Ever since “John Wick” first exploded onto the massive display again in 2014, Keanu Reeves’ legendary hitman has been adored by motion film followers, myself included.
Throughout the final decade, the “Wickverse” has expanded far past the preliminary setup of “retired murderer will get revenge on the twerp who killed his canine.” Since then, Wick’s gone world, gunned down numerous foes, and brought on a number of the strongest gamers within the sport.
And, in that point, the “John Wick” motion pictures have continued to do what they do finest: serve up tons of ultra-thrilling on-screen motion, time and time once more. There merely is not a “dangerous” film amongst them.
Within the run-up to the newly launched “John Wick” spinoff, “Ballerina,” I revisited all 4 of the earlier installments to arrange for extra carnage. Following this refresher, listed here are all 5 “John Wick” motion pictures, ranked.
Each ‘John Wick’ film, ranked
5. ‘Ballerina’ (2025)
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Alas, our most up-to-date addition to the “John Wick” canon is the weakest of the lot.
“Ballerina” is far from a foul watch, to be clear. Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) makes for a terrific new lead, and the film packs in loads of stellar setpieces that followers are going to like — your entire closing act is a riot. — However I feel the story is not as well-conceived because it might have been.
Previous “John Wick” watches set the bar so, so excessive, and I simply do not suppose “Ballerina” eclipses the previous 4 movies. It is a hole however nonetheless entertaining expertise, one that’s worthy of the franchise identify, however is not fairly as propulsive as what’s come earlier than.
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4. ‘John Wick’ (2014)
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I am positive this may not be a well-liked selection, however whereas I like the simplicity of the story and the tight, grittier really feel of the unique “John Wick,” on reflection, I feel I like the place the franchise goes greater than the place it begins.
Make no mistake, I’ve a variety of love for the unique Wick flick. From the bounce, Reeves’ murderer means critical enterprise, and seeing Keanu stoically rip via numerous dangerous guys is gleefully enjoyable.
“John Wick” remains to be a blast, and represents the murderer in his purest type, but when I had been requested which of the flicks was my favourite, this might not be my reply.
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3. ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’
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“John Wick: Chapter 2” is, plain and easy, an even bigger, bloodier model of what got here earlier than. Wick’s plans to surrender on the killing as soon as extra are interrupted by the arrival of Santino D’Antonio, who’s right here to gather on an outdated favor.
I’ve simply mentioned I recognize the place the franchise goes (in all probability making the rating apparent), however “Chapter 2” did precisely what a “John Wick” follow-up wanted to: present us John kicking a lot extra ass in one other set of trendy, skilfully staged motion sequences, whereas additionally constructing the mythology out that little bit extra.
It would go for the “extra is extra” strategy, however let me remind you that “Chapter 2” incorporates — amongst different issues — the tube combat with Cassian, the museum melee, the campy buying montage, the corridor of mirrors scene, and the pencil kill. In different phrases? It is price it.
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2. ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’ (2019)
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“Parabellum” ups the ante on its predecessor considerably. With John now “excommunicado” and unable to entry the assets of the murderer underworld, he is on the run, and there is virtually a killer lurking round each nook after the hefty bounty on his head.
The stakes really feel on one other degree, and that ends in an exciting opening act (how are you going to not love the knife retailer melee, or the library e-book execution?). We stick the touchdown, too, with the gripping siege on the New York Continental.
I do know that some followers do not love the way in which this leans a bit extra into its sillier, expansive universe, however I feel “Parabellum’s” highs are simply too good. Oh, and sure, I feel the bike katana combat is cool; sue me.
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1. ‘John Wick 4: Chapter 4’ (2023)
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The primary time I sat down to look at “John Wick 4,” I’ll admit to feeling a bit skeptical; having clocked the close to three-hour runtime, I used to be a bit involved Wick’s fourth outing would outstay its welcome. As everyone knows, that actually couldn’t be farther from the reality.
“John Wick 4” is a humiliation of riches for the motion style. The franchise’s fourth installment is a lavish, epic thrill-ride stuffed to the brim with ludicrously cool motion sequences which were burned into my reminiscence ever since I watched them. The Arc de Triomphe scrap that has John and his foes dipping out and in of visitors proper by the Parisian monument. The next birds-eye sequence equips John with an incendiary shotgun. The brawl with Killa on the membership. The long-lasting stairway combat. The uber-tense duel with Caine. I might go on.
The combat choreography (and the camerawork that captures it) in “John Wick 4” is simply off the charts. It is the franchise at its most maximalist. Extreme? Completely. Bloated? Probably — however gloriously so. Wick’s newest outing is a real masterclass in on-screen thrills, and I really consider it to be one of many absolute best motion motion pictures ever dedicated to the massive display.
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Do not agree with my rating? This is watch the “John Wick” motion pictures so as so you’ll be able to plan your individual rewatch and reorganize them as you see match.
