13 Movies Like ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’: Must-Watch Action-Packed Thrillers
In a world where superheroes reign supreme, the release of “Deadpool & Wolverine” in 2024 marked a seismic shift in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It didn’t just break box office records; it shattered them into a million tiny pieces! This outrageous, action-packed adventure starring the incomparable Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman dominated the box office, raking in a whopping $211 million in its opening weekend alone. That’s not just the biggest opening for an R-rated film ever – it’s the sixth-biggest opening of all time, period. Talk about a superhero slam dunk! If you’re still recovering from the adrenaline rush and non-stop laughter, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with a list of movies that will keep the good times rolling.
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1. “Hit Man” (2024)
“Hit Man” follows an undercover New Orleans police contractor who masquerades as a trustworthy hitman while attempting to rescue a woman in distress. This premise is inspired by the true story of a college professor who worked as a fake hitman for the Houston police in the late 1980s and 1990s, as detailed in a 2001 magazine article by Skip Hollandsworth. Powell plays Gary Johnson who was the real life professor/hit man. He died in 2022 before the movie’s release.
2. “The Fall Guy” (2024)
For those seeking a more grounded, yet equally entertaining experience, “The Fall Guy” promises to be a thrilling ride. Starring Ryan Gosling as a retired stuntman thrust back into action when the leading man he once doubled for goes missing, this film is a love letter to the unsung heroes of the movie industry – the daring stunt performers who risk life and limb to bring our favorite action sequences to life.
While “The Fall Guy” may initially seem like a departure from the superhero genre, it shares a similar sense of humor and heart with “Deadpool & Wolverine.” As Gosling’s character embarks on a perilous mission to rescue his former colleague, he finds himself rekindling a romance with an aspiring director, played by the talented Emily Blunt. Prepare to be swept away by the sizzling chemistry between these two Hollywood heavyweights as they navigate a world of danger, intrigue, and heart-pounding stunts.
3. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” (2023)
Kicking off our list is the highly anticipated “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” a film that encapsulates the perfect blend of mirth and pathos that made “Deadpool & Wolverine” such a resounding success. Directed by James Gunn, this cosmic rollercoaster ride delves deeper into the enigmatic backstory of Rocket, the fan-favorite talking raccoon. Prepare to be swept away by a whirlwind of emotions as you witness the unbreakable bond between the Guardians, all while navigating a galaxy-spanning adventure filled with outrageous humor and adrenaline-pumping action sequences.
4. “Free Guy” (2021)
“Free Guy” is a 2021 sci-fi action-comedy directed by Shawn Levy. Levy is the director of “Deadpool & Wolverine.” It stars Ryan Reynolds as Guy, a non-player character (NPC) in an open-world video game who becomes self-aware. As he discovers he’s in a game, he decides to take control of his destiny and become a hero. With the help of a player named Millie (Jodie Comer), he aims to save his virtual world from being shut down by its greedy developers. The film blends action, comedy, and a bit of heart, making it a fun and inventive take on the concept of video game worlds.
5. “Spider Man: No Way Home” (2021)
While “Deadpool & Wolverine” may have kept its surprises under wraps, the same cannot be said for the monumental “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Despite the leaks that threatened to spoil the film’s biggest twists, nothing could have prepared audiences for the sheer exhilaration of witnessing Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Men joining forces with Tom Holland’s web-slinger. This cinematic event was a love letter to Spider-Man fans worldwide, as the trio of wall-crawlers teamed up to confront the ghosts of their respective timelines.
“Spider-Man: No Way Home” was more than just a superhero spectacle; it was a celebration of Spider-Man’s rich legacy across multiple generations. From the nostalgic return of iconic villains like Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin to the jaw-dropping cameos by Marvel heavyweights like Matt Murdock (Daredevil) and Tom Hardy’s Venom, this film was a veritable smorgasbord of fan service. Whether you’re a longtime Spider-Man devotee or a newcomer to the web-slinger’s world, this movie is a must-watch for its sheer audacity and commitment to honoring the character’s storied history.
6. “Shazam!” (2019)
If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted superhero adventure that captures the spirit of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” look no further than “Shazam!” Directed by David F. Sandberg, this film follows the story of a teenager who transforms into a powerful adult superhero whenever he utters the magic word “Shazam!”
What sets “Shazam!” apart from other superhero films is its ability to inject a sense of childlike wonder and humor into the genre. Zachary Levi’s portrayal of the titular hero is a delightful blend of innocence and power, as he navigates the challenges of adulthood while still retaining the spirit of a teenager. From hilarious misunderstandings to heartwarming moments of self-discovery, “Shazam!” is a refreshing take on the superhero genre that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
7. “Spider Man: Far From Home” (2019)
Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) follows Peter Parker as he embarks on a school trip to Europe. Trying to take a break from his superhero duties, he gets pulled into an adventure when Nick Fury recruits him to help combat a new threat. He faces off against the villain Mysterio, who has mysterious powers and a deceptive agenda. The film blends action, humor, and the challenges of being a young superhero with personal growth and the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame.
8. “The Gentlemen” (2019)
“The Gentlemen” is a crime-comedy film directed by Guy Ritchie. The movie follows the story of Mickey Pearson, an American expat who has built a highly profitable marijuana empire in London. When he plans to sell his business, it sparks a series of schemes and betrayals among various criminal elements trying to seize his empire. The film is known for its witty dialogue, complex plot, and colorful characters, blending action and humor in classic Ritchie fashion.
9. “Detective Pikachu” (2019)
If you can’t get enough of Ryan Reynolds’ infectious charisma, “Detective Pikachu” is a delightful detour into the world of Pokémon. In this live-action adaptation, Reynolds lends his unmistakable voice to the titular character, a talking Pikachu who teams up with a young man on a quest to unravel the mystery behind his missing father. Prepare to be charmed by Reynolds’ impeccable comedic timing as he breathes life into the beloved Pokémon, delivering a performance that will leave you in stitches.
10. “Ocean’s 8” (2018)
If you’re in the mood for a high-stakes heist filled with glamour and celebrity cameos, “Ocean’s 8” is a must-watch. Featuring an all-star cast led by Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, and Anne Hathaway, this film takes viewers on a thrilling ride through the glitzy world of high-end fashion and celebrity culture.
At its core, “Ocean’s 8” is a classic heist movie with a twist – the team of skilled criminals is comprised entirely of women. As they meticulously plan and execute a daring robbery during the prestigious Met Gala, the film explores themes of female empowerment and the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated world. Prepare to be captivated by the intricate planning, slick execution, and the undeniable chemistry between the ensemble cast.
11. “Ant Man” (2015)
If you’re in the mood for a superhero movie that leans heavily into the comedic aspects of the genre, “Ant-Man” is a must-watch. Starring Paul Rudd as the titular hero, this film is a delightful blend of heist-movie thrills and laugh-out-loud humor, offering a unique and refreshing take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
From the moment Paul Rudd’s Scott Lang dons the Ant-Man suit, it’s clear that this film is a departure from the traditional superhero formula. With Rudd’s impeccable comedic timing and the film’s willingness to poke fun at the absurdity of its own premise, “Ant-Man” is a constant barrage of hilarity that never loses sight of its heart and emotional core.
12. “The Big Short” (2015)
Shifting gears once again, “The Big Short” is a cinematic masterpiece that deftly blends drama, comedy, and a healthy dose of fourth-wall breaking. Starring an ensemble cast that includes Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, this film offers a unique and engaging perspective on the global financial crisis of 2008.
What sets “The Big Short” apart from other films in its genre is its unconventional approach to storytelling. Throughout the movie, characters frequently break the fourth wall, directly addressing the audience to explain complex financial concepts in a way that is both informative and entertaining. From Margot Robbie’s infamous bathtub scene to Selena Gomez’s cameo appearance, these moments not only add levity to the proceedings but also serve as a powerful tool for demystifying the intricate world of finance.
13. “Kick-Ass” (2010)
If you’re in the mood for a film that takes a subversive and often brutal approach to the superhero genre, “Kick-Ass” is a must-watch. Based on the acclaimed comic book series by Mark Millar, this film follows the story of Dave Lizewski, an ordinary teenager who decides to become a real-life superhero, with often violent and hilarious consequences.
From its opening moments, “Kick-Ass” establishes itself as a deconstruction of the superhero genre, taking familiar tropes and turning them on their head. As Dave Lizewski dons his homemade costume and attempts to fight crime, he quickly learns that the reality of being a superhero is far more brutal and unforgiving than the comic books would have you believe. This unflinching exploration of the genre’s conventions is both shocking and refreshingly honest, offering a unique perspective on the world of superheroes.
In summary, if you enjoyed Deadpool & Wolverine, you might also appreciate films with a similar blend of action, humor, and unique storytelling. Titles like Ocean’s 8 offer a stylish heist with a strong ensemble cast, while The Fall Guy combines thrilling stunts with a clever plot. Spider-Man: Far From Home brings a mix of superhero action and personal growth, and Ant-Man provides a lighter, comedic take on the Marvel universe. For a dose of edgy, irreverent fun, Kick-Ass stands out with its unconventional approach to superhero tropes. Each of these films brings something distinct to the table, catering to fans of dynamic, genre-blending cinema.
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