How to Watch All 4 Open Season Movies in Order of Release

If you’re planning a cozy movie night filled with laughter and heartwarming moments, the Open Season film series is a great choice. This animated saga invites you into the lively world of Boog, the big-hearted bear, and his adorable sidekick, Elliot. Together with their forest friends, they embark on thrilling adventures that promise to entertain you and your family.

Created by Steve Moore and John B. Carls, and produced by Sony Pictures Animation, “Open Season” gained popularity not just in theatres but also with the release in IMAX 3D and a video game adaptation. As you journey through these films, you’ll find yourself immersed in a charming blend of humor and mischief.

All the Open Season Films in Release Order

Here is a list of the Open Season films sorted by their original release dates:

1. Open Season – Released in 2006
2. Open Season 2 – Came out in 2008
3. Open Season 3 – Released in 2010
4. Open Season: Scared Silly – Available from 2015

1. Open Season (2006)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 16%

Open Season is a 2006 animated film from Sony Pictures Animation. You follow the journey of Boog, a 900-pound (400 kg) grizzly bear living a life of comfort in the town of Timberline. He is the star of a nature show and spends his days entertaining visitors, while his nights are spent in the garage of a park ranger named Beth. Everything seems routine until you meet Elliot, a talkative mule deer.

Elliot arrives in Timberline in a rather dramatic way—strapped to the hood of a former hunter’s truck. When Boog helps free Elliot, the deer sees this as the beginning of a friendship. That very night, you discover how Elliot tries to show Boog a taste of true freedom, leading to all kinds of unexpected adventures.

The film combines lively animation and engaging dialogue to create a funny and entertaining experience. Despite mixed reviews from critics, audiences found it enjoyable. It brings you into an adventure where two unlikely friends work together to protect their forest companions from the dangers of hunting season.

2. The Adventure of Open Season 2 (2008)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 16%

In Open Season 2, directed by Matthew O’Callaghan, you embark on a thrilling adventure where Boog and Elliot take the lead. This animated tale begins in the lively spring season. Elliot, the optimistic elk, is preparing to marry Giselle. As the ceremony nears, Elliot becomes anxious when his antlers break, considering it a sign of misfortune. When Ian’s comments during the wedding ceremony create further doubt, you can feel Elliot’s uncertainty.

The real action kicks off when Mr. Weenie, the loyal dachshund, chases after a trail of dog biscuits left by his previous owners. At the height of the wedding chaos, Mr. Weenie is spirited away by his old family. Elliot, using creative storytelling, spins an exaggerated tale of Bobbie tormenting Mr. Weenie to evade his wedding fate. Meanwhile, you witness a determined rescue team consisting of Boog, Elliot, Giselle, and forest friends McSquizzy, Buddy, Serge, and Deni setting out to save Mr. Weenie.

You’ll appreciate how the film maintains its delightful charm while bringing a fresh twist to the storyline. Creative visuals and clever dialogue sprinkle humor throughout the narrative, ensuring that the journey is as entertaining as it is adventurous.

3. Open Season 3 (2010)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 16%

Open Season 3 is a family-friendly animated film directed by Cody Cameron. This installment continues the adventures of Boog, a lovable grizzly bear. It premiered in Russia on October 21, 2010, with the video release following in the United States and Canada on January 25, 2011.

In this movie, Boog wakes up one spring morning and plans a trip for the guys. This annual getaway is his chance to hang out with his male friends. However, things have changed. Elliot, Boog’s closest buddy, has a family now. He and Giselle are parents to three kids: Gisela, Giselita, and Elvis. Elliot’s family commitments keep him busy, so he isn’t available for the trip.

Boog sets off alone, bringing along his stuffed toy named Dinkleman. His journey takes a surprising turn when he joins a Russian traveling circus called the Maslova Family Circus. There, Boog crosses paths with Doug, another grizzly bear, who’s tired of circus life. Doug dreams of being a revered king of the forest.

Doug tricks Boog into swapping places, promising his llama friend Alistair that he’d return to help him. But instead, Doug attempts to control the forest animals. Back in the circus, Boog learns about Doug’s scheme through Alistair. Although Doug deceived him, Boog is gracious and forgives Alistair, finding a new friendship.

For fans of the series, this movie offers a fun-filled plot with beloved characters. The animation quality marks a noticeable improvement compared to earlier films, adding to the overall enjoyment of the experience.

4. Open Season: Scared Silly (2015)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 16%

Open Season: Scared Silly is the final chapter of the animated series directed by David Feiss, known for his work on Hanna-Barbera’s shows like Cow and Chicken. This film brings you back into the world of Boog, Elliot, and other beloved characters, although most of the original voice cast did not return. Only Melissa Sturm and Michelle Murdocca reprised their roles.

In this adventure, you hear the tale of the Wailing Wampus Werewolf told by Elliot over a campfire in Timberline National Forest. The story is enough to make Boog nervous about their usual camping trip. He decides to back out of the outing until he feels safe from the werewolf. Meanwhile, the other woodland creatures are on a mission to help Boog conquer his fears. Their strategy is to unravel the mystery of the werewolf and find a way to comfort their shaken friend.

The film made its debut in theaters in Turkey on December 18, 2015, but was directly released to video in North America on March 8, 2016. Financially, it didn’t shine as bright as its predecessors, grossing just $1.8 million against a $5.5 million budget. Yet, if you enjoy the antics and camaraderie of Boog and the gang in the series, this installment continues to deliver that familiar charm with fresh twists.

If you’re someone who has followed the Open Season series, revisiting these movies in sequence can make for an engaging experience. Dive into the animated world again and rediscover what makes these adventures special.

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