Ballerina (2025) Box Office & Review: A Stylish, Brutal Spin-Off from the World of John Wick

The ballet is deadly, and Ballerina proves that elegance and vengeance are a lethal combination. Directed by Len Wiseman and starring Ana de Armas, Ballerina expands the brutal universe of John Wick with a tale of family, loss, and unrelenting revenge. Set between Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, this action-packed spin-off carves its own bloody path while honoring the DNA of the franchise.

Now that the film has been in theaters for a month, let’s break down its box office performance, critical reception, and what it adds to the Wick-verse.

💵 Box Office Breakdown: Modest But Solid

As of July 5, 2025, Ballerina has earned:

• Domestic (U.S. & Canada): $56.5 million

• International: $53.4 million

• Worldwide Total: $109.9 million

With a $90 million production budget, the film has just about recouped its cost—performing solidly but not spectacularly by franchise standards. Its opening weekend pulled in $24.5 million, slightly under projections ($28–30 million), placing second behind Lilo & Stitch. A 62% drop in its second weekend pushed it to fifth place, but strong international turnout helped it stay afloat.

This performance places Ballerina as a mid-tier financial success, especially when compared to its high-octane predecessors (John Wick: Chapter 4 grossed over $430 million globally). Still, the film’s draw lies more in its world-building and character expansion than box office domination.

📺 Where to Watch or Stream Ballerina (2025)

If you missed Ballerina in theaters or want to relive the action from the comfort of your home, here’s where you can watch it:

🎞️ Theatrical Release:

Ballerina premiered exclusively in theaters on June 6, 2025, distributed by Lionsgate. It is still playing in select theaters across major cities, so check your local listings.

💻 Digital Release:

A digital on-demand release is expected in August 2025 on platforms such as:

• Amazon Prime Video

• Apple TV/iTunes

• Google Play Movies

• YouTube Movies

• Vudu

📀 Blu-ray & 4K UHD:

A physical release (Blu-ray, 4K UHD, DVD) is projected for September 2025, with bonus features including:

• Behind-the-scenes footage

• Cast & crew interviews

• Deleted scenes

• Director’s commentary by Len Wiseman

🧾 Streaming on Subscription Platforms:

While no official streaming date has been announced, Lionsgate titles typically arrive on:

• Starz (U.S.) within a few months post-release

• Eventually available on Hulu or Peacock (depending on regional licensing)

• International streaming availability may differ; expect announcements by fall 2025

🎬 Review: A Brutal Ballet with Grace and Grit

⭐ Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81% (critics), 88% (audience)

⭐ Metacritic Score: 69/100

Critics and fans largely agree: Ballerina delivers where it counts. The film received generally positive reviews, with particular praise for:

• Ana de Armas’ powerful lead performance as Eve Macarro, who blends grace, rage, and vulnerability with precision.

• Visually stunning choreography that transforms combat into performance art.

• A richer dive into the Ruska Roma and their assassin culture.

• Strong supporting cast, especially Anjelica Huston and Norman Reedus.

• Tyler Bates’ score, which fuses orchestral beauty with gritty electronica.

However, some critiques emerged:

• The plot occasionally dips into melodrama, especially in the family revelations.

• The pacing sags mid-film before ramping up to the explosive finale.

• The film doesn’t quite reach the stylistic innovation or emotional depth of John Wick: Chapter 4.

🧨 What Works: Action with Meaning

Ballerina shines brightest in its intimate, visceral fight scenes—choreographed like dance, brutal like war. The fight in the arms dealer’s shop, the snowy raid in Hallstatt, and Eve’s final showdown with the Chancellor stand out as high-octane set pieces. Unlike John Wick’s often emotionless precision, Eve’s battles feel raw, personal, and desperate.

The character of Eve Macarro, driven by grief and forged through pain, offers a compelling counterpoint to Wick’s stoicism. Her interactions with Keanu Reeves’ John Wick, while brief, add weight and continuity to the timeline, and his cameo feels earned, not shoehorned.

🎭 A Fitting Farewell to Lance Reddick

Ballerina marks the final on-screen appearance of beloved actor Lance Reddick as Charon, the loyal concierge of the Continental. His scenes carry a quiet emotional resonance, making his final bow both poignant and memorable. The film honors his legacy with dignity and care.

🩰 Final Verdict: A Bold, Bloody Ballet

While Ballerina doesn’t reinvent the formula, it expands the Wick universe with style, emotion, and ferocity. Ana de Armas proves she belongs in the action spotlight, and Len Wiseman balances the high stakes of gun-fu with intimate storytelling.

This isn't just a side story—it's a meaningful evolution of the John Wick mythos, with new lore, fresh rivalries, and a lead who could very well anchor a future franchise.