Rated: 'John Wick' Film Series - Including the Upcoming 'Ballerina'
Dishin' the dirt on the John Wick flicks like a boss, here's my lowdown on these bone-crunchin' action masterpieces.
Over the past decade, Keanu Reeves' assassin extraordinaire has left his mark as a badass icon for the big screen. The universe of the 'Wickverse' has rapidly grown since the debut in '14, with global chaos, endless foes, and encounters with some of the most ruthless players in the game.
With the latest spin-off, "Ballerina," hitting the scene, I revisited the original installments to prepare myself for another dose of balletic beatdowns. Here's the rankin' of the five John Wick joints.
The Dance-off: John Wick Movies, ranked
5. Ballerina (2025)
In the anarchic world of Ballerina, there's no denying it's a visual masterpiece. Ana de Armas slays as our new leading lady, Eve Macarro. We've got a whole lotta jaw-droppin' action pieces that'll make fans scream with delight - the climactic finale flat-out rocks. But the plot? I think there was potential for more there.
The John Wick movies have established an insanely high benchmark, and I can't quite say that Ballerina elevates the franchise to those lofty heights. It's a hollow yet infectious experience that deserves its spot in the series, but just ain't as pulse-poundin' as what came before.
4. John Wick (2014)
The nostalgia factor is strong with the O.G. installment, and rightly so. Reeves is sizzlin' as the retired-but-trigger-happy hitman. John's back in the game, and sure, it's a blast watchin' the bad guys fold like origami. But, of all the films, this one feel the least innovative to me, both in style and content.
3. John Wick: Chapter 2
Doggone it, "Chapter 2" is simply a bigger, badder version of chapter one. Santino D'Antonio brings new trouble into John's life, but it's Keanu once again attitude-adjustin', bone-breakin', and head-explodin' like never before. This sequel gave us more of what we crave from the John Wick franchise - killin' in a variety of ridiculously stylish ways.
2. John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019)
Server, Parabellum turns up the heat on its predecessor, and the stakes feel as high as ever. With John declared "excommunicado," the killing quotient skyrockets as he's on the run with a hefty bounty on his head. The desperately DIY knife store melee, the library book execution, and the thrilling New York Continental siege are just a few memorable set pieces that make this sequel a must-watch.
1. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
Now we're cookin' with gas. When I first sat down to watch John Wick 4, I was a little unsure of such an extended runtime - three hours, ya'll! But, fear not, because this movie delivers a one-two punch of unforgettable action sequences that has left a permanent mark in my memory.
From the awe-inspiring Arc de Triomphe faceoff to the magnificent motorcycle katana fight, this film is just plain awesome sauce. It's the series at its most maximalist - it's over-the-top, grandiose, and, above all, ridiculously entertaining. The franchise reached its apex here, and I dunno if they can top this insanely action-packed romp.
Got a different take on the John Wick movies? Here's how to watch 'em in the right order and craft your custom ranking.
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In the diverse realm of movies and television, the John Wick series stands out as a beacon for high-octane entertainment. The adrenaline-charged action and captivating performances make this franchise a staple in the action movie genre.
Discussing the latest installment, "Ballerina" (2025), Ana de Armas' performance as Eve Macarro propels the film to visual excellence. Although the storyline may lack depth, the action sequences are jaw-dropping and exhilarating, enough to warrant its place in the John Wick universe.
