Underworld is a series of action horror films that lean into the dark fantasy world. Starring Kate Beckinsale, it began in 2003 with the first release, Underworld, which focused on protagonist Selene, who is a vampire-warrior that becomes the focus on the franchise. It has since produced several sequels, which includes an animated addition.
Overall, the Underworld franchise may have garnered less-than-favorable reviews from critics, however, has created a devoted cult following and performed successfully at the box office. That said, the future of the franchise is still unknown. Back in 2017, an Underworld TV show was reportedly in the works, with the original movie’s director attached, but not much has developed since. Furthermore, Beckinsale has stated her refusal to return for a fifth Underworld live-action sequel, and has expressed doubts (per We Got This Covered) that a sixth movie would even happen. Until we hear more, let’s look at the Underworld franchise and see where each title ranks.
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6 Underworld: Endless War
Sony Pictures
Underworld: Endless War represents an animated addition to the franchise, being released in 2011. This addition is a short film that is 18 minutes long and is made up of three different stories that take place at different times within the franchise. The franchise, as a whole, focuses on the war between the Vampires and the Lycans, exploring different aspects to the story than we had previously seen on-screen in live action form. The film is unique in its format, however, the story is not fully fleshed out enough to place higher on the list.
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5 Underworld: Blood Wars
Underworld: Blood Wars was released in 2016 and was the last film to be released in the franchise. Fans were placing a lot of hope on this franchise to end on a high note, however, the film ended up being the most criticised and lowest-earning sequel overall. It seemed like the effects went backwards from earlier additions to the franchise, and the story lacked the same impact the previous movies had, making it feel lackluster overall.
4 Underworld: Awakening
Underworld: Awakening was released in 2012 and featured Beckinsale’s return after she was absent from the third film in the franchise, which already excited audiences and created renewed hype around the film’s release. The decision to have Beckinsale return to the franchise saw box office numbers increase, which was to be expected. Despite this, fans were not as impressed with this sequel as intended, feeling that the effects were not up to par and the action sequences overtook the gothic element that was crucial to the franchise.
3 Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans was the third addition to the franchise, being released in 2009 and notably featuring the absence of Beckinsale as Selene. The movie is a prequel and focuses on the history of the vampires and the rise of the Lycans, exploring the history of both groups. The film did not receive favorable reviews from critics, however, remains a more beloved addition among fans. Michael Sheen and Bill Nighy step up to carry the movie, however, Beckinsale’s presence is definitely missed.
2 Underworld: Evolution
Underworld: Evolution is the second entry in the franchise, following up from the original with its release in 2006.The film had the tough job of following the beloved original, and does a good job overall. The film misses in terms of its aesthetic compared to the original, however it’s a solid addition that fans still enjoy.
1 Underworld
Underworld is the original, and the original cannot be beat in this case. The movie was released in 2003 and introduced the world to the franchise that would continue to evolve and grow. The film debuted Beckinsale as Selene and introduced us to the gothic world rich with a definitive aesthetic that fans fell in love with. The film remains beloved, and no later release has managed to follow up to the original, earning Underworld a deserved spot at the top.
