It’s been over three decades since “Jurassic Park” first stunned audiences with its groundbreaking effects and terrifying dinosaurs, launching one of cinema’s most iconic franchises. With “Jurassic World: Rebirth” set to hit theaters on July 2, 2025—this time with a brand-new cast including Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey—the series is embarking on a bold new chapter.
Directed by Rogue One’s Gareth Edwards and written by franchise veteran David Koepp, Rebirth promises a return to high-stakes island survival, mutated monsters, and moral dilemmas at the edge of science. But before we dive into a new age of dinosaurs, let’s look back at the seven films that paved the way—ranking them from the best to the most forgettable.
1. “Jurassic Park” (1993)
The one that started it all—and still the undisputed king. Spielberg’s original “Jurassic Park” isn’t just a masterclass in blockbuster filmmaking, it’s a cinematic landmark. From the awe of seeing the Brachiosaurus for the first time to the white-knuckle terror of the raptors in the kitchen, this film balances wonder, horror, and science with near-perfect pacing. Jeff Goldblum, Sam Neill, and Laura Dern make for an unforgettable trio, and John Williams’ iconic score seals the deal.
2. “Jurassic World” (2015)
After the franchise lay dormant for 14 years, “Jurassic World” resurrected it with fresh energy, a new cast, and a fully operational dinosaur theme park. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard made for charming leads, and the Indominus rex brought a high-concept villain to the forefront. While not as groundbreaking as the original, it effectively tapped into nostalgia while carving out a thrilling new path.
3. “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” (1997)
This darker, more chaotic sequel catches flack for its uneven pacing, but Spielberg’s knack for spectacle still shines. Jeff Goldblum steps into the lead role, and the movie’s terrifying trailer sequence and T. rex rampage through San Diego are worth the price of admission. A more morally complex story and greater dino action make it stand out.
4. “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” (2018)
A gothic horror twist on the franchise, “Fallen Kingdom” dares to be weird. The first half is a thrilling volcano escape; the second half is a haunted-house monster movie with the genetically engineered Indoraptor. It’s divisive for good reason, but it earns points for ambition and stunning visuals.
5. “Jurassic Park III” (2001)
A tight, fast-paced rescue mission with new dino threats like the Spinosaurus. It lacks the grandiosity of its predecessors, but delivers solid thrills and a welcome return for Sam Neill’s Dr. Alan Grant. Its biggest flaw? It feels more like a side story than a fully fleshed-out sequel.
6. “Jurassic World Dominion” (2022)
Despite an exciting premise—dinosaurs now live alongside humans—Dominion never fully capitalizes on the chaos it sets up. The return of the original trio (Grant, Sattler, and Malcolm) feels like fan service rather than narrative necessity. Instead of a survival epic, we got a locust subplot and corporate espionage. The ideas were there, but the execution missed the mark.
Rebirth looks ready to shake things up. Set five years after Dominion, the film follows a covert team (including a paleontologist, a covert operative, and a shipwrecked family) navigating a mysterious island overrun by mutated dino experiments—led by the nightmarish, six-limbed Distortus rex. With Gareth Edwards at the helm and a fresh cast leading the charge, Rebirth could be the shot of adrenaline this franchise needs.
From awe-inspiring wonder to full-on mutated madness, the Jurassic saga has evolved in wild and unexpected ways over the past 30+ years. With Jurassic World: Rebirth promising to reimagine the formula once more—drawing from the franchise’s past while pushing it into darker, more daring territory—the series seems poised for, well, a rebirth. Whether it climbs to the top of our rankings or mutates into something else entirely, we can’t wait to see what monstrous surprises July 2 has in store.
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