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The Mummy Movie Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch The Mummy movies in order

Last updated: April 15 2026

Written by: ChronoAlice

The Mummy franchise is a beloved adventure-horror series that brought Ancient Egypt's curses and undead terrors to a new generation. The Brendan Fraser trilogy from Universal remains a fan favorite for its perfect blend of action, comedy, and genuine scares.

Universal's Mummy franchise revived the classic monster for the blockbuster era with a bold mix of swashbuckling adventure, sharp humor, and creepy supernatural horror. Starring Brendan Fraser as treasure hunter Rick O'Connell and Rachel Weisz as the resourceful Evelyn Carnahan, the trilogy is a rollicking Indiana Jones-style adventure set against the backdrop of ancient Egyptian mythology. The franchise also includes The Scorpion King, a spinoff focused on the Rock's memorable villain-turned-antihero from The Mummy Returns.

πŸ• Release Order

Release order is the natural way to experience The Mummy franchise β€” it follows Rick and Evelyn's story from their first meeting to their globe-trotting adventures with their son Alex.

  1. The Mummy (1999)
  2. The Mummy Returns (2001)
  3. The Scorpion King (2002)
  4. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)

Note: The 2017 Universal reboot also titled The Mummy (starring Tom Cruise) was intended to launch a separate 'Dark Universe' and is not connected to the Brendan Fraser trilogy.

πŸ“– Story Chronology

Story chronology is slightly different because The Scorpion King is set thousands of years in the past β€” it's technically a prequel to the events of The Mummy Returns, though produced as a standalone film.

  1. The Scorpion King (2002) β€” set in ancient times, circa 3000 BCE
  2. The Mummy (1999) β€” set in 1923 and 1290 BCE
  3. The Mummy Returns (2001) β€” set in 1933
  4. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008) β€” set in the 1940s and ancient China

Which Order Should You Choose?

For the best experience, start with the 1999 original β€” it's a near-perfect adventure film that introduces all the key characters and sets the tone for the entire series. The Mummy Returns is an excellent follow-up with bigger action and the introduction of the Scorpion King. The Scorpion King works best watched after The Mummy Returns, since it deepens appreciation for that character's backstory. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is the weakest entry but worth watching for completionists. Skip the 2017 Tom Cruise reboot if you're here for the classic adventures β€” it's a completely separate story.

πŸ”— Related Guides

  • Indiana Jones Watch OrderGuide
  • Pirates of the Caribbean Watch OrderGuide
  • Back to the Future Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!