How Many John Wick Movies Are There? Unpacking The High-Octane Franchise
Since its explosive debut in 2014, the John Wick franchise has redefined the action genre, captivating audiences worldwide with its breathtaking choreography, intricate lore, and the iconic performance of Keanu Reeves as the titular character. The question on many fans' minds, especially with new projects emerging, is: "How many John Wick movies are there?" While the answer seems straightforward at first, the expanding universe of assassins, secret societies, and unbreakable rules makes it a little more nuanced than just counting the main films.
At its core, the John Wick saga revolves around a retired hitman pulled back into the perilous underworld he thought he had left behind. What started as a simple tale of vengeance over a stolen car and a murdered puppy has blossomed into a sprawling narrative, exploring a rich, hidden world governed by strict codes and formidable figures. This article will break down the number of John Wick films, delve into the spin-offs that expand its lore, and guide you through the best ways to watch the entire franchise.
The Core Saga: How Many John Wick Films Star Keanu Reeves?
To directly answer the most common question: There are currently four main John Wick movies, each focusing on the titular character played by Keanu Reeves. These films form the backbone of the franchise, following John Wick's relentless fight for survival and his desperate attempts to escape the clutches of the High Table, the shadowy council that governs the criminal underworld.
- Lane Craft
- 66 Greenpoint Ave
- Beyonce Terry Richardson
- Fun Guy Vegan Fruit Chews Reviews
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries San Francisco
The first ‘John Wick’ film was released in 2014, introducing us to a character mourning the loss of his wife, only to be violently pulled back into his old life. This movie started it all, establishing the unique visual style, the brutal yet elegant action, and the compelling mythology that would define the series. From there, the stakes escalated with each subsequent chapter, pushing John to his limits across the globe.
A Journey Through the Main Films: The Baba Yaga's Path
Here are the four core John Wick films in their release order:
- John Wick (2014): This is where it all began. John Wick, a retired assassin, is forced back into the criminal underworld he had abandoned after Russian mobsters steal his car and kill the puppy, a final gift from his deceased wife. What follows is a stylish, brutal, and surprisingly emotional journey of vengeance that laid the groundwork for the entire franchise.
- John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017): Picking up shortly after the first film, John is forced to honor a blood oath to an Italian crime lord, Santino D'Antonio. This obligation drags him to Rome and eventually leads to him becoming "excommunicado" from the Continental hotel network, putting a massive bounty on his head and turning the entire assassin world against him.
- John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019): With a $14 million bounty on his head and excommunicado status, John Wick is on the run from every assassin in New York. He seeks help from old allies and attempts to appeal to the High Table, leading to some of the most intricate and intense action sequences seen in the series, including memorable fights alongside Halle Berry's character, Sofia.
- John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023): The latest and arguably most ambitious entry in the main series, John Wick: Chapter 4 sees John taking his fight directly to the High Table. He uncovers a path to freedom, but it comes at an immense cost, requiring him to face off against powerful new adversaries and old friends alike in a global showdown that pushes the boundaries of his endurance.
Beyond John Wick: Expanding the Universe and Future Entries
While the four films starring Keanu Reeves are the central pillar of the franchise, the John Wick universe is much larger and continues to expand. Derek Kolstad, the creator of the franchise, envisioned a rich world, and we're now seeing that vision come to life through various spin-offs and upcoming projects. This is where the answer to "how many entries are there?" becomes a bit broader, with some sources stating "five entries" or "six titles" when considering the entire canon.
The Continental: A Glimpse into the Underworld's Past
In 2023, the John Wick universe expanded with The Continental: From the World of John Wick, a three-part prequel miniseries. This series takes viewers back to 1970s New York, exploring the origins of the iconic Continental hotel chain – a neutral ground for assassins – through the eyes of a young Winston Scott. It delves into how he came to be the proprietor of the New York Continental, confronting a vast criminal empire and establishing the rules and characters we've come to know in the main films. While not a movie, it's a crucial piece of the franchise's lore, offering a deeper understanding of its history and key figures.
Ballerina: The Next Chapter in the Assassin's World
Looking ahead, the John Wick world is set to bring us a new cinematic project: Ballerina. Slated for a 2025 release, this spin-off movie stars Ana de Armas as a deadly assassin seeking revenge for the murder of her family. Before Ballerina, there were four John Wick films, and this new entry is expected to take place between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, offering a new perspective within the established timeline and featuring appearances from familiar faces like Keanu Reeves' John Wick and Ian McShane's Winston. To date, there are five entries in the John Wick movie series if you count Ballerina as the next cinematic installment, even though it focuses on a new protagonist.
Watching the John Wick Franchise: Order Matters!
For newcomers or those looking to re-experience the high-octane world of John Wick, understanding the different viewing orders can enhance your experience. You can watch the entire John Wick franchise in order, both by release date and chronologically.
Watching by Release Order (Production Order)
This is generally the recommended way for first-time viewers, as it follows the narrative as it was originally presented and allows for the natural progression of world-building and character development.
- John Wick (2014)
- John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
- John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019)
- John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
- The Continental: From the World of John Wick (2023) (Series, released after JW4, but chronologically much earlier)
- Ballerina (2025) (Upcoming movie, expected after JW4's release)
Watching in Chronological Order
For those who prefer to experience the story in the order it unfolds within the universe, or for fans looking for a fresh perspective, the chronological order offers a deeper dive into the lore, starting with the earliest events. All canon movies and series in chronological order are listed below:
- The Continental: From the World of John Wick (2023): Set in the 1970s, this series provides the earliest look into the franchise's history and the formative years of key characters like Winston and Charon.
- John Wick (2014): The beginning of John's active story, set decades after The Continental.
- John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
- John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019)
- Ballerina (2025): Expected to fit between Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, detailing a parallel story within the main timeline.
- John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023): The latest narrative point in the main John Wick saga.
The John Wick franchise is also widely available across various streaming services. There are 6 titles in this list (including the series and upcoming movie), and you can watch many of them on Peacock Premium, with 5 other streaming services also having titles available to stream today. This makes it easy to catch up or rewatch your favorite moments.
The Enduring Legacy of John Wick
The John Wick franchise, created by Derek Kolstad, has cemented its place as a modern action classic. It centers on a neo-noir action thriller film series featuring the titular character portrayed by Keanu Reeves. Wick is a legendary figure, and his world is meticulously crafted, from the gold coins and blood oaths to the intricate rules of the High Table and the sanctity of the Continental hotels. This rich world-building, combined with stunning practical effects and groundbreaking "gun-fu" choreography, has garnered critical acclaim and a massive fan following.
The success of the films has opened doors for further expansion, proving that audiences are hungry for more stories within this compelling universe. The dedication of Keanu Reeves to the physically demanding role, coupled with the vision of director Chad Stahelski, has elevated the series beyond mere action flicks into a cinematic experience that continues to inspire and entertain.
Final Summary
In summary, while there are four primary John Wick movies starring Keanu Reeves, the broader John Wick universe encompasses more. This includes the prequel miniseries The Continental: From the World of John Wick, and the upcoming spin-off movie Ballerina, which is considered by many as the fifth cinematic entry in the franchise. Whether you prefer to watch them by release date or chronologically, the John Wick saga offers an unparalleled journey into a stylish, brutal, and endlessly fascinating world of assassins. With its compelling characters, intricate lore, and unparalleled action, the John Wick franchise continues to be a highlight in modern cinema, promising even more high-octane thrills in the years to come.
John Wick movies from worst to Best
How Many "John Wick" Movies Are There? - BuddyTV
How Many People John Wick Kills In All 4 Movies
