Ballerina Movie Review: A Fierce New Favorite in the John Wick Universe

If you’re a fan of the John Wick franchise, then you already know it’s known for sleek action sequences, stylized combat, and unforgettable characters. But the newest spin-off, Ballerina (2025), just raised the bar — and it’s officially my new favorite John Wick movie.

A Fresh, Feminine Force at the Center of the Chaos

What sets Ballerina apart isn’t just its breathtaking cinematography or heart-pounding action scenes (though, yes, there are plenty of those). It’s the lead herself — a female assassin who completely redefines what it means to be powerful on screen.

Played with grace and grit, the main character exudes a unique blend of elegance and lethal precision. She’s not just a female version of John Wick — she’s a fully realized character with her own mission, backstory, and motivation. Watching her move through the film’s brutal world felt like witnessing a new chapter in action cinema: feminine, fierce, and completely captivating.

Elegant Yet Deadly: The Action Is Next-Level

As you’d expect from a movie in the John Wick universe, the action choreography in Ballerina is top-tier. But what makes it special is how it’s paired with the dancer-like movements of the protagonist. Her fight scenes feel almost like performances — fluid, intentional, and impossible to look away from. The contrast of beauty and brutality has never looked better.

A Story That Stands on Its Own

While Ballerina fits seamlessly into the John Wick timeline (with a few familiar faces making cameos, of course), it also tells a compelling, self-contained story. You don’t have to be a John Wick expert to enjoy this film — but if you are, you’ll appreciate the deeper world-building and emotional layers this entry adds to the franchise.

Why Ballerina Is My New Favorite John Wick Movie

In a genre often dominated by male leads and one-note action, Ballerina is a breath of fresh air. It delivers all the adrenaline of its predecessors while giving us a lead who’s as emotionally resonant as she is lethal. It’s stylish, intense, and — dare I say — the most visually mesmerizing installment yet.

If you’re looking for a powerful female-led action movie that still captures everything you love about the John Wick universe, Ballerina is it.

From the world of John Wick, Ballerina will be in theaters Friday, June 6th.