The Amateur is a vigilante action spy thriller film directed by James Hawes from a screenplay co-written by Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli. Based on the 1981 novel of the same name by Robert Littell, the 2025 film follows Charlie Heller, a brilliant CIA cryptographer whose wife was killed during a terrorist attack in London. After discovering that, he blackmails his superiors into giving him training to kill the people who killed his wife and use his expertise in doing so. The Amateur stars Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Caitriona Balfe, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Laurence Fishburne. So, if you loved the thrilling drama, intense revenge story, and compelling characters in The Amateur, here are some similar movies you should check out next.
Law Abiding Citizen (Starz & Prime Video Add-On)

Law Abiding Citizen is a vigilante action thriller film directed by F. Gary Gray from a screenplay by Kurt Wimmer. The 2009 film follows Clyde Shelton, a man driven to get his revenge against the people who killed his family as well as the authorities who didn’t properly punish the culprits. Law Abiding Citizen stars Jamie Foxx, Gerard Butler, Bruce McGill, Colm Meaney, Leslie Bibb, Michael Irby, and Regina Hall.
Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse (Prime Video)

Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse is an action thriller film directed by Stefano Sollima, and it is based on a screenplay co-written by Taylor Sheridan and Will Staples. Based on the 1993 novel of the same name by Tom Clancy, the 2021 film follows John Kelly, a U.S. Navy SEAL whose wife and unit members are killed by a Russian hitman and decides to get his revenge by whatever means necessary. Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse stars Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Bell, Jodie Turner-Smith, Jacob Scipio, Jack Kesy, Guy Pearce, and Lauren London.
The Amateur (Hulu)

The Amateur is a Canadian crime thriller film directed by CHarles Jarrott from a screenplay co-written by Robert Littell and Diana Maddox. Based on Littell’s 1981 novel of the same name, the 1981 film follows Charles Heller, a CIA cryptographer whose wife is killed in a terrorist attack in Munich. He soon decides to use his expertise to avenge the death of his wife. The Amateur stars John Savage, Christopher Plummer, Marthe Keller, Arthur Hill, Nicholas Campbell, George Coe, John Marley, and Ed Lauter.
American Assassin (The Roku Channel & Rent on Prime Video)

American Assassin is an action thriller drama film directed by Michael Cuesta from a screenplay co-written by Stephen Schiff, Michael Finch, Edward Zwick, and Marshall Herskovitz. Based on the 2010 novel of the same name by Vince Flynn, the 2017 film follows Mitch Rapp, a young man whose girlfriend is killed in a terrorist attack. After that, he decides to get stronger and take his revenge against the people who killed her. American Assassin stars Dylan O’Brien, Michael Keaton, Sanaa Lathan, Shiva Negar, Taylor Kitsch, David Suchet, Navid Negahban, and Scott Adkins.
Three Days of the Condor (Paramount+ & Rent on Prime Video)

Three Days of the Condor is a political thriller drama film directed by Sydney Pollack from a screenplay co-written by Lorenzo Semple Jr. and David Rayfiel. Based on the 1974 novel Six Days of the Condor by James Grady, the 1975 film follows Joe Turner, a bookish CIA researcher who discovers that someone has killed all of his colleagues, and he is the one being blamed for it. Now, he must go on the run to find the true killer and clear his name. Three Days of the Condor stars Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson, and Max von Sydow.
Man on Fire (Rent on Prime Video)

Man on Fire is a vigilante action thriller film directed by Tony Scott from a screenplay by Brian Helgeland. Based on the 1980 novel of the same name by A.J. Quinnell, the 2004 film follows John W. Creasy, a former CIA operative turned mercenary who is hired as a bodyguard to protect a little girl in Mexico City. He soon develops a bond with the girl, and he does everything he can to get her back when she is kidnapped. Man on Fire stars Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, Radha Mitchell, Christopher Walken, Marc Anthony, Giancarlo Giannini, Mickey Rourke, and Rachel Ticotin.
The Punisher (Buy on Amazon)

The Punisher is a vigilante action thriller film directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Michael France. Based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name by Gerry Conway, Ross Andru, and John Romita Sr., the 2004 film follows Frank Castle, an FBI agent whose whole family is killed by a corrupt businessman. To avenge them, Frank decides to become a vigilante. The Punisher stars Thomas Jane, John Travolta, Will Patton, Roy Scheider, Laura Harring, Ben Foster, and Rebecca Romjin-Stamos.
