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The ongoing rivalry betweenMission ImpossibleandJohn Wickfranchises is abox officephenomenon. Both series feature iconic actors—Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves—who have played career-defining roles in these films.
The comparison between the two has grown more prominent due to their similar high-octane action sequences, intricate plots, and global fanbases.
However, when it comes to box office earnings, Tom Cruise’sMission Impossiblefranchise is leading by a considerable margin, boasting 304% morerevenuethanJohn Wickand three additional films.
This article will break down the performance of both franchises, focusing on their box office revenues, critical reception, cultural impact, and future potential.
Let’s get started!
The Evolution of Two Action Giants
Mission Impossible: A Legacy of Over Two Decades
TheMission Impossibleseries began in 1996 with Brian De Palma at the helm. Based on a 1960s television show, the film brought Tom Cruise into the world of spies and secret agents. Over the years, the franchise has evolved, with Cruise’s character Ethan Hunt becoming synonymous with action and espionage.
Spanning seven films as of 2023 (Dead Reckoning Part One), the Mission Impossible movies have managed to keep audiences hooked with breathtaking stunts, gripping plots, and Cruise’s dedication to performing his action scenes.
Each film in the franchise has tried to up the ante in terms of set pieces and narrative twists. From scaling the Burj Khalifa inGhost Protocolto the infamous HALO jump inFallout, the franchise has become an action lover’s dream. This commitment to pushing the boundaries of action filmmaking has resulted in global box office success.
John Wickentered the scene in 2014 whenKeanu Reeveswas looking for a career resurgence. Directed by Chad Stahelski and written by Derek Kolstad, the film was initially seen as a modest action movie with a limited budget.
However, Reeves’ portrayal of a retired hitman seeking revenge for his dog’s death captivated audiences, quickly turningJohn Wickinto a sleeper hit.
The franchise’s success is attributed to its unique world-building, with a network of assassins governed by strict codes and exotic settings. As of2023,John Wickhas expanded into four films, with each sequel growing in scale and ambition.
It is focused on expertly choreographed fight scenes and minimalist storytelling, and Reeves’ quiet charisma has created a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.
Box Office Comparison: Mission Impossible vs. John Wick
Thenumbersreveal a clear winner in terms of box office revenue. Below is a detailed comparison of the films from both franchises.
Franchise
Films Released
Total Revenue
Average Revenue per Film
Highest-Grossing Film
Release Year
Mission Impossible
7
$3.57 billion
$510 million
Fallout($791 million)
2018
John Wick
4
$881 million
$220 million
Chapter 4($432 million)
2023
A detailed comparison of revenue generated by both films
Mission Impossible’s Dominance
TheMission Impossiblefranchise has grossed a staggering $3.57 billion worldwide as of 2023. The most successful film in the series,Fallout(2018), raked in $791 million globally, a testament to its global appeal and Cruise’s star power. The series’ consistent success can be attributed to its international appeal, as well as its ability to reinvent itself while keeping core elements intact.
John Wick’s Rapid Growth
ThoughJohn Wickhas only released four films, its rapid box office growth is noteworthy. Starting as a smaller-budget action film, each sequel has outperformed the last, withJohn Wick: Chapter 4reaching $432 million. While it is still far from matchingMission Impossible, theJohn Wickfranchise has become a formidable contender in the action genre.
Why Mission Impossible Leads: Key Factors for Success
Global Appeal
Mission Impossiblethrives on its international scope, featuring breathtaking locations from European capitals to Middle Eastern deserts. This global reach helps the franchise resonate with audiences worldwide, making it a box office favorite across various markets, especially in China and Europe, where Tom Cruise has long been a bankablestar.
In comparison, theJohn Wickseries has traditionally focused more on North American and European audiences. However,John Wick: Chapter 4showed signs of stronger international traction, signaling potential for future global growth.
The Unmatched Star Power of Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise’s dedication to performing physically demanding stunts has become a key draw for audiences, enhancing the action genre’s appeal. His star power remains undiminished, withMission Impossiblebecoming a defining project in hiscareer.
While Keanu Reeves is equally beloved, particularly after theMatrixtrilogy, his career resurgence throughJohn Wickcame later. Cruise’s established reputation in action films has given him a competitive edge in terms of box office pull, making him more globally recognized in this genre.
Larger Budgets, Bigger Set Pieces
One ofMission Impossible‘s significant advantages is its larger production budgets, which allow for extravagant set pieces and groundbreaking stunts. For instance,Mission Impossible: Fallouthad a production budget of approximately $178 million, enabling iconic scenes like the HALO jump and helicopter chase.
By contrast,John Wick: Chapter 4had a more modest $100 million budget. Though still impressive, it didn’t match the scale or visual spectacle ofMission Impossible. The franchise’s bigger budget enables Cruise’s films to consistently raise the stakes and capture the global audience’s attention with jaw-dropping action.
Longevity and Nostalgia
Spanning over two decades,Mission Impossiblehas become a cornerstone of modern action cinema. The franchise’s long history allows it to draw in a broad demographic, with fans who grew up watching the earlier films continuing to return for each new installment.
In contrast,John Wickis relatively new, with just nine years of history. While the franchise has built a loyal following and achieved cult status, it doesn’t yet evoke the same sense of nostalgia as its competitor. Nevertheless, its rapid rise suggests it may cultivate that same enduring legacy over time.
TheMission Impossibletheme song is instantly recognizable, becoming a part of pop culture history. From parodies to tributes, the franchise has embedded itself in global consciousness. Ethan Hunt’s daring stunts have become iconic moments in cinema, influencing a generation of filmmakers and action fans.
John Wick: Creating a New Standard for Action
John Wickhas also made its mark on pop culture, albeit in a different way. The franchise’s “Gun-Fu” style of combat has influenced other action films and even video games. The detailed world-building, complete with the Continental Hotel and a code of assassins, has setJohn Wickapart from otheractionseries, leading to a planned spin-off and even a televisionshow.
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Conclusion
While bothMission ImpossibleandJohn Wickare beloved by fans and have made significant contributions to the action genre, it’s clear thatMission Impossibleleads in terms of box office success and global impact.
With 304% more revenue and three additional films, Tom Cruise’s franchise has solidified its place as a box office juggernaut. However,John Wick’s rapid growth and unique appeal suggest that it will continue to challenge the action landscape for years to come.
Both franchises represent the pinnacle of modern action cinema, with their respective stars—Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves—delivering unforgettable performances.
Fans of both series can rest assured that the future looks bright for action films as long as these franchises continue to innovate and entertain.
Last Updated: September 15, 2024
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