The “John Wick” (2014-2023) series combined brutal (aka “The Raid” (2011) style) choreography, judo and jiujitsu moves and a new form of gun fu (i.e., shooting opponents in the head for maximum impact) to reinvigorate action films. If imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, then the “John Wick” franchise is the kingmaker; its slick influence seen in genres that transcend action tropes (e.g., “Atomic Blonde” (2017), “Hobbs and Shaw” (2019), “Polar” (2019), “Extraction” (2020), “Kate” (2021), “The Old Guard” (2021), “Nobody“ (2021), “Bullet Train” (2022), “Day Shift” (2022), “Extraction 2” (2023), “Renfield” (2023)).

Although Stahelski and his team started small in the first installment, they managed to outperform each sequel by concocting unique set pieces without compromising the quality of the motion pictures, expanding smartly (and subtly) an intriguing mythology of shadowy assassins and a serious conduct of business around the globe. Supported by breathtaking stuntwork, an eclectic cast and a phenomenal soundtrack, John Wick’s name is now synonymous with slick action. At the center of “John Wick” is Keanu Reeves giving it all; from firing all sorts of guns under laser precision to executing complex grappling moves at someone’s later years in life, it is something he should be truly commended for. Through a plethora of situations which other stars would bulk out (or rely on the using obvious green screens and stuntmen), Keanu really does ride a horse in New York City, uses Nunchunks and drifts his car 360 degrees to grab a gun from the street and simultaneously shoot bad guys.

To rank the best action moments from such an action heavy series could be described as an exercise in vanity as they are way too many to choose from and none of them seem to lack momentum or creativity. Thus, any omission from this list does not mean of course anything but is a matter of personal preference. Enjoy the top 10 action moments from the “John Wick” movies in chronological order. So yeah, we are thinking we are back too!

1.Home invasion - John Wick (2014)

The first (small) sequence that started the snowball effect of Wick-esque action demonstrated this neo-noir action thriller is something more than a banal paycheck for an older Keanu to capture his “Matrix” (1999-2003) glory days a decade plus later. When Viggo sends assassins to prevent John Wick from being able to kill his (irresponsible) son, we witness for the first time the evolution of gun fu. Pumped by the killer score of Joel P. Richard and Tyler Bates, Wick’s night blue drenched home becomes a graveyard within seconds; under long takes, a committed lead, jiu-jitsu and judo takedowns and a few headshots, “John Wick” mocked all the traditional action cliches. Its ending with a cop showing up at John’s porch is chef’s kiss hinting at an interesting mythology.

2.Red Circle shout out - John Wick (2014)

If the home invasion was the appetizer, the Red Circle bloodbath is the main course. The highly influential sequence sees Wick returning to his original (and terrifying) state of mind by taking out Viggo’s men and eventually his son. What starts as a cat and mouse game inside a bath house and neon inspired lighting, becomes a full blown chaos that spills over the dance floor amidst the general public. Le Castle Vania’s “Shots Fired” gives Wick his own and distinct musical style, blasting through the speakers as we experience what the filmmakers had in store with this movie after the saturation of wire fu, slow motion and shaky cam. Featuring tight and utterly believable choreography in long takes, wide frames which is elevated by the stunning cinematography, we know Joseph does not stand a chance no matter how many people his dad throws at Baba Yaga.

3.Catacombs shoot out - John Wick Chapter 2 (2017)

Three years later, “John Wick Chapter 2” follows the same routine of its predecessor by expanding the scope and stakes with ever shifting alliances and obvious betrayals. Halfway through, the movie gears up towards incredible action filmmaking. After assassinating the villain’s sister due to those pesky rules (i.e., bloody marker), Wick is spotted by Cassian, the recently departed’s bodyguard which turns the Coronation party into a Disco Bloodbath Boogie Fever. The bodycount increases at a drastic pace as Wick has to fight off not only Cassian’s men but also Ares’ ones too. Betrayed by Santino, Wick is cornered in beautifully lit catacombs but the usage of a close encounters shotgun proves to be a formidable ally to a never ending army of henchmen who become Swiss cheese in the process. It is a step up from anything that the original film offered showcasing Wick’s kill talent with several weapons under an exhilarating pace.

4.Rome brawl - John Wick Chapter 2 (2017)

After narrowly making it out from the catacombs, it would not be a “John Wick” flick if Wick is allowed to catch his breath. Cassian suddenly attacks offering an increasingly improved choreography and (90%) no stunt doubles. These (almost) equal opponents trade blows through several martial arts across the pavement, a concrete staircase and a balcony before ending their face off inside the Rome’s Continental. It is expertly shot reminiscing the golden era of Hong Kong action cinema making all these pseudo action moments from the $200 million dollar Disney behemoths look like school projects in comparison.

5.Making Vivaldi proud - John Wick Chapter 2 (2017)

Who would have thought Vivaldi’s “Summer” can be used in sync (and remixed) in a movie shoot out scene? After wiping out every single assassin in New York City, it is time to reach the final boss. Although some could argue the onset of action overkill, Stahelski and his team seem to be aware of this fact and amping up their execution by adding a few novel variations in this terminal confrontation. Cornering Santino at his home turf and carrying only 7 bullets, we are curious how John Wick is going to take him (and his army) out. Featuring Greek inspired architecture and artwork scattered throughout a museum, the Baba Yaga comes for the sleazy Santino; it is awe inspiring stuff giving us so many iconic moments including a fantastic one hand reload which Keanu improvised on the spot. What is really jaw-dropping is the fact that Keanu Reeves does all the fighting and weapon firing with tactical precision showing in the age of 49 exquisite panache.

6.Antique weapon hall fight - John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum (2019)

The first 30 minutes of this threequel are some of the finest action moments in history packing so much originality and inventive skirmishes for which you could write a whole essay. Dan Laustsen’s (MVP) cinematography is nothing less than award worthy, dressing a New York City with hyper saturated blues, reds and blacks, the rain adding that extra vibe of neo-noir atmosphere Wick is accustomed to. Amidst gorgeous production design, Wick attempts to escape his pursuers through an antique shop. Opening with a clever nod to “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (1968), they inevitably clash through a refreshing layer of black humor and a show stopping case of choreography bearing a twist. Everyone is using every weapon you can conceive off; knifes, swords and axes being thrown to opponents like candy with devastating (and funny) results. Top notch entertainment.

7.Himmel und Hölle descends into chaos - John Wick Chapter 4 (2023)

The best “John Wick” film has undeniably (and surprisingly for a quadriquel) the best action. Although the extended Osaka segment is an absolute joy to watch, the vibe we get from the Himmel und Holle club brings things full circle. Playing nicely against expectations, John Wick is seeking to assassinating Killa in order to win back his family’s favour. An interesting game of cards, gives way to an incredible fight inside a hell-like club with fires and huge waterfalls, Kevin Kavanagh’s production design being nothing less of spectacular. The party keeps going on despite the brawl (stranger things have happened in clubs in Berlin) giving the proceedings an extra shot of absurdity and for some bizarre reason, it works. Le Castle Vania’s “Blood Code” completely slaps here, its rhythm working hand in hand with Stahelski’s camera to reveal the club’s scope in slow motion before stopping at an injured Killa waiting amidst the crowd before he turns the tables on John proving to be a formidable fighter himself (a Sammo Hung reference).

8.Arc de Triumph vehicular chaos - John Wick Chapter 4 (2023)

If all the previous skirmishes in “John Wick Chapter 4” were not enough to satisfy an action junkie, Stahelski goes absolutely bonkers in the last 40 minutes. Before Wick can attend his duel with the Marquis Vincent Bisset de Gramont at the Sacre Coeur, he is relentlessly pursued by pretty much every Parisian. Attempting to once again take the high road and escape another pointless bloodbath, he is cornered in the Arc de Triumph. With incoming traffic, bullets and henchmen approaching from every side, “Chapter 4” gives us a stunning sequence involving real cars in a real location. Pumped by Gesaffelstein’s “Hate or Glory” which increasingly becomes more rapid and violent as the extended clash leaves a trail of bodies, it is the impeccable stuntwork here that takes the cake. Stahelski and his team demonstrate serious skill in staging novel action sequences pushing the envelope of what practical elements can be captured on camera in the age of cinematic mediocrity, revealing the likes of Zack Snyder as one trick ponies. Absolutely thrilling.

9.Top down shoot out Paris apartment - John Wick Chapter 4 (2023)

Even when you thought there is nothing left in Stahelski’s magic hat, this new cinematic wizard pulls off another trick: a top down shoot out inside a flat. Exhibiting luscious visuals in Dan Laustsen’s sensational cinematography, dear old Chad captures chaos on screen in a way that has not been seen before. Powered up by Le Castle Vania’s score (“Shots Fired”), the film moves in a poetic manner as Wick dodges bullets in a beautifully populated production design wise arena (resembling the top down shooter “Hotline Miami” (2012) which serve as the source of inspiration) and at the same time using a dragon breath shotgun to light his enemies on fire. The legend of John Wick was perfected in this sequence which is easily one of the best action moments of this century.

10.Staircase shoot out and fight - John Wick Chapter 4 (2023)

Dressed in subtle Western musical cues (again from “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (1968)), John Wick is a staircase away from freedom. Fighting Gramont (or in this case his alt, Caine) seems like an easy feat, just 222 steps away. Yet another army is waiting for him and it is enough if they just delay him. Flirting borderline with Looney Tunes and (especially) Donkey Kong, this flight of stairs gives a unique dynamic to the … escalating fighting. A single misstep can prove fatal leading to people rolling downwards (to their deaths) including our hero who is short in time. The spectacular stunt of him falling in one take from the top to the bottom (in the real location mind you), is a testament stunts should have their own category in the Oscars. But then again who cares about the Oscars or any of these stupid awards? This is pure entertainment, an exhilarating and exciting piece of cinema filled with ambition, scope and ideas. And that is why my friends, John Wick cannot do wrong in the action department.