10 Times John Wick narrowly escaped death

John Wick is no ordinary assassin he is a legendary character. He is a relentless force of nature who has fought through impossible odds. From elite hitmen and mercenaries to the all-powerful High Table, Keanu Reeves’ iconic character has sustained impossible-to-come-back-from injuries in four action-packed films. Yet our hitman comes out alive, perhaps just out of sheer will, great combat skills, or a tad bit of luck.

While all the John Wick films have had some breathtaking fight sequences, certain moments just stand out, showcasing Wick's almost impossible escape from death. From intense hand-to-hand combat and high-speed chases to impossible shootouts, his survival often seems like a miracle. These brush-with-death moments greatly contribute to his legendary status and showcase the incredible choreography and top-notch stunt work at the heart of the franchise.

In this article, we will explore ten heart-stopping, adrenaline-thumping moments where John Wick barely escapes with his life. Hold tight—these death-defying feats will prove why he is Baba Yaga.

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Narrow Escape at the Red Circle

John Wick fights his way into the Red Circle nightclub, attempting to take out Iosef Tarasov. When his cover is blown, Viggo Tarasov’s men ambush him, forcing him to fight through waves of enemies. One of the most dangerous encounters occurs when Kirill (Daniel Bernhardt) sends him flying off a balcony, crashing onto the floor below. Dazed and injured, Wick manages to regain his balance just in time to face another wave of gunmen. His quick reflexes and the strategic use of cover—including an ice bath—allow him to escape.

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Showdown Within The Continental

After the High Table excommunicates him, Zero (Mark Dacascos) and his band of ninja assassins come after Wick inside The Continental. Although Winston temporarily deconsecrates the hotel, this transforms it from a safe zone into a war zone. One of the most riveting moments occurs when Wick is battered and bloodied by Zero’s two most skilled pupils, getting thrown through multiple glass display cases. Wick barely outlasts them before [kind of] defeating Zero in their final bout.

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Knife Frenzy in the Antique Store

While being hunted in New York, John Wick finds himself trapped inside an antique weapons shop. He quickly turns the storied arsenal into his personal armory, fashioning weapons on the spot. The most brutal moment comes when he is pinned against a wall, narrowly dodging a knife thrust to the throat. Regaining control, he slams the knife repeatedly into his enemy’s skull, delivering one of the most visceral kills in the series. Despite sustaining heavy wounds, he limps away, his tactical mind once again saving him.

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Catacomb Ambush in Rome

After assassinating Gianna D’Antonio, Wick is ambushed in the catacombs of Rome by her guards and Santino’s men. With limited options for strategic positioning, he relies on pre-planted weapons. At one point, he is shot and forced to reload while taking cover behind stone pillars. His escape is nearly thwarted by Cassian (Common), leading to an intense fight that spills into the streets. Their skills are so evenly matched that they crash into The Continental, where a ceasefire is declared.

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Near-Death Plunge

At the climax of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Winston appears to betray John by shooting him multiple times from the rooftop of The Continental. Wick falls several stories, hitting a fire escape before slamming onto the pavement. Miraculously, he survives—barely. The Bowery King’s men retrieve his body, setting the stage for his return. Fans have long debated whether Winston intended to kill John or if he knew he would survive. Director Chad Stahelski later revealed that Wick’s tactical suit absorbed some of the damage, but this remains one of his closest brushes with death.

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Horse Stable Mayhem

Cornered in a New York horse stable, Wick creatively uses the environment to his advantage—turning the horses into weapons. With no firearms, he dodges gunfire while directing the horses to kick his attackers, sending them flying. In one tense moment, he narrowly ducks a bullet and positions his enemy behind a horse for a fatal kick. This scene was intensely choreographed, with Keanu Reeves undergoing extensive training with the horses to ensure authenticity. It reaffirms Wick’s adaptability, proving he can weaponize anything—even a horse.

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Battle at the Osaka Continental

Seeking refuge at the Osaka Continental, Wick is soon confronted by assassins working for the Marquis Vincent de Gramont. One of his deadliest moments unfolds as he faces armored High Table enforcers whose Kevlar bodysuits deflect bullets. He strategically targets their weak points while fending off wave after wave of fresh henchmen. With the assistance of his old friend Shimazu (Hiroyuki Sanada) and the enigmatic Caine (Donnie Yen), he barely escapes the bloodbath.

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Carnage Amid Paris Traffic

One of the most frantic sequences in John Wick: Chapter 4 takes place at the Arc de Triomphe, where bounty hunters chase Wick while he narrowly avoids speeding cars. In a dazzling one-shot sequence, he fights multiple assassins amid oncoming traffic, using vehicles as both shields and weapons. Even after being knocked down onto the pavement, he immediately resumes fighting. The catch? Reeves performed many of these stunts himself, dodging real, moving cars. The combination of practical effects and insane choreography makes this one of the most visually stunning action scenes in the series.

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Grueling Staircase Showdown

With mere minutes left before his final duel, John Wick must ascend 222 steps to reach the Sacré-Cœur. Just before reaching the top, he is ambushed, shot, and then mercilessly kicked down the entire flight of stairs. His body slams into every step in a brutal, seemingly endless fall. When all hope appears lost, Caine arrives and helps him make the climb once again. This torturous scene highlights Wick’s sheer endurance—he refuses to stay down, even when on the brink of collapse.

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Tense Duel with Caine

One of the most nerve-wracking and iconic moments in the John Wick saga is the climactic duel against Caine. Both men are gravely wounded, and John appears to be at his limit. However, in a brilliant tactical move, he saves his final shot for the overconfident Marquis, who steps forward to claim victory—only to be fatally shot by Wick. Though wounded, John collapses on the steps, his fate left ambiguous. Even his “death” remains uncertain, fueling fan speculation about what truly happened to him.