Stream the ‘John Wick’ saga on Lionsgate Play to understand the world that shaped Ana de Armas’ ‘Ballerina.’
Every assassin has a backstory—and they’re often intertwined.
A world of ruthless killers, unbreakable codes, and revenge-driven chaos awaits with the highly anticipated Ballerina hitting cinemas on June 6. Now is the time to recap the John Wick saga because without knowledge of the High Table, the intricate assassin codes, and the heavy price Wick has paid, Ballerina’s depth and tension may feel like just another action movie.
Set in the heart-pounding window between John Wick Chapters 3 and 4, Ballerina spotlights the lethal yet graceful Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas), whose quest for vengeance is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Ruska Roma. Fans of the series will recognize familiar names and locations, including Ian McShane’s Winston and the Continental Hotel. Keanu Reeves himself even makes a return appearance!
Whether you need to familiarize yourself with the franchise or just need a refresher, here’s a crash course on John Wick. You can stream the four movies that comprise the saga on Lionsgate Play before stepping into the action-packed Ballerina.
Related story: Here’s your June 2025 movie guide
Related story: Superheroes, sequels, spin-offs: Upcoming films and TV series in 2025
John Wick (2014)
It wasn’t just about a dog—but it did start it all. John Wick is the revenge-fueled masterpiece that introduces us to the legendary hitman played by Keanu Reeves, and the secretive criminal underworld he’s desperate to leave behind. With its stylized fight choreography, the Continental Hotel rules, and an emotional core rooted in devastating loss, this first chapter lays the foundation of a universe where loyalty and betrayal dance hand in hand.
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
Just when Wick thinks he’s out, the past drags him back in. This sequel escalates the stakes, revealing a dangerous High Table hierarchy that governs the assassin world. With visually stunning action scenes that leap across continents—from the extravagant streets of Rome to the cold urban jungles of New York—we see the complexities of honor, blood oaths, and the deadly consequences of breaking the rules.
John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum (2019)
“Excommunicado.” One word, yet so much chaos. This installment plunges Wick into the relentless hunt of every assassin in the world. From show-stopping fights beneath neon lights to elegant moments of nearly poetic violence, this film wonderfully showcases what happens when the hunter becomes the hunted. And why does this one matter so much? Because Ballerina takes place between the final moments of Chapter 3 and the beginning of Chapter 4.
John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
The saga reaches its crescendo. With his enemies closing in, Wick takes the fight global, seeking allies in unexpected places and challenging the very foundations of the High Table. It’s the most visually stunning and emotionally complex chapter yet, redefining what an action film can be. Relationships are tested, fates are sealed, and decisions ripple through the universe.
Related story: The final season of ‘Stranger Things’ is a holiday marathon waiting to happen
Related story: Gael García Bernal embarks on Magellan’s final expedition in Lav Diaz’s new film
Your long Wick-end binge starts now on Lionsgate Play via PLDT Home and Smart. A curated selection of Lionsgate Play titles is also available on Cignal Super, the Philippines’ first and only streaming aggregator. As a special launch offer, new users can enjoy Premium+ for just ₱399/month and Premium for only ₱249/month, extended until June 30, 2025. For more information about Lionsgate Play Philippines, visit lionsgateplay.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.
