Saagar Kote
Created by Kyle Killen, Netflix’s ‘Man on Fire’ is an action thriller series based on the eponymous novel by A. J. Quinnell. It centers on John Creasy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), a former Special Forces mercenary once known for his resilience in extreme situations. He now finds himself leading a mundane life and struggling with severe PTSD after leaving the field. Seeking a sense of redemption and a chance at a new life, he finds his efforts disrupted when he is drawn back into violence.
John becomes the sworn protector of Poe Rayburn (Billie Boullet), the young daughter of a dead colleague whose memory continues to haunt him. As enemies close in on the streets of Rio de Janeiro, John is forced to confront both external threats and the demons of his own puzzling past while risking everything to keep Poe alive. When Poe and John become friends, their fates get increasingly uncertain as unexpected challenges arise. You may enjoy this list of shows similar to ‘Man on Fire’ that offer action, drama, unpredictability, and more.
12. Jack Ryan (2018-2023)
Based on characters from author Tom Clancy, Prime Video’s ‘Jack Ryan’ or ‘Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan’ follows the trials and tribulations of the titular character (John Krasinski), who is a former US Marine and Afghanistan veteran working as a financial analyst in the CIA’s Terror Finance and Arms Division. His routine desk job takes a dangerous turn when he uncovers a pattern of suspicious bank transfers linked to a rising extremist named Suleiman.
With support from his superior, James Greer (Wendell Pierce), Jack is pulled into the field for the first time, traveling across Europe and the Middle East to investigate the growing threat. As the situation escalates, he becomes entangled in a high-stakes pursuit involving a new form of terrorism aimed at devastating the US and its allies. Carlton Cuse and Graham Roland are the creators of the show that captures the essence of ‘Man on Fire’ through its visceral action sequences, redemptive character arcs, and its focus on protecting the vulnerable.
11. The Night Agent (2023-)
Netflix’s ‘The Night Agent’ centers on FBI agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), a low-level operative assigned to monitor an emergency phone in the White House basement that rarely rings. His routine is shattered when a late-night call pulls him into a dangerous conspiracy involving a mole at the highest levels of government. As he begins uncovering hidden connections, Peter teams up with Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan), a former tech CEO and computer expert whose relatives were murdered.
Together, they navigate escalating threats while searching for the traitor, forcing Peter into a high-stakes mission that reaches deep into the White House’s inner workings. The Shawn Ryan creation, based on the novel of the same name by Matthew Quirk, is an engaging ride that complements ‘Man on Fire’ with its exploration of the sacrifices made by a lone man who battles deadly enemies, protects loved ones, and hopes for redemption.
10. Banshee (2013-2016)
‘Banshee’ is set in the titular town where a former con artist (Antony Starr) takes the identity of Lucas Hood, the local sheriff who was killed before he could start his job. The narrative follows Lucas as he uses his badge to maintain his criminal ties while also protecting the town’s people in his own way. His world becomes complicated when his former lover, Anastasia (Ivana Miličević), and her gangster father, Rabbit (Ben Cross), reappear in his life. Amidst the chaos, Lucas also finds himself at odds with the town’s criminal elements, complicating his journey. The action crime thriller series, created by Jonathan Tropper and David Schickler, is visually and thematically linked to ‘Man on Fire’ through its portrayal of a man facing multiple threats, fighting enemies, and confronting feelings from the past.
9. Strike Back (2010-2020)
Based on Chris Ryan’s eponymous novel, ‘Strike Back’ follows the actions of Section 20, a covert unit within MI6 tasked with carrying out high-risk operations worldwide. It revolves around John Porter (Richard Armitage), an SAS soldier whose career is derailed after a mission in Iraq goes wrong. During the operation, Porter chooses to spare a young suicide bomber, a decision that later leads to the deaths of two members of his team, forcing him to resign in disgrace. Years later, he is drawn back into action when journalist Katie Dartmouth (Orla Brady) is kidnapped by the same terrorist group from Iraq, pushing Porter to confront his past in unexpected ways. The British series, from showrunner Jack Lothian, captures the essence of ‘Man on Fire’ through adrenaline-fueled sequences, twisted characters, the convergence of past and present, and the saving of those in need.
8. Fauda (2015-)
‘Fauda’ is an Israeli action thriller series that deals with the trials of Doron Kavillio (Lior Raz), a former commander in an undercover Israeli unit who is drawn back into service. After learning that Taufiq Hammed (Hisham Sulliman), a Hamas operative known as “Abu Ahmad,” is still alive despite being presumed dead, Doron reunites with his former team to track him down and neutralize the threat to his country at any cost. As the mission unfolds, the narrative shifts between the two sides of the conflict, revealing the personal lives, motivations, and consequences of those involved. Created by Lior Raz and Avi Issacharoff, the show portrays the cost of violence and the psychological battles faced by those involved in high-stakes missions, like ‘Man on Fire.’
7. Echo 3 (2022-2023)
Apple TV’s ‘Echo 3’ is a Mark Boal creation that narrates the story of Amber Chesborough (Jessica Ann Collins), an American scientist working in Colombia. Her research on psychedelics takes a dangerous turn when she is kidnapped by militants. This triggers a desperate mission led by her husband, Eric Haas, AKA Prince (Michiel Huisman), and her brother, Alex Chesborough, AKA Bambi (Luke Evans), both elite US operatives.
As they navigate a volatile region shaped by guerrilla conflict, the two men must confront their strained relationship following a past mission that ended in tragedy. Racing against time, they push deeper into dangerous territory, risking everything to locate Amber and bring her back alive. The action thriller series is based on the Israeli series ‘When Heroes Fly.’ Like John in ‘Man on Fire,’ Bambi and Prince risk everything to save someone they love from dangerous elements in unfamiliar territories, while engaging in fast-paced combat.
6. Bodyguard (2018)
BBC’s ‘Bodyguard’ is a British political thriller series that follows the intense journey of Sergeant David Budd (Richard Madden), a former soldier tasked with the protection of the UK’s Home Secretary, Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes). Struggling with the invisible scars of PTSD, David finds himself at a crossroads as he attempts to balance his fractured personal life with a high-stakes professional assignment. However, as the bond with his protectee deepens, he is thrust into the center of a shocking political conspiracy with grave national security implications. The Jed Mercurio creation draws on the world of ‘Man on Fire,’ exploring the internal turmoil of a haunted protector who must navigate a web of deception to safeguard those under his charge.
5. Shooter (2016-2018)
‘Shooter’ is the story of Bob Lee Swagger (Ryan Phillippe), a retired Marine Raider and expert marksman living a quiet life after his service. His world changes when his former commanding officer, Isaac Johnson (Omar Epps), recruits him to thwart a plan to assassinate the US President. However, Swagger soon realizes he has been framed for the very crime he sought to prevent. Forced to go on the run, he must utilize his elite sniper training to navigate a conspiracy, clear his name, and safeguard his family from those who betrayed him. The action drama series from creator John Hlavin is based on the eponymous film and the first three novels in Stephen Hunter’s ‘Bob Lee Swagger’ series. Much like ‘Man on Fire,’ the series explores the resilience of a highly decorated veteran who is pushed to his limits as he confronts a web of deception to protect those he loves.
4. Taken (2017-2018)
Created by Alexander Cary and Luc Besson, ‘Taken’ serves as a prequel to the eponymous film series and chronicles the transformative journey of Bryan Mills (Clive Standen), a former Green Beret whose world is upended by a devastating personal tragedy. In his quest to navigate the aftermath of his loss, Mills finds himself recruited into a covert CIA team overseen by the handler Christina Hart (Jennifer Beals).
Armed with a dangerous and unique set of expertise, he navigates high-stakes operations that test his resilience and tactical precision. As he pursues those responsible for his grief, Mills gradually evolves into the legendary operative known for his unwavering determination. Akin to John’s character arc in ‘Man on Fire,’ the NBC action thriller series explores the evolution of a skilled protector driven by a sense of justice and revenge, while being haunted by a tragic past.
3. Reacher (2022-)
‘Reacher’ is a Prime Video action crime series from creator Nick Santora, based on Lee Child’s ‘Jack Reacher’ novels. It chronicles the ups and downs of Jack Reacher’s (Alan Ritchson) life, a former US Army military police major who now drifts from town to town alone. His travels lead him to Margrave, where he is unexpectedly arrested for a murder he did not commit. He is shocked to learn that the victim is his own brother.
After being released, Reacher begins investigating the case alongside local officers Oscar Finlay (Malcolm Goodwin) and Roscoe Conklin (Willa Fitzgerald). As they dig deeper, they uncover a dangerous conspiracy involving corrupt people and a criminal operation tied to a local businessman and his son. Reacher’s action-packed and violent journey, during which he faces deadly enemies and unexpected bonds, complements John’s adventures in ‘Man on Fire.’
2. The Punisher (2017-2019)
Set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Netflix’s ‘The Punisher’ is an action drama series that sheds light on the life of Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal). He is a former Marine who avenges the deaths of his wife and children, and becomes known across NYC as the Punisher. While seeking justice for his personal loss, Castle uncovers a far-reaching conspiracy that extends beyond the city’s criminal underworld. Determined to expose the truth, he is aided by his friend, Billy Russo (Ben Barnes), the head of a private military company.
As they navigate a dangerous network of corruption and hidden agendas, Frank must push beyond his limits to uncover mysteries and achieve justice. The Steve Lightfoot creation is based on the titular Marvel Comics character. It is spiritually related to ‘Man on Fire’ through its depiction of a man’s relentless, violent quest for redemption in a world where his loved ones are in danger, and the system seems to work against him.
1. The Terminal List (2022-)
‘The Terminal List’ centers on the harrowing journey of James Reece (Chris Pratt), a Navy SEAL who returns home following a foreign mission that saw his entire platoon eliminated violently under suspicious circumstances. Struggling with fractured memories of the event, Reece finds his life further complicated when he uncovers a clandestine plan that threatens not only his reputation but also the lives of those closest to him.
As he navigates a web of deception and escalating danger, he must utilize his elite training to identify the forces responsible for the betrayal and seek justice for his fallen comrades. The Prime Video action thriller series is based on the eponymous novel by Jack Carr, who co-created the show with David DiGilio. It is connected to ‘Man on Fire’ through its focus on the themes of revenge, protection, and sacrifice. The protagonists of the shows battle unforeseen enemies and face forces far more powerful than themselves.
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