The John Wick franchise stands as a monumental force in the realm of action cinema, revolutionizing Hollywood’s approach to creating gritty and grounded revenge thrillers. Unlike many contemporary blockbusters that indulge in excessive budgets, the John Wick series has managed to carve out a unique niche. While it may initially appear straightforward, the films artfully blend elements from classical westerns, East Asian action cinema, samurai epics, neo-noir mysteries, and intricate comic book worldbuilding. This creative amalgamation has led to the development of a dynamic and expansive universe. The franchise is helmed by Chad Stahelski, a former stuntman whose expertise has significantly contributed to the authenticity and impact of the fight scenes, distinguishing John Wick from CGI-heavy films like Free Guy and The Fast and the Furious.
Keanu Reeves is the heart and soul of the John Wick franchise, establishing himself as one of the most revered action heroes in cinematic history. Although Reeves had previously starred in iconic action films such as Point Break, Speed, and the groundbreaking The Matrix, he was not initially cast in John Wick until his career faced a downturn, leading many to mistakenly believe he was past his prime. However, the John Wick series has evolved into a deeply personal project for Reeves, serving as a poignant reflection of his own career resurgence. His declaration, “I’m thinking I’m back,” resonates as a metaphor for his revival in the industry. With no signs of slowing down, the franchise continues to expand, with upcoming projects including the spinoff Ballerina: From the World of John Wick, a solo film featuring Donnie Yen, an animated prequel, and a fifth installment in which Reeves will reprise his iconic role. Below, we present a ranking of every John Wick movie based on their entertainment value.
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‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ (2017)
Directed by Chad Stahelski
John Wick: Chapter 2 is a remarkable installment that, while it may be viewed as slightly less impactful than its predecessor, is still an exhilarating showcase of action that stands out in modern cinema. While the first film focused on a personal tale of revenge, John Wick: Chapter 2 broadens the narrative scope, introducing a more complex world governed by the High Table and showcasing John Wick’s journey across various thrilling international locales. Although actors Ian McShane and the late, great Lance Reddick had minor roles in the original film, they play more significant parts in this sequel, enhancing the storyline significantly. Furthermore, John Wick: Chapter 2 introduced the enigmatic character known as “The Bowery King,” portrayed by Laurence Fishburne, who reunites with Reeves, marking a nostalgic nod to their collaboration in The Matrix trilogy.
With a gripping opening scene that hints at the franchise’s darker themes, John Wick: Chapter 2 takes on the ambitious task of delivering substantial exposition. It establishes crucial rules regarding the High Table that play a vital role in the unfolding narratives of the subsequent films. While the film maintains a steady pace, it doesn’t evoke the same emotional engagement as its predecessors, even though the action sequences are just as powerful. Additionally, John Wick: Chapter 2 deserves commendation for its bold cliffhanger ending, which sets the stage for a more serialized storytelling approach in the franchise’s future installments.
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‘John Wick: Chapter 3- Parabellum’ (2019)
Directed by Chad Stahelski
John Wick: Chapter 3- Parabellum is the fastest-paced installment in the franchise, presenting a relentless chase that maintains a constant level of tension throughout. Following John’s excommunication from the High Table at the conclusion of the previous film, he finds himself on the run, desperately trying to protect his life. Reeves showcases the multifaceted dimensions of his character as he encounters various figures from his past. Alongside a memorable performance by Halle Berry, John Wick: Chapter 3- Parabellum introduces formidable new antagonists portrayed by Jerome Flynn and Asia Kate Dillon.
As the narrative unfolds, John Wick: Chapter 3- Parabellum delves deep into the immense pressures surrounding John, illustrating his struggles to find peace in a profession dominated by violence. While still mourning the loss of his wife, John yearns for an escape from the treacherous world of assassins and spies; tragically, his pursuit of justice pulls him back into a life he longs to leave behind. Although this installment provides greater psychological complexity to the character, it also amplifies the action, culminating in a thrilling final showdown that evokes the classic martial arts prowess reminiscent of legendary actors like Jet Li and Jackie Chan.
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‘John Wick’ (2014)
Directed by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch
John Wick is a film that defies expectations and is deceptively profound. Originally intended as a direct-to-video B-movie, it unexpectedly became a groundbreaking work that redefined the action genre. In an era where many blockbusters relied on snarky, self-aware humor, John Wick distinguished itself through its sincerity, allowing Reeves to deliver a genuinely powerful dramatic performance. The deliberate pacing in the early scenes is crucial, fostering empathy for John’s tragic circumstances and enhancing the emotional weight of his subsequent quest for vengeance, which propels him back into a lifestyle he had long attempted to leave behind.
Visually, John Wick is a masterclass in cinematography, colorization, and music, boasting production values that surpass many mainstream blockbusters. The iconic club sequence exemplifies the franchise’s unique ability to create intimate yet exhilarating fight scenes that feel grounded in reality. The film employs escalation as a storytelling device, expertly building tension without offering the audience complete catharsis. It stands as one of the most influential action films since Die Hard, inspiring a wave of recent action films such as Atomic Blonde, Nobody, <em>Monkey Man</em>, The Beekeeper, and Cold Pursuit, all of which owe a significant debt to the innovative work of Stahelski and Reeves in John Wick.
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‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ (2023)
Directed by Chad Stahelski
John Wick: Chapter 4 represents the pinnacle of the John Wick franchise’s evolution, transforming the narrative from low-level vengeance to a sweeping global saga that rivals all-time classics such as Lawrence of Arabia, Seven Samurai, and The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, all of which are thoughtfully referenced throughout the film. While John’s quest for redemption has always been personal, John Wick: Chapter 4 escalates the stakes by revealing the existential threat posed to the High Table itself; should John fail in his mission to restore justice to this ancient order of assassins, the ruthless new leader (Bill Skarsgård) could impose a reign of terror. Throughout the film, Reeves masterfully portrays a reluctant hero whose limits are continuously tested, showcasing his tireless spirit. Rather than portraying John as a superhuman, the film emphasizes his vulnerability and humanity, making him a profoundly compelling character.
Building upon the creativity and imagination of its predecessors, John Wick: Chapter 4 introduces fresh and innovative action sequences, including a stunning overhead shot reminiscent of a video game, while also incorporating more martial arts in a breathtaking scene set in Japan. Despite its brutal action, John Wick: Chapter 4 exhibits a deep appreciation for international architecture, especially evident in its climactic sequences. This film is a visual spectacle that shines in IMAX, delivering the most emotionally resonant story in the series since the original film and providing a powerful resolution for Reeves’ character, who has been portrayed over the past decade. Although the collaboration between Reeves and Stahelski has yielded consistently exceptional results, the announcement of a fifth John Wick film raises concerns that the poignant conclusion of John Wick: Chapter 4 might need to be undone for the sake of continuation. Even disregarding the narrative continuity, it remains challenging to envision another sequel that could match the artistry, intensity, and heartfelt authenticity of John Wick: Chapter 4.
