Gunpowder Milkshake Guide + 5 Streaming Comparisons
Today we’re revisiting Netflix’s original actioner Gunpowder Milkshake, which premiered in 2021. If you missed it then—or if you want to rewatch—it still delivers that over-the-top, comic-book–style shoot-’em-up energy. In this post, I break down what you need to know (no spoilers) and share five streaming titles that scratch the same itch, whether you watch Gunpowder Milkshake before or after them.
What Is Gunpowder Milkshake?
Gunpowder Milkshake remains a pure fantasy action film. Karen Gillan headlines a star-studded cast—Lena Headey, Michelle Yeoh, Angela Bassett, Carly Gugino, and Paul Giamatti. This world ignores realistic physics: every frame pops with a candy-colored palette. From neon alleyways to vibrant sets, it looks like a live-action comic panel. It was released quietly mid-week, yet its visual flair still stands out.
Why You Should Press “Play”… Carefully
Buy into the silliness early. Characters pull off impossible stunts, guns fire in near-balletic slow motion, and villains pop up like video-game bosses. Once you accept “how” doesn’t matter, the “what” delivers a blast of kinetic energy.
Don’t overthink the logistics. Yes, the gun mechanics make no sense (and purists will wince). But that’s part of the design—much like classic Westerns, realism isn’t the goal. Soak in the ride, ignore the recoil.
Temper your expectations. Compared to masterworks like Sin City, Desperado, or Kill Bill, Gunpowder Milkshake doesn’t always stick the landing. But lean into the absurdity—neon skyscrapers, exploding vending machines—and you’ll find it fun in small doses. Karen Gillan anchors the film in her bright orange bowling jacket, while Paul Giamatti’s serious turn can feel at odds with the tone. That mismatch might be jarring—or endearing, depending on your taste.
Conclusion
Even years after its debut, Gunpowder Milkshake still delivers that candy-colored adrenaline rush—if you view it as a playful, unrealistic action flick. Embrace the absurdity, ignore the logistics, and enjoy the neon-soaked set pieces.
If Gunpowder Milkshake’s comic-book craziness appeals, check out these five titles—all currently streaming:
Hotel Artemis (Rental)
Why it clicks: A neon-washed, secret hospital for criminals. Like Gunpowder Milkshake, it builds a stylized underworld filled with eccentric characters.
Key cast: Jodie Foster, Sterling K. Brown, Jeff Goldblum
Where to watch: Rent from Prime Video, Apple TV.
Guns Akimbo (Streaming or Rental)
Why it clicks: Over-the-top action with strapped-on live guns. It shares Gunpowder Milkshake’s chaotic energy and cartoonish violence.
Key cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Samara Weaving
Where to watch: Stream on Peacock / Rent on Prime Video, Apple TV.
Terminal (Stream / Rent)
Why it clicks: Margot Robbie leads a neon noir with underworld politics. More talky than Gunpowder Milkshake, but it shares that “stylized crime scene” vibe.
Key cast: Margot Robbie, Simon Pegg, Mike Myers
Where to watch: Stream on Paramount+ / Rent on Prime Video, Apple TV.
Hardcore Henry (Stream)
Why it clicks: First-person, nonstop bullet ballet. It amps up intensity beyond Gunpowder Milkshake, yet both films love gory, inventive set pieces.
Key cast: Sharlto Copley
Where to watch: Stream on Prime Video, Paramount+, Roku
Major Grom: Plague Doctor (Stream)
Why it clicks: A Russian superhero thriller with overblown spectacles and a pulsing synth score. Dialogue may get lost in translation, but the big, wild action is free to stream.
Key cast: Tikhon Zhiznevsky, Lyubov Aksenova
Where to watch: Stream on Netflix
