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Hitman movies are sought after by cinephiles because they tend to feature gripping narratives complete with unanticipated twists and impressive stunts. Fans of action movies cannot get enough of highly-skilled hitman characters who use their stealth and quick wit to turn every situation to their advantage. Over the years, different kinds of hitman movies have made their way to the theatres.
When it comes to hitman movies, there is no set template, which means that different filmmakers have experimented with unconventional narratives and experimental storytelling styles to offer some distinctive and original. However, due to the sheer volume of hitman movies, even ardent fans might have difficulty separating the must-watch gems from the standard offerings.
This list will act as a guide for cinephiles looking for hitman movies boasting noteworthy plots and memorable cinematic experiences.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.
On The Job, Salvo, and seven other riveting hitman movies that will get your adrenaline pumping
1) Blast of Silence (1961)
In this hitman movie, Allen Baron is the director and even plays the lead role. The story introduces viewers to Frankie Bono, an Italian-American hitman who needs to carry out a risky assassination. He travels to New York City during Christmas time to complete the job but has to deal with some unexpected complications first.
Baron is not a veteran actor but could still capture the lead character's lonesome and socially awkward personality. One of the best things about this neo-noir hitman movie is the cinematography, especially the compelling opening sequence that sets the tone for the rest of the movie.
Yes, there are several thrilling action scenes, but what makes this hitman movie a must-watch is its intimate portrayal of a hitman's psyche and everything leading up to the kill.
Where to watch: Blast of Silence is available for streaming on MUBI.
2) Léon: The Professional (1994)
In most cases, hitman movies can be violent, so they don't usually feature main characters in the adolescent phase. However, this film by Luc Besson makes an exception.
Jean Reno plays a professional hitman who goes by the name Léon. He has to take in 12-year-old Mathilda Lando (portrayed by Natalie Portman) when her family is murdered by Gary Oldman's character, Norman Stansfield, who is a corrupt Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent.
Portman's mature performance makes it hard to believe that Léon: The Professional marks her film debut. The growing mentor-and-mentee relationship between Léon and Mathilda is one of the film's highlights. It has plenty of action-packed scenes, but simultaneously, several emotionally charged moments leave a lasting impression.
Where to watch: Léon: The Professional is available on Netflix, Apple TV+, and Prime Video.
3) Fallen Angels (1995)
Hong Kong crime dramas are popular worldwide for their gritty storylines, and this engaging hitman movie by Wong Kar-wai certainly doesn't disappoint. Fallen Angels brings forth two interwoven stories, one of a hitman trying to escape a life of crime and the other of an ex-convict on the run. Leon Lai, Karen Mok, Takeshi Kaneshiro, and others star in this cult classic.
This hitman movie belongs on every cinephile's watchlist because of the interesting characters and stunning cinematography. Filmmaker Wong Kar-wai knows how to use bold colors and lighting in such a way that it captures the viewer's attention without overshadowing the messages conveyed in the narrative.
Where to watch: Fallen Angels can be viewed on Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Netflix.
4) The Magician (2005)
Historically, hitman movies have generally featured dark storylines, but a few titles in the genre have steered in a different direction. One fine example would be this hitman movie by Scott Ryan. It uses the found footage style of filmmaking to tell the story of Ray Shoesmith, a Melbourne underworld hitman played by Ryan himself.
Even though this hitman movie had a shoestring budget, its realistic feel and intelligent dialogue can entertain the viewer from start to finish. Ryan does a great job of playing the flawed protagonist, who can be calculating and methodical when needed. This movie is the kind that would appeal to viewers who are fond of dark humor.
Where to watch: This underrated movie can be streamed on MUBI and Apple TV+.
5) On The Job (2013)
In this Filipino hitman movie by Erik Matti, the two leads, Mario and Daniel (portrayed by Joel Torre and Gerald Anderson), are not exactly hitmen by profession; they are prisoners who are released periodically by a powerful syndicate to carry out killings on their behalf. However, things get complicated when they cross paths with two policemen determined to find the truth.
On The Job boasts a solid screenplay that thrives on powerful performances by the lead cast. There is never a dull moment in the movie, and the action sequences are consistently impressive. More often than not, hitman movies can get predictable, but this Filipino gem never lets viewers catch on and maintains the suspense till the end.
Where to watch: On The Job is available for streaming on Plex and Tubi.
6) Salvo (2013)
This critically acclaimed Italian movie by Fabio Grassadonia and Antonio Piazza stars Saleh Bakri as a bodyguard and hitman named Salvo. He is cold and ruthless, as is necessary in the world of crime he is associated with. However, he is forced to rethink the meaning of life when he encounters a blind woman at the house of his next hit.
The narrative in this hitman movie prioritizes emotive facial expressions and body language over long, drawn-out conversations. The minimal dialogue allows viewers to immerse themselves in the dark aura of the story, which is suspenseful and emotional. Salvo may not be as fast-paced as some of the other titles on this list, but the distinctive storytelling more than makes up for the same.
Where to watch: Salvo can be viewed on MUBI.
7) No Tears for the Dead (2014)
Jang Dong-gun plays the lead in this South Korean film by Lee Jeong-beom. He plays a professional hitman, Gon, who accidentally ends up killing an innocent little girl during a job. The situation becomes more complicated when he realizes his next target is the girl's mother.
South Korean filmmakers are known for crafting heartfelt stories that explore human connections and emotions. No Tears for the Dead is primarily a hitman movie boasting plenty of adrenaline-pumping action sequences. But, in addition to that, it also has an underlying earnestness and sentimentality that viewers will find endearing.
Jang Dong-gun, in particular, deserves credit for being able to portray the protagonist's conflicted thoughts and wavering loyalties.
Where to watch: No Tears for the Dead is available on Prime Video and Netflix.
8) The Assassin (2015)
Hitman movies don't necessarily need a modern setting, as is proved in this engaging film by Hou Hsiao-hsien. Set in China during the Zhenyuan reign period in the middle of the Tang dynasty, the movie stars Shu Qi as Nie Yinniang, a skilled assassin. When she fails a mission, she is tasked with a troublesome assignment that involves the man she was betrothed to as a child.
From the opening scene, it becomes clear that the director spared no expense with the cinematography. The beautiful shots, coupled with detailed costumes, complement the complex storyline. Compared to many high-octane hitman movies that fans are used to, The Assassin is a slow-burn, but the aesthetic style of storytelling helps keep the viewer engaged.
Where to watch: The Assassin can be streamed on Prime Video.
9) Deliver Us from Evil (2020)
Deliver Us from Evil is the second South Korean hitman movie on this list. Hwang Jung-min stars as the lead protagonist, Kim In-nam, a professional hitman who wants to retire after one last hit. However, his plans are disrupted when he has to travel to Thailand to find a young girl who has been kidnapped.
If there is one thing that this movie by Hong Won-Chan delivers in buckets, it is skillfully choreographed action sequences that will satisfy even the most ardent fans of the genre. Since many veteran actors from the industry play central characters, viewers can rest assured that each character brings something of value to the table.
Where to watch: Deliver Us from Evil is available on Netflix and Prime Video.
Cinephiles looking for films that offer a healthy dose of suspense and violence should check out these riveting hitman movies that are action-packed and intriguing.
