Finding Your Next Action-Packed Thriller After ‘Havoc’
Liked ‘Havoc’? Five Movies to Stream Next – Netflix’s Havoc has taken the streaming world by storm, showcasing Tom Hardy’s exceptional talent in a gritty, adrenaline-fueled action thriller. If you’ve just finished watching this intense crime drama and are experiencing that familiar post-movie void, you’re not alone. There’s something uniquely satisfying about the raw intensity and calculated violence that director Gareth Evans brought to Havoc that leaves viewers craving more.
The good news is that the cinematic universe is filled with comparable gems that capture similar elements of what made Havoc so compelling. Whether you were drawn to Tom Hardy’s powerful performance, the meticulously choreographed fight scenes, the noir-inspired storytelling, or the visceral exploration of criminal underworlds, there are several outstanding films that will satisfy your appetite for more high-quality action thrillers.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore five exceptional movies that share DNA with Havoc while offering their own unique twists on the crime thriller genre. From Indonesian martial arts masterpieces to gritty American noir, each recommendation has been carefully selected to appeal to fans of Havoc while expanding your cinematic horizons. Plus, we’ll highlight where you can stream these films, making it easier than ever to continue your action thriller marathon.
Ready to discover your next favorite film? Let’s dive into these five must-watch movies that will keep the Havoc momentum going.
The Raid: Redemption – The Ultimate Action Choreography Experience
Why ‘The Raid: Redemption’ Will Appeal to ‘Havoc’ Fans
If the fight sequences in Havoc left you breathless, prepare to be absolutely blown away by The Raid: Redemption. Directed by none other than Gareth Evans—the same visionary filmmaker behind Havoc—this 2011 Indonesian action masterpiece established Evans as one of the most innovative action directors of his generation long before Tom Hardy entered his world of crime and punishment.
The Raid: Redemption follows an elite squad of police officers who become trapped in a high-rise building controlled by a ruthless drug lord and his army of killers. What ensues is arguably some of the most spectacular and brutally efficient action choreography ever committed to film. The connection to Havoc is unmistakable in Evans’ distinct visual style and his exceptional ability to stage extended fight sequences that feel both balletic and punishingly real.
Breathtaking Fight Choreography and Silat Martial Arts
Where Havoc showcases Tom Hardy’s gritty brawling style, The Raid: Redemption introduces many Western viewers to the Indonesian martial art of Pencak Silat. This traditional fighting style is characterized by fluid movements, close-quarter combat techniques, and devastating efficiency—elements that Evans would later incorporate into Havoc in a more grounded, street-fighting context.
The film stars Iko Uwais, who delivers a physical performance that must be seen to be believed. Like Hardy in Havoc, Uwais brings an intense physicality to his role, but with the added dimension of martial arts mastery. The hallway fight scenes in particular will remind Havoc enthusiasts of Hardy’s corridor confrontations, but amplified to an almost superhuman degree.
Critical Acclaim and Cultural Impact
The Raid: Redemption received overwhelming positive reviews upon its release, currently holding a 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics particularly praised its innovative action sequences and edge-of-your-seat pacing—qualities that Havoc fans certainly appreciate. The film’s influence can be seen in numerous action films that followed, including Hollywood productions that attempted to capture its kinetic energy and creative fight choreography.
As film critic Matt Zoller Seitz noted in his review for RogerEbert.com, “The film is a masterclass in how to stage, shoot and edit action so that it’s always clear what’s happening to whom.” This same clarity of vision in chaotic situations is a hallmark of Evans’ direction in Havoc as well.
The Raid 2: Berandal – When Crime Thriller Meets Epic Scope
Expanding the Universe: From Contained Thriller to Crime Epic
If The Raid: Redemption is the tight, contained counterpart to Havoc, then The Raid 2: Berandal represents Gareth Evans’ expansion into the sprawling criminal underworld storytelling that Havoc explores. Released in 2014, this sequel abandons the claustrophobic setting of its predecessor for an ambitious crime saga that follows Rama (Iko Uwais) as he goes undercover to infiltrate a powerful crime syndicate.
Like Havoc, The Raid 2 delves deep into criminal hierarchies, exploring the complex relationships between various factions vying for control. Tom Hardy’s journey through the criminal ecosystem in Havoc shares many thematic parallels with Rama’s dangerous undercover mission, though The Raid 2 operates on an even grander scale.
Elevated Action and Unforgettable Set Pieces
Where The Raid: Redemption focused on relentless combat intensity, The Raid 2 balances its spectacular action sequences with more developed characters and intricate plotting—similar to how Havoc interweaves Tom Hardy’s personal mission with broader criminal conspiracies. The sequel’s action set pieces are diverse and astonishing, from prison yard brawls that recall Havoc‘s confined fighting spaces to a car chase sequence that must be seen to be believed.
Evans’ evolution as a filmmaker between the two Raid films mirrors many of the stylistic choices he would later bring to Havoc, particularly in how he frames action within the context of a larger narrative about corruption and moral ambiguity. The prison sequences especially evoke the gritty, desperate fighting style that Hardy employs in Havoc.
Critical Reception and Artistic Achievement
The Raid 2 received even stronger reviews than its predecessor, with many critics highlighting Evans’ growth as a storyteller. With a runtime of 150 minutes, it demonstrates the director’s ability to sustain tension and engagement across a more complex narrative—skills he would further refine in Havoc.
According to The Guardian’s film critic Peter Bradshaw, The Raid 2 is “an ultraviolent, ultra-stylish gangster epic… with stunning action sequences.” The film’s ambitious scope and unflinching approach to violence will certainly appeal to those who appreciated Havoc‘s no-holds-barred depiction of criminal violence and Hardy’s relentless performance.
Sleepless Night – The Relentless Single-Location Thriller
A Nocturnal Rescue Mission That Never Lets Up
French thriller Sleepless Night (2011) shares Havoc‘s propulsive energy and narrative simplicity—a straightforward premise executed with maximum tension. The film follows Vincent, a corrupt cop whose son is kidnapped by drug dealers after Vincent steals a cocaine shipment. To save his son, Vincent must navigate a sprawling nightclub filled with criminals, cops, and civilians over the course of one increasingly desperate night.
Like Tom Hardy’s character in Havoc, Vincent is a man with a very specific mission who must fight his way through numerous obstacles and adversaries. Both films excel at creating a sense of urgency and momentum that carries the viewer through increasingly harrowing situations. If you appreciated the relentless forward motion of Havoc, Sleepless Night delivers a similarly exhausting but exhilarating experience.
Confined Spaces and Improvised Combat
Where Sleepless Night particularly resonates with Havoc is in its approach to action sequences. Both films feature protagonists who aren’t superhuman fighters but determined men who use whatever they can—including their environment—to overcome their opponents. The nightclub setting provides a variety of spaces for creative combat, from crowded dance floors to cramped kitchens and narrow service corridors.
The film’s director, Frédéric Jardin, employs a visceral, kinetic camera style that heightens the intensity of these confrontations without sacrificing clarity—a balance that Gareth Evans also strikes effectively in Havoc. The result is a series of fight scenes that feel messy, painful, and authentic rather than choreographed and stylized.
The Hollywood Remake Connection
In an interesting connection, Sleepless Night was remade as the 2017 American film Sleepless, starring Jamie Foxx. While the remake didn’t capture the raw intensity of the original, this connection highlights how influential the French thriller’s approach to action storytelling has been—creating an indirect link between Sleepless Night and other contemporary crime thrillers like Havoc.
The original Sleepless Night received strong critical acclaim, with The Hollywood Reporter describing it as “a fast-paced French thriller that hardly ever catches its breath.” This breathless quality is precisely what makes it a perfect follow-up for fans of Havoc who are seeking another adrenaline-fueled ride.
The Drop – Tom Hardy’s Earlier Dive into Criminal Underworlds
Tom Hardy’s Compelling Performance in a Different Kind of Crime Drama
While Havoc showcases Tom Hardy as an action hero, The Drop (2014) demonstrates his remarkable range in a more subdued but equally tense crime narrative. Directed by Michaël R. Roskam and written by Dennis Lehane, The Drop stars Hardy as Bob Saginowski, a bartender working at a Brooklyn establishment that serves as a “drop” point for illegal money. When the bar is robbed, Bob finds himself caught between a dangerous Chechen mob, a local thug (played by Matthias Schoenaerts), and a suspicious detective.
For Havoc fans specifically drawn to Hardy’s intense screen presence, The Drop offers a fascinatingly different performance that nevertheless showcases the same commitment and charisma. Where Hardy’s character in Havoc is openly formidable, Bob Saginowski initially appears meek and unassuming—until circumstances reveal hidden depths and capabilities.
Subtle Tension and Simmering Violence
Unlike the explosive action of Havoc, The Drop builds tension through character interactions and the constant threat of violence rather than through extended action sequences. The film excels at creating an atmosphere of menace and unpredictability, where conversations carry life-or-death stakes. When violence does erupt, it’s sudden, shocking, and consequential—qualities that Havoc also employs effectively in its more restrained moments.
The Brooklyn setting is rendered with the same attention to environmental detail that Evans brings to the criminal spaces in Havoc, creating a tangible sense of place that feels authentic and lived-in. Both films understand that effective crime dramas need to be grounded in believable worlds with established rules and hierarchies.
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James Gandolfini’s Final Performance
The Drop is also notable for featuring James Gandolfini’s final film performance before his untimely death. As Cousin Marv, the former owner of the bar who still manages it under the mob’s oversight, Gandolfini brings the same complex mix of menace, vulnerability, and damaged masculinity that made his portrayal of Tony Soprano iconic. His interplay with Hardy creates some of the film’s most compelling scenes, showcasing two masters of their craft.
Critics praised The Drop for its atmospheric direction and outstanding performances, with Peter Travers of Rolling Stone writing that “Hardy and Gandolfini give performances of muscular intelligence and emotional urgency.” These qualities make The Drop an excellent companion piece to Havoc, showing different facets of both Hardy’s talent and the crime genre itself.
L.A. Confidential – The Neo-Noir Classic That Defined a Genre
A Different Era, Similar Corruption
While the previous recommendations share Havoc‘s contemporary setting, Curtis Hanson’s 1997 masterpiece L.A. Confidential proves that exceptional crime storytelling transcends temporal settings. Set in 1950s Los Angeles, this neo-noir classic follows three very different police officers investigating a series of murders that leads them into a web of corruption involving organized crime, celebrity culture, and the LAPD itself.
What connects L.A. Confidential to Havoc is its unflinching examination of institutional corruption and the complex moral calculations individuals must make when navigating corrupt systems. Both films understand that in criminal ecosystems, the line between law enforcement and criminality often blurs, creating moral ambiguity that their protagonists must confront.
Outstanding Ensemble Cast and Character Depth
Like Havoc, which features strong supporting performances around Tom Hardy’s central role, L.A. Confidential boasts one of the finest ensemble casts ever assembled in a crime film. Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kevin Spacey, James Cromwell, Kim Basinger, and Danny DeVito all deliver career-defining performances that bring depth and nuance to a complex narrative.
The film’s three protagonists—the brutish Bud White (Crowe), the ambitious Ed Exley (Pearce), and the celebrity-obsessed Jack Vincennes (Spacey)—approach their investigation with different methods and motivations, creating a multi-faceted exploration of justice and corruption that complements Havoc‘s more focused narrative.
Masterful Storytelling and Visual Style
Director Curtis Hanson and cinematographer Dante Spinotti created a visual language for L.A. Confidential that honors noir traditions while feeling thoroughly modern—an approach that parallels how Gareth Evans incorporates classic crime film elements into Havoc‘s contemporary visual style. Both films use lighting, composition, and production design to reinforce themes of moral ambiguity and hidden corruption.
L.A. Confidential received universal acclaim and was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning two (including Best Supporting Actress for Kim Basinger). Its reputation has only grown in the decades since its release, with many critics considering it one of the finest crime films ever made. As Roger Ebert wrote in his four-star review, “This is movie making on a grand scale, using all the elements of the perfected Hollywood studio system.”
How to Watch These Films: Your Easy Streaming Guide
Finding and streaming these movies has never been easier. While availability can change based on your region and subscription services, here’s a quick guide to where you might find these films as of this writing:
- The Raid: Redemption – Available on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu in some regions
- The Raid 2: Berandal – Available for rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play
- Sleepless Night – Available on select streaming platforms like Tubi in some regions
- The Drop – Available on HBO Max and for rent on various platforms
- L.A. Confidential – Available on HBO Max and for rent on Amazon, Apple TV
For an easy way to watch these and other latest movies with the lowest price, TiviBridge offers a convenient solution that helps you find where films are streaming and compare prices across platforms.
Beyond the Recommendations: What Makes These Films Stand Out
The Evolution of Action Filmmaking
One fascinating aspect that connects Havoc with films like The Raid series and Sleepless Night is how they represent evolution in action filmmaking techniques. Gareth Evans in particular has been instrumental in pushing action choreography forward, blending Eastern martial arts precision with Western gritty realism. This fusion creates fight sequences that feel both spectacular and consequential—where the audience feels every impact.
The shift from wire-work and CGI-enhanced action that dominated the early 2000s to the more grounded, physically demanding performances seen in these films represents an important trend in action cinema. Tom Hardy’s performance in Havoc continues this tradition, emphasizing authentic physical storytelling over digital enhancement.
Moral Ambiguity in Modern Crime Narratives
Another thread connecting these recommendations is their sophisticated approach to moral ambiguity. Unlike earlier crime films with clearly defined heroes and villains, these modern entries recognize the complex reality of criminal ecosystems where “good” and “bad” are rarely absolutes.
In Havoc, as in The Drop and L.A. Confidential, protagonists make compromises and difficult choices that challenge simplistic moral frameworks. This nuanced approach creates more engaging narratives where character decisions carry real weight and consequences. As viewers, we’re invited to question what we would do in similar impossible situations rather than simply rooting for a flawless hero.
The Importance of Environmental Storytelling
All five recommended films share Havoc‘s attention to environmental detail, using locations not just as backdrops but as integral elements of their storytelling. From the claustrophobic hallways of The Raid to the labyrinthine nightclub in Sleepless Night and the sun-drenched but morally dark 1950s Los Angeles of L.A. Confidential, these films create immersive worlds that enhance their narratives.
This commitment to creating authentic, lived-in spaces gives these films a depth that elevates them above more generic entries in the crime genre. When filmmakers invest in environmental storytelling, they create works that resonate beyond their plot points, allowing viewers to feel fully transported into these dangerous but compelling worlds.
The Impact of Tom Hardy on Modern Action Cinema
A Different Kind of Action Star
Tom Hardy represents a new archetype of action star that has emerged in the 21st century—one defined by intensity, versatility, and a willingness to embrace physical transformation. Unlike the seemingly invulnerable action heroes of previous decades, Hardy’s performances, including his work in Havoc, emphasize vulnerability alongside strength.
This approach creates a more engaging viewing experience where audiences genuinely worry about the protagonist’s survival. When Hardy’s character in Havoc takes damage, he shows it—the accumulation of injuries becomes part of the storytelling rather than being ignored for the sake of maintaining a heroic image.
Physical Commitment and Performance Style
Hardy’s commitment to physical transformation has been evident throughout his career, from his bulked-up appearance in Bronson and The Dark Knight Rises to his leaner, more agile presence in Havoc. This willingness to reshape his body for roles places him in the tradition of actors like Robert De Niro and Christian Bale, who view physical transformation as an essential element of character development.
Beyond his physique, Hardy brings a unique intensity to his performances that makes him perfectly suited for crime thrillers like Havoc and The Drop. His ability to communicate complex emotions through minimal dialogue and physical presence creates compelling characters that audiences can’t look away from, even in the most violent or disturbing scenarios.
Cultural Impact and Star Power
Hardy’s growing influence on action cinema extends beyond his performances to his choice of projects and collaborators. By working with visionary directors like Gareth Evans on Havoc, Hardy helps elevate genre films that might otherwise not receive the same level of attention or resources.
This star power allows for more ambitious action filmmaking, creating space for the kind of technical innovation and narrative risk-taking that makes movies like Havoc stand out in an increasingly crowded entertainment landscape. As Hardy continues to balance mainstream blockbusters with more character-driven genre films, his influence on action cinema seems likely to grow even further.
FAQ: Everything You Wanted to Know About ‘Havoc’ and Similar Films
What makes ‘Havoc’ unique among action thrillers?
Havoc stands out for its combination of Gareth Evans’ exceptional action direction, Tom Hardy’s intense lead performance, and its focused narrative that maintains momentum throughout. The film’s attention to realistic fight choreography and environmental storytelling creates a visceral experience that feels more authentic than many conventional action movies.
Is Tom Hardy doing his own stunts in ‘Havoc’?
While Tom Hardy performs much of his own physical action in Havoc, like most major productions, the film utilizes stunt performers for the most dangerous sequences. Hardy is known for his commitment to physical roles, however, and works closely with fight coordinators to ensure his performance feels authentic even when stunt doubles are used for certain shots.
Which director has influenced Gareth Evans’ style in ‘Havoc’?
Gareth Evans has cited various influences on his directing style, including John Carpenter, John Woo, and classic Hong Kong action cinema. His approach to action choreography in both Havoc and The Raid series demonstrates a fusion of Eastern martial arts precision with Western gritty realism.
Are any of these recommended movies getting sequels?
While The Raid already received one sequel with The Raid 2: Berandal, plans for a third film have been indefinitely shelved as Gareth Evans has moved on to other projects. There have been discussions about American remakes of The Raid, but these have yet to materialize in significant ways. As for Havoc, no official sequel has been announced as of this writing.
Where was ‘Havoc’ filmed?
Havoc was primarily filmed in Wales, UK, despite being set in a fictional American city. The production utilized various Welsh locations to create the gritty urban environments seen in the film, transforming them through production design and cinematography to achieve the desired aesthetic.
Is ‘L.A. Confidential’ based on a true story?
While L.A. Confidential incorporates elements inspired by real-life corruption in the 1950s Los Angeles Police Department, it is not based on specific true events. The film is adapted from James Ellroy’s novel of the same name, which blends fictional characters with historical context to create its neo-noir narrative.
Why are martial arts films like ‘The Raid’ connected to ‘Havoc’?
The connection between Havoc and martial arts films like The Raid series stems primarily from director Gareth Evans, who helmed both productions. Evans brings his distinctive approach to action choreography and cinematography to both projects, creating a stylistic bridge between the Indonesian martial arts films and the more Western crime thriller elements of Havoc.
Conclusion: Your Next Movie Night Sorted
After experiencing the intense, gritty action of Havoc and Tom Hardy’s commanding performance, the five films we’ve explored offer perfect follow-up viewing experiences that expand on different elements that made Havoc so compelling. From the revolutionary action choreography of The Raid: Redemption and The Raid 2: Berandal to the claustrophobic tension of Sleepless Night, the character-driven crime drama of The Drop, and the masterful neo-noir storytelling of L.A. Confidential, each recommendation provides its own powerful cinematic experience.
What unites these diverse films is their commitment to crafting authentic, immersive criminal worlds populated by complex characters facing impossible situations. Whether through spectacular martial arts sequences, tense character interactions, or intricate conspiracies, they all deliver the same kind of visceral engagement that made Havoc so riveting.
As streaming platforms continue to expand their libraries, exceptional crime thrillers like these provide a welcome alternative to formulaic action fare. By seeking out films that push the boundaries of their genres—whether through innovative fight choreography, nuanced performances, or sophisticated storytelling—viewers can discover truly remarkable cinematic experiences that resonate long after the credits roll.
Call to Action
Have you watched any of these recommendations after enjoying Havoc? Which one captured your attention the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know which films you’d add to this list!
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