The John Wick movies continue to soar in popularity, and it’s no surprise! With Keanu Reeves at the helm and a non-stop action-packed storyline, it’s a winning formula for an exciting movie experience.
Recently, however, fans have been buzzing about something else: John Wick’s epic back tattoo! People are curious about its meaning and how it fits into the larger narrative of the movie.
If you’re intrigued, keep reading to dive into the symbolism behind John Wick’s tattoo and check out some of our favorite cinematic tattoos!
The John Wick Tattoo
John Wick’s back is adorned with several tattoos, but one of the most prominent images is the pair of praying hands located at the center. However, what really gets people talking is the phrase: “Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat.”
The text is in Latin, but what does it really mean? There are a few interpretations:
A direct translation is “fortune favors the bold,” a classic saying often attributed to the poet Virgil. It conveys the idea that good things happen to those who take risks and act with courage.
But some believe the Latin could mean something slightly different. For example, Mike Smith suggests it’s better interpreted as “Fortune will come to save the strong ones.” In this context, it refers to Fortuna, the Roman goddess of luck, favoring those who demonstrate strength and perseverance.
Now that we’ve decoded the John Wick tattoo, here are a few more of our favorite movie tattoos!
Aquaman
We’ve previously shared our admiration for Jason Momoa’s tattoos in Justice League and Aquaman. His tattoos only seem to get cooler over time.
While he’s got more tattoos than you can count in a single viewing, our favorite is the forearm tattoo. According to Momoa, it represents interlacing shark teeth, symbolizing the spirit guardian of his family.
From Dusk Till Dawn
From Dusk Till Dawn is a wild movie—part vampire survival horror, part crime thriller. George Clooney plays a ruthless criminal who must face off against undead creatures.
In the film, Clooney’s character sports a giant tattoo running from his arm to his neck. While it’s often obscured by his clothes, it’s still visible enough to add a cool edge to his tough persona.
Wanted
In Wanted, Angelina Jolie flaunts a range of tattoos. Fun fact: many of them were already on her body before filming, though a few were added for the role.
On her back, you can spot animal tattoos, sleek patterns, and some text. Her body had already been covered with meaningful ink before the movie, including “strength of will” in various languages and quotes from playwright Tennessee Williams.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know more about John Wick’s tattoo and other memorable movie tattoos, where can you find more of the best tattoo news? Keep your eyes peeled for more updates in the world of inked art!