Imagine a small town haunted by an ancient evil that awakens every 27 years to feed on fear. That’s the chilling premise of Stephen King’s IT, a novel that has terrified readers since 1986 and spawned a franchise of films and series. If you’re searching for “IT movies in order,” you’ve come to the right place. This guide breaks down the IT franchise movies in event order, focusing on the story’s timeline rather than release dates. Watching the IT movies in chronological order enhances the experience by building the lore of Derry, Maine, and the shape-shifting entity known as Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
Stephen King’s influence on horror is undeniable, with IT standing as one of his most iconic works. The story explores themes of childhood trauma, friendship, and facing fears head-on. By following the chronological sequence, you’ll see how Pennywise’s cycles tie into Derry’s dark history, making each entry more impactful. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this Stephen King IT movies timeline will help you navigate the terror without major spoilers.
Also Read: Insidious Movies in Order
The IT Movies in Chronological Order
The IT franchise revolves around Pennywise’s 27-year hibernation cycles, where it emerges to terrorize Derry’s children. The modern adaptations shift the timeline from the book’s 1950s/1980s to the 1980s/2010s, but the structure remains. Here’s how to watch IT movies in order based on the story’s events:
1. IT: Welcome to Derry (2025) (Prequel series)
- Set in the 1960s, this upcoming HBO Max series explores Derry’s haunted past, delving into events 27 years before the 1988-1989 encounters in the 2017 film. As a prequel, it uncovers the origins of Pennywise’s reign of terror, including historical tragedies that hint at the entity’s influence over centuries.
- Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free): The series follows residents of Derry as strange occurrences escalate, revealing the town’s cursed history. Expect atmospheric horror blending psychological dread with supernatural elements.
- Key Cast and Crew: Bill Skarsgård reprises his role as Pennywise, with a cast including Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, and Chris Chalk. Developed by Andy Muschietti (director of the 2017 and 2019 films) and Jason Fuchs.
- Why It Fits in the Timeline: This entry covers the previous feeding cycle (around 1962), setting the stage for the Losers’ Club’s childhood battles. It ties into Pennywise’s pattern of awakening every 27 years, often triggered by violent events in Derry.
- Viewing Tips: As it’s set to premiere on October 26, 2025, on HBO Max, mark your calendar. Watch after reading King’s novel for deeper connections, but it’s accessible for new viewers.
2. IT (2017)
- This modern adaptation focuses on the Losers’ Club as children in 1988-1989, when Pennywise targets them during its latest cycle.
- Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free): A group of misfit kids in Derry band together to investigate disappearances linked to a malevolent clown. Their bond helps them confront personal fears and a greater evil.
- Key Cast and Crew: Directed by Andy Muschietti, starring Jaeden Martell as Bill Denbrough, Sophia Lillis as Beverly Marsh, and Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise. The young ensemble captures the essence of friendship amid horror.
- Why It Fits in the Timeline: Occurring 27 years after the 1960s events in Welcome to Derry, this film depicts Pennywise’s feeding spree in the late ’80s, aligning with its cyclical nature.
- Viewing Tips: Start here if you’re new to the franchise—it’s a self-contained story with high production values. Pair it with popcorn, but keep the lights on!
3. IT Chapter Two (2019)
- Jumping forward to 2016, this sequel reunites the now-adult Losers’ Club for a final showdown, 27 years after their childhood trauma.
- Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free): The grown-up survivors return to Derry when signs of the ancient evil resurface, forcing them to relive and conquer their past.
- Key Cast and Crew: Andy Muschietti directs again, with James McAvoy as adult Bill, Jessica Chastain as Beverly, and Bill Hader as Richie. Skarsgård’s Pennywise is more unhinged than ever.
- Why It Fits in the Timeline: It concludes the 27-year cycle started in the 2017 film, emphasizing how trauma lingers and must be faced.
- Viewing Tips: Watch immediately after the first film for continuity. The longer runtime allows for character development, so settle in for an epic finale.
Optional: The 1990 IT Miniseries as an Alternative
While not part of the modern canon, the 1990 miniseries adapts the full novel in one go, set in 1960 (kids) and 1990 (adults). It’s an optional watch for fans interested in Tim Curry’s iconic Pennywise.
- Plot Summary : Similar to the films, it follows the Losers’ dual timelines against the clown.
- Key Cast and Crew: Directed by Tommy Lee Wallace, starring Tim Curry as Pennywise, with a cast including John Ritter and Annette O’Toole.
- Why Consider It? It covers the same story as the 2017/2019 films but with a ’90s TV vibe. View it after the modern versions for comparison.
How many IT Movies are there?
There are two theatrical IT movies: IT (2017) and IT Chapter Two (2019). The 1990 miniseries and upcoming 2025 prequel series are separate adaptations.
All IT Movies in Order of Release Date
Here is the list of IT Movies in Order of Release Date:
- IT — September 8, 2017
- IT Chapter Two — September 6, 2019
Why Watch IT Movies in Chronological Order?
Watching the IT movies in chronological order deepens your understanding of Pennywise’s lore. Starting with Welcome to Derry reveals Derry’s cursed history, making the 1980s events in IT (2017) feel like a continuation of an ancient pattern. This approach highlights the 27-year cycles, where violence and fear in Derry awaken the entity. Benefits include:
- Deeper Lore: See how past tragedies influence the present.
- Thematic Connections: Themes of fear and resilience build across entries.
- Enhanced Tension: Knowing the backstory amplifies the horror.
Compared to release order, chronological viewing prioritizes story flow over production history.
Where to Watch IT Movies
Streaming options fluctuate, but as of October 2025:
- IT: Welcome to Derry: Premiering October 26 on HBO Max.
- IT (2017): Available on Max, Netflix, or rent on Amazon Prime.
- IT Chapter Two (2019): Stream on Max or Netflix.
- 1990 Miniseries: Often on Tubi, Hulu, or Prime Video.
Check JustWatch for current availability. For more Stephen King adaptations, see our post on Best Stephen King Adaptations.
Fun Facts and Easter Eggs in the IT Timeline
The IT universe is packed with hidden gems:
- Pennywise’s arrival on Earth dates back millions of years, crashing like a meteor in prehistoric Derry.
- In the 2017 film, look for the Bradley Gang mural, referencing a 1929 massacre that awakened IT.
- Bill Skarsgård’s makeup took three hours daily, and his creepy smile is all natural—no CGI.
- The Paul Bunyan statue in Derry comes alive in the book and is easter-egged in the films.
- Connections to King’s multiverse: References to turtles (Maturin) and other novels like The Dark Tower.
These details reward eagle-eyed viewers and tie into the broader horror ecosystem.
FAQ:
Is the 1990 IT miniseries part of the chronological order?
It’s an alternative adaptation covering similar events to the 2017/2019 films but isn’t canon to the modern series. Watch it optionally after the others.
What’s the difference between release and chronological order for IT movies?
Release starts with 1990, then 2017, 2019, and 2025. Chrono begins with the prequel for story flow.
How does Pennywise’s 27-year cycle work in the Stephen King IT movies timeline?
IT hibernates for 27 years, awakening for a year of terror, often ending with a major catastrophe.
Is IT: Welcome to Derry required viewing?
As a prequel, it enriches the lore but isn’t essential for the main films.
What’s next after IT Chapter Two?
The franchise might expand with more Derry stories, but nothing confirmed yet.
Conclusion:
Recapping the IT movies in order: Start with IT: Welcome to Derry (1960s), followed by IT (2017) in the ’80s, and IT Chapter Two (2019) in 2016. This chronological approach unlocks the full terror of Pennywise’s cycles and Derry’s secrets. With the prequel teasing more lore, the franchise shows no signs of slowing.
If you enjoyed this guide to watch IT movies in order, share your thoughts in the comments— what’s your favorite Pennywise moment? Subscribe for more horror content, and check out related posts like our Stephen King Adaptations Roundup. Float on, horror fans!
Thanks for Visit!
