The Underworld saga explores vampires, werewolves, and immortal politics across a sprawling timeline. Understanding how many underworld movies were there helps fans trace the evolution of the lore and plan their next binge session.
Each entry builds on mythos, power struggles, and shifting alliances between species. This guide breaks down the core entries, chronology, and key details for viewers navigating the franchise.
Complete Film Chronology
The timeline below captures the main theatrical releases and key context for how the universe expanded over two decades.
| Title | Year | Protagonist | Primary Species Conflict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underworld | 2035 | Selene | Vampire vs Lycan |
| Underworld: Evolution | 2006 | Selene & Michael | Vampire Lycan Threat |
| Underworld: Rise of the Lycans | 2009 | Lucian | Origins of the War |
| Underworld: Awakening | 2012 | Selene | New Breed & Humans |
| Underworld: Blood Wars | 2016 | Selene | Clan Warfare |
Origins: Rise of the Lycans
This prequel reshapes the early mythos by showing how the centuries-long feud between vampires and werewolves began.
Backstory and Key Characters
Set in the 9th century, the film follows Lucian, a enslaved Lycan who rises against his Vampire masters. The story deepens the political tension and explains the fragile truce that later defines the world of Underworld.
Narrative Impact on the Franchise
By expanding the timeline, Rise of the Lycans adds depth to recurring characters and provides context for the enduring conflict. It highlights themes of class struggle and survival that echo through the main series.
Core Series Underworld Entries
The central saga follows Selene as she battles both external enemies and internal doubts. Tracking these films clarifies continuity, lore, and how many underworld movies shaped the overarching narrative.
Underworld (2003) and Evolution (2006)
The original film introduces Selene’s relentless hunt for Lycans and her evolving bond with Michael. Evolution raises the stakes by revealing deeper conspiracies within the Vampire court and testing Selene’s loyalty.
Awakening (2012) and Blood Wars (2016)
Awakening throws Selene into a modern world dominated by a powerful corporation experimenting on hybrids. Blood Wars shifts the focus toward clan politics and culminates in Selene’s quest for vengeance and redemption.
Extended Media and Spinoffs
Beyond the main series, short films and novels enrich the universe, offering side stories and exploring factions rarely seen on screen.
Tie-ins, Novels, and Digital Content
These materials flesh out minor characters, detail clan hierarchies, and sometimes experiment with alternative timelines. They appeal to dedicated fans who want to explore lore beyond the theatrical releases.
Legacy and Fan Guidance
The franchise has maintained a dedicated following by balancing stylized action with evolving mythology about immortals and their wars.
- Follow the chronological timeline to fully grasp the political dynamics between Vampires and Lycans.
- Use the core five films as your foundation before exploring extended media.
- Pay attention to character motivations, as alliances shift across entries.
- Note that later films introduce new factions, testing the established order.
- Consider the backstory provided by Rise of the Lycans to enrich your understanding of present conflicts.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many underworld movies are there in the main series?
There are five core theatrical films in the main Underworld series, starting with Underworld (2003) and ending with Underworld: Blood Wars (2016).
Does Underworld: Rise of the Lycans count as one of the movies?
Yes, it is the third chronological entry and a full narrative feature that explains the origins of the centuries-old conflict.
Are there any standalone films or reboots in the franchise?
No official reboot exists, and all released films are part of the continuous timeline, though some explore alternative angles or earlier eras.
What is the recommended viewing order for the saga?
Watch in release order: Underworld, Underworld: Evolution, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, Underworld: Awakening, and Underworld: Blood Wars to best follow character arcs and plot developments.