Underworld Movies In Order: Where And How to Watch?

The Underworld film series is a dark, action-packed, and gothic saga that has captivated fans since 2003. If you’re fascinated by the eternal war between vampires and werewolves (known here as Lycans), then this franchise offers a gritty, visually rich dive into that conflict.

With supernatural creatures, brutal combat, tragic love, and political intrigue, Underworld has earned its place in the canon of modern vampire cinema.

But watching Underworld movies in the right order isn’t as straightforward as you might think. The timeline isn’t linear—the films jump between past and present, filling in lore and history along the way. That means you have two solid choices: Release Order (how audiences first experienced it) or Chronological Order (how events unfold in the Underworld universe).

In this guide, we’ll break down both methods, give you insights into each movie, and help you decide the best way to experience the story of Selene, the Death Dealer, and the epic war she’s caught in. Whether you’re a first-time viewer or planning a rewatch, this guide has everything you need.

Underworld Movies in Release Order

Watching the Underworld movies in release order is the most popular method, especially for first-time viewers. This way, you experience the story as it was presented in theaters.

🎥 1. Underworld (2003)

• Directed by: Len Wiseman
• Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Bill Nighy
• Synopsis: The story begins with Selene, a vampire Death Dealer, who is devoted to eradicating Lycans. When she saves Michael Corvin—a human with a mysterious connection—her world turns upside down. Secrets are revealed, and loyalties are tested.
• Why It Matters: This is the origin point for viewers. It introduces the world, rules, and visual style of the series.

🎥 2. Underworld: Evolution (2006)

• Synopsis: Selene and Michael are now fugitives, hunted by both vampires and Lycans. They uncover deeper secrets about the vampire elders and their hybrid heritage.
• Why It Matters: This sequel builds the mythology of the franchise, tying together past betrayals and the origins of the vampire-Lycan war.

🎥 3. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

• Synopsis: We go back in time to witness the love story between Lucian (a Lycan) and Sonja (a vampire). Their forbidden romance leads to rebellion and the rise of the Lycan army.
• Why It Matters: This is the emotional backbone of the franchise, explaining the beginnings of the conflict and giving depth to characters mentioned in earlier films.

🎥 4. Underworld: Awakening (2012)

• Synopsis: Selene wakes up after being in cryogenic sleep for 12 years. The world has changed—humans have discovered the existence of vampires and Lycans and are exterminating them. She must navigate a hostile new world while trying to find her lost daughter.
• Why It Matters: The stakes are higher than ever. The story takes a sci-fi twist and focuses on human involvement in the war.

🎥 5. Underworld: Blood Wars (2016)

• Synopsis: Selene returns for one last stand, trying to end the war once and for all. She travels to the Nordic Coven, evolves further, and embraces her final form.
• Why It Matters: This is the latest (and possibly final) chapter in Selene’s journey. It offers closure for many arcs.

Underworld Movies: Order of release Date

Kate Beckinsale’s seductive vampire Selene and Scott Speedman’s rebellious werewolf Michael fall in love, but their respective clans despise them.

The lovers, who are persistently pursued by adversaries on all sides, look into their pasts as they search for their future.

1. Underworld (2003)

1. IMDb Rating: 7/10
2. Directed by: Len Wiseman

In the darkness of the night, vampires and their natural, vengeful werewolf foes, the Lycans, confront an ages-long dispute.

Selene, a vampire who was left orphaned after a vicious Lycan attack, serves the vampire clan as a skilled assassin.

When Michael Corvin, a brilliant human doctor, attracts the surprising attention of the Lycans, Selene fights to protect him from Lucian, a vicious Lycan leader who resolved to put an end to the vampire bloodline.

2. Underworld Evolution (2006)

1. IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
2. Director: Len Wiseman

The film is the next installation and the second installment in the Underworld franchise, It takes place less than thirty minutes after the conclusion of its preceding movie.

The plot tracks the protagonists, Selene and Michael, as they look for clues to grasp the background of their species and the violent fights that have occurred between them. Along the way, they fight to protect the Corvinus bloodline from its hidden past.

Selene, at the end of the movie, says she is afraid that dark times are coming and that the boundaries between the species have blurred, but she is also hopeful that she will not have to confront the coming days alone.

3. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

1. IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
2. Director: Patrick Tatopoulos

The Lycans have been victimized by Viktor, the vicious king of the vampires, for generations. In order to defeat Viktor as well as his Death Dealer troops, the young Lycan Lucian organizes his people.

Lucian rallies the werewolves in a decisive battle to release themselves from captivity or perish trying, with his vampire secret girlfriend Sonja by his side.

4. Underworld: Awakening (2012)

1. IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
2. Directed by: Måns Mårlind and Björn Stein

Selene must withstand barbaric attacks from both the vampire group that betrayed her and the Lycan clan, her natural enemy.

She teams up with David and Thomas and goes off on an assignment to put a stop to the persistent conflict between the two species, even if it means offering the ultimate sacrifice.

5. Underworld: Blood Wars (2016)

1. IMDb Rating: 5.7/10
2. Directed by: Anna Foerster

The Lycans are about to entirely eradicate the surviving vampire covens. Both species are looking for Selene: the Lycans, commanded by Marius, want to use her to find Eve, whose blood holds the key to creating a legion of vampire-werewolf hybrids, while the vampires want retribution for the death of Viktor.

The last installation of the saga follows Selene attempting to navigate through these challenging times and how she works to righten everything in time.

Underworld Movies in Chronological Order

Want to follow the actual timeline of events? Here’s how the films play out chronologically within the universe:

⌛ 1. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

Set in the Dark Ages, this film lays the foundation. Watch this first to understand how the war began and how the first generation of Lycans came to be.

⌛ 2. Underworld (2003)

Now jump forward to the modern era, where the war is still raging. Selene’s story begins here, shaped by the events of the past.

⌛ 3. Underworld: Evolution (2006)

Direct continuation of the 2003 film. The vampire-Lycan lore expands, and we see more flashbacks and truths unearthed.

⌛ 4. Underworld: Awakening (2012)

Fast forward a few years into the future. Selene is no longer just a Death Dealer—she’s a fugitive, a mother, and a supercharged vampire.

⌛ 5. Underworld: Blood Wars (2016)

Selene now seeks peace and power in a changed world. The saga builds to its conclusion in a new setting with evolved characters.

Where Can You Watch Underworld Movies?

As of 2025, the Underworld movies are available on several platforms depending on your region. Here’s a general guide:

• Netflix – Often has 1–2 titles in rotation, varies by country.
• Amazon Prime Video – Available for rent or purchase.
• Hulu – Has streamed the full saga occasionally.
• Apple TV / iTunes – Full collection available for purchase.
• Vudu / Google Play – All movies are available to rent or buy.

If any of the titles are region-locked, you can use a VPN like ExpressVPN to stream from other Netflix libraries.

Using a VPN to Watch Underworld Globally

Some Underworld titles might be restricted in your country. You can safely access them using a VPN, which changes your IP address and tricks platforms into thinking you’re browsing from another country.

🛠️ How To Use a VPN

Search and enjoy watching!

• Subscribe to ExpressVPN.
• Download and install the VPN app on your device.
• Connect to a country where Underworld is available (e.g., US or UK).
• Go to Netflix or your preferred platform.

FAQs

Final Thoughts: Step Into the Shadows

The Underworld franchise is more than just a vampire vs. werewolf showdown. It’s a deep, dark, and often tragic saga of loyalty, betrayal, forbidden love, and survival.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or diving in for the first time, watching the films in the right order enhances the experience. Start with the release order for the full cinematic journey, or go chronological if you want the backstory first.

Whichever path you choose, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare to enter the Underworld.