A world of ruthless assassins, unbreakable codes, and revenge-driven chaos awaits you. With the highly anticipated Ballerina hitting cinemas in June 2025, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the entirety of the John Wick franchise.
But why? Without knowledge of the High Table, the intricate assassin codes, and the heavy price Wick has paid, Ballerina’s depth and tension may feel like just another action movie. To truly appreciate the depth and explosive twists of Ballerina, you need to understand the world that created it.
Set in the heart-pounding window between Chapters 3 and 4, Ballerina spotlights the lethal yet graceful Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas), whose quest for vengeance is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Ruska Roma. Fans of the series will recognize familiar names and locations, including Ian McShane’s Winston and the Continental Hotel. Keanu Reeves himself even makes a return appearance!
Whether you need to familiarize yourself with the franchise or just need a refresher, here’s a crash course on why watching the John Wick series is essential before stepping into the action-packed sequences of Ballerina.
John Wick (2014)
What started it all. John Wick is the revenge-fueled masterpiece that introduces us to the legendary hitman, played by Keanu Reeves, and the secretive criminal underworld he’s desperate to leave behind. With its stylized fight choreography, the Continental Hotel rules, and an emotional core rooted in devastating loss, this first chapter lays the foundation of a universe where loyalty and betrayal dance hand in hand.
Just when Wick thinks he’s out, the past drags him back in. This sequel escalates the stakes, revealing a dangerous High Table hierarchy that governs the assassin world. With visually stunning action scenes that leap across continents—from the extravagant streets of Rome to the cold urban jungles of New York—we see the complexities of honor, blood oaths, and the deadly consequences of breaking the rules.
“Excommunicado.” One word, yet so much chaos. This installment plunges Wick into the relentless hunt of every assassin in the world. From show-stopping fights beneath neon lights to elegant moments of nearly poetic violence, this film wonderfully showcases what happens when the hunter becomes the hunted. And why does this one matter so much? Because Ballerina takes place between the final moments of Chapter 3 and the beginning of Chapter 4.
The saga reaches its crescendo. With his enemies closing in, Wick takes the fight global, seeking allies in unexpected places and challenging the very foundations of the High Table. It’s the most visually stunning and emotionally complex chapter yet, redefining what an action film can be. Relationships are tested, fates are sealed, and decisions ripple through the universe.
This Is Not a Drill—Your ‘Wick’-End Binge Starts Now on Lionsgate Play via PLDT Home and Smart.
