How John Wick Became the Best Antihero of Modern Film (Saga Analysis)

“Rules are the only thing that separate us from the animals”

And yet it is the dogs in these movies who are consistently the most loyal and loving characters. Meanwhile all of John’s friends who play by the table’s rules betray him or allow themselves to be pitted against him.

This is why I take great offense when people say that John Wick Films are just another set of action movies, there are layers in all of them.

John is a professional in a society populated by amateurs. He was so before coming to work in the world of the Table and it’s clear the table saw him as someone not to be crossed given how he earned his way out. Their mistake was not leaving him alone when he killed Santino and they’ve been greatly weakened by the end of Chapter 4. I don’t think John’s actually dead, but we shall see.

I feel like you kinda left something out, that being how Johns sacrifice seems to have inspired others, as the Harbinger said in JW4, if John wins the duel he’ll become a saint and it would “shake the very foundations of the High Table” I think this refers to how his actions would incite rebellion and maybe something akin to hope to other unwilling members of the assassin underworld. We saw something like this with Bowery King, he said he was “branching out” and that johns actions inspired him to do so.

Just my kind of two two cents there. Thought it makes for an interesting idea.

I am so glad that you made a video pointing out the story and hidden depths. Most video essays forget the creators intented to be a anti action trope movie hence success

I think the highest showing that John Wick is Honor where his friends, even though bound to the High Table will go against it because Honor demands it

The connections between his friends is what kept him alive and accomplish his goals

Thank you for this video.
I see way too many people say that the movies after the first one suck because it’s all action and no plot other than “John goes full Rambo mode.” While it’s true that there is more action and stunt work in the sequels and the character journey/transformation is slower, it’s unfortunate how these people miss out on how the entire saga is John Wick’s character arc coming full circle, it doesn’t just end with the first film.

Just because he barely talks and there are very few deep and quiet moments in the sequels does not detract from his journey as an anti-hero, and how they build the foundation of the world that John dragged himself back into and how that world brings development and ultimately closure to his character. Just because there’s a lot of action and it isn’t a slow burn arthouse film, does not mean there isn’t room for good storytelling, which is why I feel John Wick is a masterclass saga: it pleases both those looking for a good story, and those who simply want fun good old blockbuster action.

One additional detail from John Wick 4 that adds onto the whole mythology aspect of the series is that the grey-suited enforcers in the Osaka fight are known as the “Myrmidons," as stated by Chidi's actor Marko Zaror in an interview.

The Myrmidons were well-armored elite soldiers who served Achilles during the Trojan war.

Never saw the similarities with Dante's inferno and his journey until now when you speak of John Wick

This video made me realize that another installment isn’t necessary. Go out on top. It all makes sense archetypally, just leave it as it is.

Really interesting analysis! Apart from the outstanding choreography this movies have, what has kept me coming back to this series is the world building, I'm looking forward to what they'll do with the new movie and Continental series.

Dante’s Inferno is a MASTERPIECE!!! Just watched the fourth movie and the fact it opened with the inscription on the gate of hell had me hyped!!!

This was an outstanding analysis. You provided a whole other aspect of appreciation for this film series.

I wouldn't really classify John Wick as an antihero. The three traits of the literary/film hero are "Bravery, Nobility, Virtue" and to be an antihero you have to break 1 or more of these traits. But in a world where seemingly everyone is either an assassin or works for assassins, John is probably the bravest, most noble and most virtuous character in all 4 films.

Meanwhile someone is saying JW4 is the worst film, too long, too generic, too violent, too unrealistic, too shallow, story no depth, ... bla bla

Seeing the "man with no name" does reminds me how to tolerate the movie, seeing John Wick in it's 4th installment was sort of a hyperrealistic superhero, figuring they could've finished John wick all along w/ a sniper since John Wick 2.

crazy how I could write a better essay on an action movie than on some of the books we read in English class. Not to diss on those books, most of them are really good, but these movies are so good.

I will proudly say that John Wick Chapter 4 is the best of the franchise and a true end to a beloved and dedicated individual.

One interesting point to be made about the John Wick movies is that they can also be read as John's journey through grief:

John Wick: Denial/Anger
JW Chapter 2: Anger
JW Chapter 3 - Parabellum: Bargaining
JW Chapter 4: Bargaining/Acceptance

You gave me a whole new appreciation for the franchise. A thematic reason to rewatch but with a new lens. Thank you and great analysis.