The Jurassic Park films have left a significant mark on pop culture, sparking a widespread fascination with dinosaurs. It began with Steven Spielberg’s 1993 blockbuster, which captivated audiences with its groundbreaking depiction of these ancient creatures brought back to life. These movies offer exciting adventures filled with suspense, as they explore the thrills and dangers of a world where dinosaurs roam once more.
Following the success of the original trilogy, the saga continued with the Jurassic World series, infusing the franchise with new storylines and an array of dinosaur escapades. By watching these films in order of their release, you can dive into a thrilling cinematic journey, experiencing all the action and thrills that have made these movies unforgettable.
Jurassic Park Film Series by Release Date
- Jurassic Park – June 11, 1993
- Jurassic Park: The Lost World – May 23, 1997
- Jurassic Park III – July 18, 2001
Jurassic World Films by Release Date
Here is the release order for the Jurassic World films:
- Jurassic World – June 12, 2015.
- Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom – June 22, 2018.
- The short film Battle at Big Rock – September 15, 2019.
- Jurassic World: Dominion – June 10, 2022.
Jurassic Park and Jurassic World Films in Story Order
If you want to experience the Jurassic series, start with the release order of the movies since there are no prequels yet. The series kicks off with “Jurassic Park” and moves through “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” and “Jurassic Park III,” before transitioning to the newer “Jurassic World” series. The timeline also includes the short film “Battle at Big Rock,” which plays a significant role in the events of the Jurassic World storyline. Spin-offs like Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous are not central to the main plot.
1. Jurassic Park
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 91%
Jurassic Park, released in 1993, stands out as a milestone in film history, securing its place as a blockbuster. The story centers on John Hammond, owner of the revolutionary park filled with dinosaur life. He brings together a group of scientists and experts to examine the safety of this park, located on the imagined Isla Nublar.
Your adventure begins with notable characters like the archeologist duo, Dr. Alan Grant and Dr. Ellie Sattler, alongside the charismatic mathematician Ian Malcolm. These roles, portrayed by Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum, bring depth to the narrative. The film earned more than twenty awards, including three prestigious Oscars. Additionally, it was added to the United States National Film Registry for its cultural and historical importance, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
2. Jurassic Park: The Lost World
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 53%
The Lost World: Jurassic Park occurs four years after the first movie. The original park’s founder, Hammond, loses control of his company, InGen, but manages to hide a second island, Isla Sorna. This island was used for breeding dinosaurs, and its existence was kept under wraps to prevent a scandal about the original park’s disaster.
An unfortunate incident on Isla Sorna prompts Hammond to bring back Ian Malcolm, reuniting him with a new team. They face challenges from InGen’s new owners, who aim to capture dinosaurs for a new venture.
3. Jurassic Park III
IMDb Rating: 5.9/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 49%
In Jurassic Park III, the final movie of the original trilogy, you would see a change in directors from Steven Spielberg to Joe Johnston. This story revolves around Dr. Alan Grant, who is interested in learning about Velociraptor intelligence. Struggling with funding, he encounters Paul and Amanda Kirby, portrayed by William H. Macy and Tea Leoni.
They persuade him to accompany them on a trip to Isla Sorna by promising financial support for his research. This island is significant as it was featured in The Lost World. While the movie did well commercially, it remains the lowest earner in the series. You can find it available for streaming on Netflix.
4. Jurassic World
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 72%
Jurassic World is the fourth installment in the Jurassic Park series and marks the beginning of the Jurassic World trilogy. Directed by Colin Trevorrow, the movie finally began production after being delayed since 2004. The story unfolds 22 years after the events of the original Jurassic Park. You will see Simon Masrani, played by Irrfan Khan, as the head of Masrani Global Corporation, which took over InGen to build a new park called Jurassic World. This park aims to improve on John Hammond’s vision.
Although everything seems to run smoothly, chaos erupts when the park’s newest attraction, the Indominus Rex, breaks loose. The genetically modified creature goes on a rampage, leading to action-packed scenes. The film achieved massive success, grossing $1.6 billion around the world, making it the third highest-grossing film at that time.
5. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 47%
In Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, a sequel to Jurassic World, you watch as the dinosaurs live gently on the island for four years without humans. Then, news of a looming volcano eruption prompts humans to return. Directed by J.A. Bayona, this is the fifth movie in the Jurassic series. You’ll recognize Jeff Goldblum as he returns to his iconic role as Ian Malcolm, making an appearance for the first time since The Lost World. This film stages a dramatic blend of adventure and tension, capturing both human and dino struggles once more.
6. Battle at Big Rock (Short Film)
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 75%
Battle at Big Rock unfolds a year after the dramatic events of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. It highlights a family’s camping trip that quickly turns dangerous. You see their experience at the fictional Big Rock National Park, about 32 km from where the dinosaurs were originally set free. As the family settles in, they find themselves amid a fierce encounter between a Nasutoceratops and an Allosaurus. This intense face-off marks a pivotal moment of human and dinosaur interactions. You can watch the short film on YouTube for the full experience.
7. Jurassic World: Dominion
IMDb Rating: 5.6/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 29%
Jurassic World: Dominion occurs four years post the events of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Dinosaurs coexist with humans, creating a world where prehistoric creatures roam freely across the globe. You’ll see the return of the original trio: Dr. Ellie Sattler, Dr. Alan Grant, and Ian Malcolm. They team up with Owen Grady, played by Chris Pratt, and Claire Dearing, portrayed by Bryce Dallas Howard, to protect humanity. You can rent it on Prime Video.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the chronological sequence to watch the Jurassic Park movies?
To enjoy the Jurassic Park series in the order of events in the storyline, start with the original Jurassic Park film from 1993. Next, watch The Lost World: Jurassic Park followed by Jurassic Park III. After those, move on to Jurassic World, then Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, and finish with Jurassic World: Dominion.
How many films are there in the Jurassic Park franchise?
The Jurassic Park series is made up of six movies. These include the first Jurassic Park trilogy, consisting of Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, and Jurassic Park III. The second part, known as the Jurassic World trilogy, includes Jurassic World, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, and Jurassic World: Dominion.
Do all the Jurassic Park movies connect with each other?
Yes, the films in the franchise are interconnected. The storylines and characters often reference previous events and people from the earlier movies, bridging the original Jurassic Park trilogy and the newer Jurassic World series.
Where can the entire series of Jurassic Park films be viewed?
You can watch the full set of Jurassic Park films on various streaming platforms. Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max often include these movies in their libraries. Availability can vary depending on your location.
What is the recommended order to watch the Jurassic World films?
When watching the Jurassic World series, it is best to start with Jurassic World followed by Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and concluding with Jurassic World: Dominion. This order follows the sequence in which the story develops.
Is Jurassic World: Dominion the last movie in the series?
Jurassic World: Dominion is currently considered the final chapter in the series. It wraps up the storyline that started in Jurassic Park and followed through Jurassic World. However, future spin-offs or related content could be released, but there have been no official announcements about more movies in the franchise.