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Underworld (2003)
2003
Comic Movie DB
Underworld Movies in Order
The Underworld franchise blends gothic action, vampire mythology, werewolf warfare and early-2000s leather-coat cinema into one of the most stylish dark fantasy movie series of its era.
This guide breaks down the Underworld movies in order, covering Selene’s story, the war between vampires and Lycans, the prequel timeline and the best entries to revisit.
Underworld Movies in Release Order
Watching the Underworld movies in release order gives fans the clearest journey through the franchise as it expands from gothic vampire action into deeper Lycan mythology and larger supernatural war.
The series begins with Selene uncovering hidden truths about the vampire clans before expanding into prequel history and future conflicts.
Why the Original Underworld Still Defines the Franchise
The original Underworld remains the defining entry because it established the franchise’s gothic tone, vampire-versus-Lycan mythology and Selene as one of modern action fantasy’s most recognisable heroines.
Its mix of supernatural warfare, blue-black visuals and sleek action helped the film stand out from other vampire movies of the early 2000s.
Kate Beckinsale
Scott Speedman
Bill NighyUnderworld Movies in Timeline Order
The Underworld timeline is slightly different from release order because Rise of the Lycans works as a prequel exploring the origins of the vampire and Lycan war.
If you want the story chronologically, begin with the prequel before moving into Selene’s main journey.
Best Underworld Movies to Rewatch
The best Underworld movies combine gothic atmosphere, stylish action and the ongoing conflict between vampires and Lycans.
These entries are the strongest picks if you want the franchise at its most entertaining and mythologically important.
Underworld Cast and Key Characters
The Underworld franchise became iconic largely because of its cast, especially Kate Beckinsale’s performance as Selene.
Across the series, the films introduced powerful vampires, Lycans, hybrids and ancient rulers who shaped the supernatural war.
Why Underworld Became a Cult Fantasy Franchise
Underworld became a cult favourite because it gave vampire cinema a darker action-movie edge. Instead of traditional gothic romance, the franchise focused on supernatural warfare, ancient bloodlines and stylish combat.
Selene also helped define a specific era of action heroines, standing alongside other early-2000s genre icons with a look and tone that remains instantly recognisable.
For more dark fantasy and comic-adjacent movie guides, explore our Darkest Superhero Movies feature, our Weirdest Comic Book Movies Ever Made guide and our wider Superhero Movies page.
Underworld Movies in Order FAQs
What order should I watch the Underworld movies in?
Release order is the easiest way to watch the Underworld movies, starting with Underworld 2003.
What is the chronological order of Underworld?
Timeline order begins with Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, followed by Underworld, Evolution, Awakening and Blood Wars.
Who plays Selene in Underworld?
Kate Beckinsale plays Selene, the vampire Death Dealer and main character of the franchise.
Is Underworld: Rise of the Lycans a prequel?
Yes. Rise of the Lycans is a prequel that explores the origins of the vampire and Lycan war.
What is the best Underworld movie?
Many fans consider the original Underworld the best because it introduced the franchise’s gothic style, mythology and Selene.
Are the Underworld movies comic book movies?
Underworld is not traditionally a superhero comic book movie, but it fits Comic Movie DB’s wider dark fantasy, action and genre franchise coverage.
Final Thoughts on the Underworld Movies
The Underworld movies remain cult favourites because they combine gothic horror, supernatural mythology and action-heavy vampire storytelling in a way few franchises fully committed to.
Whether you watch in release order or timeline order, Selene’s story remains the heart of the franchise and the reason Underworld still has a loyal fanbase years later.