John Wick: Chapter 5 is official, and fans are eager to see the return of Keanu Reeves in another tactical, invigorating thriller. This franchise has become an indomitable force in the action genre, known for its thrilling, stylish, and realistic choreography. With four films and a new entry coming soon, it’s time to rank the John Wick series from its thrilling highs to its more grounded moments, exploring what makes each entry stand out in this unforgettable action-packed saga.
#1 John Wick: Chapter 2
John Wick: Chapter 2 takes everything from the initial film and turns it up to eleven. The action is non-stop, and the catacombs scene may be the best sequence in the entire series. This entry is also responsible for setting up the films that follow in a more coherent arrangement. As Wick develops as a character, we’re given insight into the underworld society of his previous affiliations with the assassin’s guild. Every scene is impactful and kinetic for Wick as he tries to dismantle the rules set upon him by his underworld leaders.
#2 John Wick (2014)
This was our introduction to everyone’s favorite dog-loving neo-noir assassin – and for that reason, this film earns the penultimate place on our list. John Wick(2014) also famously introduced a wider Western audience to Gun fu, a method created by Chinese film director John Woo in the 1980s. The premise of this film is small compared to the others in the franchise, but no less impactful due to a dedicated Keanu Reeves and an insightful director, Chad Stahelski.
#3 John Wick: Chapter 4
Chapter 4 is a breathtaking film. It delves into more world-building and storytelling than any other in the series. This entry performed phenomenally, garnering the highest at the box office for the franchise. While we’re not doubting this film’s success, we must pay credence to the previous entries that led to this moment. Although this entry admirably expanded on the neo-noir world of John Wick, it felt too soon to say goodbye to one of the greatest action franchises of the 21st century. Many fans still consider the Chapter 4 to be the best in the franchise, and rightfully so; it is an extraordinary conclusion.
#4 John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum
Chapter 3 is a fantastic middle-ground for the franchise. This entry hits all the marks on what we expect from these bullet-slinging films. The action was well-paced, the finale was probably the most memorable final battle in the franchise, and the cliffhanger ending was pleasantly unexpected. With that said, this film falls in last place while still hitting all the marks.
Final Thoughts
Each of these entries has its own personality while sticking with the prized action formula we’ve grown to love and expect – and as time goes on, opinions change. Moreover, with the 5th edition now on the horizon, it will be interesting to see a new beginning for our ruthless assassin. This prequel entry could tie a nice bow on the criminal underworld we’ve been intrigued by for over a decade.
Remember: these are our rankings, and the margins are miniscule as they pertain to this remarkable franchise.
