10 Action-Packed Films to Watch If You Loved Novocaine

By Dan Bremner - March 30, 2025

Film - Feature

If you’re a fan of high-octane action films with a sharp edge, then Novocaine likely left you craving more. With its mix of intense fight sequences, gripping suspense, and a touch of dark humour, it’s the kind of movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat. But what if you’re looking for something similar to fuel your adrenaline rush? We’ve rounded up ten action-packed films that deliver the same pulse-pounding excitement, clever storytelling, and unforgettable characters. Whether you love stylish shootouts, intricate plots, or just a good dose of cinematic mayhem, these movies will keep your heart racing from start to finish.

Crank (2006) Dir. Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor

Chev Chelios, a hit man wanting to go straight, lets his latest target slip away. Then he awakes the next morning to a phone call that informs him he has been poisoned and has only an hour to live unless he keeps adrenaline coursing through his body while he searches for an antidote.

Perhaps the crowning jewel in Jason Statham's long-running action stint. A madcap, frenetic and tasteless action-comedy that pushes the limits of outrageousness as Statham’s gloriously named “Chev Chelios” kills, shags and injects himself with pure adrenaline to keep his heart rate up.

Crank 2: High Voltage (2009) Dir. Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor

Chelios faces a Chinese mobster who has stolen his nearly indestructible heart and replaced it with a battery-powered ticker that requires regular jolts of electricity to keep working.

Despite the catastrophic injuries that would kill any mortal man sustained in the previous film, Chev Chelios was dead, but he got better. Doubling down on the crassness, bad taste and over the top nonsense, this sequel pushes the boundaries as far as it can go with Chelios keeping his artificial heart alive with constant jolts of electricity and friction. The only film where a giant Jason Statham has a big Kaiju fight at a power station. Absolutely criminal we never got a third film, which would have seen Chelios having to devour human meat to survive.

Wanted (2009) Dir. Timur Bekmambetov

Wesley Gibson is an office clerk, who is prone to insults at work and has to deal with a cheating girlfriend. His life takes an unexpected turn when he finds out that his father is an assassin.

An early role for James McAvoy that pushes him into the shoes of an everyman destined for greater things. This is absurdly violent and stylish 2000’s action filmmaking at its best. Curving bullets, Fight Club like monologues taking aim at 9-5 culture and taking control of your life. It's edgy, but I can't deny the pure fun I still get from seeing a bullet being curved in slow-motion into someone's head. Another one we cruelly never got to see a sequel, despite the clear potential.

Guns Akimbo (2019) Dir. Jason Lei Howden

A computer programmer spends his free time trolling Skizm, an underground fight club that live-streams death matches. His life turns upside down when he is forced to participate in one such match.

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe sheds his Hogwarts robes here for a gleefully violent and high-octane action comedy that's big on body-count and grotesque comedy as Radcliffe fights for his life in a bathrobe with two guns nailed into his hands. It doesn't always land, but the imagery of seeing the once-wizard alone makes it worth a curiosity watch.

Kick-Ass (2010) Dir. Matthew Vaughn

Comic book geek Dave sets out to become Kick-Ass, a real-life superhero. Big Daddy and Hit-Girl attempt to dismantle the underworld empire of mob boss Frank D'Amico, when Kick-Ass gets involved.

A real soft-spot film for me. A balls-to-the-wall “Grounded” superhero action-comedy that throws a nerdy teen into an extraordinarily violent scenario. Matthew Vaughn keeps the action stylish, fun and creative, while a star cast of Aaron Taylor-Johnson bringing the geeky vulnerability as the titular superhero, a breakout Chloe Grace Moretz as the delightfully profane child assassin “Hit-Girl” and Nicolas Cage brings heart with his misguided “Big-Daddy” while delivering a stunning Adam West Batman impression at the same time.

Nobody (2021) Dir. Ilya Naishuller

Hutch Mansell finds his life changed when a few thieves break into his house. While trying to punish the thieves, he ends up earning the wrath of a crime lord, Yulian, after he attacks his brother.

With shades of “John Wick”, the thought of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul star joining the older action-hero pantheon was very intriguing. The results are a tight-90 minutes of Bob Odenkirk kicking ass, saving cats and getting himself deeper into a hole as he's hounded by Russian monsters. Well choreographed, brutal and stunningly paced. A sequel is due this year and I hope to see it keep up the momentum.

Deadpool (2016) Dir. Tim Miller

Ajax, a twisted scientist, experiments on Wade Wilson, a mercenary, to cure him of cancer and give him healing powers. However, the experiment leaves Wade disfigured and he decides to exact revenge.

It's hard to believe this 2016 film was initially considered a risk, but it paid off. An irreverent entry into Fox’s X-Men franchise that stands alone, allowing Ryan Reynolds “Merc with a Mouth” to get his gleefully gory origin story. The story beats might be familiar, but it makes up for it with Reynolds full commitment and clear love for the immature character that breaks the fourth wall and isn't afraid to take the piss along the way.

Bullet Train (2022) Dir. David Leitch

Ladybug, a professional assassin, is assigned to retrieve a briefcase from a bullet train. Soon, he finds himself battling many other killers who board the same train but with a different objective.

A twisty action-comedy from David Leitch (Co-director of the first John Wick) that boasts a star cast and a clear vibe that's riffing on Tarantino and Guy Ritchie. Brad Pitt is a riot as a laid-back assassin with bad luck, trying his best not to kill anyone, but chance keeps having other ideas. It's a snappy and stylish time that doesn't rewrite the rulebook, but has a lot of fun doing it with these host of colourful characters who help it stand out.

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Shoot ‘Em Up (2007) Dir. Michael Davis

Smith runs into a pregnant woman being pursued by killers. With the woman dead and the killers in pursuit, he fights to keep the newborn alive with the help of a prostitute and discovers a grim plot.”

I don't think films get more outrageous or over-the-top than Shoot ‘Em Up. A criminally underrated dose of pure insanity that has Clive Owen killing people with both bullets and carrots, environmental action that is gloriously insane and creative, even including a sex-scene shootout, and an absurd conspiracy plot that brings an unhinged Paul Giamatti as the cackling villain into the mix. The special effects are a bit naff, but there's no arguing the ludicrous vision behind all this that should be embraced.

Evil Dead 2 (1987) Dir. Sam Raimi

Ash takes his girlfriend, Linda, to a cabin in a remote area. There, they play back a video tape which actually can summon an evil spirit.

I know Sam Raimi’s gory slapstick horror-comedy might be an odd choice when compared to Novocaine, but it has a lot of similarities, despite the contrasting genre. This silly masterpiece also has an ordinary protagonist who goes through the ringer, ending the film in a bloodied state of a missing limb and damage that's both physical and psychological. Hilarious from start to finish, packed with Raimi’s unmatched style and just a pure joy of horror, comedy and gore.

Whether you’re drawn to the slick action, comedic dialogue, or relentless tension of Novocaine, these ten films are sure to deliver the same electrifying thrills. So grab some popcorn, buckle in, and get ready for a wild ride—because the action never stops!