There’s a new action movie trending on Netflix at the moment, and after hearing what it’s about, it is hard to deny the fact that theJohn Wickseries has significantly changed the action genre. Originating in 2014,John Wickis a neo-noir action franchise centering on the titular character,John Wick, who returns to his previous life as a hitman after gang members kill his puppy. Although this premise may seem somewhat silly,John Wickhas managed to explode into a highly popular action series. Thus far, there are four mainJohn Wickfilms andan upcoming spinoff,Ballerina.
BecauseJohn Wickhas expanded considerably since 2014, it isn’t entirely surprising that the franchise is still affecting the action genre.John Wick: Chapter 4came out to incredible acclaim in 2023, andBallerinais one of themost highly anticipated movies of 2025.However, even then,John Wick’sinfluence has brought along some changes to action filmsthat are just as surprising as they are interesting. It is easy to see when looking at some of the most popular action movies in recent years.John Wickhas completely revived the revenge story.
Image via Netflix
Currently, a French action movie calledAd Vitamis trending on Netflix. Based on its premise, it is easy to see howJohn Wick’spopularity influenced the film.Ad Vitamtells the story of Franck Lazareff, a former member of the French military policewho must dust off his old skill for violence when his pregnant wife is kidnapped. Although Franck thought he had left his traumatic past behind, it begins to catch up to him as he is plunged into a conspiracy that is much bigger than him or his wife.
Ad Vitam’srising popularity may come as a bit of a surprise. Despite holding the spot for #1 trending movie on Netflix,Ad Vitamis not necessarily a critical favorite. On Rotten Tomatoes,the film holds a 36%, with reviewers arguing that the movie has minimal plotand a story that feels uneven. Thus far, the film has no audience score. Even with this disheartening feedback, though,Ad Vitamhas clearly managed to captivate streaming audiences. A major part of this could be its compelling premise, which feels incrediblysimilar to the likes ofJohn Wick.
How John Wick Remains The Best Of The Best
The most obvious connection betweenJohn WickandAd Vitamis their general plot. Like Wick,Ad Vitam’sFranck is a man who used to be deeply entrenched in the world of law enforcement and justice, but has left it all behind for undisclosed reasons. However, once someone he cares about is harmed by this criminal underworld, he immediately returns to his old ways in order to save his wife and get revenge. Of course,Wick and Franck’s stories are not the same by any means, but they share common threads: trauma and revenge.
Ad Vitammay feel reminiscent ofJohn Wick,but without a strong sense of self, it cannot reach the same heights as its inspiration.
IfAd Vitamis so similar toJohn Wick,then many may wonder why it isn’t as critically successful. The biggest reason is quality.Ad Vitammay pull on the same strings asJohn Wickdoes, but execution is everything. Without a high-energy plot or compelling characters,Ad Vitamstruggles to be as thrilling asJohn Wick.On top of that,John Wickhas a very specific style that makes it all the more exciting.Ad Vitammay feel reminiscent ofJohn Wick,but without a strong sense of self, it cannot reach the same heights as its inspiration.
The Allure Of John Wick Explained
As it turns out,Ad Vitamis far from the only action movie that has taken a page fromJohn Wick’sbook. In recent years, movies likeNobody, The Beekeeper,andA Working Manhave all showcased storylines that feel akin toJohn Wick.The Beekeeperfollows a secret agent who gets revenge for his landlady.Nobodycenters on a regular man who unleashes his violent side when he fails to protect his wife and son from household intruders. Overall,these action moviesare concerned with characters who are willing to do whatever it takes to protect the ones they love.
10 Strongest Characters In The John Wick Movies
John Wick is filled with legendary assassins, ruthless killers, and master manipulators, but these 10 characters are the absolute strongest.
There are many reasons whyJohn Wick’sinfluence has managed to seep so far into the action genre, but the most important is that these stories are relatable. In general, the action genre provides entertainment and satisfaction for viewers who are eager to see epic fights. However,John Wickgoes even further by creating a story that audiences can put themselves into.Viewers imagine what it would be like if their own loved one was put in danger, and can easily relate to and root for heroes like Wick. The action is no longer a fantasy, but a reality.
Taken & The Equalizer Also Definitely Contributed To The “John Wick Effect”
The Future Of Action Movies Explained
In the same way thatAd Vitamis one of manyJohn Wickfollowers, there are several movies that came beforeJohn Wickwhich likely amplified this need for revenge movies. For example,2008’sTakensees a very similar story where a father uses his skills to save his daughterfrom a criminal organization. Also released in 2014,The Equalizeris another example of this type of action flick. In this way, the action genre’s love for revenge movies has been a long time coming, and will probably last for many years to come.
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Of course, not every successful action movie is a revenge movie, but there is little doubt that these types of movies will continue gaining popularity. Even with a low Rotten Tomatoes score,Ad Vitamhas managed to gain traction on Netflix. Movies likeThe Beekeeperalso became unexpected successes at the box office. In this way,John Wickcontinues to have an influence on action movies and their reception.Therefore, the action genre will continue to find new ways to tell revenge stories, andJohn Wickwill understandably be the movie that started it all.
John Wick
“John Wick” is a neo-noir action-thriller franchise centered around a retired hitman who returns to the criminal underworld to seek vengeance. Known for its intense and stylistic action sequences, the franchise has redefined modern action cinema with its choreographed gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and intricate world-building. The series explores themes of loyalty, honor, and survival in a secret society of assassins.
