Films about assassins delve into the shadowy world of contract killers, exploring their complex lives, motivations, and the high-stakes missions they undertake. These movies often combine elements of action, thriller, and drama, offering audiences a glimpse into the clandestine world of professional hitmen and hitwomen. They can range from character-driven narratives that explore the psyche of the assassin to high-octane action films filled with spectacular set pieces and suspenseful moments. Here is a list of notable films about assassins:
“John Wick”, 2014
Director: Chad Stahelski, David Leitch
After the death of his beloved dog, gifted to him by his late wife, retired hitman John Wick returns to his old ways to seek vengeance against those who wronged him, revealing a secret world of assassins.
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen, Willem Dafoe, Dean Winters, Adrianne Palicki, Omer Barnea, Toby Leonard Moore, Daniel Bernhardt, Bridget Moynahan;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: action, thriller, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “John Wick” on the website imdb.com
“Hitman”, 2007
Director: Xavier Gens
Based on the popular video game series, the film follows Agent 47, a genetically-enhanced assassin, caught in a political conspiracy, which finds him pursued by both Interpol and the Russian military as he treks across Eastern Europe.
Starring: Timothy Olyphant, Dougray Scott, Robert Knepper, Ulrich Thomsen, Henry Ian Cusick, Michael Offei, Christian Erickson, Eriq Ebouaney, Joe Sheridan;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: action, thriller, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 89 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
More information about the film “Hitman” on the website imdb.com
“Wanted”, 2008
Director:
Wesley Gibson discovers his recently murdered father was an assassin, and he is suddenly thrust into a secret society of killers trained to execute lethal orders. Featuring curving bullets and high-octane action, it’s a film where fantasy elements meet assassin lore.
Starring: James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman, Terence Stamp, Thomas Kretschmann, Common, Marc Warren, Dato Bakhtadze, Chris Pratt;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: science fiction, action, thriller, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Wanted” on the website imdb.com
“Collateral”, 2004
Director: Michael Mann
A cab driver finds himself the hostage of an engaging contract killer, Vincent, as he makes his rounds from hit to hit during one night in Los Angeles. The film is unique for its philosophical dialogues and the psychological depth it adds to the assassin archetype.
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Ruffalo, Bruce McGill, Peter Berg, Barry Shabaka Henley, Irma P. Hall, Javier Bardem, Emilio Rivera;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Collateral” on the website imdb.com
“The Bourne Identity”, 2002
Director: Doug Liman
Although not a traditional assassin movie, it follows Jason Bourne, a man suffering from extreme memory loss, attempting to discover his true identity amidst a clandestine conspiracy within the CIA, which includes trained assassins known as “assets”.
Starring: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen, Brian Cox, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Gabriel Mann, Julia Stiles, Tim Dutton, Walton Goggins;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: action, thriller, detective;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “The Bourne Identity” on the website imdb.com
“The Day of the Jackal”, 1973
Director: Fred Zinnemann
An historical thriller about a professional assassin known only as the Jackal, who is hired to assassinate French President Charles de Gaulle in the early 1960s. This film is celebrated for its meticulous detail and the intense cat-and-mouse chase across Europe.
Starring: Edward Fox, Michael Lonsdale, Terence Alexander, Michel Auclair, Alan Badel, Tony Britton, Derek Jacobi, Denis Carey, Cyril Cusack, Maurice Denham;
Production year: 1973;
Genre: detective, thriller, crime, history;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 143 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “The Day of the Jackal” on the website imdb.com
Each of these films offers a distinct take on the assassin genre, showcasing the diverse storytelling opportunities it provides, from the deeply emotional to the intensely action-packed.
In the shadowy, adrenaline-fueled realm of cinematic storytelling, films about assassins have carved out a distinct and enduring niche, captivating audiences with their complex characters, moral quandaries, and pulse-pounding action. Across decades, this genre has explored the multifaceted lives of its subjects, from cold-hearted killers to conflicted antiheroes, offering viewers a glimpse into the clandestine world of hits and contracts while navigating the fine line between right and wrong. The intrinsic allure of these narratives lies in their ability to dissect the human condition, presenting themes of redemption, identity, and the inexorable pull of destiny. With a rich tapestry of storytelling that encompasses sleek action thrillers, introspective dramas, and dark comedies, assassin films continue to evolve, simultaneously reflecting and influencing the zeitgeist. As each new entry adds depth and nuance to this fascinating genre, it is clear that the allure of the assassin's tale, with its blend of moral ambiguity, suspense, and stylized violence, remains as potent and compelling as ever, promising more intriguing explorations of the shadows in future cinematic endeavors.
