If you haven't seen Constantine since its 2005 release, you're missing out on one of the most visually arresting and uniquely cool superhero movies ever made. Now streaming on HBO Max, this dark fantasy starring Keanu Reeves has developed a passionate cult following, and with a long-awaited sequel finally in the works, there's no better time to revisit—or discover—this gem.
Directed by Francis Lawrence, Constantine adapts the DC Comics character John Constantine, a chain-smoking occult detective who can see the demons and angels walking among us. The film blends noir, horror, and superhero elements into something entirely its own. Lawrence, who would later helm The Hunger Games and Stephen King's The Long Walk, uses a gothic palette of greens, yellows, and browns, creating a world that feels both gritty and otherworldly. It's a style that influenced many later comic book films, and it still looks fresh today.
The movie didn't exactly set critics on fire upon release—it holds a 46% Rotten Tomatoes score—but audiences have been far kinder. On Letterboxd, 40% of viewers rate it four stars or higher. That disconnect speaks to the film's unique appeal: it's a movie that rewards repeat viewings and has aged like fine wine. Fans of gritty superhero stories will find plenty to love here.
A Hell of a Visual Feast
From the opening scene, which feels like a cross between an Indiana Jones adventure and The Exorcist, Constantine dives headfirst into its demonic mythology. Demons appear as winged horrors that burst into embers when struck by holy light, while angels are embodied by Tilda Swinton's ethereal Gabriel. The film's depiction of Hell is unforgettable: Los Angeles frozen in a mid-atomic blast, with sinners writhing beneath the cracked surface. It's bold, beautiful, and still catnip for genre fans.
One scene alone makes the movie worth watching: Peter Stormare's five-minute turn as Satan. Barefoot, dressed in a crisp white suit, and dripping with tar, Stormare's Satan is a twitching, gulping, ecstatic embodiment of evil. His confrontation with Constantine is the stuff of legend, elevating an already terrific picture into something genuinely special.
Keanu Reeves: The Soul of the Movie
Of course, none of this would work without its star. Keanu Reeves, fresh off The Matrix trilogy, brings his signature intensity to the role. His Constantine is a weary, angry man who chain-smokes, flips off demons, and delivers patented Reeves "Yeahs" with perfect timing. But he also brings real pathos to scenes where he pulls oily tumors from his chest or slits his wrists to save a doomed woman. It's a performance that foreshadows his later work in John Wick, and it's a reminder of why Reeves is such a beloved action star.
For those who missed it the first time, Constantine is a striking reminder of what comic book movies could have been—and what they often aren't. In an era of CGI-heavy, televisual-looking blockbusters, this film stands out for its commitment to practical effects, moody lighting, and genuine style. It's a visual masterpiece that deserves a place alongside the best of the genre, like the most flawless action movies of the past 40 years.
With Reeves and Lawrence finally confirmed to be working on a sequel, now is the perfect time to catch Constantine on HBO Max. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this 121-minute dark fantasy is as close to perfect as superhero movies get.
