Summary

• The final showdown between John Wick and Caine in Chapter 4 is tense but lacks the technical innovation of past fights.
• John vs. Viggo in the first film impresses with "car-fu" but falls short in intense hand-to-hand combat.
• John's battle with Zero in Chapter 3 showcases expert choreography, though happening in a repeated location.

The John Wick franchise is renowned for its exceptional fight scenes, with the final confrontations holding particular significance in this genre. While not every final fight throughout the series has been the standout moment, there are a few noteworthy exceptions. From the gritty hand-to-hand combat against Viggo Tarasov in the rain-soaked streets of New York to the innovative use of mirrors in the climactic battle against Santino D'Antonio's forces, each film has brought something unique to the table.

The franchise's commitment to expertly choreographed action and stunning cinematography has consistently raised the bar, captivating audiences with its intricate underworld of assassins and the complex rules that govern it. Throughout Keanu Reeves character as one of the most iconic action heroes in recent memory.

4 John Wick Vs. Caine

John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

The final confrontation between John Wick and Caine in John Wick: Chapter 4 is a tense and emotionally charged pistol duel that takes place in front of the iconic Sacré-Cœur basilica in Paris. The scene holds significant weight in of plot and character development, serving as a culmination of John's journey throughout the franchise. However, when compared to other climactic fights in the series, this particular sequence falls short in of its overall impact and execution.

The duel itself is relatively straightforward, with both John and Caine wounding each other in the presence of the High Table's Harbinger, the Gramont de Marquis, and Winston. While the setting is visually striking, the fight choreography lacks the intricacy and creativity that have become hallmarks of the John Wick films. The scene relies more on the emotional stakes at play rather than showcasing the same level of technicality and innovation seen in previous installments.

One of the most satisfying moments of the scene comes when John uses his last bullet to shoot the Marquis instead of Caine, effectively freeing himself from the grip of the High Table. The smug villain's realization of his impending demise adds a layer of catharsis to the moment. However, this emotional payoff is not enough to elevate the fight itself to the same level as other memorable clashes in the series.

The bittersweet ending of John Wick: Chapter 4 shows John succumbing to his wounds on the steps of the basilica while envisioning his late wife, Helen. This powerful moment serves as a fitting conclusion to John's arc and provides a sense of closure to his story. Nevertheless, when evaluated solely on the merits of the fight choreography and execution, the climax of John Wick: Chapter 4 falls short of the franchise's highest standards.

In comparison to other final fights in the series, such as John's brutal encounter with Viggo Tarasov in the first film or his inventive use of weapons and environment against Santino D'Antonio in John Wick: Chapter 2, the duel with Caine lacks the same level of intensity and innovation. While the emotional stakes are high, the physical confrontation itself does not reach the same level of memorability or impact.

This is not to say that the scene is without merit. The performances by Keanu Reeves and Donnie Yen are commendable, and the weight of the moment is palpable. However, when stacked up against the franchise's most iconic fights, the climax of John Wick: Chapter 4 slightly misses the mark.

3 John Vs. Viggo

John Wick (2014)

The first installment of the John Wick franchise puts John Wick and Viggo Tarasov against each other in a pivotal moment in the franchise, showcasing the culmination of John's quest for vengeance. The scene takes place on a dock in New York, where John engages in a brutal battle with Viggo's henchmen before facing off against the boss himself. While the fight sequence has its merits, it’s not quite the best in the series.

Something that makes this one of the best fight scenes in the John Wick series is the introduction of "car-fu," a term coined to describe John's innovative use of a vehicle to dispatch his enemies. The choreography in this portion of the fight is both creative and intense, highlighting John's resourcefulness and skill in combat. However, the hand-to-hand fight between John and Viggo that follows is comparatively underwhelming.

Considering the high standards set by the franchise's later installments, the fisticuffs between John and Viggo in the rain lack the same level of intensity and intricacy. While it's understandable that John has been through a grueling ordeal by this point, his performance in this final fight doesn't quite match the relentless determination he displays in subsequent films, where he endures even greater physical challenges. Despite these shortcomings, the scene still has its merits. The setting on the dock adds a layer of atmosphere to the confrontation, and the reveal of Viggo's surprising fighting prowess adds an unexpected twist.

Additionally, the final fight in John Wick serves as a crucial stepping stone for the franchise. It establishes John as a powerful protagonist, one that is capable of taking on an entire criminal organization single-handedly. The scene also sets the stage for the expansion of the John Wick universe, hinting at the complex world of assassins and the High Table that will be explored in future installments. While the final fight between John Wick and Viggo Tarasov may not be the strongest in the series, it still holds an important place in the franchise's history.

2 John Wick Vs. Zero

John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum

The fight between John Wick and Zero in John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum sees the two skilled assassins engaging in a fierce battle with samurai blades. The choreography is precise and fluid, highlighting the actors' dedication to their roles and the film's attention to detail in its action sequences. While John Wick: Chapter 3 is one of Mark Dacascos’ best martial arts movies, the scene falls short of being the absolute best finale in the franchise. This is due, in part, to the exceptional quality of the earlier action sequences in the film, which set an incredibly high bar.

Another factor that slightly diminishes the impact of the John Wick vs. Zero fight is the setting. While the New York Continental Hotel has been a significant location throughout the series, the final battle takes place in the same space as two previous hand-to-hand combat sequences in the film. This repetition of location, although beautifully designed and integral to the story, somewhat lessens the novelty and excitement of the climax.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the fight between John Wick and Zero remains a testament to the franchise's commitment to delivering top-tier action. The skill and precision displayed by both Keanu Reeves and Mark Dacascos is a joy to behold, and their performances elevate the scene beyond a simple clash of blades. The fight also serves as a satisfying end to the rivalry between the two characters, which has been building throughout the film.

This final John Wick fight contributes to the overall narrative of John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, demonstrating the consequences of John's actions and the relentless nature of the High Table's pursuit. The scene also sets the perfect stage for John Wick: Chapter 4, hinting at the deeper complexities of the assassin world and the challenges that lie ahead for John Wick. Despite the final fight between John Wick and Zero not being the best in the franchise, it is still an impressive and integral part of the film. The expert choreography and dedicated performances make it a standout moment.

1 John Wick Vs. Ares

John Wick: Chapter 2

The final shootout in John Wick: Chapter 2 is a masterclass in action choreography and innovative filmmaking, making it the best climactic fight scene in the franchise. Set within the visually stunning "Reflections of the Soul" exhibit at an NYC art museum, this sequence showcases John Wick's unparalleled skill and resourcefulness in a maze-like environment filled with shifting mirrors. What sets this fight apart is the seamless integration of the unique setting into the choreography. The numerous reflections and the layout of the exhibit are expertly utilized, creating a tense and disorienting atmosphere that heightens the stakes of the confrontation.

From John calculating the trajectory of a headshot through multiple reflections to his dramatic leap through a wall of mirrors to tackle an opponent, each moment is carefully crafted to highlight the character's ingenuity and adaptability. While the body count in this shootout may be lower compared to other gunfights in the film, the intensity remains high due to the powerful nature of John's adversaries. Armed with tactical assault rifles, these enemies pose a significant threat, forcing John to employ every ounce of his skill and determination to emerge victorious.

The culmination of this sequence, a one-on-one fight against Santino's mute bodyguard, Ares, serves as a thrilling and satisfying "boss battle" that pushes John to his limits. From a technical standpoint, the coordination required for this sequence is nothing short of remarkable. Director Chad Stahelski pays homage to the innovative use of mirrors in Orson Welles' movie, The Lady from Shanghai, while elevating the technique to new heights. The seamless integration of CGI allows for John's elegant movements to be captured from every angle, immersing the audience in the heart-pounding action.

The pacing of this fight is a departure from the franchise's trademark frenetic style, instead opting for a more deliberate and cautious approach. Each movement is calculated, with John keenly aware of the potential threats lurking around every corner. The mirrors serve as both an advantage and a hindrance, providing visibility while also obscuring potential dangers. This dynamic adds a layer of depth to the fight, making it both visually engaging and psychologically thrilling.

From a narrative perspective, the final shootout in John Wick: Chapter 2 is flawless. It serves as the climactic beat of the film, propelling John one step closer to his ultimate goal. The sequence begins with a chaotic exchange of gunfire, but concludes with a gritty, hand-to-hand struggle for survival. The harrowing violence of Ares' demise, being stabbed through the hand and chest, leaves an incredibly lasting impact. The innovative use of the mirrored environment, the expertly choreographed combat, and the seamless integration of technicality make this sequence the best final fight in the John Wick series.