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Do You Need to Watch 'John Wick 4' Before 'Ballerina'? Let’s Clear Up Whether It’s a Prequel or a Sequel

Do You Need to Watch 'John Wick 4' Before 'Ballerina'? Let’s Clear Up Whether It’s a Prequel or a Sequel

written by Tovmasjan Satenik

June 12, 2025 4:05 pm

Do You Need to Watch 'John Wick 4' Before 'Ballerina'? Let’s Clear Up Whether It’s a Prequel or a Sequel — Image credit: Legion Media, Still from 'Ballerina'

Let’s break it down for those who want the full experience.

A new spin-off set in the John Wick universe, Ballerina, has recently hit screens. Naturally, fans are wondering: do you need to be fully versed in the original franchise to follow the plot? Here's what you need to know.

How It Fits Into the John Wick Universe

Ballerina takes place between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4. That makes it a sequel to the third film and a prequel to the fourth.Since the movie is firmly rooted in the John Wick universe, watching the previous entries will definitely help you better grasp the context.

Why Watching the Original Films Helps

Lore and World-Building

The John Wick universe has its own elaborate set of rules, a secret society of assassins, and tangled relationships. Ballerina leans heavily on this lore, so without prior knowledge, some details may not fully land.

Do You Need to Watch 'John Wick 4' Before 'Ballerina'? Let’s Clear Up Whether It’s a Prequel or a Sequel - image 1

Familiar Faces

Characters from the main series make appearances (like The Director from Chapter 3), and knowing their backstories adds more depth to their presence in Ballerina.

Style and Atmosphere

Just like the original films, Ballerina is packed with stylised action, brutal combat, and that signature aesthetic. Being familiar with the world helps you better appreciate its tone and visual language.

Ties to the Main Plot

While Ballerina is a standalone story, it’s interwoven with major events from the saga. Watching the earlier films allows you to catch all the nods and understand how it fits into the grander scheme.

Do You Need to Watch 'John Wick 4' Before 'Ballerina'? Let’s Clear Up Whether It’s a Prequel or a Sequel - image 2

**Can You Watch Ballerina Without Preparation?**

Yes — the story is crafted to be accessible to newcomers. But for a richer, more layered viewing experience, having background knowledge from the main franchise will definitely enhance it.

Conclusion

If you want to get the most out of Ballerina, it’s best to watch the main John Wick films first. But if you're short on time or just curious, you can jump in now and catch up on the rest later.