational in this crime thriller, with Sigman, specifically, delivering an imposing presence as a formidable crime boss. Despite being the least refined film on this list, “Murder City” might catch the attention of Havoc viewers captivated by its storyline elements.

7
‘The Night Comes for Us’ (2018)

Previously, Joe Taslim, a former enforcer for a notorious Southeast Asian Triad gang, had to flee after completing a mission that involved rescuing a young girl from a village his gang had devastated. He then devised an escape plan from the country, but the gang recruited an old companion named Arian (Iko Uwais) to capture him and the child instead. Throughout the night, Ito faced numerous attacks from ruthless Triad members, a league of deadly female assassins, and his former friend turned adversary, fighting for survival in a brutal series of encounters.

One Man Versus an Army of Trained Killers

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but express my excitement over Director Timo Tjhajanto’s recent success on Netflix, particularly with the captivating series, “Shadow Strays.” For fans of “Havoc,” this is another must-see production. Tjhajanto’s work consistently delivers exceptional stylized violence, breathtaking fight choreography, and a generous dose of bloodshed that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

In my opinion, Tjhajanto perfectly complements Gareth Edwards in the action movie genre. Their films share similar execution and style, yet each one offers unique differences, ensuring they don’t become identical replicas of one another. This dynamic duo never fails to deliver high-octane entertainment!

6
‘Bad City’ (2022)

The once-troubled city of Kaiko is infamous for its high poverty rates and rule by various criminal gangs, making it an unsafe destination for residents or visitors alike. In the shadows, a crooked businessman and crime lord named Gojo chooses to run for mayor with ambitions of total control over the city, igniting a fierce conflict among rival gangs. As violence erupts throughout the city, a special police task force is established, headed by former police captain Torada, who has recently been released from prison and finds himself with little left to lose.

Fighting Crime in Japan with Fists

Despite not matching up to the refined nature of “Havoc”, “Bad City” offers a unique blend of diverse themes and an impressive display of hand-to-hand combat that will surely satisfy fans of the Tom Hardy-led blockbuster. The fight sequences are exceptional, featuring knives, firearms, and traditional fistfights. Furthermore, “Bad City” provides a gritty portrayal of a city plagued by crime and despair, populated by ruthless criminals and the downtrodden. The acting in this film is outstanding, with standout performances from Tak Sakaguchi, renowned for his work in “Versus”, who plays a relentless assassin, and Hitoshi Ozawa as a determined cop on a mission.

5
‘Triple Frontier’ (2019)

Five ex-Special Forces soldiers gather once more for an audacious heist: swiping $75 million from a South American drug kingpin hidden within a jungle compound. Yet, finding a bigger prize than anticipated, their avarice takes over, leading to the seizure of a greater fortune. This decision triggers a plane accident, leaving them stranded. They now face off against locals and cartel members chasing the riches they’ve secreted while escaping the crash site.

Another Thrilling Netflix Original

If you seek charismatic leads for your action-packed ensemble, consider Ben Affleck and Pedro Pascal. This movie offers an intriguing twist on heist themes alongside thrilling action scenes. Essentially, Triple Frontier shares a connection with Havoc primarily due to its high-quality action content. However, it’s also effortless to identify it as yet another engaging Netflix original production.

4
‘Sleepless Night’ (2011)

In simpler terms, the character named Vincent (played by Tomer Sisley) is a police officer who’s been living dishonestly, even going as far as suing his own family to cover up his wrongdoings. But when his son gets abducted by the drug dealers he swindled, Vincent is compelled to confront the truth and embarks on a fierce mission to rescue his child. Hiding out in a club filled with criminals, Vincent battles through throngs of gangsters to save his son and seek forgiveness for his past misdeeds.

Fight to the Death on the Dance Floor

A French crime thriller titled “Sleepless Night” is packed with unrelenting action and a concise running time, making it an ideal pair for the film “Havoc”. Notably, this movie confines its high-energy action scenes within a single setting, a dance club, mirroring the electrifying atmosphere of “Havoc’s” iconic dance club scene. Furthermore, the action sequences possess a raw, authentic feel similar to “Havoc”, and the storyline revolving around a corrupt cop on a path to redemption will strike a chord with fans of the Tom Hardy-led Netflix Original.

3
‘Extraction’ (2020)

Chris Hemsworth’s character, Tyler Rake, is a hired mercenary specializing in black ops missions. His latest task involves rescuing a teenage boy who belongs to an Indian drug lord and is being held captive in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The operation progresses without issue, but when it comes time to hand over the boy, they are betrayed by a dishonest police force that slaughters his entire team. Now, Rake finds himself in unfamiliar territory brimming with peril, with the boy as his only companion.

A Double Cross Leads to a Dangerous Escape

As a movie critic, I’d say that in terms of narrative, “Extraction” and “Havoc” share striking similarities. Both stories revolve around a frantic attempt to rescue a young boy entangled in the fallout from a botched transaction. The setting may be Bangladesh for “Extraction,” but the rough terrain of criminal underworlds is strikingly similar. However, if you’re a fan of the dynamic and stylish action sequences that characterized “Havoc,” then I highly recommend checking out “Extraction” as well. Both films are impressive additions to Netflix’s Originals catalog, making it effortless for subscribers to enjoy both.

2
‘Hard Boiled’ (1992)

Veteran Royal Hong Kong Police Inspector “Tequila” Yuen (Chow Yun-Fat) is grief-stricken following the death of his partner in a fierce gun battle at a teahouse. Driven by vengeance, he takes the life of the culprit, but this act sets off a chain reaction revealing a more intricate maze of deceit and corruption within the police department. In an unexpected turn, Tequila forges an alliance with undercover officer Allan (Tony Leung Chiu-wai), as they both wade through the treacherous underbelly of crime while constantly looking over their shoulders.

One of the Best Police Action Movies Ever Made

Havoc boasts exceptionally choreographed and refined fight scenes that inevitably bring to mind groundbreaking action, prompting thoughts of one of Hong Kong’s all-time greatest action films – the iconic Hard Boiled. This film is home to some of the most unforgettable action sequences ever filmed, with the lengthy ‘hospital scene’ remaining a popular topic even today. Similarly, Havoc features the tough cop persona, as Tequila is prepared to take extreme measures to achieve his objectives.

1
‘Blue Ruin’ (2014)

As a lifelong cinephile, I’ve always been haunted by the brutal murder of my beloved parents, an incident that left me estranged from society and residing in the confines of my automobile. The news of Wade Cleland Jr., the man who took away my peace, being granted parole stirred within me a desperate yearning for redemption. I believed the only path to atonement was to end his life. However, when my ill-fated attempt to carry out this act failed, I sought solace in an old friend’s company.

Yet, as I delved deeper into my hometown, I unearthed unsettling facts about the murder of my parents, revelations that only served to deepen the chasm of mental turmoil within me.

Director Jeremy Saulnier Is an Exciting Voice in Crime Thrillers

The films “Blue Ruin” and “Havoc” share a raw portrayal of violence, yet they differ significantly in mood and pacing. Despite these differences, their directors, Jeremy Saulnier and Gareth Edwards, both offer unique perspectives within the action genre, creating intense and unsettling narratives marked by striking instances of extreme violence. Notably, Saulnier has recently gained acclaim with his Netflix Original production, “Rebel Ridge“, scheduled for release in 2024.

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2025-05-03 04:04