John Wick: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack cover

John Wick: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Tyler Bates · 2014

67 min · 27 tracks

A pulsating blend of orchestral intensity and electronic soundscapes that encapsulates the film's high-stakes action and emotional depth.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Story of Wick — This track introduces the main themes of the score, combining haunting melodies with driving rhythms that establish Wick's backstory and emotional stakes.
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    Evil Man Blues — With its gritty blues influence, this track underscores key moments in the film, effectively reflecting Wick's internal struggle and the dark world he inhabits.
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    Baba Yaga — Named after the mythical figure, this track captures the essence of John Wick as a legendary assassin, using intense orchestration to embody his fearsome reputation.
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    No More Guns — This poignant piece serves as a reflective moment in the score, highlighting Wick’s inner turmoil and desire for peace amidst chaos.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The soundtrack effectively combines orchestral and electronic elements, creating a unique sound that enhances the film's narrative.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks, such as 'John Mourns' and 'Every Ending Has a Beginning', utilize slow builds that culminate in intense climaxes, reflecting the film's emotional arcs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • pulsating energy for action scenes
  • short tracks for quick engagement
  • emotional depth in brief moments
  • intense atmosphere for focused sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, narrative albums
  • want lighthearted background music

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time Tyler Bates released the John Wick soundtrack in 2014, he was an established composer known for his work on films like 300 and Guardians of the Galaxy. This score marked a significant collaboration with director Chad Stahelski, establishing a sound that would define the franchise and Bates' career trajectory during a period of growing recognition in Hollywood.
Stylistic neighbors
Clint Mansell· Hans Zimmer· John Murphy

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Every Ending Has a Beginning 1:31
  • 2 Story of Wick 3:05
  • 3 John Mourns 2:30
  • 4 Assassins 2:12
  • 5 Dear John 1:49
  • 6 Daisy 1:29
  • 7 Evil Man Blues 4:21
  • 8 The Red Circle 1:00
  • 9 Lure the Wolf 2:04
  • 10 Iosef the Terrible 2:35
  • 11 Chop Shop 2:52
  • 12 Baba Yaga 1:46
  • 13 On the Hunt 2:12
  • 14 In My Mind 3:07
  • 15 The Drowning 2:25
  • 16 Think 3:59
  • 17 Led Spirals 0:58
  • 18 Shots Fired 3:12
  • 19 Old Friend Marcus 1:34
  • 20 Hotel Throw Down 2:56
  • 21 Warehouse Smack Down 2:44
  • 22 Who You Talkin’ to Man? 4:42
  • 23 Membership Revoked 2:05
  • 24 Unfortunate Priest 1:47
  • 25 Dock Shootout 2:43
  • 26 No More Guns 2:06
  • 27 Be Seeing You 3:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata