Jurassic World Movies In Order: The Ultimate Chronological Guide 🦖

Last Updated:

Navigating the thrilling and complex timeline of the Jurassic World franchise can be as tricky as outrunning a T-Rex. This definitive guide provides the exact chronological order of all Jurassic Park and Jurassic World films, plus exclusive insights, hidden connections, and expert analysis you won't find anywhere else.

Quick Answer: The complete viewing order is: 1. Jurassic Park (1993), 2. The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), 3. Jurassic Park III (2001), 4. Jurassic World (2015), 5. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018), 6. Jurassic World: Dominion (2022). But there's much more to the story...

The Complete Jurassic Saga: A Chronological Deep Dive

Since Steven Spielberg first brought Michael Crichton's novel to life in 1993, the Jurassic franchise has evolved into a multimedia empire. Understanding the correct chronological sequence is crucial to appreciating character arcs, technological evolution, and the escalating consequences of mankind's ambition. Our team of franchise historians has analysed every film, short film, and canonical material to create this authoritative timeline.

Pro Tip: For the ultimate immersive experience, watch the films in release order first, then revisit them in chronological order to spot foreshadowing and Easter eggs you missed initially.

1. Jurassic Park (1993) - Where It All Began

The groundbreaking original that started it all. Set on the fictional island of Isla Nublar, 120 miles off the coast of Costa Rica, the film introduces us to John Hammond's vision: a theme park where genetically engineered dinosaurs roam. The film's events occur in 1993 (though the novel is set in 1989). Key characters include Dr. Alan Grant, Dr. Ellie Sattler, Ian Malcolm, and the iconic T-Rex that forever changed cinema.

Interestingly, the film's success sparked numerous related projects, including video games like the Jurassic World Game and merchandise lines featuring Jurassic World Toy collections that remain popular today.

2. The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

Set four years after the original, in 1997, this sequel shifts to Isla Sorna (Site B), the secret breeding ground where dinosaurs were actually created. Ian Malcolm returns to rescue his girlfriend, only to encounter a thriving ecosystem and a hunting expedition. The film expands the mythology significantly and introduces the terrifying T-Rex rampage in San Diego.

3. Jurassic Park III (2001)

Occurring in 2001, this installment brings Dr. Alan Grant back to Isla Sorna under false pretences. While often considered the weakest of the original trilogy, it introduced the formidable Spinosaurus and provided crucial backstory about the island's abandoned facilities. The film's aerial sequences inspired the popular Jurassic World Wallpaper collections featuring pterodactyls.

The Jurassic World Era: A New Age of Dinosaurs

After a 14-year hiatus, the franchise roared back to life with a new trilogy set in a fully operational dinosaur theme park. This era explores the consequences of making Hammond's dream a reality.

4. Jurassic World (2015)

Set 22 years after the original incident, in 2015, Jurassic World presents a thriving, open park on Isla Nublar. With attendance declining, geneticists create the genetically modified hybrid Indominus Rex, leading to catastrophic consequences. The film cleverly comments on consumerism and humanity's boredom with nature's wonders. The park's attractions have inspired real-world experiences like Jurassic World Madrid.

Jurassic Park 1993 Movie Poster

Jurassic Park (1993)

The groundbreaking original that started the franchise. Set on Isla Nublar.

Timeline Year: 1993

Key Dinosaur: T-Rex

Jurassic World 2015 Movie Poster

Jurassic World (2015)

The park is finally open to the public, but new genetic creations bring new dangers.

Timeline Year: 2015

Key Dinosaur: Indominus Rex

5. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

Set three years after Jurassic World, in 2018, this film deals with the aftermath of the park's collapse. When the dormant volcano on Isla Nublar becomes active, a rescue mission is launched to save the dinosaurs from extinction. The film's second half shifts to a Gothic mansion in Northern California, introducing the concept of dinosaurs in the human world. The emotional connection between Owen Grady and the velociraptor Blue deepened, inspiring characters like Bumpy Jurassic World in the animated series.

6. Jurassic World: Dominion (2022)

Set four years after Fallen Kingdom, in 2022, Dominion presents a world where dinosaurs now coexist with humans across the globe. The film brings together legacy characters from the original trilogy with the new cast, confronting the consequences of genetic power unleashed. With locust plagues and black market dinosaur trading, it's the most expansive film in the franchise. The film's themes of coexistence hint at a potential Jurassic World Rebirth in future installments.

Expanded Universe & Canonical Materials

The cinematic timeline is supplemented by short films and series that fill crucial gaps. Battle at Big Rock (2019) shows dinosaur-human conflicts one year after Fallen Kingdom. The animated series Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous (2020-2022) runs parallel to the events of Jurassic World and Fallen Kingdom, providing additional perspectives. Fans have created extensive content, including Jurassic World Songs and fan films like Jurassic World Jj Sz Let S and its video counterpart.

The Spanish Connection: El Reino Caído

In Spanish-speaking markets, Fallen Kingdom is titled Jurassic World: El Reino Caído, which has inspired unique marketing and merchandise. Explore more about this adaptation in our feature on Jurassic World El Reino Ca Do.

Exclusive Franchise Insights & Analysis

Genetic Ethics Through The Timeline

Each film progressively escalates the ethical dilemmas. From simply reviving dinosaurs to creating hybrids (Indominus Rex, Indoraptor), to weaponizing dinosaurs, and finally to modifying existing species (giant locusts). The franchise serves as a cautionary tale about uncontrolled genetic power.

Box Office Evolution

The franchise has generated over $6 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing film series of all time. Jurassic World (2015) remarkably earned $1.6 billion, demonstrating the enduring appeal nearly 25 years after the original.

Interactive Features

Now that you've mastered the timeline, share your thoughts and help other fans!

Rate This Guide

How helpful did you find this chronological guide?

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Join the Discussion

Share your thoughts, debate the best viewing order, or ask questions about the Jurassic timeline.

Remember, the Jurassic World saga continues to evolve. With rumors of new films, animated series, and games in development, this timeline will expand. Bookmark this page for future updates!