A major action film that stumbled at the box office last year has found explosive new life on streaming, rocketing to the top of the Amazon Prime Video charts in the UK.
From Big Screen Bomb to Streaming Sensation
The film in question is 'Ballerina' (officially titled 'From the World of John Wick: Ballerina'), a spin-off from the massively successful John Wick franchise. Released in 2025, the movie was a critical and commercial disappointment, grossing only $137.2 million (£101 million) worldwide against a $90 million (£66 million) budget.
Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, the film stars Ana de Armas as assassin Eve Macarro, who seeks revenge for her father's death. The cast also featured Keanu Reeves in a supporting role, alongside Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, and Norman Reedus.
Why Critics and Fans Were Unimpressed
Despite the pedigree of the franchise, Ballerina failed to win over reviewers. Critics labelled the plot "thinly written" and "full of holes," arguing that the film prioritised stylish action over character development.
Digital Journal wrote that it "forgets to make sure audiences care about its lethal protagonist," while The Australian called it "more or less two hours of Eve killing people." The Reader delivered a particularly damning verdict, stating: "That 'Ballerina' is dumb is forgivable. That it is this uninspired is offensive."
Director Len Wiseman, in an interview with Metro at the time of release, addressed the film's approach to its female lead. He stated it was not "deliberately feminist" but simply "an action movie with a really kick-ass lead that is a female character." He emphasised that lines like "fight like a girl" were intended to empower the phrase, not to pander.
A Surprising Second Life on Amazon Prime
In a dramatic turnaround, since its release on Amazon Prime Video in January 2026, 'Ballerina' has soared to become the number one most-watched film on the platform in the UK. This demonstrates a clear disconnect between its theatrical performance and its appeal to streaming audiences at home.
While the spin-off may have missed the mark, fans of the core series have more to look forward to. Lionsgate officially announced 'John Wick: Chapter 5' at CinemaCon in April 2025, with Keanu Reeves set to return as the legendary assassin and Chad Stahelski back as director. The plot is expected to move beyond the High Table narrative, introducing new threats for Wick to confront.
