The question of how many Underworld movies exist seems straightforward, but the answer requires navigating a complex web of main installments, prequels, and spin-offs. The franchise, built around the immortal war between Vampires and Werewolves, has expanded significantly since its gritty debut. Understanding the complete filmography is essential for both new viewers entering the world of Selene and long-time fans tracking the lineage of the Corvinus bloodline.
The Core Saga: The Main Films
When people ask about the number of Underworld movies, they are usually referring to the core saga that follows the Death Dealer Selene. This primary narrative arc consists of five films that form the central storyline. The series began in 2003 and concluded its main plot in 2016, providing a definitive beginning, middle, and end for the iconic characters introduced in the original film.
Underworld (2003): The origin story of Selene, a vampire assassin who discovers a conspiracy and falls in love with a human, Michael Corvin.
Underworld: Evolution (2006): The direct sequel that delves into Selene and Michael's pasts, uncovering the secrets of the Corvinus bloodline and facing new threats.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009): A prequel exploring the centuries-old feud between Lycans and Vampires, focusing on the transformation of Lucian.
Underworld: Awakening (2012): A continuation featuring a hybrid daughter and a world where Vampires and Lycans are publicly known, forcing Selene out of hiding.
Underworld: Blood Wars (2016): The final chapter in Selene's journey, dealing with the aftermath of her actions and a new war brewing.
Expanding the Universe: The TV Movie
Beyond the core cinematic saga, the Underworld franchise extended its reach into television with a distinct narrative. This installment is technically a television movie rather than a theatrical release, and it functions as a direct sequel to the events of the fifth film. It provides closure for certain plotlines and explores the consequences of the world established in the previous chapter, offering a different format for the continuation of the story.
The TV Movie: Evolution (2017)
Titled "Underworld: Blood Wars" created some confusion, the television movie is officially known as "Underworld: Evolution" to avoid confusion with the third main film. This 2017 project allowed the franchise to explore new character dynamics and settings without the constraints of a major theatrical release. It serves as an epilogue that directly follows the events of the 2016 film, focusing on Selene's daughter and the next generation.
Crossovers and Spin-offs: The Raven and More
The universe built around the Immortals has also seen crossovers and potential spin-offs that exist in a gray area regarding continuity. These projects often explore side characters or concepts that were introduced in the main series but did not receive full theatrical treatments. While not always considered canon by strict fans, they contribute to the overall count of feature-length narratives set in the world of the Lycans and Vampires.
The Raven (2012): A short film focusing on the character of Andreas Tanis, the historian vampire from "Evolution" and "Awakening," providing backstory for the vampire council.
Red in Tooth and Claw (2014): Another short film that acts as a prequel to "Rise of the Lycans," centering on the character of Raze and the brutality of the Lycan-Vampire war.
