The Underworld franchise, starring Kate Beckinsale, tells the story of the eternal war between vampires and lycans through the viewpoint of the elite vampire assassin Selene. Since 2003, these films have developed quite a cult following despite not reviewing overly well.
If you have ever been curious about watching the Underworld movies, we’ve created this (mostly) spoiler-free guide to help you decide whether to watch the story unfold chronologically or in release order, as they are both great options! You can also take a look at our list of the best vampire movies for more like this.
Jump to:
- How to watch in chronological order
- How to watch in release order
How Many Underworld Movies Are There?
There are a total of five feature-length Underworld movies. In addition to the series' five live-action films, there is a trilogy of animated shorts, which combine to create a single, 18-minute short film called Underworld: Endless War.
The Underworld Movies in Chronological Order
1. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans is actually the third film in the Underworld series, but it takes place earliest in the timeline and serves as a prequel to the first film. Instead of starring Kate Beckinsale, Rise of the Lycans takes place in 1402, and follows Michael Sheen’s Lucian, a lycan raised by the vampire elder Viktor (Bill Nighy), as he navigates the events that lead to the Vampire-Lycan war.
2. Underworld: Endless War - Part I (2011)
Underworld: Endless War is the title of a series of short animated films that span over a century and tell the early story of Selene, the elite vampire assassin known as a Death Dealer who serves as the main protagonist of the Underworld franchise. While Kate Beckinsale originated the role Laura Harris voices Selene for these animated shorts that were released ahead of Underworld: Awakening. Part I takes place in 1890 and sees Selene tracking three Lycan brothers who are terrorizing the city.
3. Underworld: Endless War - Part II (2011)
Part II of Endless Wars takes place nearly 80 years later in 1967 and once again takes place in Paris. In this new story, Selene has come back to the city to investigate reports of the two remaining Lycan brothers.
4. Underworld (2003)
The first film in the franchise to see release, Underworld and takes place in London around the year 2003. The film introduces audiences to the universe of Underworld and the secret history of vampires and lycans. Selene (Beckinsale) has dedicated her life to ridding the world of lycans, but that life is turned upside down when Michael (Scott Speedman), the human she begins falling for, is bitten by one.
5. Underworld: Evolution (2006)
This first sequel, Underworld: Evolution, dives much deeper into the history of vampires and lycans and puts Selene and Michael at odds with their respective clans. Their attempt to fix the rift between their two species is hindered by the vampire elder Markus (Tony Curran).
6. Underworld: Endless War - Part III (2011)
The third and final Underworld: Endless War short is set in 2012 and brings Selene back to Paris one last time to once and for all finish Krandrill, the last remaining lycan brother. This time, she has Michael Corvin alongside her to help.
7. Underworld: Awakening (2012)
Underworld: Awakening picks up in a time when the government and public have learned about the existence of vampires and lycans and takes place not too long after Underworld: Evolution. Humans want to study these vampires to harness their power, and that drive causes many around the world to begin hunting them. Selene is captured and imprisoned in cryogenic suspension for 12 years, which brings the story to roughly 2015. When she wakes, vampires and lycans are nearly extinct and she goes on a mission to escape and find Michael.
8. Underworld: Blood Wars (2017)
Underworld: Blood Wars, the most recent entry in the franchise, takes place a few years after Awakening, although the exact year isn’t really revealed. In this story, Selene is being hunted by both the lycan clan and the vampire faction that betrayed her, and she embarks on a mission to stop this eternal war between the two species once and for all.
Underworld Movies in Release Order
- Underworld (2003)
- Underworld: Evolution (2006)
- Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)
- Underworld: Endless War (Parts I-III) (2011)
- Underworld: Awakening (2012)
- Underworld: Blood Wars (2016)
The Future of the Underworld Movies
While Underworld 6 is technically in the works, Kate Beckinsale has said she wouldn't return for another Underworld film. But that was in 2018. Since then, Beckinsale has expressed interest in an Underworld / Blade crossover film. But now that Blade is in the hands of Disney, it's hard to see that one getting a green light. At least it's something to hope for!
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Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.
