I. Introduction
The Underworld franchise is one of the most popular and long-running film series in Hollywood, spanning over a decade and a half of action-packed movies. However, with the release of so many movies over time, it can be confusing for fans and newcomers to keep track of how many Underworld movies there actually are. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the franchise, including a breakdown of all the movies, a ranking, and an analysis of the universe’s mythology.
II. Top 5 Must-Watch Underworld Movies You Shouldn’t Miss
For those who are just getting started with the Underworld franchise, or long-time fans looking to revisit their favorite movies, here are the top 5 must-watch Underworld movies:
- Underworld (2003) – The original movie that set the stage for the rest of the franchise. Fans will be captivated by the intense action, dark atmosphere, and unforgettable characters, including Kate Beckinsale as the iconic Selene.
- Underworld: Evolution (2006) – The second installment in the series brings even more intense action and furthers the plot with a closer look at the mythology of the universe.
- Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) – A prequel story set in the Middle Ages, this movie delves deep into the lore of the franchise, introducing the fan-favorite character Lucian (Michael Sheen).
- Underworld: Awakening (2012) – Taking place six years after the previous movie, Awakening sees Selene awaken from a long sleep to find a world that is vastly different from the one she remembers.
- Underworld: Blood Wars (2016) – The most recent entry in the franchise features Selene once again battling against both Lycans and fellow vampires.
These movies provide a great introduction to the universe of the Underworld franchise and are essential for any fan or newcomer.
III. A Complete Guide to the Underworld Franchise: How Many Movies Are There?
The Underworld franchise currently has five movies, with the last installment being released in 2016. However, the franchise can be confusing for viewers because, chronologically, the movies are not in order.
The order in which the Underworld movies should be watched, in chronological order, is:
- Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)
- Underworld (2003)
- Underworld: Evolution (2006)
- Underworld: Awakening (2012)
- Underworld: Blood Wars (2016)
It is important to note that while Rise of the Lycans chronologically comes first, it was released third.
IV. Ranking all of the Underworld Movies From Best to Worst
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of the Underworld movies and rank them based on their overall quality:
- Underworld (2003) – The first movie in the series is often cited as the best by fans, as it sets the stage for all the mythology and action that follows. The performances by Kate Beckinsale and the supporting cast are top-notch, and the special effects still hold up well today.
- Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) – Despite its prequel status, this movie is widely regarded as one of the best in the series. The story is engaging and the characters are well-developed, particularly Michael Sheen’s Lucian.
- Underworld: Evolution (2006) – While not as well-received as the first movie, Evolution still has a lot to offer fans. The action scenes are intense, and the exploration of the mythology is fascinating.
- Underworld: Blood Wars (2016) – The most recent movie in the series received mixed reviews from fans and critics. While the action and special effects are impressive, the story and character development leave something to be desired.
- Underworld: Awakening (2012) – The fourth movie in the series is often regarded as the weakest. While the action is still exciting, the story feels disjointed and the characters lack their usual depth.
It’s important to remember that each fan may have their own unique ranking of the Underworld movies, as they may have different preferences when it comes to the story, characters, and action.
V. Exploring the Mythology of the Underworld Universe Across All Films
The Underworld franchise is known for its complex mythology, which is spread across all five movies. The overarching plot of the franchise focuses on a long-standing war between two supernatural species – the vampires and the Lycans (werewolves).
Throughout the movies, we see characters struggle with their own identities and loyalties as both species fight for dominance. There are also themes of betrayal, revenge, and redemption that run throughout the franchise.
Overall, the Underworld franchise does an excellent job of creating a rich and immersive universe that keeps fans coming back for more.
VI. The Evolution of the Underworld Movies: A Look at How the Franchise Has Grown and Changed
The Underworld franchise has undergone a lot of changes over the years, both in terms of story and production. The first movie was released in 2003 and received positive reviews from fans and critics alike. Three years later, Underworld: Evolution followed, continuing the story and pushing the mythology even further.
In 2009, the franchise took a bit of a detour with Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, a prequel story that focused on the history of Lucian and his relationship with the vampire Sonja (Rhona Mitra).
Following a lengthy hiatus, the series returned in 2012 with Underworld: Awakening. This movie took the story in a new direction, exploring a world where humans are aware of the existence of vampires and Lycans. The most recent movie, Underworld: Blood Wars, was released in 2016 and continued the story of Selene and her quest to protect her daughter.
While some fans may have their own opinions on how the Underworld franchise has evolved over the years, one thing is clear – it remains a beloved and entertaining series that has captured the imaginations of viewers for over a decade.
VII. Underworld: The Cinematic Timeline – A Breakdown of the Entire Franchise, in Order
As mentioned earlier, the Underworld movies are not in chronological order. If you want to watch the movies in the order that the events actually occur within the universe, here is the correct order:
- Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)
- Underworld (2003)
- Underworld: Evolution (2006)
- Underworld: Awakening (2012)
- Underworld: Blood Wars (2016)
Watching the movies in this order can provide a more immersive experience and help you better understand the continuity of the story throughout the franchise.
VIII. Breaking Down the Box Office Numbers: How Successful Are the Underworld Movies?
While reviews from fans and critics alike are an important aspect of any franchise, box office success is also a key indicator of how well-received a movie is amongst the general public. Here is a breakdown of the box office numbers for each Underworld movie:
- Underworld (2003) – $95.7 million
- Underworld: Evolution (2006) – $111.3 million
- Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) – $91.3 million
- Underworld: Awakening (2012) – $160.1 million
- Underworld: Blood Wars (2016) – $81.1 million
While some movies performed better than others at the box office, it’s clear that the franchise as a whole has been a financial success for the studios behind it.
IX. Conclusion
The Underworld franchise has been a staple of the action-horror genre for over a decade, providing fans with an immersive and exciting universe to explore. By offering rankings, mythology analysis, timeline breakdowns, and financial success reviews, this comprehensive guide provides all the information you need to dive into this exciting world. Whether you’re a newcomer or a die-hard fan, make sure to check out all of the Underworld movies to see how this franchise has grown and evolved over the years.