John Wick 4: Lowest Rotten Tomatoes Score, Yet A Fan Favorite?

Natalie Brooks

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

4.0

Share

The Discrepancy Between Critics and Audience Reception

Rotten Tomatoes Score Analysis

John Wick Chapter 4 currently holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 90% from critics, which while positive, is lower than the scores of previous installments. This signifies a relative drop compared to its predecessors, leaving many questioning the disparity between critical and audience reception. The critical consensus highlights aspects like the film's excessive length (a common complaint amongst critics) and a perceived repetition in the action sequences, with some reviewers feeling the film's style prioritized spectacle over substance.

• Criticisms: Many reviews mentioned the film's runtime as detracting from the overall impact.
• Criticisms: Repetitive action sequences, while spectacular, were cited by some critics as lacking sufficient variation.
• Positive Notes: Despite the lower score compared to other films in the franchise, the overall critical response remained overwhelmingly positive, praising the action choreography, Keanu Reeves' performance and the film’s overall aesthetic.

Audience Reactions and Box Office Success

Despite the slightly lower Rotten Tomatoes score from critics, John Wick Chapter 4 experienced phenomenal box office success, demonstrating its immense popularity among general audiences. This underscores a significant disconnect between critical assessment and audience enjoyment.

• Fan Reviews: Overwhelmingly positive fan reviews across various platforms celebrate the film's non-stop action, stylish visuals, and Keanu Reeves' charismatic portrayal of the titular assassin.
• Social Media Buzz: The film generated considerable buzz on social media, with fans actively sharing their enthusiasm and creating memes and discussions surrounding the action sequences and character interactions.
• Repeat Viewings: Many viewers reported seeing John Wick 4 multiple times, further emphasizing their enjoyment and the film’s replayability. This suggests the film’s enduring appeal, irrespective of critical analysis.
• Audience Score: The audience score on Rotten Tomatoes is significantly higher than the critics' score, further demonstrating a huge gap in opinion.

Exploring the Reasons for the Lower Rotten Tomatoes Score

Genre Expectations vs. Film Execution

The discrepancy between critical and audience reception might stem from differing expectations regarding the action genre. John Wick 4 embraces a highly stylized, balletic approach to action sequences, pushing the boundaries of what's typically seen in mainstream action films.

• Comparison to other Action Films: While some critics lauded the film's unique action style, others may have found it excessive or repetitive when compared to more critically-acclaimed action movies with differing approaches.
• Stylistic Choices: The extended, meticulously choreographed fight scenes, a hallmark of the John Wick franchise, could be interpreted as either innovative and exhilarating or excessive and predictable depending on individual tastes and expectations.

Potential for "Critic Fatigue"

Another possible explanation for the slightly lower Rotten Tomatoes score is critic fatigue. The John Wick franchise, while successful, has been running for several years, and critics might have developed a degree of familiarity, potentially leading to a less enthusiastic reception than with the franchise's earlier installments.

• Comparison to Previous Films: Analyzing reviews of John Wick 4 alongside its predecessors reveals a pattern; the novelty of the initial installment fades with each subsequent film. This could suggest that critics are looking for progressively more innovative elements in each film in the franchise.
• Plot and Character Development: While action remains central, the film’s plot and character development may not have offered sufficient novelty to fully captivate some critics.

Why John Wick 4 Remains a Fan Favorite Despite Lower Scores

The Power of the Franchise and Keanu Reeves

The enduring popularity of John Wick 4 rests significantly on the shoulders of its established fanbase and the undeniable charisma of Keanu Reeves.

• Audience Loyalty: The dedicated fanbase built over the previous three films has created a strong sense of loyalty, ensuring a built-in audience eager to see the continuation of the saga.
• Social Media Engagement: The strong social media presence fuels pre-release hype and post-release discussions, actively driving audience engagement and excitement surrounding the film.
• Keanu Reeves' Performance: Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of John Wick is a crucial element in the film’s success. His understated intensity and commitment to the character continue to resonate strongly with audiences, maintaining the character's appeal even within a familiar, action-packed context.

Delivering on Audience Expectations

John Wick 4 ultimately succeeded because it delivered precisely what its audience craved: a high-octane, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant action spectacle.

• Action Sequences: The elaborate and inventive fight choreography undoubtedly met, and exceeded, the expectations of action movie enthusiasts.
• Character Development: The film deepened existing character relationships, providing fans with satisfying emotional payoffs and character arcs.
• World-Building: John Wick 4 further developed the intricate world of assassins, adding layers of depth and complexity that captivated the audience and provided a rich backdrop for the action.

Conclusion

John Wick 4's slightly lower Rotten Tomatoes score doesn't negate its box office triumph and enduring popularity among fans. This discrepancy underscores the often-significant gap between critical and audience reception, especially within established action franchises. The film successfully delivered on its promise of exhilarating action, compelling characters, and a world of intrigue, solidifying its position as a fan favorite, despite a potentially more nuanced critical evaluation. Despite its lower Rotten Tomatoes score, John Wick 4 remains a must-see for fans of action movies and the franchise. Have you seen John Wick 4? Share your thoughts on the film and its Rotten Tomatoes score in the comments below! Let's discuss whether you think the critics were right or if this is truly a case of "audience over critics" with John Wick 4.