The Best John Wick Film Has The Worst Rotten Tomatoes Rating: A Paradox Explained

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

4.6

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The John Wick franchise has captivated audiences worldwide with its stylish action, intricate world-building, and Keanu Reeves' iconic portrayal of the Baba Yaga. However, a curious discrepancy exists: John Wick: Chapter 4, often lauded by fans as the best entry in the series, holds a lower Rotten Tomatoes score than its predecessors. This apparent paradox begs the question: why does the arguably best John Wick movie have the worst Rotten Tomatoes rating? Let's delve into the critical disconnect and explore the reasons behind this fascinating phenomenon.

John Wick: Chapter 4 – A Fan Favorite Despite Lower Rotten Tomatoes Score

John Wick: Chapter 4 received overwhelmingly positive feedback from fans, solidifying its place as a fan favorite. Many cite the film's breathtaking action sequences, deeper character development, and further expansion of the already rich cinematic universe as reasons for its immense popularity. Fans were captivated by:

• Unparalleled Action Sequences: The film features extended, intricately choreographed fight scenes, showcasing a masterful blend of gun-fu, martial arts, and visceral impact. The extended fight in the Arc de Triomphe, for instance, is a testament to the film's commitment to delivering spectacular action.
• Enhanced Character Development: Chapter 4 delves deeper into John Wick's backstory and motivations, providing more emotional resonance and enriching his already compelling character arc. His relationship with the various characters is explored with greater nuance.
• World-Building and Lore Expansion: The film significantly expands the world of the High Table, introducing new characters, factions, and locations, enriching the existing lore and leaving fans wanting more. The intricate details and expansion of the assassin underworld further immerse the viewer in this captivating universe.
• A Satisfying (Though Debated) Conclusion: While some might debate the finality of the ending, many found the conclusion satisfying, providing a sense of closure while leaving room for potential future installments. This ending, however, was a point of contention for some critics.

Analyzing the Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics vs. Audience

Rotten Tomatoes presents both a critics' score and an audience score, highlighting a significant difference in perception. The lower critics' score for John Wick: Chapter 4, compared to its predecessors, suggests a divergence between professional critics and the general audience. This discrepancy isn't uncommon, but it's particularly striking in this case. Possible reasons for the lower critics' score include:

• Repetitive Action Tropes: Some critics might argue that the film relies too heavily on established action tropes, potentially leading to a sense of repetitiveness despite the impressive execution.
• Pacing and Length: The film's runtime is considerably longer than its predecessors. Some critics felt that the pacing occasionally faltered, impacting the overall viewing experience.
• Critique of Plot Points and Character Arcs: Specific plot points or character arcs might have received negative feedback from critics, influencing their overall assessment of the film.
• Comparison to Previous Installments: Inevitably, each sequel is compared to its predecessors, and some critics may have found Chapter 4 to fall short in comparison, despite its individual merits.

The significant gap between the critics' and audience scores undeniably highlights the audience's strong preference for John Wick: Chapter 4, showcasing that the critical consensus doesn't always align with popular opinion.

The Evolution of the John Wick Franchise and its Impact on Critical Reception

The John Wick franchise has undergone a remarkable evolution. From its humble beginnings as a relatively low-budget action thriller, it has transformed into a major action franchise with a significant budget and global reach. This increased scale and ambition inherently lead to higher scrutiny from critics. Larger-scale productions often face more intense critical analysis. Furthermore, the accumulated expectations and potential critic fatigue after multiple installments can also influence reviews. The increasing expectations and the potential for burnout from critics after three successful movies could also contribute to the lower score.

The Subjectivity of Film Criticism and the Importance of Audience Opinion

Film criticism, by its nature, is subjective. What one critic considers a flaw, another might view as a strength. Rotten Tomatoes scores, while providing a useful aggregate, should not be the sole determinant of a film's quality. Considering both critical and audience perspectives provides a more complete and nuanced understanding of a film's impact and overall reception. The significant divergence in this case strongly emphasizes this point.

Conclusion

John Wick: Chapter 4's high audience rating despite a relatively lower Rotten Tomatoes critics' score starkly illustrates the chasm that can exist between critical and fan opinions. This discrepancy underscores the subjective nature of film criticism and the crucial importance of considering multiple perspectives when evaluating a movie's success. While critics may have voiced certain reservations, the overwhelming audience love for John Wick: Chapter 4 undeniably solidifies its status as a fan favorite. Have you seen John Wick: Chapter 4? What are your thoughts on the film and its Rotten Tomatoes score? Share your opinion in the comments below and let's discuss which John Wick movie reigns supreme!