Analyzing The Rotten Tomatoes Scores Of The John Wick Movies: Is Chapter 3 Underrated?

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

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The John Wick franchise has exploded onto the scene, captivating audiences with its breathtaking action sequences, intricate world-building, and Keanu Reeves' iconic portrayal of the Baba Yaga. A key metric for judging the critical reception of these films is their Rotten Tomatoes score. This article delves into an analysis of the Rotten Tomatoes scores for each John Wick film, focusing on whether John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum is unfairly underrated by critics. We'll examine each film's score, comparing critical consensus to box office performance and exploring potential reasons for any discrepancies. To set the stage, let's briefly look at the Rotten Tomatoes scores of each film: John Wick (2014), John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017), John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019), and John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023).

2. Main Points:

2.1. John Wick (2014): A Critical and Commercial Success

John Wick's debut was met with widespread critical acclaim. Its Rotten Tomatoes score stands as a testament to its impact. The film achieved a strong score, solidifying its position as a surprise hit.

• Rotten Tomatoes Score Analysis: The first John Wick boasts an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score, showcasing the film's immediate success with critics and audiences alike. This initial success laid the groundwork for the franchise's continued growth.
• Critical Consensus: Critics lauded Keanu Reeves' nuanced performance, the innovative and brutal gun-fu action sequences, and the intriguing world-building that hinted at a much larger, more complex narrative. The film was praised for its stylish direction and its commitment to realistic, visceral action.
• Box Office Performance: Beyond critical success, John Wick also performed admirably at the box office, demonstrating its appeal to a wider audience. This commercial success paved the way for sequels.
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2.2. John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017): Maintaining the Momentum

John Wick: Chapter 2 successfully built upon the foundation established by its predecessor. While the Rotten Tomatoes score might have seen a slight shift compared to the original, the sequel still garnered significant praise.

• Rotten Tomatoes Score Comparison: The sequel's Rotten Tomatoes score remained high, indicating that the franchise had successfully maintained its momentum and hadn't lost its critical edge. Any minor dip in score compared to the first film is likely attributable to the inherent difficulty of replicating the surprise impact of a debut.
• Expansion of the Universe: Chapter 2 significantly expanded the world of John Wick, introducing new characters and further developing the complex mythology of the Continental Hotel and the assassin underworld. This expansion added depth and intrigue, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
• Action and Stunts: The action sequences evolved even further, showcasing more elaborate fight choreography and even more impressive stunt work. This visual spectacle undoubtedly contributed to the film's positive reception.
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2.3. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019): The Case for Underrating

John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum arguably represents the pinnacle of the franchise's action and storytelling prowess. However, its Rotten Tomatoes score might not fully reflect this achievement.

• Rotten Tomatoes Score Deep Dive: While still positive, Chapter 3's Rotten Tomatoes score seems somewhat lower than its quality deserves, particularly in comparison to the critical praise heaped upon the subsequent Chapter 4.
• Comparison to Predecessors: Compared to the previous films, Chapter 3 featured a more expansive scale, a more intricate plot, and even more stunning action sequences. The argument for underestimation rests on the idea that these advancements weren't fully reflected in the final Rotten Tomatoes score.
• Key Scenes and Action Sequences: The extended fight in the middle of the movie with the dogs, the motorcycle chase, and the numerous creative and diverse action set pieces suggest a score that is less than reflective of the quality and innovative approach of the film.
• Audience Score vs. Critics' Score: A significant difference between the audience score and critics' score could indicate a disconnect between critical expectations and audience enjoyment. This highlights the importance of considering both perspectives when assessing a film's overall merit.
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2.4. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023): Recent Developments and Trends

The release of John Wick: Chapter 4 offers a compelling point of comparison for assessing the potential underestimation of Chapter 3.

• Rotten Tomatoes Score and Analysis: Chapter 4's Rotten Tomatoes score reflects the continued critical acclaim for the franchise. Its high score reinforces the consistent quality of the series as a whole.
• Comparison with Chapter 3: A direct comparison of Chapter 4's score with Chapter 3's score provides further evidence to support the argument that Chapter 3 may have been somewhat underrated. The similarities in action and scale between the two films make a comparison particularly useful.
• Franchise Success: The continued box office success of the John Wick franchise strongly supports the notion that the films consistently deliver high-quality entertainment.
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3. Conclusion: Is John Wick: Chapter 3 Truly Underrated? A Rotten Tomatoes Verdict

In summary, while all the John Wick films have received generally positive Rotten Tomatoes scores, the case for John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum being underrated is compelling. The film's innovative action sequences, expanded world-building, and compelling narrative arguably deserve a higher score than what was ultimately assigned. While some might argue that the critics' consensus reflects valid criticisms, the film's overall quality and impact on the franchise’s success suggest a potential discrepancy between the film's merit and its Rotten Tomatoes score.

What are your thoughts on the John Wick Rotten Tomatoes scores? Share your opinions in the comments!