4 Must-Watch Movies Like Rebel Ridge | Similar-List

Jeremy Saulnier’s Rebel Ridge has quickly become a standout among Netflix originals, with its gritty action, complex characters, and thrilling storyline. This pulse-pounding thriller has captivated audiences worldwide by boasting an impressive 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and maintaining its No. 1 ranking on Netflix.

Rebel Ridge blends high-stakes action with nuanced character development at its core, creating an edge-of-your-seat thriller. Aaron Pierre shines as Terry Richmond, a former Marine battling corruption in a small Southern town. His showdown with Don Johnson’s corrupt police chief adds tension as Terry navigates moral dilemmas and violent confrontations. The film's clever balance of action and character dynamics makes it a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts. If these elements of Rebel Ridge resonated with you, the following 4 films offer a similarly electrifying experience.

4 Must-Watch Movies Like Rebel Ridge

First Blood: A Deeper Look into Rambo's Origins

The first First Blood movie, starring Sylvester Stallone as the iconic John Rambo, stands apart from its more action-heavy sequels. This initial film is a surprisingly introspective and emotionally charged narrative, more about survival and trauma than sheer action spectacle. Like Terry Richmond in Rebel Ridge, Rambo is a quiet and brooding loner who enters a small town hoping to stay under the radar, only to be harassed by local law enforcement.

Rambo travels to the rural town of Hope, Washington, seeking out an old war buddy, only to learn that his friend has passed away. Grieving, he tries to move on, but Sheriff Will Teasle (played by Brian Dennehy) immediately dislikes him. Teasle sees Rambo as a drifter who doesn’t belong in his town and tries to push him out. When Rambo refuses to comply, he’s arrested on flimsy charges. What begins as a case of small-town hostility spirals into a full-scale conflict as Rambo, triggered by his untreated war trauma, resorts to extreme survival tactics.

The film masterfully shifts from tension-filled drama to an intense psychological battle. The violence, though present, feels raw and driven by desperation, not the stylized action of later installments. Rambo’s struggles reflect the harsh realities of post-war trauma, making First Blood a far more layered and thoughtful than the revenge-fueled sequels. It’s not just about explosions and shootouts; it’s about a man pushed to his breaking point.

If you appreciated Rebel Ridge's emotionally driven, character-centric narrative, First Blood offers a similar deep dive into the psyche of a man fighting against a corrupt system while battling his own internal demons. The film’s thoughtful pacing and emotional depth provide a compelling look at the price of survival, making it a must-watch for fans of thrillers that balance action with rich character development.

Blue Ruin: A Gritty Tale of Revenge and Consequence

Blue Ruin is an intense, slow-burn thriller that delves into the consequences of violence and revenge. Directed by Jeremy Saulnier, the film follows Dwight Evans, a quiet, unassuming man who finds himself thrust into a cycle of violence after the release of the man who killed his parents. Much like Rebel Ridge, this film hinges on the notion of an ordinary person pushed to extraordinary lengths by extreme circumstances.

Dwight, played by Macon Blair, is far from your typical action hero. He’s vulnerable, scared, and profoundly out of his depth, making his journey all the more gripping. After years of living as a vagrant, Dwight’s entire life has been shaped by the loss of his parents. When he learns that their killer is being released from prison, he sets off on a mission to exact revenge despite his obvious lack of preparation. This decision sets off a domino effect of bloodshed and tragedy, dragging him into a brutal, chaotic world he’s ill-equipped to handle.

Blue Ruin and Rebel Ridge focus on characters caught in violent situations they didn’t initially seek out but must navigate to survive. The themes of revenge and justice echo throughout both films, along with the toll that such quests take on the protagonists. Much like Terry Richmond’s gritty determination, Dwight is fueled by a deep, personal motive, even though he lacks the skills of a hardened fighter. Both characters, in their ways, are seeking to make things right in a world of corruption and violence.

Blue Ruin offers a stark, unflinching look at the consequences of revenge, exploring what happens when an ordinary man is driven to violent extremes. The film’s minimalist dialogue, sharp direction, and relentless tension make it a masterclass in storytelling. It’s not about the action but the emotional weight behind every decision and its fallout. If you’re a fan of Rebel Ridge’s gritty, high-stakes tension, Blue Ruin will captivate you with its raw, realistic portrayal of vengeance.

The film also highlights the cost of pursuing personal justice, a theme that resonates with the moral questions raised in Rebel Ridge. Dwight’s journey is as much about survival as it is about coming to terms with the irreversible consequences of his actions. Blue Ruin stands out for its suspenseful plot and emotional depth, offering a thought-provoking experience for anyone looking for more than high-octane action.

Assault on Precinct 13: A Siege Thriller That Delivers Relentless Tension

John Carpenter’s Assault on Precinct 13 is a classic action thriller that keeps viewers on edge with its relentless pace and mounting danger. Like Rebel Ridge, this film centers on characters trapped in a hostile environment, forced to rely on their wits and courage to survive.

The plot unfolds in an almost deserted police precinct in Los Angeles, set to close down for good. When a dangerous gang launches a brutal assault on the station, it becomes a life-or-death struggle for survival for the few remaining police officers, staff, and prisoners inside. What begins as a routine day quickly spirals into chaos as the precinct becomes ground zero for an all-out siege.

Assault on Precinct 13 and Rebel Ridge thrive on tension and high-stakes battles, where survival hinges on every decision. In both films, the characters are isolated and pitted against overwhelming forces with little outside help. The escalating action, the sense of claustrophobic danger, and the theme of standing up to violent corruption resonate strongly between these two films. While Terry Richmond fights against a corrupt police force, the characters in Assault on Precinct 13 must fend off a vicious gang determined to wipe them out.

If you enjoyed the nail-biting tension and close-quarters action of Rebel Ridge, Assault on Precinct 13 will deliver that same pulse-pounding intensity. Carpenter masterfully creates an atmosphere where every moment feels charged with peril, and the sense of entrapment is palpable. As with Rebel Ridge, the characters in this film are pushed to their absolute limits, forced to fight for survival against impossible odds.

This film also excels at showing unlikely alliances. In Assault on Precinct 13, police officers and criminals are forced to work together to fend off their common enemy, highlighting themes of morality, loyalty, and desperation. The film's raw, minimalist style, paired with its relentless pace, makes it a standout example of a siege thriller, where every decision can mean life or death.

One standout aspect of Assault on Precinct 13 is its depiction of siege warfare, similar to the strategic battles seen in Rebel Ridge. The setting of a near-abandoned police station adds an extra layer of isolation and desperation. The film’s sparse but effective dialogue and focus on survival and grit echo the intensity and quiet determination seen in Terry Richmond’s fight against a corrupt system in Rebel Ridge.

Both films explore what it means to be trapped and outnumbered but refuse to back down. In Assault on Precinct 13, the constant danger comes not just from the gang outside but also from the internal struggles among those trapped within the precinct. This mirrors the psychological and physical battles Terry faces in Rebel Ridge, where survival depends as much on mental resilience as physical strength.

For fans of thrillers that blend high-stakes action with intense psychological drama, Assault on Precinct 13 offers an experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Its legacy as a tense, character-driven action film makes it a perfect recommendation for those looking for movies with the same energy as Rebel Ridge.

Earth and Blood: A Tense, Gritty Fight for Survival

Earth and Blood (2020) is an intense, edge-of-your-seat action thriller that fans of Rebel Ridge will find especially compelling. Directed by Julien Leclercq, the film tells the story of Saïd, a sawmill owner who becomes the target of ruthless criminals. When a drug cartel hides stolen narcotics on his property, Saïd must defend both his land and his loved ones, transforming his sawmill into a deadly fortress. What unfolds is a brutal fight for survival, with Saïd forced to rely on his skills, instincts, and knowledge of the terrain to fend off the relentless attackers.

Both Earth and Blood and Rebel Ridge feature protagonists who are seemingly ordinary men caught in extraordinary and dangerous situations. Like Terry Richmond in Rebel Ridge, Saïd is a character who doesn’t seek conflict but is pushed to the brink by violent forces. Both men are determined, resourceful, and driven by a fierce desire to protect what’s theirs—Terry fights for justice in a corrupt town. In contrast, Saïd fights for his family and livelihood against ruthless criminals.

The films share a similar tone of gritty realism, where the action feels grounded, tense, and raw. In both movies, the protagonists are outnumbered and outgunned yet refuse to back down. The tension steadily builds in both stories as each man is forced to navigate hostile terrain and fend off relentless threats.

If you were captivated by the intense, smartly crafted action scenes in Rebel Ridge, you’d appreciate Earth and Blood's sharp, strategic combat. Saïd uses his knowledge of the sawmill to outwit his enemies, turning his workplace into a battleground filled with traps and hazards. This echoes the tactical survival skills we see Terry employ in Rebel Ridge, where brainpower is just as crucial as brawn in facing off against corrupt forces.

Another striking similarity lies in the emotional core of the film. Both Earth and Blood and Rebel Ridge are not just about violence—they’re about men who are forced to stand for something they believe in. For Saïd, it’s his daughter and his livelihood; for Terry, it’s justice and personal redemption. The motivations behind their actions make their stories all the more gripping and emotionally resonant, keeping viewers invested in the action and the outcome of these deeply compelling characters.

The setting of Earth and Blood plays a significant role in heightening the film’s tension. With its labyrinth of machinery and wood, the sawmill becomes a character in itself, much like the small-town environment in Rebel Ridge. Focusing on using the environment to create traps and strategic defenses adds more depth to the action, making it more than a straightforward fight. Saïd’s ability to manipulate his surroundings mirrors Terry’s resourcefulness, as both men use their knowledge and cunning to level the playing field against their more powerful enemies.

In Earth and Blood, the stakes are personal—Saïd’s daughter becomes a target and the emotional weight of protecting her drives much of the film’s intensity. This mirrors the personal investment in Rebel Ridge, where Terry fights for survival and justice in a morally bankrupt system. These personal stakes make both films more than just action thrillers—they’re stories of resilience, determination, and the lengths to which a person will go to protect what matters most.

Earth and Blood combines intense, high-stakes action with a deep emotional undercurrent, much like Rebel Ridge. Both films explore personal justice, survival, and standing up against overwhelming odds. The quiet strength of Saïd as a protagonist mirrors the steely resolve of Terry Richmond, making it a film that will resonate with audiences looking for a smart, emotionally driven action thriller.

With its clever use of setting, inventive action sequences, and a hero who refuses to back down, Earth and Blood is a perfect recommendation for anyone who enjoyed the tense, strategic battles and emotional depth of Rebel Ridge. It’s a film that keeps you hooked from start to finish, delivering both thrills and a powerful narrative.

If Rebel Ridge left you craving more intense action and thought-provoking character dynamics, these five movies will deliver just that. From First Blood's psychological complexity and survival instincts to Blue Ruin's raw revenge, each of these films adds its own spin on themes of justice, survival, and defiance in the face of overwhelming power.