I am a big fan of the Underworld movie and believe many people love watching the action scenes between vampires and werewolves. But with so many entries in the franchise, you might wonder how to watch Underworld movies in order. That’s why I wrote this guide to ease your struggle.
Starring Kate Beckinsale, the Underworld series delves into the ongoing conflict between vampires and lycans through the eyes of Selene, a vampire warrior. Debuting in 2003, the series consists of five films. Each installment adds vital layers to the narrative.
Read on to discover the Underworld sequence and discover how many movies you must watch in Australia!
What is the Best Way to Watch All Underworld Movies in Order?
The Underworld (film series) movies follows vampiric Death Dealer Selene, portrayed by Kate Beckinsale, in her quest to avenge the gruesome murder of her family, with Selene believing the Lycans to be responsible.
I have created this almost spoiler-free guide to help you decide whether to watch Underworld movies chronological order or in release order, as they are both great options!
- Chronological Order of Underworld movies
- Release order of Underworld movies
How Many Underworld Movies Are There? I have been asked about the Underworld (film series), specifically how many Underworld movies exist. To clarify, five main feature-length Underworld movies comprise the core storyline.
Here’s a simple table to help you understand the Underworld movie order, chronological and release date sequence:
Underworld Movies in Order |
|||
| Chronological Order | Release Order | ||
| S.NO | Name of the movie | Name of the movie | Release Year |
| 1. | Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) | Underworld | 2003 |
| 2. | Underworld: Endless War(Part I)(2011) | Underworld: Evolution | 2006 |
| 3. | Underworld: Endless War(Part II)(2011) | Underworld: Rise of the Lycans | 2009 |
| 4. | Underworld(2003) | Underworld: Endless Wars | 2011 |
| 5. | Underworld: Evolution(2006) | Underworld: Awakening | 2012 |
| 6. | Underworld: Endless War (Part III)(2011) | Underworld: Blood Wars | 2016 |
| 7. | Underworld: Awakening(2012) | ||
| 8. | Underworld: Blood Wars(2016) | ||
Underworld Movies in Order – Chronologically
If you decide to watch the Underworld movies in chronological order, there’s just one change you’ll need to make to your viewing lineup.
Begin with “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans” (2009), which lays the foundation for the ancient conflict between vampires and Lycans. This film provides a deep dive into the history and motivations of the characters seen in later films.
“Underworld: Rise of the Lycans” is the only film in the series not featuring Kate Beckinsale. Set in the early 15th century, this prequel should be watched first to understand the events that unfold in the subsequent movies fully. So, let’s start exploring the Underworld movies in chronological order.
1. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Writer: Danny McBride, Dirk Blackman, Howard McCain
Director: Patrick Tatopoulos
Cast: Rhona Mitra, Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy, Steven Mackintosh, and more.
Genre: Thriller, Fantasy, Action
Runtime: 1h 32m
Language: English
Platform: Amazon Prime, Vudu
“Underworld: Rise of the Lycans,” the third entry in the Underworld series, serves as a prequel set in 1402, which explores the beginnings of the Vampire-Lycan War. In this installment, Kate Beckinsale’s character, Selene, is absent, and the focus shifts to Lucian, portrayed by Michael Sheen, a Lycan who is raised by Viktor, the vampire elder played by Bill Nighy.
The film delves into Lucian’s illicit romance with Sonja, Viktor’s daughter, played by Rhona Mitra. Their doomed relationship, vehemently opposed by Viktor, ultimately sets off the enduring conflict between vampires and Lycans.
5 Best Reasons To Watch Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans (2009) First in Chronological Order
Watching Underworld: Rise of the Lycans first in chronological order offers a clear and enriching start to the “Underworld” series for these reasons:
- Foundational Backstory:
It sets the historical context for the vampire-lycan feud, helping you understand the root of conflicts shown in later films. - Character Development:
You get early insights into key characters’ origins and motivations, particularly Lucian and Viktor, enhancing your understanding of their actions in subsequent movies. - Emotional Grounding:
The prequel introduces significant relationships and personal histories, deepening the emotional impact as the saga unfolds. - Thematic Introduction:
It establishes core themes like oppression, rebellion, and forbidden love, providing a thematic backbone for the series. - Narrative Clarity:
Watching the events chronologically avoids confusion and provides a smoother, more intuitive storyline progression throughout the series.
2. Underworld: Endless War Part I (2011)
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
Writer: Danny McBride, Kevin Grevioux
Director: Juno John Lee
Cast: Trevor Devall, Brian Dobson, Laura Harris, Mark Oliver, and more.
Genre: Short, Animation, Action
Runtime: 18m
Language: English
Platform: Amazon Prime
This Underworld Endless War is an animated Underworld movie that spans over a century — yes, you heard that right. This endless war movie shows Selena in three separate timelines: 1980, 1967, and 2012.
She can be seen fighting and strategizing to eradicate the most powerful Lycan brothers in endless war. It is a series of three short anime films that are part of the new Underworld series in order Trilogy.
- Underworld: Endless War (Part I)
- Underworld: Endless War (Part II)
- Underworld: Endless War (Part III) – in chronological order, you should watch this film after Underworld: Evolution
If you want to watch more fantasy and adventure movies in Australia, then you can also watch the best fantasy movies.
3. Underworld: Endless War Part II (2011)
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
Writer: Danny McBride, Kevin Grevioux
Director: Juno John Lee
Cast: Trevor Devall, Brian Dobson, Laura Harris, Mark Oliver, and more.
Genre: Short, Animation, Action
Runtime: 18m
Language: English
Platform: Amazon Prime
Underworld: Endless War (Part II) takes place in 1967 Paris, continuing Selene’s century-long mission to eliminate the werewolf threat. In this chapter, Selene faces the last of the werewolf brothers, now allied with Paris’s human criminal underworld, to enhance their defense and expand their influence.
As the Lycans evolve, so does the challenge, pushing Selene to adapt her strategies against increasingly sophisticated enemies. The intertwining of humans and werewolves introduces new complications, testing her combat and tactical skills.
This segment culminates in a decisive battle that reflects the shifting dynamics of the vampire-lycan conflict, mirroring broader societal changes over the decades. Selene’s determination sets the groundwork for future confrontations in the Underworld series.
Underworld movies are a blend of action and thrill. If you are a fan of action thrillers, you should also watch the best action anime movies!
4. Underworld (2003)
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Writer: Kevin Grevioux, Len Wiseman, Danny McBride
Director: Len Wiseman
Cast: Shane Brolly, Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Michael Sheen, and more.
Genre: Thriller, Fantasy, Action
Runtime: 2h 1m
Language: English
Platform: Amazon Prime, Vudu
“Underworld,” the first film in the franchise, premiered in 2003 in London, drawing audiences into a hidden world inhabited by vampires and lycans. The cast introduces us to Selene, portrayed by Kate Beckinsale, a Death Dealer dedicated to eradicating lycans using her silver bullets.
Selene’s life takes an unforeseen turn when she falls for Michael (Scott Speedman), a human who is later bitten by a lycan. As Selene transforms from a ruthless hunter to Michael’s unexpected protector, the intensifying conflict reveals shocking truths about Viktor, the vampire who turned her, forever altering her path.
Did you Know?
Rhona Mitra auditioned for the role of Selene in Underworld (2003) but lost it to Kate Beckinsale. When Mitra was considered an option for this film, concerns were raised about too much physical resemblance between the actresses.
Those concerns were quickly dropped when it was mentioned that Viktor turned Selene into a vampire due to her resemblance to Sonja. Therefore, the resemblance was not only justified but vital.
5. Underworld: Evolution (2006)
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Writer: Danny McBride, Kevin Grevioux, Len Wiseman
Director: Len Wiseman
Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Bill Nighy, Scott Speedman, Tony Curran, and more.
Genre: Thriller, Fantasy, Action
Runtime: 1h 46m
Language: English, French, Hungarian
Platform: Amazon Prime, Vudu
“Underworld: Evolution,” the direct sequel in the series, further explores the ancient conflict between vampires and Lycans, with Selene and Michael becoming outcasts among their own kind. As they strive to reconcile the centuries-old rift between their species, they encounter Markus (Tony Curran), a vampire elder determined to continue the bloodshed.
Their mission for peace grows increasingly dangerous as they face a formidable enemy bent on perpetuating the war. I hope you are keeping track of Underworld Movies in order, as well as exploring some banned movies that have made an impact on audiences worldwide.
Costume Recycling Exposed!
In the original Underworld (2003), the production team had only two lycan costumes. By the time Underworld: Evolution (2006) was in production, the budget allowed the creation of three additional costumes.
These were used to depict the first generation of more wolf-like lycans and the character William. For this sequel, the special effects team utilized all five existing costumes, crafted simpler ones for background scenes, and repurposed werewolf costumes from Dog Soldiers (2002) to increase the total count to fourteen.
6. Underworld: Endless War (Part III)
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
Writer: Danny McBride, Kevin Grevioux, Len Wiseman
Director: Juno John Lee
Cast: Mark Oliver, Paul Dobson, Laura Harris, Trevor Devall, and more.
Genre: Short, Animation, Action
Runtime: 18m
Language: English
Platform: Amazon Prime
In the third and final installment of “Underworld: Endless War,” set in 2011, Selene returns to Paris, this time with Michael Corvin by her side, to conclusively eliminate Krandrill, the last of the Lycan brothers.
This animated short segment culminates in a dramatic confrontation with the final Lycan Lord, marking a pivotal moment in the saga.
7. Underworld: Awakening (2012)
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Writer: Len Wiseman, John Hlavin, J. Michael Straczynski
Director: Mans Marlind, Björn Stein
Cast: Kate Beckinsale, India Eisley, Michael Ealy, Stephen Rea, and more.
Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Action
Runtime: 1h 28m
Language: English, Russian
Platform: Amazon Prime, Vudu
“Underworld: Awakening” picks up shortly after “Underworld: Evolution,” set in a time when humans have uncovered the existence of vampires and lycans, initiating a worldwide hunt to harness their powers.
Selene was captured and placed in cryogenic suspension for 12 years, waking around 2015 to find both species nearly wiped out. Her journey to escape and find Michael unfolds in the wake of “Underworld: Endless War, Part III,” as she grapples with protecting her daughter, Eve (India Eisley), from the new threat humanity poses.
This sequel intertwines Selene’s fight for survival with her battle to safeguard her family amidst a world that has turned against them.
8. Underworld: Blood Wars (2016)
IMDb Rating: 5.7/10
Writer: Corry Goodman, Kyle Ward, Kevin Grevioux
Director: Anna Foerster
Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Tobias Menzies, Theo James, Lara Puver, and more.
Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Action
Runtime: 1h 31m
Language: English
Platform: Amazon Prime, Vudu
In “Underworld: Blood Wars,” the latest and final addition to the franchise occurring a few years after post-Awakening, without specifying the exact timeline, Selene finds herself pursued by both the Lycan clan and the vampire faction that turned against her.
Determined to end the perpetual conflict between the two species, Selene, along with ally vampire David (Theo James), embarks on a decisive mission in what stands as the franchise’s most recent chapter. This narrative unfolds as Selene strives to navigate treacheries within her own kind to bring peace to their war-torn world.
Underworld’s Star Power: A Glance at Its Award Nominations and Wins
| Award Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Saturn Awards | ||
| Best Horror Film | Nominated | |
| Best Actress | Kate Beckinsale | Nominated |
| Best Make-Up | Trefor Proud and Balázs Novák | Nominated |
| Cinescape Genre Face of the Future Awards | Scott Speedman | Won |
| Teen Choice Awards | ||
| Choice Thriller Movie | Nominated | |
| Choice Movie Actress: Drama/Action Adventure | Kate Beckinsale (also for Van Helsing) | Nominated |
For those who can’t get enough of the Underworld saga, we have a comprehensive guide to the best movies like Underworld that will keep you entertained with thrilling supernatural adventures.
What is The Future of the Underworld Movies?
While Underworld 6 is technically in the works, Kate Beckinsale has stated that she will not return for another Underworld film. But that happened in 2018. Beckinsale has since expressed interest in an Underworld/Blade crossover film.
But now that Blade is in the hands of Disney, it’s difficult to see it getting the green light. At the very least, there is something to hope for!
Reddit Explores Viewing Orders of Underworld Movies!
The original post posed an intriguing question: is it acceptable to start with “Rise of the Lycans,” the third film by production but the first chronologically in the series’ storyline, followed by “Underworld” and “Evolution”? The user noted that “Rise of the Lycans” can stand alone and wondered if this rearrangement might enhance the viewing experience for newcomers.
Other Movies in Order Guide to Check Out on Screenbinge
- Resident Evil movies in order – Survive the Apocalypse: Unravel the Resident Evil Saga
- X-Men movies in order – Unleash Your Inner Mutant: Journey through the X-Men universe
- Watch Superman movies in order – Fly high with the Man of Steel
- Watch Twilight movies in order – Discover the saga where love defies all boundaries
- Fast and Furious movies in order -The Fast & Furious Saga in Chronological Order
FAQs
What’s the secret behind Underworld’s iconic Lycan costumes?
Who rules the night in Underworld?
How did Kate Beckinsale transform into Selene?
Can You visit the real locations used in Underworld?
Wrapping Up
Diving into the Underworld movies in order streaming perfectly chronologically enriches the viewing experience, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the storyline and character development. Each film layers on complexities, evolving the dark and intricate world of vampires and Lycans, with Selene at the center of the action.
Embark on this cinematic journey and witness the transformation of characters and escalation of conflicts from one movie to the next. So now you know what is the correct order of the Underworld movies.
Similarly, in Australia, watching The Purge movies in order offers a gripping experience. This series explores a dystopian reality where all crime is legal for one night, providing a harrowing look at societal breakdown and human nature, making it a must-watch alongside the Underworld saga.
Thus, be prepared for your viewing space, gather some snacks, and enjoy the thrill and suspense of the Underworld saga as it unfolds in the ideal sequence. If you’re wondering what to watch this weekend, this epic series is a perfect choice.
