Another Top 10 Movie Assassins

When the average criminal is sentenced to life in prison, they don’t usually get to fake their own death in order to become an assassin for a secret shadow organization. Then again, most people aren’t Nikita. As a sleeper agent operating in Paris, Nikita uses her impressive repertoire of skills to complete whatever mission is assigned to her. Whether she’s armed with a loaded gun, a tight black dress or both, Nikita is one cool customer. Taught to use her sexuality as a weapon, this movie assassin is more than capable of flashing you a smile one second and a deadly glance the next. Now that is a kickass killer we can root for.

Just because a person is a killer doesn’t mean they have to like it. After Ray accidently kills a young boy during his first hit, he and his partner Ken are forced to lay low in the quaint historical town of Bruges. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Ray is not a born killer, but that doesn’t stop him from getting mixed up in a number of violent altercations – often with comedic results. While he may not have a thirst for blood, Ray definitely possesses a number of classic hit-man qualities. His quick wit and affinity to punch first and ask questions later serve him well throughout the film.

The Bond franchise has been littered with top-notch assassins, most notably Red Grant. However, if you’re looking to hire an assassin who’s cool under pressure and in possession of one of the most badass weapons in the history of film, look no further than Francisco Scaramanga… who serves as the antagonist in this classic Bond thriller. A world-renowned killer, the character doesn’t bat an eye when it comes to pulling the trigger. Armed with his trusty golden handgun, Scaramanga proves a worthy opponent to 007. While Bond eventually outsmarts him, Scaramanga remains one of the toughest opponents that the British secret agent ever went up against.

Who woulda guessed that criminals would find ways to exploit time travel for nefarious means once it’s invented? Well, that’s what happens in this sci-fi film. Joe works as a “looper,” a person tasked with eliminating marks sent from the future. He is smart and able to handle a gun with confidence… exactly the kinds of qualities that a good assassin should possess. When one of his marks escapes, he springs into action, using all of his skills to take him down. Ultimately, the job turns out to be a little more complicated than a simple point and shoot, but Joe never lets it faze him.

Not all assassins have to be young studs eliminating targets while parkour-ing across buildings at superhuman speeds. Some are just grizzled and experienced men who know how to stay one step ahead of the game. Enter – Mr. Goodkat. This guy is so good at his job that most people don’t even know what he looks like. However, he is renowned within the murder-for-hire community for his ability to accept any contract… regardless of age. Goodkat is a cold-hearted manipulator with a razor sharp mind and an even sharper trigger finger. A word to the wise: if he ever strikes up a conversation with you about a Kanas City Shuffle, run!

Angelina Jolie has made a career out of playing badass characters and her portrayal of Fox, an elite assassin tasked with training a new recruit, might just be her best. A fantastic mix of brains, brawn, and beauty, Fox is a no-nonsense killer – highly skilled and proud of it. Using her superhuman talents, Fox trains the inexperienced Wesley how to be an assassin like her – often with mixed results. However, Fox proves herself to not only be an excellent killer, but also an excellent teacher. In the end, any assassin capable of bending a bullet around a brick wall deserves a spot on this list.

The youngest killer to make the list may just be the deadliest. After being trained for years by her ex-assassin father, a young girl must begin a treacherous journey while being pursued by a bevy of unsavory characters. What makes Hanna great is her ability to kill at a moment’s notice. Her reaction time is impeccable and it always seems as if she knows something her enemies do not. On the flip side, her secluded upbringing has made her very naïve to the outside world. However, this naivety only serves to make her even more skeptical of her surroundings, leading to a character that is constantly on the lookout for potential threats.

Ah, nothing says love like two world-class assassins unknowingly living under the same roof as husband and wife. Well, that was the plot of this mid-2000s action flick. Working for different agencies, the two characters slowly begin to pick up on the fact that the person they are married to might just be in a similar line of work. What makes John and Jane great assassins is their ability to adapt to any situation. Whether they are involved in a high-speed freeway chase armed only with the contents of their minivan or slowly dispatching enemies inside of a shopping mall, these two killers are always one step ahead of the competition.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there are very few characters outside of Black Widow that could be characterized as assassins. However, from the first moment he appears on screen, it’s clear that the Winter Soldier is first and foremost an assassin. After being brainwashed by Hydra, Bucky Barnes was transformed into an ageless killer known as the Winter Solider. With his metal arm, superhero speed and impressive fighting skills, this character wreaks havoc on his enemies without being hindered by remorse. Who could forget his epic highway fight with Captain America? While he may have moments of doubt, the Winter Soldier’s penchant for being a killer is always simmering under the surface.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- The Operative
“Serenity” (2005)

- Agent 47
“Hitman” (2007)

- Sorter
“Revolver” (2005)

After a gangster’s sadistic son kills his dog and steals his car, ex-hit-man John Wick comes out of retirement with one thing on his mind: revenge. It quickly becomes apparent that this is a man who is not to be trifled with. Well versed in the art of killing, Wick is a juggernaut of death, dispatching henchmen with ease through a variety of different fighting and shooting styles. There is a reason why he’s referred to as the ‘boogeyman’ – or rather “the one you sent to kill the f***ing boogeyman”. Wherever Wick goes, death follows. Between his repertoire of impressive murder moves and his ability to remain calm under pressure, which follows him in “Chapter Two”, it’s not surprising that John Wick takes the top spot.