The John Wick spinoff, Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas, officially opens this weekend in theaters. The first batch of views are now out from the critics, and they’re mixed.
With 66 reviews currently accounted for, the Ballerina Rotten Tomatoes score stands at , which is the lowest of the franchise.
John Wick 4 is at 94%, Chapter 3 at 89%, Chapter 2 at 89%, and my favorite, the first John Wick is at 86%.
The Rotten Tomatoes fan score will become available once the movie opens wide. Ballerina has early screenings tonight, then has the Thursday previews, and officially launches on Friday. Estimates offer the flick will open to around $30M – $40M and the trades – big yikes – are comparing the box office to Madame Web.
Check out the negative and positive reactions below.
The negative reviews for Ballerina call out a hollow attempt to replicate the John Wick formula without bringing anything fresh or meaningful to the table. Critics say Ana de Armas’s transformation into a Wick-style killer feels more like “flimsy cosplay” than character development, while another labels the film “a John Wick sequel by another name,” criticizing its lack of uniqueness. A critic slams it as “soulless and disjointed,” more concerned with teasing John Wick’s presence than building real investment in its lead. Others echo these thoughts, calling the plot predictable and emotionally shallow, dismissing it as “empty calorie violence.” Even when the action works, the consensus from these critics is that Ballerina lacks the heart, soul, and thematic depth of the main franchise.
“De Armas ends up dressed in John Wick chic before the credits roll. But rather than playing like an organic character choice, it resembles flimsy cosplay — an unfortunate metaphor for Ballerina as a whole.” – Mashable
“Ballerina proves to be little more than a John Wick sequel by another name. And while that may be enough for some fans, I wanted something better and unique for Ana de Armas.” – Deep Focus Review
“This soulless and disjointed John Wick spinoff movie will keep viewers guessing on when action hero John Wick is going to show up, instead of feeling completely invested and interested in Ballerina title character Eve Macarro.” – Culture Mix
The positive reviews for Ballerina praise it as a worthy and stylish addition to the John Wick universe, largely thanks to Ana de Armas’ commanding performance and the film’s inventive, high-octane action. Critics favorable of the movie highlight de Armas as a dynamite lead, even calling it “one of the best in the franchise.” Reviewers repeatedly applaud the brutal, choreographed violence—“bloody poetry in motion,” as critics rave about standout moments like flamethrower gunfights. A reviewer admits it doesn’t quite reach greatness but still calls it an enjoyable ride with “fantastic action scenes.” Others point to the film’s bold action set pieces, sleek visuals, and expanded world-building as major strengths. Overall, fans of the franchise are likely to walk away satisfied, even if the film doesn’t reinvent the genre.
“An honest to goodness John Wick movie, in fact, one of the best in the franchise. Ana de Armas does a great job with the action as Keanu Reeves transitions quite well to more of a mentor role. Amazing fight sequences and glamorous locations. Lots of fun!” – Grace Randolph
“The brutal carnage is bloody poetry in motion, an action-packed pirouette that will surely leave fans of the franchise satisfied, along with the promise that future installments can build and improve upon this foundation.” – In Session Film
“Ballerina can’t elevate itself from ‘pretty good’ to ‘great’ the same way previous entries in the John Wick franchise have, but it’s an enjoyable time at the movies with some fantastic action scenes and one badass leading lady.” – Bleeding Cool
Release info
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina opens June 6.
Taking place during the events of JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 – PARABELLUM, BALLERINA follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma.
Along with Ana de Armas and Keanu Reeves, starring includes Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, with Ian McShane.
Len Wiseman directs, and Shay Hatten wrote the screenplay. Ballerina is produced by John Wick producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, and director Chad Stahelski, who also filmed second-unit action scenes.
