John Wick: Chapter 4 has proven to be the most sought-after movie of 2023, surpassing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Fast X. Once again directed by Chad Stahelski, this installment features Keanu Reeves reprising his role as the infamous assassin, offering his most thrilling adventure to date. Both critics and audiences have embraced the film, resulting in its unprecedented success at the box office.
According to Parrot Analytics (as reported by The Wrap), Lionsgate's John Wick: Chapter 4 has generated demand over 216 times that of an average movie, solidifying its position as the most highly anticipated film of the year thus far. This demand is calculated using a unique system that takes into account factors such as viewership, engagement on social media platforms, search engine activity, and more. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 closely trails behind in second place, followed by Fast X in third.
Why John Wick Is Beating Other Major Franchises
Despite expectations of declining audience interest after three movies, John Wick: Chapter 4 has defied the trend. In fact, it has become the most popular installment in the saga, earning widespread acclaim as the franchise's finest. This success is noteworthy in a time when major franchises are dominating the entertainment industry and fatigue is setting in for some. Even the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which reached new heights with Avengers: Endgame, is facing challenges in maintaining its momentum. While films like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 continue to perform well, weaker entries like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania serve as a reminder that the franchise is not achieving the same level of success as before.
Fast X has received varied reviews, with critics suggesting that the franchise is losing its appeal. However, the film has garnered a more positive response from audiences and has performed moderately well in international markets. Despite this, the disappointing box office numbers in the domestic market indicate a decline in audience interest, particularly in North America. On the other hand, John Wick: Chapter 4 stands out by offering a unique and thrilling action experience, and a recent study reinforces the fact that audiences are highly engaged with the franchise.