12 Years Later, Keanu Reeves’ Intense Franchise Is Officially the Greatest Action Series Streaming Today
This is an opinion/feature piece from Collider arguing that the John Wick franchise, twelve years after its 2014 debut, remains the standout action series available on streaming today, particularly as the four main films have reportedly been performing strongly on Pluto TV. The article's central point is that the series has maintained consistent quality across its main instalments, with each film escalating in scale and spectacle while still holding together as a satisfying binge.
The piece traces the saga from the original film, in which Keanu Reeves' retired hitman is driven back into violence after criminals kill his dog and steal his car, through to the increasingly elaborate sequels, culminating in the near three-hour John Wick: Chapter 4. It notes the films' growing exploration of the criminal underworld, contrasts John Wick's stature as an action icon with Reeves' other famous role as Neo, and observes that the post-2023 period has focused more on spin-offs, making the franchise's future less predictable than its original four-film run.
In short
- Collider argues John Wick is streaming's best action franchise 12 years on.
- The four main films (2014–2023) escalate steadily in scale and style.
- Franchise now leans on spin-offs, making its future less predictable.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The John Wick films make a strong case for being a standout action series: their carefully staged, distinctive fight scenes grow in scale across the four instalments while retaining a recognisable style and a continuing story. Their reported popularity on Pluto TV also suggests that viewers find the films rewarding to watch together, and the central character’s appeal gives the spectacle a consistent anchor.
The case against
Calling it the greatest action series streaming today is subjective and depends on what viewers value: some may prefer tighter pacing, more varied characters or less stylised violence. The later films’ increasing length and ever larger set pieces can feel repetitive or excessive, and strong performance on one streaming service does not by itself establish that the franchise surpasses other action series.
Explained simply
The John Wick films follow a former hitman drawn back into the criminal world after an attack on his home. Keanu Reeves plays Wick, whose personal vendetta brings him into conflict with a network of assassins governed by its own rules and institutions.
The four main films expand that world and raise the scale of the action, from the 2014 original to the longer Chapter 4. The series has also led to spin-offs, so its story now extends beyond Wick’s four-film arc.
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