Most movie fans love thrilling Action Movie Assassinations. From pulse-pounding action sequences to meticulously planned political intrigue, these moments keep us glued to the screen, biting our nails and wondering if the target will survive.
This list explores 10 assassination attempts from movies dissecting the “how” and “why” behind the hits (and misses). So, grab some popcorn, because things are about to get deadly (or maybe not so deadly).
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum
Our list wouldn’t be complete without John Wick. In this action-packed sequel, Wick himself becomes the target after a global bounty is placed on his head. We see a variety of assassination attempts, from snipers taking potshots to assassins wielding unconventional weapons like piano wire.
The highlight? A thrilling chase through the streets of New York City on motorcycles – not exactly the most subtle approach, but undeniably entertaining. Verdict: Miss. John Wick dodges them all with his signature blend of stoicism and impressive gun-fu.
Atomic BlondeÂ
This stylish Cold War thriller throws us into the world of espionage. Charlize Theron delivers a badass performance as Lorraine Broughton, a British spy tasked with retrieving a list of undercover agents in Berlin.
The assassination attempt here is brutal and personal. An undercover KGB agent tries to take out Lorraine in her own apartment using a poisoned hairpin. The fight choreography is intense, showcasing Lorraine’s ruthlessness and resourcefulness.
Verdict: Miss. Lorraine may be bruised, but she dispatches the assassin and escapes with the list.
A Quiet Place Part II
This post-apocalyptic horror sequel ups the ante on the fight for survival against blind alien creatures. The Abbott family, led by the ever-resourceful Evelyn (Emily Blunt), must now navigate a world crawling with danger.
One particularly tense scene involves a desperate attempt to assassinate a creature using a homemade bomb. Verdict: It depends. The bomb injures the creature, but it doesn’t kill it. A small victory for the Abbotts, but the threat remains.
The Irishman
Martin Scorsese’s epic crime drama takes a fictionalized look at the life of hitman Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) and his possible involvement in the disappearance of Teamsters Union president Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino).
The film’s portrayal of the assassination attempt is deliberately ambiguous, leaving viewers to piece together the events. Verdict: Unclear. The film doesn’t explicitly show Hoffa’s death, but it heavily implies foul play.
Hobbs & Shaw
This spin-off from the Fast & Furious franchise throws together unlikely allies Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) to take down a cybernetically enhanced villain named Brixton Lore (Idris Elba).
The assassination attempt here is a high-tech affair. Brixton uses drones and a self-driving car to eliminate Hobbs. Verdict: Miss (barely). Hobbs survives with some impressive driving skills and a whole lot of luck.
Bladerunner 2049Â
This visually stunning sequel to the sci-fi classic explores themes of memory and identity. Ryan Gosling delivers a phenomenal performance as K, a blade runner (replicant hunter) who uncovers a shocking secret that puts him in the crosshairs.
The assassination attempt in this film is a slow burn, filled with psychological manipulation and emotional tension. Verdict: Success (sort of). K survives the physical attempt, but the emotional fallout is significant.
Hotel Artemis
This neo-noir thriller takes place in a hidden hotel that caters exclusively to criminals. Jodie Foster stars as the Nurse, who runs the hotel and tends to the wounded clientele.
The assassination attempt here is a classic double-cross. One of the guests tries to take out another with a poisoned drink. Verdict: It depends. The target survives the initial attempt but is left in a precarious situation.
Mission: Impossible – FalloutÂ
Tom Cruise continues to defy age and gravity in this action-packed installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise. Ethan Hunt and his IMF team find themselves framed for a global arms deal gone wrong. The assassination attempt in this film is a high-altitude affair.
Ethan is forced to fight for his life while dangling from a helicopter thousands of feet above the ground. Verdict: Miss (impressively). Through sheer willpower and a whole lot of luck, Ethan manages to fight back and survive the fall (because of course he does).
Kingsman: The Golden Circle
This sequel to the action-comedy Kingsman throws Eggsy (Taron Egerton) and his mentor Merlin (Mark Strong) into a global battle against a villainous drug cartel. The assassination attempt here is a darkly comedic affair.
A Kingsman agent attempts to take out a target with a poisoned umbrella – a classic homage to the first Kingsman film. Verdict: Miss. Eggsy foils the attempt in a hilarious and action-packed sequence.
Nobody
This action thriller stars Bob Odenkirk as Hutch Mansell, a seemingly ordinary suburban dad who harbors a dark secret. When his house is broken into, Hutch unleashes a set of skills that surprise everyone, including himself.
The assassination attempt here is brutal and unexpected. A group of gangsters tries to take out Hutch in his own home, underestimating his capabilities. Verdict: It depends. Hutch survives the attempt and goes on a rampage, but the body count is high, and the consequences are far-reaching.
Why We Love Assassination Attempts in Movies
Assassination attempts in movies offer a potent mix of action, suspense, and intrigue. They raise the stakes for our protagonists, forcing them to dig deep and fight for their lives.
These attempts can also be character-defining moments, revealing the resourcefulness, ruthlessness, or even compassion of the characters involved.
The success or failure of an assassination attempt can also have a significant impact on the plot’s direction. A failed attempt can fuel the protagonist’s determination for revenge, while a successful one can leave them reeling from loss and grappling with the consequences.
So, the next time you see a character dodging bullets or outsmarting a would-be assassin, remember, it’s not just about the action. It’s about the characters, the stakes, and the impact these attempts have on the story.
This list is just a glimpse into the thrilling world of movie assassinations. From high-tech gadgets to old-fashioned muscle, these attempts keep us entertained and guessing until the very end. After all, who doesn’t love a good game of cat and mouse, especially when the stakes are life and death?
