Every John Wick Movie, Ranked Worst To Best (Including Ballerina)

Discussing the John Wick film series, one might argue that these action movies from the past ten years are among the most thrilling. However, it’s difficult to decide which one is the finest. In the universe of John Wick, Keanu Reeves plays a former assassin whose life has taken a tragic turn. His wife has passed away, his vehicle was stolen, and gangsters brutally killed his dog. Driven by a need for vengeance and with little left to lose, John Wick re-enters the criminal underworld. He finds temporary sanctuary at The Continental – a neutral zone for assassins and other criminals. However, when Wick eliminates an enemy on Continental grounds, he is swiftly expelled and declared “excommunicado,” making him a target for every assassin worldwide.

The 2014 film “John Wick” sets the foundation for the series, enhancing subsequent films. In 2017’s “John Wick: Chapter 2”, the lore surrounding Keanu Reeves’ character was heavily emphasized. “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” increased the action and fight sequences, making them even more stylish. The latest installment, “John Wick: Chapter 4”, appears to conclude the story for our weary assassin as he faces overwhelming challenges. However, the franchise has grown, beginning with Ana de Armas’ spinoff film “Ballerina”. Ranking the “John Wick” movies from weakest to strongest becomes increasingly challenging.

5. John Wick (2014)

Where It All Began

The John Wick films stand out in contemporary cinema as a modern reinterpretation of film noir. The plot is ingeniously constructed: a former assassin finds himself drawn back into the criminal world following the theft of his prized Mustang and the murder of his beloved dog. However, there’s a deeper layer to this narrative, as Keanu Reeves’ character, Wick, grapples with an intense existential struggle after the loss of his wife. Even his adversaries sympathize with his situation, fearing him intensely when he rises from hiding to avenge these injustices.

In the movie “John Wick“, directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch (with the latter remaining uncredited) choose to let the intense action and striking visual style do most of the talking, rather than relying heavily on dialogue. The film’s cool blue-grey color scheme enhances the atmosphere, but it doesn’t delve into any deep personal issues for Wick. Instead, the storyline and rules of the universe are crucial for setting up an origin story. The scenes at The Continental, in particular, make Keanu Reeves’ character more relatable and show that he’s ready to bend or break the established rules. This way, the movie successfully keeps audiences guessing about John Wick’s motivations and connections within the underworld.

In its own right, the film John Wick ticks multiple boxes typically found in action films. Keanu Reeves portrays a more captivating character than Alain Delon’s Jef Costello in the assassin film Le Samouraï, and the movie boasts a unique visual style, evident in the rhythmic reloading of Wick’s gun or Reeves’ understated dialogue delivery. On a functional level, John Wick maintains its credibility by consistently reinforcing the rules. What sets it apart is the hint at additional John Wick films; Reeves displays an outstanding physical performance, and the straightforward tale of a man avenging his dog’s death creates a platform for the action to truly excel.

4. John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)

The Sequel Goes Bigger

The existence of John Wick paved the way for the superior cinematic experience offered by John Wick: Chapter 2. In comparison to its predecessor, the second installment in the John Wick film series, with a budget of $40 million, outshines the original. While it is valuable to watch John Wick for the first time, the production and storytelling in the sequel are more striking and impactful. It’s important to note that John Wick: Chapter 2 isn’t as concerned with character development since it starts off with a gripping car chase in Brooklyn, presuming viewers are there for a reason. However, the visuals are more vibrant, the dialogue is more memorable, and the sequel delves deeper into the rules of the John Wick universe, making it all the more enjoyable.

In the style of a Spaghetti Western, the atmosphere of “John Wick: Chapter 2” permeates through its dialogue and tempo. Keanu Reeves’ director, Stahelski, skillfully knows when to slow down, when to linger on a shot, creating spaces for viewers to immerse themselves in John Wick’s mythos. Peter Stormare’s character, Abram Tarasov, early on remarks that “John Wick is a man of focus, commitment, and sheer determination,” which is reinforced by a close-up shot of Reeves. Compared to the original, “John Wick: Chapter 2” appears more structured and finely tuned; every scene carries significance, and a distinct rhythm emerges, contrasting with the slower sequences in the first film that are essential for establishing the world.

In the world of cinema, I can confidently say that the second act of “John Wick: Chapter 2” has firmly established itself as a contemporary masterpiece in the neo-noir genre. The concept of blood oaths and the intricate web they weave within the underworld is a key element, hinting at a larger narrative involving favors and obligations. Yet, it’s the exhilarating nightclub scene that truly stands out – a testament to immediacy and honor.

Wick embarks on a mission to eliminate a Camorra member, only to find her unwilling to live under the shadow of assassination. Instead, she chooses a tragic end, setting the stage for an unforgettable confrontation between Wick and Cassian (Common), Gianna’s bodyguard. This intense battle concludes at The Continental bar, a place where one could easily envision Clint Eastwood’s Man With No Name taking a seat.

The unique charm of “John Wick: Chapter 2” comes from its cinematic likeness to familiar experiences. There’s a hint of Martin Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver” in an extended scene where the character selects weapons, a moment more focused on practicality rather than aesthetic flair. The use and disposal of weapons are significant from one sequence to another. Critics may argue that the “John Wick” films glorify guns, but many viewers will associate the most thrilling scenes with the immersive worlds of contemporary video games. “John Wick: Chapter 2” confirmed that the success of the first movie was no accident, as it was just as well-liked, if not more so.

3. From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina (2025)

Ana De Armas Shines In This Spinoff

In the realm of the John Wick series, “Ballerina” marks the initial spin-off within the franchise. Set between the third and fourth episodes of the Keanu Reeves-starring films, this film introduces viewers to Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, a girl from Ruska Roma who embarks on a quest for vengeance against those who murdered her father. Despite sharing a similar plot with the first John Wick movie, Eve is distinctly unique from John. The movie effectively highlights their differences, which makes it truly remarkable and sets it apart.

In contrast to John Wick, who was initially portrayed as a formidable assassin whose very name strikes terror, Eve in Ballerina is still navigating her way through the underworld. She’s learning to adapt as a hired gun and figuring out where she fits in. The film depicts them as two sides of the same coin, leaving it to Eve to determine whether she will become a killer or a savior. Ana de Armas delivers a compelling performance that brings a human touch to Eve, making us eagerly support her journey.

However, John Wick is known for its high-octane action scenes, which could potentially be its undoing. Remarkably, Ballerina surpasses expectations and presents some of the most innovative and entertaining action sequences in the entire series. The grenade fight is an explosive and symbolic thrill. To put it another way, the flamethrower battle is a unique fight unlike any I’ve witnessed before. Ana de Armas excels in every fight scene, and these sequences are meticulously executed with great precision and choreography. What sets them apart is the injection of humor that adds a fresh perspective to the John Wick universe.

I found myself quite entertained by “Ballerina,” but it’s not without its imperfections. The character development for John Wick seemed somewhat contrived at times, and certain elements of the plot and lore expansion didn’t quite hit the mark. However, it still manages to preserve enough of the franchise’s essence to keep viewers engaged. Even if you haven’t seen the previous “John Wick” films, you can still appreciate this one as a standalone piece. But for those who are familiar with the series, diving back into the world and its rules might be a bit smoother.

2. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019)

An Epic Third Installment

Title suggestion for “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum”: “John Wick: Unleashed”

The third installment of the John Wick franchise takes a bold step forward, hinted at in the second chapter. Right from the start, the action effortlessly continues where “John Wick: Chapter 2” left off, but this time, the fight sequences are more rhythmic and creatively choreographed. The tension mirrors John Wick’s increasingly desperate mental state. Keanu Reeves delivers a powerful performance; each blow from Wick carries more weight and leaves deeper scars. Consequently, “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” is filled with an abundance of graphic violence, but it’s balanced by humor in the form of witty one-liners that will make you laugh out loud.

In keeping with the John Wick film series’ core concept, Stahelski emphasizes raw action over deep narrative. Survival is paramount, and I’ll do whatever it takes. The Continental is no longer a safe haven for Wick. This change paves the way for the arrival of Halle Berry as Sofia, a female assassin who holds her own against Wick’s intensity. Their action-packed gunfights are not only exhilarating and fulfilling, but they also mirror Reeves’ intricate hand-to-hand combat, with a special nod to Sofia’s dogs, adding a rhythmic intensity to the sequences.

In the film John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, it generally hits the mark with its narrative, introducing fresh characters and expanding on John Wick’s past. The character of Asia Kate Dillon’s Adjudicator might lack complexity, but they fulfill their role effectively – enforcing the rules. Occasionally, John Wick 3 veers towards being overly self-aware, such as in the scene where Mark Dacascos’ character, Zero, an assassin, reveals himself to be a fan of John Wick. However, this self-referential element is part of the charm of the franchise, offering a blend of intense violence and humorous moments, both contributing to the larger-than-life persona of John Wick.

1. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

A Fitting Conclusion For Reeves’ Character

Among all the John Wick films, it’s clear that the latest installment, John Wick: Chapter 4, has garnered the most acclaim from both critics and audiences. Similar to its predecessors, John Wick: Chapter 4 kicks off with high energy. Following a near-death experience in the last film, the Bowery King aided Wick’s recovery, and he appears more than ready to support Wick’s mission to challenge the High Table for good this time around. Although this particular storyline didn’t unfold exactly as expected, it did provide an opportunity for Stahelski and Reeves to deliver the exhilarating action that John Wick fans have come to expect – potentially for the last hurrah.

This film reigns supreme on Rotten Tomatoes, garnering scores above 90% from both critics and viewers, securing a ‘fresh’ certification for all four films in the series. What truly set it apart was its exceptional direction, although at times, it surpassed the absurdity of the previous sequels. A particularly noteworthy scene involved a lengthy crane shot depicting John Wick battling through a dilapidated Parisian home, reminiscent of a video game level. The selection of his weapon, which unleashed an explosive that consumed its target in flames, was the cherry on top.

Additionally, this film featured numerous extended fight sequences that went on seemingly endlessly. A combat scene atop the Arc de Triomphe showcased John Wick engaging in a high-speed pursuit inside and outside of a vehicle, while other vehicles sped by indifferently. A scuffle within a techno party appeared to have been lifted directly from the sequel. The Japan-set fight, which echoed classic action scenes from samurai films, was skillfully choreographed. The climactic battle ascending an endless staircase, where John Wick seemed to possess multiple lives akin to a video game character, drove home the point – the John Wick series had transformed into a live-action video game.

Indeed, what truly resonated with both critics and fans about the concluding part of the John Wick series was its captivating narrative. The titular character, John Wick, was fatigued, weary from his countless battles. All that was left for him was confronting the High Table, a group he would never truly encounter but still had to face their representative in the finale. It was a fitting resolution for an assassin who yearned to be a good husband throughout his life. If there are no more movies in the John Wick franchise, this installment provided a suitable farewell.

2025-06-07 15:39