“Top Action Trilogy of the 21st Century Thrills on New Streaming Platform”
One of the most influential action trilogies of the 21st century is making waves on streaming platforms. The series, which began in 2014, revolutionized the action genre and set a new standard for filmmaking. It laid the foundation for various subsequent films, influencing titles like Atomic Blonde and Extraction.
John Wick Franchise Overview
The John Wick trilogy is currently gaining popularity on HBO Max. The original films are dominating the streaming service’s charts. As of now, the first film ranks as the second most-watched movie, while John Wick: Chapter 2 follows closely at third. John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum occupies the fifth spot.
Behind the Franchise
- Created by: Screenwriter Derek Kolstad
- Initial Directors: Chad Stahelski and David Leitch
- Sole Director: Chad Stahelski for subsequent films
- Lead Actor: Keanu Reeves as John Wick
The narrative begins with John Wick, a retired hitman. Following the death of his wife, John is drawn back into the underworld after mobsters kill his dog and steal his car, prompting a brutal quest for vengeance.
Critical and Commercial Success
The first film, John Wick, became a major hit, achieving an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and grossing $86 million globally. Each sequel has surpassed the previous one’s success. The latest installment, John Wick: Chapter 4, boasts a remarkable 94% rating and has earned over $447 million worldwide.
Ratings and Reception
| Film | Rotten Tomatoes Rating | Worldwide Gross |
|---|---|---|
| John Wick | 86% | $86 million |
| John Wick: Chapter 2 | N/A | N/A |
| John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum | N/A | $N/A |
| John Wick: Chapter 4 | 94% | $447 million |
Spin-offs and Future Prospects
The franchise has attempted to expand with spin-offs. However, they have received mixed reviews. The prequel series, The Continental, failed to gain widespread acclaim, despite featuring actors from the original trilogy. The Ana de Armas-led Ballerina showed slightly better results, grossing $137 million worldwide with a commendable 75% Rotten Tomatoes score, but it has been compared unfavorably to the core trilogy.
The John Wick franchise remains a significant part of modern cinema history, showcasing thrilling action and captivating storytelling. Its influence on the action genre continues to resonate through both current films and emerging projects on platforms like HBO Max.
