16 Movies Like The Punisher: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller

"Daredevil" is a series that will leave you on the edge of your seat, just like "The Punisher." While "The Punisher" focuses on Marine veteran Frank Castle seeking revenge for his family's murder, "Daredevil" follows blind lawyer Matt Murdock as he fights crime in New York City. Both shows share a dark and gritty atmosphere, immersing you in a world filled with vigilantes and criminals.
But what sets "Daredevil" apart is its more fantastical elements. With a blend of action, crime, drama, fantasy, sci-fi, and thriller genres, it offers a wider range of storytelling. The action scenes in "Daredevil" are breathtaking and realistic, taking the show to a whole new level. Moreover, the character development in "Daredevil" is exceptional, making you invest deeply in the lives of the characters.

Luke Cage, released in 2016, is a series that shares some similarities with The Punisher. Both shows are part of the Marvel series on Netflix and are based on characters from Marvel comics. Luke Cage, like The Punisher, has a dark and gritty tone, with heavy nuances and a story that delves into the depths of its characters. The show explores the life of Luke Cage, who gains super strength and unbreakable skin after a sabotaged experiment. Luke becomes a fugitive, trying to rebuild his life in Harlem and confront his past while fighting for the heart of his city. The show presents a realistic portrayal of an African American superhero story, without sugarcoating anything. The performance of Mike Colter as Luke Cage is fantastic, and the show features a plethora of entertaining villains, each innovating and fleshing out their characters.

Iron Fist takes us into the world of Danny Rand, a young man with exceptional martial arts skills and the power of the Iron Fist. While not as critically acclaimed as The Punisher, Iron Fist still manages to entertain with its storytelling and good acting. Finn Jones portrays Danny Rand as a character who is sometimes childlike yet wise. The show also features some humor, although it can be a bit cheesy at times. The fight scenes are well choreographed, although they don't quite reach the level of Daredevil's iconic hallway scene. While Iron Fist may not be on par with the best Marvel series on Netflix, it definitely doesn't deserve all the hate it received. It introduces three strong and interesting female characters: Rosario Dawson's Night Nurse makes a comeback in a stronger role, Jessica Henwick shines as Coleen Wing, and Madame Gao is a wonderfully fleshed out female villain.

Punisher: War Zone is reminiscent of The Punisher because both movies fall under the genres of Action, Crime, Drama, and Thriller. However, while The Punisher is a series that focuses on the vigilante journey of Marine veteran Frank Castle, Punisher: War Zone is a standalone film that showcases Castle's ruthless demolition of organized crime, which inadvertently sparks an even bigger war. Despite their differences in format, both stories revolve around Frank Castle's relentless pursuit of justice. So, if you enjoyed The Punisher, I highly recommend watching Punisher: War Zone for its gory action extravaganza and the stellar performances by Ray Stevenson, Dominic West, and Doug Hutchinson.

Legion, released on February 8th, 2017, is a series that shares similarities with The Punisher. Both shows are based on Marvel comics and revolve around characters with extraordinary abilities. While The Punisher follows the story of Frank Castle, a military veteran seeking revenge for his family's murder, Legion centers around David Haller, a troubled young man diagnosed with schizophrenia who discovers his special powers. Both series tackle dark and heavy themes, but Legion takes it a step further by presenting its narrative in a unique and visually stunning way. Each episode of Legion is like a work of art, with visuals that are both mind-bending and psychedelic. It's an experience that shouldn't be missed, but be warned, you might want to keep your brain intact and avoid being stoned while watching it! Overall, Legion offers a fascinating and captivating journey that stands out from the crowd.

Jessica Jones, reminiscent of The Punisher, follows the life of Jessica Jones as she tries to rebuild her life as a private investigator in New York City. Both series fall within the genres of Action, Crime, Drama, and Thriller, and share key topics such as strong lead characters and dealing with remarkable abilities. However, Jessica Jones brings a unique twist with its inclusion of Sci-Fi elements. While The Punisher focuses on Frank Castle's quest for revenge, Jessica Jones explores the aftermath of Jessica's brief superhero career. The writing, characters, and action scenes in Jessica Jones are praised as being superior to other shows, and the villains in season 1 and 3 are particularly well-developed, evoking strong emotions from viewers. Despite their similarities, one aspect that sets Jessica Jones apart is its humor, especially in season 1.

Helstrom is a series that captures the essence of The Punisher in a unique way. While both shows are based on Marvel comics and feature characters seeking revenge, Helstrom takes a supernatural twist. It follows the siblings Daimon and Ana Helstrom, who are the children of a notorious serial killer, as they track down the worst of humanity using their own skills and attitudes. Just like The Punisher, Helstrom delves into dark themes and explores complex family dynamics. However, Helstrom adds an extra layer of horror and fantasy elements to the mix, making it a thrilling and captivating watch for fans of The Punisher. So if you're looking for a series that combines the darkness of revenge with supernatural elements, Helstrom should definitely be on your list.

Loki, a series released on December 31, 2021, is reminiscent of The Punisher. Both are Marvel-based series that delve into the complex and intriguing world of comic book characters. While The Punisher follows the story of Frank Castle, a Marine veteran seeking revenge for the murder of his family, Loki takes on the mischievous God of Mischief as its central character. Both series explore themes of justice, personal growth, and the consequences of one's actions. However, Loki introduces a whole new dimension by incorporating elements of Norse mythology and time manipulation. The witty and clever portrayal of Loki by Tom Hiddleston, along with the unexpected twist of Owen Wilson's performance as Mobius, adds to the charm of the series. With its smart plot and darker tone, Loki keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with each episode, while also hinting at its connection to the future events of the Marvel cinematic universe.

Agent Carter, released in 2015, is reminiscent of The Punisher. Both are Marvel series that captivate viewers with their unique blend of action and drama. While The Punisher tells the story of Frank Castle, a Marine veteran turned vigilante seeking revenge for the murder of his family, Agent Carter takes us back to 1946, following Peggy Carter's journey as she clears Howard Stark's name with the help of his butler, Edwin Jarvis. What sets Agent Carter apart is its extraordinary attention to detail, from the exceptional dialogue to the period design, making it feel like a high-quality film production disguised as a TV show. The premise is thrilling, and the action scenes are reminiscent of the excitement found in Indiana Jones movies. Despite not receiving heavy marketing, the show has gained a devoted following, with its ratings steadily increasing. Agent Carter stands favorably alongside other Marvel series like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Gotham Knights takes place in a Gotham City that has been left without its iconic protector. Bruce Wayne has been murdered, and his adopted son forms an alliance with the children of Batman's enemies to become the next generation of saviors, known as the Gotham Knights. While The Punisher and Gotham Knights both fall under the genres of Action, Crime, Drama, and Thriller, they offer distinct experiences. The Punisher follows the story of Frank Castle, a Marine veteran seeking revenge for the murder of his family, while Gotham Knights explores the aftermath of Batman's absence and the rise of a new group of vigilantes. Both series delve into darkness and complex characters, but The Punisher focuses more on the psychological and emotional journey of its protagonist, while Gotham Knights introduces a fresh cast of characters with their own unique stories. If you enjoyed The Punisher's gripping tale of personal vendetta, you'll be captivated by Gotham Knights' exploration of a city in desperate need of heroes.

Term Life is reminiscent of The Punisher in its genre, as both movies fall under the categories of Action, Crime, Drama, and Thriller. However, while The Punisher focuses on the story of a vigilante seeking revenge, Term Life takes a different approach. It follows the journey of Nick, a guy who is wanted by hitmen and is desperately trying to stay alive long enough for his life insurance policy to pay out for his estranged daughter. Although Term Life may not have the same level of action as The Punisher, it makes up for it with engaging drama and an adequate crime thriller. The father-daughter bond between Vince Vaughn and Hailee Steinfeld is well-portrayed, and the movie also features some veteran actors like Bill Paxton and Terrence Howard. While Term Life may not be a high-octane action flick, its unique storyline and strong performances make it a movie worth watching for fans of the genre.

Gotham is a series that takes us back to the early days of Batman's hometown. Similar to The Punisher, Gotham is also based on a comic book and delves into the dark, crime-ridden underbelly of a city. While The Punisher focuses on the story of a vigilante seeking revenge, Gotham explores the rise of Detective James Gordon and the corruption in Gotham City before Batman's arrival. Both series have a gritty and suspenseful atmosphere, but Gotham stands out with its intriguing portrayal of iconic Batman villains. From the charismatic Penguin to the enigmatic Riddler, the villains in Gotham play a significant role in shaping the story and the city itself. Season 1 of Gotham may start off slowly, but Season 2 onwards, the show kicks it up a notch with captivating villains who truly impact the story and the city. Even if you're not a comic reader, Gotham's TV series adaptation is an absolute treat to watch.

Deadly Class, set in the late 1980s counterculture, is reminiscent of The Punisher in its dark and gritty tone. Both series explore the stories of characters who have been pushed to their limits and seek justice through unconventional means. While The Punisher follows a Marine veteran on a revenge mission, Deadly Class delves into the life of a disillusioned teenager who is recruited into a high school for assassins. The similarities lie in their exploration of complex characters, their examination of the consequences of violence, and their ability to create tension-filled narratives. However, Deadly Class brings a fresh twist to the genre with its unique setting and coming-of-age elements, offering a captivating blend of action, adventure, comedy, and drama. So, if you enjoyed The Punisher's dark and brooding atmosphere, Deadly Class is a must-watch for its fresh take on the anti-hero narrative and its ability to transport you to a fascinating world of assassins in 1980s San Francisco.

Lastman is an animated series that takes place in the corrupted city of Paxtown, where boxer Richard Aldana becomes the protector of Siri, a young orphaned girl wanted by mysterious and monstrous superhumans. While Lastman and The Punisher may seem like completely different worlds, they do share some similarities. Both shows are based on comic books and feature characters seeking justice in their own unique ways. However, Lastman stands out with its vibrant animation style and diverse genres, including action, adventure, comedy, crime, drama, fantasy, horror, sport, and thriller. With its engaging plot and lovable characters, Lastman is a must-watch for both anime fans and those who prefer live-action media.

Sicario is reminiscent of The Punisher in its dark and gritty portrayal of the protagonist's journey. Just as Frank Castle seeks revenge on those who destroyed his family, an idealistic FBI agent is enlisted to aid in the escalating war against drugs in Sicario. Both movies explore the theme of justice and the lengths people are willing to go to achieve it. However, while The Punisher focuses on a single vigilante, Sicario takes a broader approach, delving into the complexities and blurred lines of the war on drugs. The film's stunning visuals and tense set-pieces, such as the convoy scene in Juarez, showcase Denis Villeneuve's exceptional directing skills. Sicario's soundtrack and editing further enhance the overall experience. While the characters and storyline in Sicario remain deliberately vague, leaving the viewer speculating and feeling deceived, The Punisher offers a more character-driven narrative. Despite their differences, both movies are gripping, intense, and worth watching for fans of action-packed dramas.

Pennyworth is a series that you shouldn't miss if you're a fan of The Punisher. While The Punisher follows the story of Marine veteran Frank Castle seeking vengeance for his family's murder, Pennyworth tells the origin story of Alfred Pennyworth, a former special-forces soldier living in London who ultimately becomes the trusted ally of Bruce Wayne's father. Both series share the common theme of characters with military backgrounds transitioning into a life of vigilante justice. However, Pennyworth takes a different approach by incorporating elements of espionage and romance alongside the action and drama. With its excellent cast, including Jack Bannon in the titular role, Pennyworth is a must-watch series that brings a fresh perspective to the world of DC Comics.