Every Jurassic Park Movie, Ranked

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but share an update on a list that was initially published on June 10, 2022. This franchise just keeps growing, much like how the humans in it seem tirelessly dedicated to resurrecting ancient beasts. So, without further ado,

One time, Steven Spielberg expressed feeling “angry” about making the original Jurassic Park. This might seem unusual, but consider this: As he was wrapping up production and overseeing the intricate (and pioneering) special effects for that film, he was also filming Schindler’s List. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2018, he explained, “When I finally started shooting… in Poland, I had to go home about two or three times a week and connect to a rudimentary satellite feed to Northern California… just to approve T-Rex shots.” This constant switch between the intense emotional weight of Schindler’s List and dinosaurs chasing jeeps built up resentment and anger within him. However, he felt grateful later in June, but until then, it was a burden for him.

The director, known for pioneering the concept of a blockbuster, would see his highest-earning film yet, potentially becoming the top-grossing movie in history. This film is also set to initiate a series that has already amassed over $6.1 billion globally, with this weekend’s release of Jurassic World Rebirth likely adding a substantial amount to that total.

Despite being a significant franchise, the movies sometimes appear hastily put together. The initial film was edited concurrently with Spielberg’s Best Picture contender; the final Spielberg-directed film is one he acknowledges he didn’t give his usual level of attention to; the third lacked a completed script during production. And in recent years, these films are often more recognized for Bryce Dallas Howard’s footwear rather than for inspiration and amazement.

As a passionate cinephile, I must confess that despite the controversies and criticisms, the Jurassic Park film series remains one of the most beloved franchises globally. It seems that the fascination with dinosaurs is universal and unquenchable! So, how do these movies measure up against each other? Let me share our ranking of the seven Jurassic Park films. A key lesson: Steering clear of InGen should be a rule of thumb for anyone who values their peace of mind!

7. Jurassic Park III

Year: 2001
Director: Joe Johnston
Runtime: 1h 32m

Despite initial dissatisfaction with the script for Jurassic Park 3, possibly due to lukewarm responses to Steven Spielberg’s second installment, efforts were continuously made to refine it. Notably, writers Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor, fresh from penning Election, were enlisted. However, they later claimed their humor was removed from the final draft. Director Joe Johnston, who replaced Spielberg as he distanced himself from the franchise, ultimately worked with the available script, which resulted in a storyline that appeared sparse and illogical. In this adaptation, Dr. Alan Grant, played by Sam Neill in a less-than-inspiring comeback, agrees to revisit Isla Nublar for reasons we’re still uncertain of. The special effects seem more dated than they did in the first two films, and Johnston fails to recapture Spielberg’s finesse or humor. The cast appears somewhat bewildered in Jurassic Park 3, and the conclusion is so hurried and preposterous that it’s unsurprising a fourth film wasn’t produced for another 14 years.

6. Jurassic World Rebirth

Year: 2025
Director: Gareth Edwards
Runtime: 2h 13m

As a movie enthusiast, it’s telling when a fresh Jurassic film leaves me yearning for the ones with the stiff chemistry between Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. However, the seventh installment in the franchise could benefit from their lackluster presence; at least then we’d have characters with a spark, no matter how faint. Instead, Jurassic World Rebirth pairs up two talented actors – Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali – only to cast them in the most uninspired roles imaginable. She’s portrayed as a mercenary with a heart of ice; he’s a soldier of fortune and her close, platonic companion. Together, they journey to a secluded Caribbean island to capture the blood of three dinosaurs – all for the promise of a massive payday. This sounds like the only motivation behind why Johansson and Ali took on this predictable sequel intended to keep the franchise alive in the 2030s. Visually unremarkable, painfully dumb, creatively drained, this film is arguably the worst in the series, though Jurassic Park III still holds that title. However, we’re beginning to question if that maligned movie deserves a reevaluation.

5. Jurassic World

Year: 2015
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Runtime: 2h 4m

Was it Joss Whedon who sparked the widespread interest in Bryce Dallas Howard’s character’s footwear in “Jurassic World”? That’s right, he did! (He even called it “70’s era sexist” on Twitter.) However, the film’s issues are not limited to Howard’s high heels. Director Colin Trevorrow seemed so focused on recapturing the original film’s magic that he overlooked its essence. In many aspects, Jurassic World epitomizes the downside of reboots: it’s cynical, cheap, visually unappealing, and oversimplified to a point that must have made Spielberg sigh in disappointment. And let’s not forget the transformation of Chris Pratt from one of the internet’s favorite Chrises into a generic action hero, lacking charm and easygoing grace. Despite the long lines at the box office for Jurassic World, contemplating what could have been is truly frustrating.

4. Jurassic World Dominion

Year: 2022
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Runtime: 2h 26m

In simpler terms, the last film in the Pratt-Howard trilogy was criticized as being the worst of all Jurassic Park movies up to that point, which suggests that overall, the quality of the franchise may not be great. Despite the leads still being rather dull, the reunion of the original Jurassic Park cast brings some energy to the story. Campbell Scott plays a villainous tech genius who is likely to meet his end at the hands (or teeth) of dinosaurs. DeWanda Wise and Mamoudou Athie join the cast as a rebellious pilot and a PR man from Scott’s biotech company, respectively, who eventually side with the good guys. Some viewers criticize Jurassic World Dominion for not feeling like a typical Jurassic Park movie, but we found the fast-paced motorcycle chase scene through Malta to be entertaining, even if it was derivative. However, some argue that this film is a sign of a franchise running out of ideas and merely spinning its wheels, hoping audiences won’t notice. Despite these criticisms, Dominion still managed to gross over a billion dollars at the box office.

3. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

Year: 2018
Director: J. A. Bayona
Runtime: 2h 9m

Upon the release of “Fallen Kingdom”, it seemed like a slight upgrade from “Jurassic World” – despite the fact that the entire auction scene at the finale was absurd (truly, this may be Toby Jones’s worst performance ever). The dynamic between Pratt and Howard in this sequel isn’t significantly improved (and her sudden transformation into a dinosaur activist is preposterous), but it offers some enjoyable action scenes, such as an awe-inspiring volcanic eruption on Isla Nublar. However, once the narrative shifts to Lockwood’s estate and his cloned granddaughter (better not ask!), it loses coherence. Nevertheless, director J.A. Bayona manages to infuse the movie with a haunting, eerie atmosphere that is more genuine than the rehashed excitement of Trevorrow’s film. By the end, one can only hope the raptors devour as many characters as they can.

2. The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

Year: 1997
Director: Steven Spielberg
Runtime: 2h 9m

Steven Spielberg seems somewhat self-conscious about this film, and there’s a good reason for it: The movie fails to recapture the original’s creativity and instead feels rather routine, with even Spielberg’s signature motifs (the enchantment of childhood, the timidity of authority figures) appearing underdeveloped. Most of the scenes on Isla Nublar are dull and repetitive, serving little purpose other than offering Spielberg a chance to film an action sequence. Despite the efforts of Julianne Moore and a young Vince Vaughn, the movie remains relatively lifeless. However, once the action transitions to a T-rex wreaking havoc in San Diego streets, Spielberg seems to find his enthusiasm: He even allows a dog to be eaten! The final half-hour of “The Lost World” is Spielberg simply making an old-fashioned monster movie, and that alone is enough to earn it the No. 2 spot on this list. After all, Spielberg remains Spielberg.

1. Jurassic Park

Year: 1993
Director: Steven Spielberg
Runtime: 2h 7m

Among all the films listed, the original remains unmatched in many ways, largely due to Spielberg’s nonchalant approach during its production. Seemingly eager to create Schindler’s List, he appeared to be more focused on showcasing his abilities than getting bogged down by seriousness. His prowess is evident in the thrilling action sequences, many of which rank among his best works throughout his career. A single drop in a water glass will never seem the same again, but the most memorable moment in the T-rex chase scene is undeniably when Spielberg, amidst an intense and suspenseful scene, inserted a casual “Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear” joke, demonstrating his skill. This film isn’t the most thought-provoking or emotionally resonant of Spielberg’s works; it likely doesn’t even make it into his top ten. However, later in his career, Spielberg often thrived by working quickly and intuitively, relying on his extraordinary talents for creating tension and impressing audiences. In essence, Jurassic Park is a blockbuster movie that delivers an exceptional popcorn experience.

Grierson & Leitch frequently discuss films and run a podcast dedicated to cinema. Keep updated by following them on Twitter or visiting their website.

2025-07-03 16:57