--- title: "John Wick: Chapter 4" year: 2023 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/john-wick-chapter-4" fi1m_id: "john-wick-chapter-4" imdb_id: "tt10366206" tmdb_id: 603692 wikidata_id: "Q80322358" fi1m_score: 74 critics_score: 69 critics_reviews: 18 published: "2026-09-10" updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:09.697301+00:00" region: "US" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) Directed by Chad Stahelski · 2h 50m · MPA R · Action, Thriller, Crime ## Identity John Wick: Chapter 4 - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/john-wick-chapter-4 - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** john-wick-chapter-4 - **IMDb ID:** tt10366206 - **TMDB ID:** 603692 - **Wikidata ID:** Q80322358 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10366206/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/603692, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q80322358 **Fi1m score: 74** · Critics 69 from 18 reviews *In a sentence:* Keanu Reeves fights his way through the Paris rush hour and we would have watched another hour of that, but not of the talking > The fourth John Wick contains four or five action sequences as clear, inventive and painful as anything the genre has managed in years, and around them an hour of candlelit men explaining rules. Worth the evening, and worth an interval. ## Synopsis John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is still alive, still hunted, and still in debt to the High Table, the council that runs the world’s assassins. He decides to settle it. The Table’s answer is the Marquis (Bill Skarsgård), a French aristocrat with no limit to his budget, who punishes those who sheltered Wick, Winston (Ian McShane) and Charon (Lance Reddick) among them, and hires Caine (Donnie Yen), a blind assassin, to finish the matter. John takes refuge at the Osaka Continental, run by Shimazu (Hiroyuki Sanada) and his daughter Akira (Rina Sawayama), and the killers follow him there. Chad Stahelski directs; the film runs 170 minutes and carries a 15 certificate. ## Review Chad Stahelski’s fourth film about John Wick has the same plot as the other three. A man in a black suit wants to be left alone, an organisation will not allow it, and he shoots his way through several hundred of its employees to make the point. What has changed is the scale. This one runs 170 minutes, visits Osaka, Berlin and Paris, and stages four or five action sequences as good as any we have seen in this kind of film. Between them it sits in dim rooms and talks about rules, and it talks for far too long. The action first, because it is why anybody is here. Kevin Kavanaugh builds the Osaka Continental as a hotel that is half museum, all glass cases and gold screens and a gallery floor of standing armour, and then lets the fight wreck it a room at a time. Dan Laustsen lights every one of those rooms so that we can see who is standing where, which sounds like a small thing and is the thing most action films cannot manage. Hiroyuki Sanada’s Shimazu fights with the patience of a man who owns the building. Donnie Yen’s Caine, who cannot see, fights with door chimes and motion sensors and a blade, and the choreography makes his blindness a weapon rather than a handicap. Paris is better still. There is a sequence shot from directly above, the camera gliding over the roofless rooms of a derelict building while John moves through it with an incendiary shotgun, that plays like a floor plan come to life. There is a fight in the Paris traffic in which the cars are the weapons and the drivers do not slow down. And there is a staircase, a long one, which John has to climb with the whole underworld coming down it. We laughed out loud at what happens on that staircase, and a minute later we were leaning forward on the sofa with our hands clenched. Nathan Orloff holds these shots long enough that we see every fall land, and the falls are staged so that every one hurts. Yen is the best thing in the film. He plays Caine as a man doing a job he despises for reasons he will not discuss, sits down to eat noodles between rounds, and is the only character whose relationship with John costs either of them anything. Bill Skarsgård’s Marquis is a study in entitlement, a young man who has never been told no, and Skarsgård enjoys the accent and the cuffs. Scott Adkins turns up in Berlin as Killa, and the nightclub he runs, with waterfalls indoors and dancers who do not stop for gunfire, is Kavanaugh’s other great set. Reeves says fewer words than most leading men manage in a trailer and falls down more than most stuntmen. His face is the face of a man who would like to sit down, and that is the performance. The trouble is the talking. Michael Finch and Shay Hatten’s script keeps returning to the same conversation: John cannot be free, there is one way out, the terms are these. Ian McShane’s Winston and Laurence Fishburne’s Bowery King deliver the lore with relish, Lance Reddick’s Charon with grace, and Clancy Brown arrives as the Harbinger to add more of it. Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard score these scenes with the same low thump they use for the fights, so that a man reading out a rulebook sounds as urgent as a man being thrown through a window. Somewhere in the second hour we looked at the clock, and in a film built entirely to stop us doing that, this is a fault. Berlin is where it sags; the club is spectacular and the reason for being there is thin. Against the series’ own standard, this is the biggest and not the tightest. Against the genre’s, it is a lesson. Most Hollywood action is cut to hide what the actors cannot do; Stahelski’s is cut to show what his can, in long takes, with the geography intact. Paco Delgado’s suits stay buttoned through all of it, which is the film’s one running joke and a good one. See it on the largest screen you can find, and give yourself an interval; the film does not, and it should have. It is certified 15, and the certificate is earned inside the first ten minutes. *Fi1m score 74, published 10 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics come away satisfied, and the praise lands in one place: the fights. Review after review singles out the clarity of the choreography, the long unbroken takes and the staging of the set pieces, with an extended staircase sequence and a climactic race picked out in particular. Donnie Yen’s blind assassin Caine is the performance most often mentioned, and several reviews find Keanu Reeves’ weary, laconic turn the right anchor for it. The locations and production design get their share of credit too. The reservation is the running time, and almost nobody is without it. At close to three hours, even the warm reviews call the film bloated; the hostile ones say the action itself drags and repeats. The spread is wide. IndieWire and /Film rate it near the top of the series, while The Guardian and The Times find it cumbersome and self-important, and Slant Magazine worries the lore is swallowing the franchise. ## Straight answers **Is John Wick: Chapter 4 worth watching?** *John Wick: Chapter 4* is worth watching for anyone who wants clear, inventive, painful action on the biggest screen available, and we scored it 74. Four or five of its set pieces, in Osaka and Paris especially, are as good as the genre has managed in years. The hour of dim-room talk about rules between them is why the score is not higher. **How long is John Wick: Chapter 4, and what is it rated?** *John Wick: Chapter 4* runs 2h 50m and is rated R by the MPA in the US. It is an action and thriller film. **Where can I watch John Wick: Chapter 4 in the US?** *John Wick: Chapter 4* is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in the US, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from $3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How violent or frightening is John Wick: Chapter 4, and is it suitable for children?** *John Wick: Chapter 4* is certified 15 in the UK and R in the US, and it earns that rating inside the first ten minutes. It is a film about a man shooting his way through several hundred people, staged so that every fall visibly hurts, and it runs for nearly three hours. It is not for children, and the squeamish should look elsewhere. **How does John Wick: Chapter 4 compare to John Wick: Chapter 2?** *John Wick: Chapter 4* is the bigger film and [*John Wick: Chapter 2*](https://film.one/film/john-wick-chapter-2) is the tighter one. The fourth stages the best individual sequences in the series, above all in Paris, but it stops for far more talking and runs almost an hour longer. The second keeps moving, though its killing blurs after ninety minutes; choose it if you want the leaner evening. **Do you need to have seen the other John Wick films before John Wick: Chapter 4?** *John Wick: Chapter 4* can be followed by a newcomer, because its plot is the same as the other three: a man in a black suit wants to be left alone and an organisation will not allow it. What you will miss is the weight of the debts and betrayals the film keeps discussing, and those discussions take up a good hour. The fights need no introduction. **What should I watch after John Wick: Chapter 4?** After *John Wick: Chapter 4*, try [*Le Samouraï*](https://film.one/film/le-samourai) (1967, Fi1m 88): Delon’s hitman in a trench coat; the whole series’ manner starts here, quieter. Then [*Hard Boiled*](https://film.one/film/hard-boiled) (1992, Fi1m 86): John Woo’s hospital shootout is the long take these films are still chasing; and [*The Raid*](https://film.one/film/the-raid) (2011, Fi1m 83): One tower block, one squad, no lore; fights as clear as Stahelski’s. **What order should I watch the John Wick films in?** Release order is the safe choice for John Wick, and it is the order [our collection page](https://film.one/collections/john-wick) lists them in. *John Wick: Chapter 4* is the most recent of the 4 John Wick titles on Fi1m; before it comes [*John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum*](https://film.one/film/john-wick-chapter-3-parabellum). [The full order.](https://film.one/collections/john-wick.md) ### Reviews we read (22) - **IndieWire**, Rafael Motamayor (A): Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves deliver the biggest, most elaborate, and best film in the saga, the best action blockbuster since Fury Road. It highlights the inventive, over-the-top action and the series' peak form. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/john-wick-chapter-4-review-1234819284/) - **Little White Lies**, Kambole Campbell (3/4/4): The critic praises the inventive and elaborate action sequences and choreography that keep the fights fresh and exciting. Notes that the film is probably too long but uses the runtime effectively for standout franchise action. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/john-wick-chapter-4) - **Radio Times**, Kevin Harley (4/5): The critic finds excess is not a problem and the film largely fulfils its goal of outdoing predecessors with bone-breaking fights and globe-trotting opulence. Notes the plot is blunt but the action delivers satisfaction for fans. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/john-wick-chapter-4-review/) - **The Independent** (80/100, inferred): The film commits nobly to its self-seriousness, bordering on camp, yet earns its boldness with ingenious action sequences that are a total feast for the eyes. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/john-wick-4-review-release-date-b2307236.html) - **The Telegraph**, Tim Robey (4/5): The film is wildly over the top and bloated at nearly three hours but remains a brilliant, turbo-charged blast thanks to its proud excess and strong plotting and cast since the first entry. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/john-wick-chapter-4-review-keanu-reeves-returns-bloated-brilliant/) - **Total Film**, Kim Taylor-Foster (4/5): Every aspect is dialled up, with blistering fight sequences and standout characters like Donnie Yen's blind assassin Caine; the near-three-hour runtime may prove a sticking point for some, but at its best it burns oh-so-brightly. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/john-wick-4-review/) - **Vulture**, Angelica Jade Bastien (75/100, inferred): The film is blissfully entertaining with gorgeous visuals, clear choreography, and inventive, balletic violence that synthesizes Looney Tunes energy and martial-arts mastery. It singles out the stunning production design and fight sequences for praise but notes reservations about narrative choices and underused supporting characters. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/john-wick-chapter-four-movie-review.html) - **Empire**, Alex Godfrey (70/100, inferred): It is relentlessly violent and a bone-crunching masterclass in action, but the endless fighting can become a slog and the film is a bit much overall. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/john-wick-chapter-4/) - **Slant Magazine**, Derek Smith (2.5/4): The bloated sequel expands the mythology with filler conversations and rehashed set pieces, proving the franchise is doomed to further Marvelization. It criticizes the excessive length and convoluted lore while acknowledging some fresh fight choreography and new cast members like Donnie Yen. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/john-wick-chapter-4-review-keanu-reeves/) - **The New Yorker** (60/100, inferred): Keanu Reeves brings weary energy to the assassin pursued by killers as he settles accounts with the High Table across global locations, leaving corpses in his wake. The murderous virtuosity often feels technical and wearying, though an intricate climactic race delivers clever suspense and swashbuckling fun. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/movies/john-wick-chapter-4) - **Time Out**, Olly Richards (3/5): The critic highlights Keanu Reeves' charismatic presence and the relentless, inventive fight scenes in increasingly ridiculous scenarios. Complains that some sequences drag on too long and the 169-minute runtime may test viewers. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/john-wick-chapter-4-2023) - **Screen Daily** (40/100, inferred): The critic calls it a flabby fourth instalment that aspires to be a sweeping epic but emphasises the franchise's limitations through too much mournful narrative between extraordinary fight sequences. Praises the balletic, gratuitous action but finds the bulk overshadows it. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/john-wick-chapter-4-review/5179778.article) - **The Guardian** (30/100, inferred): The critic finds the nearly three-hour film overlong and overstuffed, with action sequences that drag on redundantly and lack payoff. Stahelski confuses bigger and more for better in this bloated sequel. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/mar/13/john-wick-chapter-4-movie-review-release-date) - **The Times** (30/100, inferred): The sequel is profoundly cumbersome and burdened by delusions of grandeur in its excessive runtime, turning a simple shoot-'em-up into something that thinks it is an epic, with action lacking dramatic tension beyond one inventive sequence. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/john-wick-chapter-4-review-bang-bang-bang-er-thats-it-p5x5cwqqv) - **Financial Times**, Leslie Felperin (★★☆☆☆): The film delivers many deaths and bravura action sequences indebted to wuxia traditions, with balletic fight choreography as highlights, but offers thin emotional content for those wanting more substance. [Read](https://www.ft.com/content/60a81453-6926-4cb4-8e8c-a6379a94dccc) - **Los Angeles Times**, Justin Chang: The latest and longest entry delivers globe-trotting, meticulously staged action with compositional elegance and clear fight choreography that stands out amid murky Hollywood fare. While the maximalist showmanship and extraneous world-building can feel exhausting and self-regarding, Reeves' weary performance and the craftsmanship sustain the spectacle. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2023-03-22/john-wick-4-review-keanu-reeves) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Frank Scheck: The film outdoes its predecessors with bigger, bolder, and more spectacular action set pieces that play like elaborate dance numbers. It praises the virtuoso choreography, continuous shots, and Reeves' physical commitment while noting the excessive length. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/john-wick-chapter-4-review-keanu-reeves-1235347803/) - **The New York Times**, Manohla Dargis: The film aestheticizes violence in an unapologetic, over-the-top manner that draws on influences from Eastwood to Melville and Chan, centering on a laconic assassin who kills because it is what he does. The critic highlights the plush locations, inventive action sequences, and the series' conspiracy-laden underworld as sources of pleasure. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/23/movies/john-wick-chapter-4-keanu-reeves.html) - **/Film**, Josh Spiegel (90/100, inferred): The critic praises the film as an unqualified success and an action fantasia like no other, highlighting its precise and coherent action choreography as the series' special quality. They single out the extended staircase sequence and the performances, particularly Donnie Yen's Caine, for making the long runtime earn its keep. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1236571/john-wick-chapter-4-spoiler-review-an-action-fantasia-like-no-other/) - **Collider**, Ross Bonaime (B+): The critic praises the film's ambitious and thrilling action sequences, especially in the second half, and singles out the inventive fight scenes and Keanu Reeves' performance. They note it as a goofy, ridiculous three hours of fun that doesn't overstay its welcome. [Read](https://collider.com/john-wick-chapter-4-review/) - **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (80/100, inferred): The critic praises the film's expanded action sequences, locations, and length as a feast for fans, highlighting dazzling fight scenes and strong casting like Donnie Yen and Hiroyuki Sanada, while noting it ratchets up the franchise's signature style effectively despite the runtime. [Read](https://deadline.com/2023/03/john-wick-chapter-4-review-keanu-reeves-1235298412/) - **Den of Geek**, Don Kaye (4/5): The critic finds the film a frequently astonishing epic that elevates the series with stunning action, humor, and some character reflection, continuing the franchise's even-numbered success streak. They single out Donnie Yen's performance as the standout for its depth and gravitas amid the stylized action sequences. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/john-wick-chapter-4-review-better-keanu-reeves-vs-donnie-yen/) ## Details - **Director:** Chad Stahelski - **Director:** Chad Stahelski - **Writer:** Shay Hatten, Michael Finch - **Cinematography:** Dan Laustsen - **Editor:** Nathan Orloff - **Music:** Tyler Bates, Joel J. Richard - **Production design:** Kevin Kavanaugh - **Costume design:** Paco Delgado - **Producer:** Chad Stahelski, Erica Lee, Basil Iwanyk - **Cast:** Keanu Reeves as John Wick; Donnie Yen as Caine; Bill Skarsgård as Marquis; Ian McShane as Winston; Laurence Fishburne as Bowery King; Lance Reddick as Charon; Clancy Brown as Harbinger; Hiroyuki Sanada as Shimazu - **Runtime:** 2h 50m - **Certificate (MPA):** R - **Release (the US):** 24 March 2023 - **Genres:** Action, Thriller, Crime - **Part of:** [John Wick](https://film.one/collections/john-wick.md) · 4 of 4 - **Budget:** $100 million - **Box office:** $447 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjRHZEUamCc ## Where to watch in the US - Amazon Prime Video: add-on, uhd - Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, uhd - Apple TV: rent $3.99, hd - Apple TV: buy $14.99, hd - Amazon Prime Video: buy $14.99, uhd *Checked 2026-09-10.* Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, HK, IE, IN, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NO, NZ, PA, PH, PL, PT, SE, SG, TH, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *Le Samouraï* (1967), Fi1m 88: Delon’s hitman in a trench coat; the whole series’ manner starts here, quieter. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/le-samourai.md) - *Hard Boiled* (1992), Fi1m 86: John Woo’s hospital shootout is the long take these films are still chasing. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/hard-boiled.md) - *Police Story* (1985): Jackie Chan falls through a shopping centre so you can see it happen. - *The Raid* (2011), Fi1m 83: One tower block, one squad, no lore; fights as clear as Stahelski’s. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-raid.md) - *The Villainess* (2017), Fi1m 68: Korean revenge picture whose opening corridor fight is shot from inside the fists. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-villainess.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/john-wick-chapter-4