The “Kill Bill” movies must be included while discussing the most significant action movies of the twenty-first century.
If not for Thurman’s performance, it’s doubtful that you would see as many fantastic female-centric action movies like kill bill today.
Regarding genre masterpieces, Quentin Tarantino has provided a captivating display.
Several characters from the last several decades have gained the same fame as The Bride (Uma Thurman).
Some lucky Tarantino fans have seen a synthesized version of the story named “Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair,” even though it was released in two chapters.
Although the movie’s story seemed finished, Tarantino has hinted at the potential of making a third one.
Here are the best movies like Kill Bill that you should see.
1. House of Flying Daggers (2004)
- Director: Yimou Zhang
- Cast: Ziyi Zhang, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau, Dandan Song, Hongfei Zhao, Jun Guo, Shu Zhang, Jiusheng Wang, and Zhengyong Zhang
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
The first thing that stands out in House Of Flying Daggers is its stunning appearance.
Even though the movie is an excellent creative achievement overall, the breathtaking cinematography alone may capture viewers’ attention.
The captivating yet ultimately sad love story of Mei (Zhang Ziyi) and Jin (Takeshi Kaneshiro) is told in this wuxia romance.
Mei is a member of the Flying Daggers, an underground rebel group backed by the Chinese people who oppose the Tang Dynasty’s cruel and corrupt rule.
A police officer named Jin sets out to gain Mei’s trust but instead falls in love with her, leading him to rethink his allegiances and moral convictions.
2. Aliens (1986)
- Director: James Cameron
- Cast: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Carrie Henn, Paul Reiser, Lance Henriksen, Bill Paxton, William Hope, and Jenette Goldstein
- IMDb rating: 8.4/10
Ellen Ripley is found by a salvage ship after spending 57 years floating in space.
They do not accept her discoveries of extraterrestrial life, however. Much to her disgust, Ripley learns that the moon LV-426 has a colony.
However, Ripley is called back into action and is forced to prepare for a decisive clash with the monsters when all communication with the moon is lost.
She portrays an iconic female hero and fully merits her Academy Awards and Golden Globes nominations.
Aside from that, James Cameron’s superb directing and jaw-dropping special effects make Aliens one of the most amazing movies like kill bill.
This movie is on the list because it had one of the most recognizable female characters in cinematic history, who, like The Bride, defeated rivals.
3. Bullet Train (2022)
- Director: David Leitch
- Cast: Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Shannon, and Sandra Bullock
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
The history of “Kill Bill” and its influences is complex. Placing a white protagonist at the heart of the narrative may be seen as demeaning, even though it is very much an homage to the heritage of Asian movies.
However, Quentin Tarantino does a very excellent job of respecting the Japanese culture he borrows from and highlighting the significance of their traditions.
It doesn’t seem like The Bride is adopting anyone else’s story; rather, when she embarks on her heroic trip, she gains an appreciation for Eastern traditions.
David Leitch’s action thriller “Bullet Train” plays a similarly intriguing role in the history of movie representation.
Despite being an American production, the movie has an international cast and scenes set in other countries.
Based on the book “Maria Beetle” by Ktar Isaka, the movie follows assassin Ladybug (Brad Pitt) as he boards the train to Kyoto to get a briefcase.
Ladybug must endure the lengthy train travel with the other assassins after being accused of killing the child of a Russian criminal (Michael Shannon), played by Logan Lerman.
Ironically, Ladybug is a bit of a clown, and “The Elder” (Hiroyuki Sanada), a Japanese yakuza, and his son Yuichi Kimura (Andrew Koji) are the actual stars of the play.
This is undoubtedly one of the best movies like kill bill.
4. High Tension (2003)
- Director: Alexandre Aja
- Cast: Cécile de France, Maïwenn, Philippe Nahon, Franck Khalfoun, Andrei Finti, Oana Pellea, Marco Claudiu Pascu, and Jean-Claude de Goros
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10
High Tension” is a tense and sophisticated suspense/thriller horror movie that Alexandre Aja directed.
It is distinctive and interesting since it blends both gore and suspense terror.
This movie follows the narrative of two closest friends about to spend a peaceful weekend in a remote farmhouse.
It is a non-American movie that is both controversial and enjoyable, with a strong narrative and excellent acting.
Every horror enthusiast should see “High Tension” as a tribute to the horror subgenre. This is among the best movies like kill bill.
5. Jackie Brown (1997)
- Director: Quentin Tarantino
- Cast: Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, Bridget Fonda, Michael Keaton, Robert De Niro, Michael Bowen, and Chris Tucker
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
For his depiction of female characters, Quentin Tarantino has received acclaim and criticism throughout his career.
Although some viewers have issues with his choices, The Bride is unquestionably one of his most compelling characters.
Tarantino gave Uma Thurman complete creative control to develop the part and make it her own. He has told stories with a focus on women before, however.
The 1997 movie “Jackie Brown” by Quentin Tarantino is one of his many underappreciated works.
The movie follows Jackie Brown, a flight attendant, as she becomes involved in a smuggling scheme.
Grier delivers a combative performance that avoids sexualization and cliché, similar to Thurman.
As Jackie endures racial and gender assault, she gives her a feeling of autonomy.
Even though The Bride is a somewhat serious character, Grier managed to inject some humor into her portrayal, especially in the funny exchanges she had with Ordell Robbie.
6. Hanna (2011)
- Director: Joe Wright
- Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Cate Blanchett, Eric Bana, Vicky Krieps, Paris Arrowsmith, John Macmillan, Tim Beckmann, and Paul Birchard,
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10
Her father raised young Hanna in the Finland wilderness. She was raised to be the ideal assassin. Thus, she is not a typical little girl.
Hanna experiences unexpected truths about herself and the world as she is sent on a mission throughout Europe.
“Hanna” is one of the amazing movies like kill bill, with an interesting plot with strong performances from a stellar cast.
The performances by Saoirse Ronan, Cate Blanchett, and Eric Bana are strong and unexpected.
Joe Wright’s movie is the ideal blend of action-packed and emotionally captivating thanks to a fantastic soundtrack.
7. Atomic Blonde (2017)
- Director: David Leitch
- Cast: Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, John Goodman, Eddie Marsan, Toby Jones, James Faulkner, Roland Møller, and Sofia Boutella
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10
While “Kill Bill” was undoubtedly an action movie, the plot is enhanced by mystery and intrigue.
Many of Quentin Tarantino’s movies have traces of the noir genre, and “Kill Bill” managed to keep the viewer interested in The Bride’s investigation between the brutal set pieces.
The horrific action scenes, interesting puzzles, and dark comedy in “Atomic Blonde” combine great pleasure.
Both movies have fantastic female action heroes and creative non-linear features.
Like The Bride, Lorraine is focused on achieving her goal but shows a few signs of emotion. Theron excels in an epic stairs fight that brings her close to losing.
The Bride, a fantastic female lead who wasn’t sexualized, made “Kill Bill” a moment of inspiration for the movie industry.
Including a close LGBT relationship in “Atomic Blonde” was also a step in the right direction. This is undoubtedly one of the amazing movies like kill bill.
8. I Spit on Your Grave (2010)
- Director: Steven R. Monroe
- Cast: Sarah Butler, Jeff Branson, Andrew Howard, Daniel Franzese, Rodney Eastman, Chad Lindberg, Tracey Walter, and Mollie Milligan
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10
The vengeance movie “I Spit on Your Grave” is one of the best movies like Kill Bill in that it centers on a female character.
Jennifer Hills is cruelly tormented and physically attacked as she writes her next novel in a nice cottage in the woods.
She escapes and survives over all obstacles and is now seeking vengeance. Her aim is now to get revenge on those who have wronged her and never show pity.
As the violent and challenging character Jennifer Hills, actress Sarah Butler performs brilliantly and audacious.
The unpleasant nature of “I Spit on Your Grave” prevents it from being characterized as pleasurable.
Yet, it is an intriguing horror movie about the will to survive, although for the wrong reasons.
8. Nikita (1990)
- Director: Luc Besson
- Cast: Anne Parillaud, Marc Duret, Patrick Fontana, Alain Lathière, Laura Chéron, Jacques Boudet, Helene Aligier, and Pierre-Alain de Garrigues
- IMDb rating: 7.3
Nikita is a young lady who throws away her life with drugs, crime, and violence in this French-language movie directed by Luc Besson.
After a failed heist results in the deaths of Nikita’s friends and a police officer, she is sent behind bars. That, however, does not last for very long.
She is captured by “The Centre,” a secret government espionage organization, after a fake suicide.
She is offered the choice of dying or being taught and working for them.
Nikita reluctantly accepts and develops into a fearsome assassin, but her task becomes more difficult when she falls in love with the kindhearted Marco.
9. Birds of Prey (2020)
- Director: Cathy Yan
- Cast: Margot Robbie, Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett, Ewan McGregor, Ella Jay Basco, Chris Messina, and Ali Wong
- IMDb rating: 6.0/10
The absence of strong action scenes has been one of the recurrent problems in recent DC movies.
When Superman (Henry Cavill) gets caught in a massive CGI fight that almost completely ruins Metropolis, it’s difficult to care about him as a person.
The 2020 spinoff movie “Birds of Prey” was able to tone down the spectacle to present more personal battle sequences. Like “Kill Bill,” “Birds of Prey” has no issues with being violent.
A few horrific fatalities are incorporated in the R-rated comic book version as comedic humor.
The movie’s fast pace plays with the non-linear story, similar to Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill.”
It seems fitting that a crazy character like Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) would relate a story with many diversions, detours, and perplexing circumstances.
Compared to the previous DC movies, “Birds of Prey” has hand-to-hand action scenes similar to the sword fights in “Kill Bill.”
Cathy Yan, the director, may have given the action sequences a more humorous tone, but they are nevertheless refreshingly based in reality.
She also adds a few visual touches that give the movie an even more unique feel.
10. Sin City (2005)
- Director: Frank Miller, Quentin Tarantino, and Robert Rodriguez
- Cast: Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Devon Aoki, Alexis Bledel, Powers Boothe, and Cara D. Briggs
- IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Sin City and Kill Bill have a lot in common. Both movies use stylized violence, narration by a character who appears on screen, black-and-white scenes, and themes of revenge and justice.
Sin City is based on the sleek, gritty neo-noir comic books by Frank Miller.
Not only does Tarantino often work with Robert Rodriguez, but he also directed one scene in Sin City. Thus, his aesthetic influence is obvious.
The story follows four intersecting but distinct stories of (Ba)Sin City residents navigating their corrupt, criminal, bloody, gun- and alcohol-filled environment. This is undoubtedly one of the amazing movies like kill bill.
11. Oldboy (2003)
- Director: Park Chan-wook
- Cast: Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-Jeong, Kim Byeong-Ok, Dae-han Ji, Dal-su Oh, Seung-shin Lee, and Jin-Seo Yoon
- IMDb rating: 8.4/10
The two “Kill Bill” movies are revenge stories exploring trauma’s long-term effects.
The audience was involved in The Bride’s success because of the gruesome, heartbreaking scenes in “Kill Bill Vol. 1” when she promises to get vengeance on Bill (David Carradine).
The Bride’s aims are hindered, nevertheless, by some surprising revelations she receives in “Kill Bill Vol. 2.”
The finest revenge movies like kill bill, according to Quentin Tarantino, are those in which the main character is forced to consider what “vengeance” actually means to them.
The 2003 action thriller “Oldboy” by Park Chan-wook is one of the best revenge movies like kill bill ever made and has one of the most suspenseful narrative twists in cinema history.
It is a movie where it is ideal to go in without prior knowledge of the plot.
Fans of “Kill Bill” may be able to endure some violence, but the frightening lengths that “Oldboy” goes to are immensely unpleasant.
Similar to “Kill Bill,” “Oldboy” weaves a compelling mystery into the action scenes to make them even more exciting.
It begins with a flashback introducing the sympathetic hero and his goal.
It opens with a 1988 scenario in which the drunken businessman Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-Sik) is kidnapped by unknown perpetrators.
After serving 15 years in jail, Dae-su embarks on a journey to discover those who tortured him and bring them to justice.
12. Haywire (2011)
- Director: Steven Soderbergh
- Cast: Gina Carano, Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender, Michael Angarano, Channing Tatum, Debby Lynn Ross, Michael Douglas, and Antonio Banderas
- IMDb rating: 5.8/10
Steven Soderbergh’s movie “Haywire” portrays a freelance covert operator who carries out tasks that the government cannot allow and that heads of state would want not to be made aware of.
She learns she has been betrayed while on one of these missions, and she must now use her abilities to get home safely, defend her family, and exact revenge.
“Haywire” is a stylish vintage espionage movie with an engaging plot and exciting action sequences. It also features a superb all-star cast that gives outstanding performances.
You’ll be blown away by Michael Douglas, Channing Tatum, Michael Fassbender, Antonio Banderas, Gina Carano, and Ewan McGregor.
13. Lady Vengeance (2005)
- Director: Park Chan-wook
- Cast: Nam-mi Kang, Jeong-nam Choi, Hye-Sook Go, Bok-hwa Baek, Cheol Hong, Ho-soo Joo, In-bo Jang, and Kim Byeong-Ok
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
This psychological suspense movie is the third installment of Park Chan-wook’s Vengeance Trilogy, which also includes Oldboy (2003) and Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002).
In the movie, Lee Young-ae portrays Lee Geum-ja, a young lady who was wrongfully imprisoned for the murder of a 5-year-old boy thirteen years before.
She gets freed early since she is a model prisoner and seems innocent, but Lee swiftly loses her innocent personality to expose the murderous wrath that has been boiling underneath.
She looks for the guy who falsely accused her and cut off contact with her daughter, who is now clueless about her.
The movie was praised for its sophisticated brutality and powerful female lead.
14. From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
- Director: Robert Rodriguez
- Cast: Harvey Keitel, George Clooney, Juliette Lewis, Quentin Tarantino, Ernest Liu, Salma Hayek, Cheech Marin, and Danny Trejo
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” is a fantastic demonstration of his talent at blending genres. Classic martial arts movies influence the “Kill Bill” movies, but they also have noir, mystery, romance, and dark comedies.
It’s not the first time Tarantino defied expectations about a movie’s plot. He wrote the script for the 1996 movie “From Dusk Till Dawn,” directed by his regular partner Robert Rodriguez, and even co-starred in it.
The plot of “From Dusk Till Dawn” is very straightforward: after a bloody firefight, the bounty-hunting brothers Seth (George Clooney) and Richie Gecko (Tarantino) flee.
To escape punishment, the Gecko brothers kidnap the preacher Jacob Fuller (Harvey Keitel) and his daughter Kate (Juliette Lewis) as they attempt to enter Mexico.
When the characters enter a pub operated by bloodsucking vampires, “From Dusk Till Dawn” turns unexpectedly.
The wacky banter that is Tarantino’s specialty is excellent. Like “Kill Bill,” the quick-witted jokes are interwoven with lengthy monologues. This is one of the best movies like kill bill.
