Matrix 4 vs John Wick 4: Which Will Make More Money?

As of my last update in August 2023, detailed figures and recent market trends highlight the potential earnings of two upcoming big-budget action franchises: Matrix 4 and John Wick 4. This comparison will delve into the historical performance of both franchises and analyze which release is likely to generate more revenue.

The Matrix Franchise: Past and Present Glory

The Matrix franchise, starting in 1999, has achieved notable success with three core films:

The Matrix (1999): Grossed $465 million worldwide, a figure that has held up well through the years. The Matrix Reloaded (2003): Grossed $740 million, marking a significant milestone in the franchise's journey. The Matrix Revolutions (2003): Shoulder to shoulder with the second film, grossing $427 million, still a substantial sum despite the film's mixed reception.

With the legacy of The Matrix strong and the return of Keanu Reeves, Matrix 4 is anticipated to capitalize on its rich history and modern updates, likely breaking box office records. Given the intervening 18 years, with advancements in visual effects, the fourth entry is positioned to reignite audiences' interest and potentially break the previous financial milestones.

John Wick: A Consistently Popular Franchise

John Wick has also delivered three successful ventures:

John Wick (2014): Grossed $86 million, which, while respectable, is still in the early days of the franchise. John Wick 2 (2017): Brought in $171 million, indicating a growing audience and financial success. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019): Researched to an impressive $326 million, solidifying the franchise's box office dominance.

The John Wick series has not only been financially successful but has also garnered critical acclaim, with all three films favorably received. This consistent success not only boosts the market value of John Wick 4, but also suggests a potential for even greater earnings, given the strong fan base formed over the years.

Comparative Analysis: Legacy and New Traditions

Comparing both franchises, it becomes clear that The Matrix franchise has a head start in terms of box office earnings from several years ago. However, these figures are not fully adjusted for inflation, and the newer entries like John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum have demonstrated exponential growth. The gap can be bridged by the special effects, fan enthusiasm, and the star power of Keanu Reeves.

Anticipation and Market Trends

Despite the Matrix franchise's loyal fan base extending over two decades, the anticipation for John Wick 4 is high. People are more excited about the continuation of the John Wick series, partly because it has a track record of meeting and exceeding audience expectations. Keanu Reeves' return plays a significant role in driving audience interest, with John Wick 4 likely to draw a larger and more varied audience compared to Matrix 4.

The box office performance of Matrix 4 largely depends on the reception and critical reviews, especially the third film's legacy. If Matrix 4 receives a positive response, it could indeed bring in substantial profits. Nonetheless, the success of the John Wick series, marked by strong box office numbers and fan engagement, suggests that John Wick 4 has a strong chance of being a financial success.