Underworld Movies in Order: Complete Chronological Guide 2026

If you love dark, stylish action-horror packed with vampires, Lycans, and non-stop gun-fu, the Underworld series is pure gothic adrenaline. Kate Beckinsale’s deadly Death Dealer Selene has defined the franchise since 2003, blending sleek visuals, intense lore, and epic battles between ancient bloodlines.

Whether you’re a newcomer wondering how to watch Underworld movies in order or a longtime fan revisiting the Underworld saga timeline, this guide covers everything. We’ll break down Underworld movies in release order, the better Underworld movies chronological order, and help you decide which way to dive in.

Underworld Movies in Release Order {#release-order}

Here’s the franchise in the order the films hit theaters:

Underworld Movies in Chronological Order {#chrono-order}

This is the most important section for story purists. The Underworld film series in order of events:

1. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

Set in the early 15th century, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans serves as the foundational chapter of the entire franchise. This prequel dives deep into the origins of the immortal conflict, focusing on the forbidden romance between the Lycan slave Lucian (Michael Sheen) and the vampire noblewoman Sonja (Rhona Mitra). Under the tyrannical rule of the vampire Elder Viktor (Bill Nighy), Lycans are treated as little more than beasts of burden. The film explores Lucian’s rise as a leader who sparks a rebellion that will echo through the ages. With its medieval setting, brutal arena fights, and tragic love story, Rise of the Lycans provides crucial context for the hatred between the species and Viktor’s ruthless decisions that shape Selene’s future. It stands as an emotional and visually distinct entry that enriches the lore.

2. Underworld: Endless War – Part 1 (2011)

Taking place in 1890s Paris, this animated short follows Selene (voiced by Kate Beckinsale) as she hunts a trio of powerful Lycan brothers who have infiltrated human high society. The short maintains the franchise’s signature gothic atmosphere while expanding Selene’s role as a relentless Death Dealer across different historical eras. It bridges the gap between the ancient origins and the modern timeline, showing how the war continues to simmer in the shadows of human civilization.

3. Underworld: Endless War – Part 2 (2011) (1960s)

Set in the 1960s, this second animated installment continues Selene’s pursuit of the remaining Lycan lords amid the cultural upheaval of the era. She must navigate not only her enemies but also political intrigue within the vampire coven, including her arranged ties to the treacherous Kraven. These shorts add depth to Selene’s long immortal life and her unwavering commitment to the war.

4. Underworld (2003)

The film that launched the franchise, Underworld (set in the early 2000s) introduces us to the lethal vampire Death Dealer Selene (Kate Beckinsale). While hunting Lycans, she becomes entangled in a conspiracy when she discovers the Lycans are pursuing a seemingly ordinary human named Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman). As ancient betrayals surface and Selene questions everything she believes about her coven and the war, the movie delivers stylish, rain-soaked action sequences, intricate mythology, and the beginning of one of cinema’s most iconic hybrid romances. This is where the modern chapter of the saga truly ignites.

5. Underworld: Evolution (2006)

Picking up immediately after the events of the first film, Evolution thrusts Selene and the newly turned hybrid Michael into a desperate fight for survival. As they evade both vampire and Lycan forces, they awaken the ancient Elder Markus (Tony Curran), the very first vampire, whose agenda threatens to unleash even greater chaos. The film expands the universe dramatically by revealing the true origins of the Corvinus bloodline and the virus that created both species. Expect higher stakes, more intense hybrid abilities, breathtaking visuals, and deeper emotional bonds between the central characters.

6. Underworld: Endless War – Part 3 (2011)

This final animated short connects the historical threads directly into the events leading toward Awakening, showing Selene’s continued battles in the years following Evolution.

7. Underworld: Awakening (2012)

After more than a decade in cryogenic suspension, Selene awakens in a near-future world where humans have discovered the existence of vampires and Lycans and launched a brutal extermination campaign. Reunited with her hybrid daughter Eve and aided by the enigmatic Detective Sebastian (Theo James), Selene fights to protect what remains of her kind while uncovering new corporate conspiracies. This entry shifts the franchise into a more sci-fi action direction with intense laboratory escapes and city-wide battles.

8. Underworld: Blood Wars (2016)

In the latest chapter, Selene seeks refuge with the Nordic vampire coven while training a new generation of warriors. Facing threats from both a Lycan uprising led by Marius and internal vampire politics, she must harness her evolving powers to secure the future of her species. Featuring stunning snowy landscapes and some of the most fluid action in the series, Blood Wars delivers a satisfying escalation of Selene’s legend as the ultimate Death Dealer.

Full Underworld Timeline Explained {#timeline}

The saga spans over 800 years, rooted in the Corvinus bloodline. Alexander Corvinus survived a plague in the 5th century, passing the immortal virus to his sons: one became the first vampire, the other the first werewolf. The war between their descendants rages through the Middle Ages right into the modern era.

Best Underworld Movies Ranked {#ranked}

1. Underworld: Evolution – Best balance of action and lore.
2. Underworld – The stylish original that defined the franchise.
3. Blood Wars – Visually stunning finale.
4. Rise of the Lycans – Strongest prequel with emotional depth.
5. Awakening – Fun but slightly rushed.

How many underworld movies are there?

There are five main Underworld movies plus the animated Underworld: Endless War shorts. The live-action films star Kate Beckinsale as Selene across the vampire-Lycan saga.

All Underworld Movies in Order of Release Date

Here is the list of Underworld films in order, they were released.

1. Underworld — September 19, 2003

2. Underworld: Evolution — January 20, 2006

3. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans — January 23, 2009

4.  Underworld: Endless War — December 20, 2011 [Short film]

5. Underworld: Awakening — January 20, 2012

6. Underworld: Blood Wars — January 6, 2017

Should You Watch Underworld in Release Order or Chronological Order? {#watch-order}

Release Order is generally recommended for first-time viewers. It preserves the mystery and surprises the filmmakers intended.

Chronological Order works great on rewatch when you already know the characters and want the story in pure timeline sequence.

For most fans, start with release order and switch to chronological for subsequent marathons.

FAQ {#faq}

Q1: How many Underworld movies are there? A: There are five main live-action films plus the animated Endless War shorts.

Q2: Should I watch Underworld in release or chronological order? A: Release order for the best first experience; chronological for timeline purists.

Q3: Is Kate Beckinsale in all Underworld movies? A: Yes, she stars as Selene in every live-action film.

Q4: Where can I watch the Underworld movies in 2026? A: Availability varies – check Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or rent on iTunes/Google Play.

Q5: Is there an Underworld 6 coming? A: As of 2026, no official new film has been confirmed, though rumors persist.

Q6: What is the correct chronological order of Underworld? A: Rise of the Lycans → Endless War Parts 1-2 → Underworld → Evolution → Endless War Part 3 → Awakening → Blood Wars.

Q7: Are the Underworld movies connected to other vampire franchises? A: No official crossovers, though fans often dream of a Selene vs. Blade matchup.

Conclusion

The Underworld movies in order deliver one of the most consistent and stylish supernatural action franchises ever made. Kate Beckinsale’s Selene remains an absolute icon of gothic badassery, and the vampire-Lycan war never gets old.

Ready to dive in? Grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and let the immortal war begin. Which movie are you starting with — or rewatching?

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