The highly anticipated action thriller Ballerina has launched on Prime Video, swiftly becoming one of the platform's most-watched titles. Hailed by fans as a "ferocious" film that "obliterates expectations", this marks the first major cinematic spin-off from the blockbuster John Wick universe.
A New Assassin Takes Centre Stage
Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, the film stars Ana de Armas as Rooney, a trained assassin from the Ruska Roma tradition. Her character, driven by a quest for vengeance for her father's death, must battle through an army of killers. De Armas, previously acclaimed for her roles in Knives Out and the James Bond film No Time To Die, leads the production.
The project is directed by Len Wiseman, known for the Underworld films and Live Free or Die Hard. The script comes from Shay Hatten, a writer who contributed to John Wick Chapter 3 and 4, ensuring a strong connection to the franchise's signature style.
Audience Acclaim and Stellar Ratings
While critical reception was mixed, the film has resonated powerfully with fans. On the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, Ballerina boasts a formidable audience score of 92%. Many viewers are declaring it a worthy successor to the Keanu Reeves-led series.
One enthusiastic fan wrote online, "A new masterpiece joins the John Wick universe... Fans of John Wick will enjoy this film greatly." Another praised the blend of "grace and brutality", calling the action scenes "some of the most unique... in years." A third viewer highlighted Ana de Armas's performance, stating she "completely obliterates expectations" with an "intense, precise, and downright savage" portrayal.
Prime Video's Latest Streaming Hit
The film's arrival on Prime Video on 12 January 2026 has cemented its status as a major streaming event. It follows the 2023 television series The Continental as the second expansion of the Wick universe beyond the core films. The immediate surge in viewership indicates a strong appetite for more stories set in this meticulously crafted world of assassins.
Fans have particularly noted the elaborate fight choreography, stunning cinematography, and a relentless pace that matches the high standards set by the original films. With such a powerful reception from its core audience, Ballerina has successfully carved out its own space within the beloved franchise, proving the universe has plenty more stories to tell.
