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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.

🕐 Release Order

Release order is the natural way to experience The Mummy franchise — 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.

📖 Story Chronology

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

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

Which Order Should You Choose?

For the best experience, start with the 1999 original — 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 — it's a completely separate story.

🔗 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!