The “Jurassic Park” and “Jurassic World” film series has captivated audiences for decades with its exhilarating blend of dinosaurs and human drama. Since the inception of the franchise with Steven Spielberg’s iconic 1993 film, viewers have been treated to a mix of thrilling encounters, stunning visual effects, and cautionary tales about the consequences of playing with nature.
The latest entry, “Jurassic World Rebirth,” currently in theaters, continues the tradition of high-stakes dinosaur adventures, featuring a talented cast that includes Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali. Despite mixed critical reception throughout the franchise, the allure of dinosaurs wreaking havoc keeps bringing audiences back for more.
To celebrate “Rebirth,” here is a ranking of the films from least to most favorite:
7. “Jurassic Park III” (2001) – This third installment marks a departure from Spielberg’s direction and fails to capture the original magic, focusing on paleontologist Alan Grant as he navigates a rescue mission on a perilous island inhabited by a Spinosaurus.
6. “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” (2018) – Combining disaster and horror, this sequel focuses on the rescue of dinosaurs from a volcano, leading to a convoluted plot filled with human drama and an unexpected gene-spliced creature, the Indoraptor.
5. “Jurassic World Rebirth” (2025) – In this new narrative, the discovery of dinosaur DNA prompts a high-stakes mission to secure genetic material from an abandoned island, teaming Johansson’s character with a paleontologist against the monstrous Distortus rex.
4. “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” (1997) – Another sequel from Spielberg, this installment reintroduces Ian Malcolm and features a similar plot where dinosaurs wreak havoc in San Diego, showcasing breathtaking scenes and thrilling action.
3. “Jurassic World” (2015) – Kicking off a new trilogy, this film presents a revamped Jurassic Park plagued by a genetically engineered Indominus rex, leading to chaos for the park’s visitors and thrilling multi-species battles.
2. “Jurassic World Dominion” (2022) – The final chapter of the trilogy combines nostalgia with action as the “Park” heroes team up with newer characters to confront the reality of cloned dinosaurs living among humans.
1. “Jurassic Park” (1993) – The original remains a timeless classic that not only entertains but also critiques the hubris of mankind in manipulating nature, with Spielberg’s direction bringing to life the terrifying yet awe-inspiring world of dinosaurs.
As “Jurassic World Rebirth” hits theaters, fans of the franchise can reminisce with the previous installments, many of which are streaming on Peacock. The enduring popularity of the series emphasizes the cultural impact of these films, serving as both entertainment and a reminder of the eternal bond between humans and the awe-inspiring creatures of our planet’s past.