The Best John Wick Movie Has The Worst Rotten Tomatoes Score? A Critical Analysis

Aria Freeman

4 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

4.7

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H2: Rotten Tomatoes Scores Across the John Wick Franchise

Let's start with a clear overview of the critical reception of each film in the franchise, as reflected by their Rotten Tomatoes scores:

Generally, the John Wick franchise enjoys overwhelmingly positive reviews. Each installment built upon the previous one, refining the action choreography and expanding the world. However, a significant discrepancy exists between the overwhelmingly positive reception of the later films and the slightly lower score of the original John Wick. This prompts the question: could the first film, despite its slightly lower score compared to the sequels, actually be considered the best by many viewers?

• John Wick (2014): 86% - Reviews praised its innovative gun-fu action, Keanu Reeves' performance, and its stylish world-building.
• John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017): 89% - The sequel expanded the world and upped the ante on the action, leading to even more positive critical appraisal.
• John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019): 90% - This chapter was lauded for its ambitious scope and breathtaking action sequences, solidifying the franchise's success.
• John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023): 95% - Critics hailed Chapter 4 as the pinnacle of the franchise, praising its extended runtime, intricate plot, and stunning action choreography.
• Trend Analysis: The trend shows a clear upward trajectory in Rotten Tomatoes scores, with each subsequent film receiving higher critical acclaim. However, this doesn't necessarily reflect the subjective experience of individual viewers.

H2: Why John Wick (2014) Might Be Considered the Best

Despite its slightly lower Rotten Tomatoes score compared to its sequels, the original John Wick holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. Several factors contribute to this:

• Unique Action Sequences and Fight Choreography: John Wick (2014) introduced the now-iconic gun-fu style, which revolutionized action cinema. Its innovative approach to fight choreography set a new standard and laid the foundation for the sequels.
• Introduction of Key Characters and Plot Points: The original film established the core mythology, introducing Baba Yaga, the High Table, and the world's intricate rules, setting the stage for future installments.
• Thematic Resonance and Narrative Impact: The film’s simple yet powerful story of grief, revenge, and the consequences of violence resonates deeply with many viewers. Its impact on the action genre is undeniable.
• Fan Reaction and Online Discussions: While critics praised the sequels for their scale and ambition, many fans maintain that the original John Wick offered a more tightly-knit and emotionally resonant experience. Online forums are rife with debates comparing the films and often favor the original.
• Comparison to Other Entries in Terms of Innovation and Impact: While the sequels expanded on the foundation, it was the original John Wick that redefined action cinema and created a lasting legacy.

H2: The Role of Subjectivity in Film Criticism and Rotten Tomatoes Scores

Rotten Tomatoes scores, while helpful, are merely aggregate numbers. They don't fully encapsulate the complexities of film criticism and audience experience.

• The Limitations of Numerical Scores: Reducing a film's artistic merit to a simple percentage ignores the nuances of storytelling, acting, direction, and cinematography.
• The Influence of Individual Critics' Biases: Critics' personal preferences and biases inevitably influence their reviews, impacting the overall score.
• The Differences Between Critical and Audience Reviews: Audience scores often differ significantly from critics' scores, highlighting the gap between professional opinion and popular enjoyment. This is particularly noticeable in the John Wick franchise.
• The Importance of Considering Multiple Perspectives: A holistic understanding requires considering various perspectives, including both critical consensus and audience reaction.

H3: Analyzing the Critics’ Consensus

While some critics might point to the smaller scale of the original John Wick compared to its sequels, many argue that its tighter narrative and groundbreaking action more than compensate. Some criticisms might focus on the relative simplicity of the plot compared to the more sprawling narratives of later films. However, fans often counter that this simplicity allowed the original film to focus on delivering impactful action sequences and character development.

3. Conclusion

The John Wick franchise presents a fascinating case study in the disconnect between critical reception and audience enjoyment. While the Rotten Tomatoes scores show an upward trend, the first film retains a powerful place in fans' hearts due to its innovative action, impactful narrative, and lasting influence on the action genre. Ultimately, the "best" John Wick movie is subjective. What do you think? Watch all the films and decide for yourself which John Wick film deserves the top spot – and then join the conversation about its surprising John Wick Rotten Tomatoes Score!