The Underworld franchise stands as a cornerstone of early 2000s gothic action cinema. Blending the visceral horror of lycanthropy with the aristocratic elegance of vampirism, the series replaced magic and capes with scientific mutations and specialized firearms. Since its debut in 2003, the saga of the vampire Death Dealer Selene has expanded across five feature films and an animated anthology, creating a complex web of betrayals, genetic experiments, and an eternal war spanning over a millennium.

To understand the movies in the Underworld series, one must look past the leather trench coats and silver bullets to the deep-seated lore that connects every installment. Whether you are a newcomer looking to binge the series or a returning fan seeking to clarify the timeline, this is the definitive breakdown of every film in the franchise.

Quick List of Underworld Movies in Order of Release

For those who want a fast reference to the theatrical release history, the Underworld series followed this progression:

  1. Underworld (September 19, 2003)
  2. Underworld: Evolution (January 20, 2006)
  3. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (January 23, 2009)
  4. Underworld: Awakening (January 20, 2012)
  5. Underworld: Blood Wars (November 24, 2016)

In addition to these live-action entries, there is an animated short film collection titled Underworld: Endless War (2011), which consists of three distinct segments set across different historical eras.

Underworld (2003): The Beginning of the War

The film that launched the franchise introduced audiences to a world where vampires and Lycans (an advanced breed of werewolves) live in the shadows of modern human society. Directed by Len Wiseman, the original Underworld is characterized by its signature high-contrast, blue-tinted aesthetic and its focus on stylized tactical action.

The Plot and Conflict

The story centers on Selene, an elite vampire "Death Dealer" whose life's mission is to exterminate the Lycan threat. The vampires believe they are winning the war, having hunted the Lycans to the brink of extinction centuries ago. However, Selene discovers that the Lycans are not only thriving but are actively hunting a seemingly ordinary human named Michael Corvin.

As Selene investigates, she uncovers a series of shocking truths:

  • The Lycans are seeking Michael because of his unique genetic lineage.
  • The vampire elders, particularly her father figure Viktor, have lied about the origins of the war.
  • The ancient rivalry is not a simple battle of good versus evil, but a consequence of personal betrayal.

The film culminates in the awakening of Viktor and a massive battle in the Lycan lair, leading to the birth of the first hybrid—a creature with the strengths of both species and the weaknesses of neither.

Key Observations

In our viewing of the original film, the most striking element remains its commitment to world-building through visuals. The use of silver nitrate bullets and ultraviolet light weapons moved the genre away from traditional folklore into the realm of "urban fantasy sci-fi." It established Selene as a powerhouse protagonist, defining Kate Beckinsale's career for over a decade.

Underworld: Evolution (2006): Secrets of the Bloodline

Picking up mere minutes after the conclusion of the first film, Underworld: Evolution expands the scope of the war. While the first movie felt like a noir thriller, Evolution is a high-octane chase movie that explores the literal and figurative skeletons in the closets of the vampire and Lycan ancestors.

The Plot and Conflict

Selene and the newly turned hybrid Michael are now fugitives, hunted by both species. The primary antagonist is Marcus, the first vampire and the last surviving Elder. Unlike Viktor, Marcus is a pure-blooded immortal who has been transformed into a monstrous bat-like hybrid after being doused in Lycan blood.

Marcus's goal is to find the location of the prison holding his brother, William Corvinus. William was the first werewolf—an uncontrollable, feral beast who could never return to human form. If Marcus frees William, the two brothers would rule an era of chaos that neither vampires nor humans could survive.

The film introduces Alexander Corvinus, the first immortal and the father of both Marcus and William. He operates from the shadows, using a specialized "Clean Up" crew to keep the supernatural war hidden from humanity.

The Climax and Revelation

The finale takes place at a remote mountain fortress. Selene undergoes a significant power upgrade after consuming Alexander Corvinus's blood, granting her the ability to walk in sunlight—a feat previously impossible for any vampire. The battle against Marcus and William is brutal, featuring some of the most visceral practical effects in the series.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009): A Prequel of Rebellion

The third installment took a bold step by stepping back in time and removing the modern-day elements entirely. Rise of the Lycans serves as an origin story for the conflict, focusing on the history that was only glimpsed in flashbacks during the first two films.

The Plot and Conflict

Set in the Middle Ages, the film shifts the perspective to the Lycans. We see how the vampires, led by a younger and more ruthless Viktor, used Lycans as slaves and guardians of their castle during the daylight hours.

The protagonist is Lucian, the first Lycan capable of taking human form at will. He is a blacksmith in the vampire citadel and is involved in a secret, forbidden romance with Viktor's daughter, Sonja. When their relationship is discovered, it sparks a chain of events that leads to the Lycan uprising.

Why This Film Matters

Rise of the Lycans provides the emotional weight necessary to understand the motivations of the series' recurring antagonist, Lucian. It portrays the Lycans not as monsters, but as a persecuted class fighting for their freedom. The film concludes with the iconic image of Lucian leading a massive army of werewolves against the vampire walls, directly setting up the backstory of the 2003 original.

Underworld: Awakening (2012): The Human Intervention

After a three-year hiatus, the series returned to the modern era but with a significant twist: humanity is no longer unaware of the immortals. Underworld: Awakening introduces the "Purge," a global initiative by humans to eradicate both vampires and Lycans.

The Plot and Conflict

Selene awakens from a decade-long cryogenic sleep to find a world she doesn't recognize. The vampires have been driven underground, and a corporation called Antigen is spearheading the effort to find a "cure" for the non-human species.

Selene discovers that while she was unconscious, she gave birth to a daughter named Eve. Eve is a "Super-Hybrid," possessing power that exceeds even that of her parents. The plot revolves around Selene trying to protect Eve from the Lycans, who have infiltrated Antigen to use the girl's DNA to create "Uber-Lycans"—massive, unstoppable werewolves immune to silver.

Technical Evolution

This was the first film in the series shot in 3D, and the action choreography reflects this. The stakes are shifted from a war of shadows to a war of survival. The introduction of Eve added a maternal layer to Selene's character, humanizing the cold Death Dealer.

Underworld: Blood Wars (2016): The Final Stand

The most recent live-action entry, Underworld: Blood Wars, returns to the franchise's gothic roots while introducing new supernatural elements from the northern reaches of the world.

The Plot and Conflict

Selene is once again on the run, abandoned by the vampire covens she once served and relentlessly hunted by a new Lycan leader named Marius. Marius is more organized and powerful than any previous Lycan leader, and he believes that Eve's blood is the key to total victory.

To survive, Selene travels to the Nordic Coven, a group of vampires who live in a frozen, spiritual sanctuary. Here, she undergoes a mystical ritual that further evolves her powers, giving her white-streaked hair and the ability to move with supernatural speed (bordering on teleportation).

The film concludes with a massive siege on the Eastern Coven and the revelation of Marius's true nature. It leaves the series in a state where Selene has ascended to a position of leadership, finally becoming one of the Elders she once fought against.

Underworld: Endless War (2011): The Animated Side

For completionists, Underworld: Endless War is essential. This animated anthology was released as part of a Blu-ray collection and provides context for Selene's long life.

  1. Part I (1890): Selene is in Paris, hunting three Lycan brothers who are posing as lords. This segment highlights the early days of the Death Dealers.
  2. Part II (1967): Set in the same city decades later, Selene continues her hunt for the remaining brothers, showing how the war evolved with technology.
  3. Part III (2012): This segment acts as a bridge leading into the events of Awakening, showing the transition from the secret war to the public Purge.

Understanding the Chronological Timeline

Watching the movies in the order they were released is the most common way to experience the series, but a chronological rewatch offers a different perspective on the tragedy of the Corvinus line.

The Chronological Order:

  1. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (Set in the 13th Century)
  2. Underworld: Endless War (Parts I and II)
  3. Underworld (Modern day, approx. 2003)
  4. Underworld: Evolution (Immediately follows the 2003 film)
  5. Underworld: Endless War (Part III)
  6. Underworld: Awakening (Set several years after Evolution)
  7. Underworld: Blood Wars (Follows Awakening)

Why Watch Chronologically?

Starting with Rise of the Lycans allows you to see the conflict through Lucian's eyes first. It makes the betrayal in the original Underworld feel more personal and less like a plot twist. However, the downside is that the visual effects of the 2009 film are significantly more advanced than the 2003 film, which can create a jarring experience for some viewers.

Worldbuilding: The Corvinus Strain Explained

One of the unique aspects of the Underworld movies is how they handle the "mythology" of vampires and werewolves. In this universe, these creatures are not magical or demonic. They are the result of a genetic mutation.

The Origin

Everything traces back to Alexander Corvinus, a warlord in the 5th century. He was the sole survivor of a plague that wiped out his village. His body didn't just fight the virus; it fused with it, making him the first immortal.

He had three sons:

  • Marcus: Bitten by a bat, his DNA fused with the bat's characteristics and the Corvinus strain, creating the first Vampire.
  • William: Bitten by a wolf, his DNA fused with the wolf's characteristics, creating the first Werewolf.
  • The Third Son: Remained human but carried the dormant immortal gene. His descendants (including Michael Corvin) held the key to creating a hybrid because their blood could bridge the gap between the two incompatible strains.

This pseudo-scientific approach allows the movies to use technology—like "blood centrifuges" and "genetic mapping"—as central plot devices, setting it apart from franchises like Twilight or Interview with the Vampire.

Major Characters in the Underworld Series

To follow the series, one must track the journeys of these central figures:

Selene (Kate Beckinsale)

The protagonist of every film except Rise of the Lycans. Selene begins as a loyal soldier (Death Dealer) and evolves into a revolutionary and, eventually, a messianic figure for her race. Her journey is defined by the loss of her family and her search for a truth that was hidden by her creators.

Lucian (Michael Sheen)

The primary antagonist of the first film and the hero of the third. Lucian is the leader of the Lycans. His motivation is revenge against Viktor for the death of his lover, Sonja. He is a tragic figure whose actions are driven by grief rather than a desire for power.

Viktor (Bill Nighy)

The vampire Elder who served as Selene’s mentor and father figure. Viktor is a cold, calculating tyrant who started the war to maintain his own power and genetic purity. Even after his death in the first film, his influence looms over the sequels and prequels.

Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman)

The descendant of the third Corvinus son. He becomes the first hybrid and Selene's lover. Michael represents the possibility of peace between the species, though his character was largely phased out in the later sequels to focus on Selene and her daughter.

Future of the Franchise: Will There Be an Underworld 6?

Following the release of Underworld: Blood Wars in 2016, there have been various reports regarding a sixth film. In 2017, producer and creator Len Wiseman indicated that a sixth installment was in development and that Kate Beckinsale would return.

However, in 2018, Kate Beckinsale stated in interviews that she had moved on from the role and did not intend to return for another sequel. While there has been talk of a television series reboot or a new film focusing on different characters, no official production start dates have been announced as of 2024. The series currently stands as a completed five-chapter arc of Selene's rise to power.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Underworld

Is the Underworld series related to Resident Evil?

While both are action-horror franchises owned by Sony's Screen Gems and often feature female protagonists in leather outfits, they are entirely separate universes. There were discussions about a crossover film at one point, but the project never moved past the conceptual stage.

Do I need to watch the movies in order?

It is highly recommended to watch at least the first two films (Underworld and Evolution) in order, as they are essentially one continuous story. Rise of the Lycans can be watched at any time, but Awakening and Blood Wars rely heavily on the world-building established in the earlier entries.

Why does Selene's hair change in Blood Wars?

After her ritual with the Nordic Coven, Selene's physical appearance changes to reflect her new, enhanced status. The white-streaked hair signifies her transition into a higher tier of vampire existence, often referred to as becoming an "Elder" or "High Priestess."

What is the difference between a werewolf and a Lycan?

In the Underworld universe, "werewolves" (First Generation) are like William Corvinus—they are beasts that can never turn back into humans. "Lycans" (Second Generation) are descendants of Lucian who have the ability to transform at will and maintain their human intelligence while in wolf form.

Summary of the Underworld Experience

The Underworld series remains a unique fixture in cinema, offering a gritty, stylized take on legendary monsters. By focusing on the "movies in the underworld series," fans can witness a decade-plus evolution of a character who defied her destiny to reshape her world.

  • For the best story experience: Watch in release order.
  • For the best chronological context: Start with Rise of the Lycans.
  • Key takeaway: The series is defined by the Corvinus Strain—a viral mutation that turned a family feud into a millennium-long war.

Whether you are here for the tactical gunplay or the deep-seated lore of the vampire elders, the Underworld saga offers a complete and immersive journey into the dark.