You know that feeling when an actor just is the character? It’s rare. We saw it with Christopher Reeve. We saw it with Robert Downey Jr. and Tony Stark. But for a very specific, very dedicated corner of the DC fandom, Matt Ryan’s portrayal of John Constantine is the hill they are willing to die on. Even in 2026, over a decade since the original NBC series bit the dust after just thirteen episodes, people are still hunting for the perfect constantine matt ryan compilation to relive the magic.
It’s easy to see why. John Constantine is a mess. He’s a chain-smoking, trench-coat-wearing, bisexual warlock with a Scouse-ish accent and a soul that’s already been sold to hell. He’s not a hero you’d take home to meet your mum. Honestly, he’s probably going to steal her silver while you're not looking. But Matt Ryan captured that specific blend of self-loathing and swagger so perfectly that the fans literally refused to let the character go.
The Long Road from NBC to the Legends
When the Constantine show was canceled in 2015, it should have been the end. Usually, when a network pulls the plug, that's it. See you in the bargain bin. But then something weird happened. The fans started a campaign. They wanted him in the "Arrowverse." And Stephen Amell, ever the champion of his fans, pushed for it.
Then came the Arrow crossover. Seeing Matt Ryan step out of the shadows in Season 4 to help restore Sara Lance’s soul was like a shot of adrenaline for the fans. It proved that this version of the character was too good to waste. But the real meat of any constantine matt ryan compilation usually comes from his time on DC's Legends of Tomorrow.
He joined the crew of the Waverider and basically turned a superhero show into a supernatural horror-comedy. The dynamic was brilliant. You had these earnest "Legends" trying to save time, and then you had John in the corner, drinking cheap booze and making deals with demons. One of the most-watched clips is from the episode "Daddy Darhkest," where he joins the team for an exorcism in a mental asylum. It’s peak Constantine: dry wit, legitimate stakes, and that constant sense that he’s the smartest—and most dangerous—person in the room.
👉 See also: Questions From Black Card Revoked: The Culture Test That Might Just Get You Roasted
Why the Animation Matters Just as Much
If you only watch the live-action stuff, you're missing half the story. Matt Ryan didn't just play the role; he voiced it across the DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU). This is where he got to be truly "Hellblazer."
The live-action shows on NBC and The CW had limits. They couldn't show him smoking much (at first), and the gore was toned down. In animation, the gloves came off.
- Justice League Dark: This was the first time we saw him lead a team of magical misfits. His chemistry with Zatanna is a highlight of any fan-made edit.
- City of Demons: This was darker. Much darker. It explored the Newcastle incident—the trauma that defines who John is. Watching Matt Ryan voice the heartbreak of losing Astra Logue is essential viewing.
- Apokolips War: This was the "Endgame" of that animated universe. Constantine basically becomes the protagonist of the finale. He’s the one who has to make the ultimate choice to reset the timeline.
Most fans will tell you that the animated version is actually more "accurate" to the Vertigo comics. It’s grittier. He’s meaner. And yet, through Matt Ryan’s voice, you still feel that tiny spark of humanity that makes you root for the "nasty piece of work."
The "Constantine Matt Ryan Compilation" Essentials
If you're looking to put together your own list or find a good one on YouTube, there are a few moments you absolutely cannot skip. These aren't just "cool scenes"—they are the pillars of the character.
✨ Don't miss: The Reality of Sex Movies From Africa: Censorship, Nollywood, and the Digital Underground
First, you've got the Newcastle Flashbacks. Whether it's the live-action version or the City of Demons animation, this is the core of his guilt. You see the arrogance of a young sorcerer who thinks he knows everything, only to watch it literally go to hell.
Then, there’s the Legends Season 4 Finale. John goes to Hell to save Ray Palmer’s soul. It’s a classic "Hellblazer" move—sacrificing himself for a friend while pretending he doesn't care. The imagery of him walking through the inferno, trench coat flapping, is iconic.
Don't forget the Humor. A good compilation needs the "wanker" jokes. It needs him calling people "love" and "guv." There's a great scene in Legends where he has to deal with a magical "Gary" (his apprentice/stalker/enigma), and the look of pure exhaustion on John's face is worth the price of admission alone.
Why Nobody Else Can Play Him (Yet)
There's been talk for years about a new Constantine in the James Gunn DCU. We’ve seen Keanu Reeves (who was great in his own way, but he wasn't John), and there were rumors of a JJ Abrams-produced reboot that never quite got off the ground.
🔗 Read more: Alfonso Cuarón: Why the Harry Potter 3 Director Changed the Wizarding World Forever
The problem is the "Matt Ryan Shadow." He played the character for so long—across live-action, animation, and even a cameo in Lucifer—that he’s become the Kevin Conroy of the supernatural side of DC. When you read the comics now, you hear his voice. That's a huge hurdle for any new actor.
How to Get Your Constantine Fix Today
If you’re feeling nostalgic, here is how you should actually consume this content to get the full experience. Don't just watch random clips; follow the evolution.
- The NBC Pilot: Start where it began. The "Astra" plotline starts here.
- Arrow Season 4, Episode 5: The "Haunted" episode. It bridges the gap.
- Legends of Tomorrow Season 3-6: This is where he gets the most screentime and development.
- Justice League Dark: Apokolips War: For the high-stakes, "end of the world" vibes.
- Harley Quinn (Series): Yes, he voices him here too! It’s a hilarious, slightly more "party animal" version of the character.
Honestly, the constantine matt ryan compilation culture exists because the fans feel a sense of ownership over this portrayal. We fought for him. We watched him move from a canceled network show to a flagship ensemble hit.
To really appreciate the depth, you have to look at the "House of Mystery" short film. It’s a beautiful, tragic coda to his time in the DCAMU. It shows John trapped in a loop, paying for his sins, which is exactly how a Constantine story should end.
If you want to support the legacy, go back and watch the original 2014 series on streaming. It was ahead of its time. The ratings weren't there yet, but the heart was. Matt Ryan gave us a John Constantine that wasn't just a warlock; he was a guy trying to do the right thing while being absolutely certain he was a villain. And that’s a legacy worth compiling.
Next Steps for the Hellblazer Fan:
- Watch the "House of Mystery" short: It is the definitive ending to Matt Ryan's main animated run and provides much-needed closure.
- Track down the "John Con Noir" shorts: These were promotional claymation shorts made for the original NBC run that perfectly capture the "detective" vibe of the character.
- Read the original Jamie Delano "Hellblazer" run: If you love Matt Ryan's performance, seeing where the dialogue and attitude originated will give you a whole new appreciation for his craft.