Descendants Movies in Order: Wondering to watch a film series that definitely had the feel of a Disney classic with a modern twist. The Descendants franchise has captured the imaginations of Disney fans worldwide by blending beloved fairy tale legacies with a fresh, modern twist.
Created by Josann McGibbon and Sara Parriott, the franchise began with the 2015 Disney Channel Original Movie and quickly expanded into a cultural phenomenon. The story follows the teenage children of classic Disney villains—Mal, Evie, Carlos, and Jay—as they navigate life in the magical kingdom of Auradon after being given a second chance.
With the original trilogy directed by Kenny Ortega and new installments helmed by Jennifer Phang and Kimmy Gatewood, the series has evolved to include Descendants: The Rise of Red (2024) and an upcoming fifth film in 2026. For fans looking to revisit the epic saga or newcomers wanting to dive into the world of VKs (Villain Kids), knowing the Descendants Movies in Order is essential. Beyond the films, the franchise has spawned animated series, short films, and novels that enrich its universe. In this guide, we’ll explore the Descendants Movies in Order, offering insights into each film’s plot, character development, and how the magical narrative continues to expand with each chapter.
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How to Watch Descendants Movies in Chronological Order
[Including TV Series and Short Films]
1. Descendants: School of Secrets (2015) [TV series]
Descendants: School of Secrets (2015) is a live-action mini-series that acts as a prequel to the first Descendants movie in the Descendants Movies timeline. Released by Disney Channel in the days leading up to the film’s premiere, the 23-episode series reveals behind-the-scenes secrets at Auradon Prep. Each episode, under five minutes, unveils new layers of student life through a hidden camera planted by an unidentified girl, later revealed as Lonnie. Her goal is to expose the “real” Auradon. The series captures the students’ reactions and tensions after Prince Ben’s proclamation but before the Villain Kids arrive, building anticipation for the movie.
2. Descendants (2015)
Descendants (2015) kicks off the Descendants movies franchise with a thrilling tale of legacy, redemption, and self-discovery. Directed by Kenny Ortega, this Disney Channel Original Movie introduces the children of infamous villains—Mal (Dove Cameron), Evie (Sofia Carson), Jay (Booboo Stewart), and Carlos (Cameron Boyce)—who are given a chance to live in Auradon, away from the Isle of the Lost. Sent by Maleficent to steal the Fairy Godmother’s wand, the teens begin to question their parents’ dark legacies as they discover friendship, love, and the possibility of a better path. Premiering on July 31, 2015, it captivated over 6.6 million viewers.
3. Descendants: Wicked World (2015–2017) [TV series]
Descendants: Wicked World picks up after the first film and introduces new characters from the Isle of the Lost and Auradon. After Ben’s coronation in Descendants, the villain kids Mal, Evie, Carlos and Jay settle in at being good while their villainous parents are still roaming the Isle of the Lost. The story goes deeper at the arrival of new villain kids, Freddie (Dr. Facilier’s daughter), CJ (Captain Hook’s daughter) and Zevon (Yzma’s son).
4. Descendants 2 (2017)
Descendants 2 (2017) is the second film in the Descendants movie series, following the original Descendants (2015) and preceding Descendants 3 (2019). Premiering on July 21, 2017, across multiple Disney-owned networks, this American musical fantasy continues the journey of Mal, Evie, Carlos, and Jay as they adapt to life in Auradon. Mal, feeling pressure from her royal role, returns to the Isle of the Lost, only to clash with Uma, daughter of Ursula. With powerful themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and love, Descendants 2 deepens the franchise’s emotional core while setting the stage for the next adventure in the beloved saga.
5. Under the Sea: A Descendants Short Story (2018)
Under The Sea revolves around Mal (Dove Cameron), who discovers a glowing orb in a forest. She then meets Dizzy (Anna Cathcart), who is wearing a necklace that is possessed by Uma (China Anne McClain).
6. Audrey’s Royal Return: A Descendants Short Story (2019)
Audrey’s Royal Return follows Audrey (Sarah Jeffery) as she visits her hair salon for a makeover before making her return to Auradon after being absent for the past year. The film serves as a recap of the events of the first two films from Audrey’s perspective and an explanation of her absence from the second film.
7. Descendants 3 (2019)
Premiering on Disney Channel on August 2, 2019, this vibrant musical fantasy concludes the main story arc of Mal (Dove Cameron) and her fellow VKs—Evie, Jay, and Carlos. Directed by Kenny Ortega and written by Sara Parriott and Josann McGibbon, the film explores themes of redemption, unity, and identity. As the VKs return to Auradon with new recruits, a vengeful Audrey rises, and Mal must face her lineage and inner conflicts to protect both worlds and reshape their future.
8. Wicked Woods: A Descendants Halloween Story (2019)
Wicked Woods revolves around Mal (Dove Cameron) who tells her friends on Halloween night, about the legend of the Headless Horseman, one of Auradon’s first villains, who is said to be lost in the woods of the city and has haunted them for hundreds of years.
9. The Planning of the Royal Wedding (2020) [TV series]
An animated short prequel of the Descendants: The Royal Wedding follows Mal and Evie as they prepare for the royal wedding with Dove Cameron and Sofia Carson reprising their roles.
10. Descendants: The Royal Wedding (2021)
Descendants: The Royal Wedding (2021) is an animated special that continues the beloved Disney franchise, serving as a bridge between Descendants 3 and Descendants: The Rise of Red. Premiering on August 13, 2021, it marks the first project following the tragic passing of Cameron Boyce, with his character Carlos being respectfully acknowledged but not featured. The story follows Mal and Ben’s highly anticipated wedding, which is interrupted when Hades arrives and the venue is mysteriously set ablaze. Mal and her friends seek answers, leading to a fiery adventure. The special earned a nomination for Best Original Score at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards.
11. Descendants: The Rise of Red (2024)
Descendants: The Rise of Red (2024) continues the legacy of the beloved Descendants franchise, serving as a spin-off and the fourth installment in the series. Directed by Jennifer Phang, the film introduces Red, daughter of the Queen of Hearts, and Chloe Charming, daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming, as they journey through time to change their mothers’ fates. Following Descendants, Descendants 2, Descendants 3, and Descendants: The Royal Wedding, this film blends nostalgic character returns with fresh faces. Premiering on Disney+ on July 12, 2024, it broke viewership records, proving the franchise’s continued magical grip on fans.
How many Descendants movies are there?
The Descendants film series consists of a total of Four (4) movies, each chronicles the lives of the teenage children of four Disney-villains on the Isle of the Lost.
All Descendants Movies in Order of Release Date
Here is the list of Descendants films in order, they were released.
Main Film:
1. Descendants — July 31, 2015
2. Descendants 2 — July 21, 2017
3. Descendants 3 — August 2, 2019
4. Descendants: The Rise of Red — July 12, 2024
Short Film:
1. Under the Sea — September 28, 2018
2. Audrey’s Royal Return — July 5, 2019
3. Wicked Woods — October 4, 2019
TV series:
1. Descendants: School of Secrets — July 2 – July 26, 2015
2. Descendants: Wicked World — September 18, 2015 – March 3, 2017
3. The Planning of the Royal Wedding — November 6, 2020
4. Descendants: The Royal Wedding — August 13, 2021
Where to Watch Descendants Movies?
You are able to stream the Descendants series in order by renting or purchasing on Amazon Prime because it is pretty much solely available to watch on Amazon Prime, you may be able to Rent and buy on Disney+ Hotstar, Vudu and Apple TV.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, watching the Descendants Movies in Order offers fans a captivating journey through a magical world where the children of iconic Disney villains forge their own paths. From the original 2015 film to the latest installment, Descendants: The Rise of Red, and the upcoming fifth film, the franchise has continuously evolved while staying true to its imaginative roots. With its mix of musical fantasy, compelling character arcs, and vibrant storytelling, the Descendants series remains a beloved part of Disney’s legacy. For newcomers and longtime fans alike, experiencing the Descendants Movies in Order is the perfect way to explore Auradon’s enchanting tales. For More: Wikipedia.org
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