“John Wick” has become one of the best and most popular action movie franchises of all time. What was originally meant to be a one-off film about a man, his dog and his car became such an immense overnight sensation that it spawned three sequels, with at least one more on the way. At the center of it all is everyone’s favorite action star, Keanu Reeves. Reeves brings his stoic, cold line deliveries and his convincing self-performed stunts to create a grounded, immersive and surprisingly realistic action series that still packs in an immense amount of spectacle. While the “John Wick” series certainly has its highlights, it also has its low points. In the spirit of our beloved Reeves, I take a look at all four of the films about the so-called “Baba Yaga” to determine which ones sink to the bottom, and which are the cream of the crop.
“John Wick” (4/5 stars)
2014, the year that started it all. The original film masterfully balances emotion and action, drawing viewers into the grief and vengeance driving Wick. It builds tension and mystery around the character with expert pacing, making Wick feel larger than life while keeping his motivations deeply personal. The action sequences are choreographed with precision and style, rivaled only by films like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. Each fight scene feels fresh, pushing back against the action film formula to set a new standard for the genre. This film does not just introduce a character; it redefines modern action cinema.
“John Wick: Chapter 2” (4.5/5 stars)
The 2017 sequel seamlessly follows the first. It opens up the world of Wick, expanding its storylines and possibilities. The sequel builds on Wick’s character by adding to his backstory and continues to improve the action sequences while still feeling grounded and authentic. It ends the movie on a thrilling cliffhanger, perfectly setting up the third film. “Chapter 2” stands out among the rest for one simple reason: It has the best villain in the franchise, mob boss Santino D’Antonio (brilliantly played by Riccardo Scamarcio). Not only is it one of the greatest sequels of all time, it’s one of the greatest action movies of all time and my favorite in the franchise.
“John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum” (3/5 stars)
While the third movie in the franchise isn’t what I would call a bad film, it is the weakest of the four, narratively speaking. Despite containing some of the best action sequences of the entire saga — my personal favorite being the knife fight — the story fails to pack the same punch. Wick’s motivation continuously shifts throughout the movie, making it hard to understand what outcome we’re supposed to be cheering for. Do we want Wick to talk to the head of the High Table to convince him to let him go free or do we want Wick to keep fighting to the death against armies of assassins to stay true to himself? At times, I do not think the movie even knows the answer to that question. The series was running out of ideas. The film attempts to expand upon the lore of the universe but at times it feels forced. Regardless, it is a decent follow up to the first two films and gives fans a lot to enjoy in its action sequences.
“John Wick: Chapter 4” (4/5 stars)
The fourth in the franchise, released in 2023, is a fantastic rebound from the third film. It doesn’t try to do too much nor over-expand the already vast “John Wick” universe. Instead, it stays within the boundaries of what we know while delivering on the stakes set up by the previous movies. In a franchise that seemed to have already done it all, the film still manages to introduce fresh ideas. Visually, it’s stunning — easily the best-looking of the four films. The sharp and striking color grading enhances every scene, making the action sequences even more captivating. As an ending to Wick’s story — assuming future films don’t undo this conclusion— it works incredibly well, tying up loose ends while still leaving room for the franchise to evolve.
The “John Wick” franchise has undeniably left a lasting impact on action cinema, blending high-octane choreography with emotional depth and striking visuals. Each film brings something unique to the table, from the grounded, character-driven story of the first movie to the visually stunning, universe-expanding entries that followed. While the series has its weaker moments, it continuously pushes the boundaries of action filmmaking. Whether it’s the breathtaking stunts or Keanu Reeves’ stoic portrayal, “John Wick” has earned its place in the pantheon of great action films, and fans will no doubt be eager to see where the franchise goes next.
