The Sicario film series delivers some of the most tense, morally complex crime thrillers of the last decade. From the dusty borderlands to high-stakes cartel operations, these movies pull no punches. If you’re searching for the Sicario movies in order, you’ve come to the right place.
As of 2026, the franchise includes two released films and a long-awaited third project still in development. Watching them in the proper sequence is essential. The story builds tension, deepens characters, and reveals the brutal machinery behind the war on drugs. Jumping around can weaken the impact of Benicio del Toro’s quiet menace and the shifting moral lines that define the series.
This guide gives you the clear Sicario watch order, detailed breakdowns of each film, the current status of Sicario: Capos, and answers to the most common questions. Whether you’re a first-time viewer or returning for a rewatch, you’ll know exactly how to experience the Sicario film series the right way.
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Sicario Movies in Order (Release Order)
Here is the official release order for the Sicario film series:
- Sicario (2015)
- Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)
- Sicario: Capos (in development – no confirmed release date as of 2026)
This is both the chronological and recommended Sicario chronological order. The story follows a continuous timeline with recurring characters and escalating stakes. There is no need to watch them out of sequence.
| Film | Year | Director | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sicario | 2015 | Denis Villeneuve | FBI agent enters the shadow war |
| Sicario: Day of the Soldado | 2018 | Stefano Sollima | Escalating cartel conflict |
| Sicario: Capos | TBD | TBD | Expected continuation of Alejandro’s arc |
Detailed Breakdown of Each Film
1. Sicario (2015)
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Main Cast: Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin
Runtime: 2 hours 1 minute
An idealistic FBI agent joins a government task force targeting a powerful Mexican drug cartel. What begins as a standard operation quickly reveals a darker, more ambiguous mission. The film immerses viewers in a world where the rules of engagement are murky and the line between law enforcement and extrajudicial action blurs.
This first entry establishes the tone, style, and central characters that define the entire series. Denis Villeneuve’s precise direction, combined with Roger Deakins’ cinematography, creates an atmosphere of constant dread. Benicio del Toro’s Alejandro Gillick emerges as one of modern cinema’s most compelling anti-heroes—quiet, lethal, and driven by personal loss.
Why it matters: It introduces the moral complexity and visual language of the franchise. Skipping it means missing the foundation of every major character relationship.
Critical consensus: Widely praised (91% on Rotten Tomatoes). Critics highlighted the performances of Emily Blunt and Benicio del Toro and the film’s tense, intelligent approach to the drug war.
Where to stream: Available on major platforms depending on your region (check Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or digital rental services).
2. Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)
Director: Stefano Sollima
Main Cast: Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin, Isabela Merced, Jeffrey Donovan
Runtime: 2 hours 2 minutes
The sequel shifts focus. When a series of deadly incidents on U.S. soil is linked to Mexican cartels, the government responds with a more aggressive strategy. Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) and Alejandro Gillick are brought back into the field for a high-risk operation that involves crossing legal and ethical boundaries even further than before.
Emily Blunt’s character does not return as a lead, allowing the story to lean harder into the world of professional operators and cartel politics. The film expands the scope while keeping the same cold, clinical intensity.
Why it matters: It deepens Alejandro’s character and shows the long-term consequences of the tactics introduced in the first film. It also sets up potential future stories involving the next generation of cartel players.
Critical consensus: Mixed-to-positive (62% on Rotten Tomatoes). Many reviewers praised the continued strong performances and action sequences while noting it lacked some of the original’s moral center.
Where to stream: Widely available for streaming or digital purchase on major platforms.
3. Sicario: Capos (In Development)
The third film in the Sicario film series has been discussed for years under the working title Sicario: Capos. As of 2026, producers and cast members (including Josh Brolin) have confirmed that the project remains active. A script exists, and the intention is for Benicio del Toro to return as Alejandro. No official release date, director, or full cast has been locked in.
The title “Capos” (Spanish for bosses or kingpins) suggests a story that moves higher up the cartel hierarchy. Fans expect it to continue Alejandro’s personal mission while exploring the broader power structures of the drug trade.
Best Watch Order Explained
The recommended Sicario watch order is simple: release order equals chronological order.
Start with Sicario (2015), then move to Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018). This sequence lets you experience the full arc of the characters and the escalating stakes. The first film establishes the world and moral questions. The second film answers some of those questions while raising new ones.
Some online discussions occasionally suggest watching Day of the Soldado first because it focuses more heavily on Alejandro and Matt. That approach is not recommended. You lose the impact of Alejandro’s introduction and the carefully built tension of the original. The two films were designed to be experienced in the order they were released.
There is no need to wait for Sicario: Capos before watching the existing movies. The first two films stand strongly on their own as a complete experience while still leaving room for continuation.
How many Sicario movies are there?
There are two released Sicario movies: Sicario (2015) and Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018). A third film, Sicario: Capos, remains in active development with no confirmed release date as of 2026.
List of All Sicario Movies in Order of Release Date
Here is the list of Sicario films in order of release Date:
1. Sicario — September 18, 2015
2. Sicario: Day of the Soldado — June 29, 2018
3. Sicario: Capos — TBD
Will There Be a Sicario 3? (Sicario: Capos Update)
Yes—producers and key cast members have repeatedly confirmed that a third Sicario movie is still planned. In updates throughout 2025, Josh Brolin stated that the project is “very, very real” and that a script (reportedly titled Sicario: Capos) has been written with a strong hook.
Taylor Sheridan, who wrote both previous films, has been linked to the project, though his extensive television commitments have slowed progress. Earlier reports mentioned possible involvement from Christopher McQuarrie, but nothing has been finalized.
As of mid-2026, Sicario: Capos remains in active development with no firm production start date or release window. Fans should treat any specific year announcements with caution until official confirmation arrives from the studio or producers.
The good news is that the creative team and lead actors remain interested. When it eventually arrives, it will likely continue the story of Alejandro Gillick and the ongoing conflict along the border.
Cast & Characters Across the Series
Benicio del Toro as Alejandro Gillick The emotional and narrative core of the franchise. A former prosecutor turned government asset, Alejandro operates with cold precision driven by personal tragedy. Del Toro’s restrained, magnetic performance anchors both films.
Josh Brolin as Matt Graver A CIA operative who approaches the drug war with pragmatic ruthlessness. Brolin brings a mix of dark humor and steel that perfectly balances del Toro’s intensity. He appears in both released films and is expected to return.
Emily Blunt as Kate Macer The moral compass of the first film. An idealistic FBI agent forced to confront the gray areas of the war on drugs. Her perspective grounds the audience. She does not appear as a lead in the sequel.
Supporting players such as Jeffrey Donovan, Daniel Kaluuya (in the first film), and Isabela Merced (in the sequel) add texture and expand the world. The series thrives on strong, understated performances rather than large ensemble casts.
FAQ: Sicario Movies in Order
What is the correct order to watch Sicario movies? The correct Sicario movies in order is release order: Sicario (2015), followed by Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018). This matches the chronological story.
How many Sicario movies are there? Two films have been released. A third, Sicario: Capos, is in development as of 2026.
Is Sicario: Day of the Soldado a sequel? Yes. It is the direct sequel to the 2015 film and continues the story of Alejandro and Matt Graver.
Is there a third Sicario movie? Yes. Sicario: Capos is confirmed to be in development, though no release date has been set.
Do I need to watch Sicario before Day of the Soldado? Strongly recommended. The second film assumes knowledge of the characters and events from the first.
Who directed the Sicario movies? Denis Villeneuve directed the first film. Stefano Sollima directed the second. The director for Sicario: Capos has not been announced.
Conclusion
The Sicario movies in order are straightforward and rewarding. Begin with Denis Villeneuve’s 2015 masterpiece, continue with Sicario: Day of the Soldado, and keep an eye on updates for Sicario: Capos. Together they form one of the most gripping modern crime thrillers, powered by outstanding performances from Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin and sharp writing from Taylor Sheridan.
Whether you’re discovering the series for the first time or revisiting it, watching in the proper sequence delivers the full impact of this dark, intelligent franchise.
Have you watched the Sicario films? What’s your favorite moment or performance? Drop a comment below and let us know how you ranked them. If you’re looking for more intense crime thrillers, check out our related guide: Best Crime Thrillers Like Sicario.
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