The excitement surrounding the release of Jurassic World Rebirth this summer has reignited interest in the iconic Jurassic Park franchise. Since the original film, directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1993, audiences have been captivated by the thrilling concept of dinosaurs coexisting with humans. Over the years, this groundbreaking film has laid the foundation for a franchise that now includes a total of six movies, with the latest being the new sequel trilogy that began in 2015. Each film, however, has had varying degrees of success, with some leaving fans more satisfied than others.
For more than three decades, the allure of the Jurassic Park movies lies in their combination of ethical dilemmas stemming from modern science and the adrenaline-inducing action sequences involving dinosaurs. This mix has kept the franchise relevant and exciting for audiences worldwide. However, the execution has varied from film to film.
Jurassic Park 3 (2001)
Directed By Joe Johnston
Reintroducing Dr. Alan Grant, played by Sam Neill, in Jurassic Park 3 brings back a familiar face after his absence in the first sequel. This installment, the first not helmed by Spielberg, centers on Grant as he’s reluctantly enlisted to help a couple locate their missing son on Isla Sorna.
While Neill delivers a commendable performance, the film feels somewhat lackluster. The plot is thin, and other characters fail to resonate. Notably, a surreal dream sequence features a speaking raptor, which is one of the more bizarre moments in the series, alongside the disappointing defeat of the T-Rex by the newly minted Spinosaurus.
Yet, there are remarkable sequences for dedicated fans, such as an exhilarating scene in a Pteranodon enclosure that highlights the thrilling potential of these flying dinosaurs. While Joe Johnston brings skill to the direction, Spielberg’s absence is palpable, resulting in a film that doesn’t quite match the grandeur of its predecessors.
Jurassic World: Dominion (2022)
Directed By Colin Trevorrow
Similar to the earlier trilogy, the Jurassic World segment of this franchise commenced with a bang but ultimately stumbled with Jurassic World: Dominion. This film saw the return of several iconic Jurassic Park characters, merging their stories with Owen and Claire from the newer films for an action-packed finale. Unfortunately, the film’s ambition led to mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.
Though Dominion is not inherently bad, it struggles to meet the high expectations set by a series that spans over 30 years. While audiences do enjoy thrilling action, including Chris Pratt’s signature dino/motorcycle chases, the film disappointingly underutilizes the intriguing premise of humans and dinosaurs living together. However, the blend of animatronics and CGI continues to amaze.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)
Directed By J. A. Bayona
Following the overwhelming success of Jurassic World, the sequel Fallen Kingdom emerged, focusing on Owen and Claire’s mission to rescue dinosaurs from a volcanic eruption threatening Isla Nublar. The rationale behind building a theme park on an active volcano remains unclear.
Despite some plot holes, the film features standout sequences, particularly the gripping opening where mercenaries secure dino DNA. Director J. A. Bayona introduces elements of horror, enhancing the thrill. However, the main characters are rather bland, resulting in a film that, while enjoyable, suffers from uneven storytelling.
Jurassic World (2015)
Directed By Colin Trevorrow
When released, Jurassic World was hailed by audiences and critics alike, generating nearly $1.7 billion at the box office. The film brings John Hammond’s vision to life: a fully operational dinosaur theme park. Featuring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard in leading roles, it offers exhilarating dinosaur attack scenes with human guests caught in the chaos.
While the film may lack deeper character development, it caters excessively to nostalgia, delivering fan service that appeals to longtime enthusiasts of the franchise. Despite its dependence on CGI over practical effects, Jurassic World stays true to the spirit of the original film while introducing thrilling new dinosaurs.
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Directed By Steven Spielberg
Although not as acclaimed as its predecessor, The Lost World has garnered more appreciation over time. Jeff Goldblum returns as Dr. Ian Malcolm, leading audiences through intense suspenseful moments, such as an unforgettable T-Rex attack. The film also showcases raptors picking off characters in a scene straight out of a horror flick and culminates in a thrilling rampage through San Francisco.
Although it highlights the challenges of recapturing the original’s magic, Spielberg’s direction ensures that The Lost World is more engaging than its sequels, bringing back some of the fun experienced in the first film. Yet, the inclusion of Malcolm’s daughter and her gymnastics skills remains questionable.
Jurassic Park (1993)
Directed By Steven Spielberg
Without a doubt, the original Jurassic Park remains a cornerstone of blockbuster cinema. Its groundbreaking dinosaur effects still hold their own in an age where early CGI has often failed to age well. Everything fell into place, from direction and writing to performances and the iconic score by John Williams.
DID YOU KNOW: George Lucas assisted with the film’s post-production (via Collider).
This film embodies what it means to be a crowd-pleasing blockbuster, inspiring countless films in its wake. It delivered on the promise of witnessing dinosaurs in a contemporary setting, a spectacle that later films struggle to replicate. Not only does it excel in special effects, but the human characters are equally compelling, avoiding the trope of being mere background elements to the dinosaur action. Jurassic Park is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with new generations of fans.
The Future Of The Jurassic World Franchise
Despite the conclusion of the Jurassic World Dominion storyline, the franchise is set to expand further with the upcoming release of Jurassic World Rebirth. This new installment will debut a fresh narrative and cast, distinct from the previous arcs, featuring talents such as Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey.
Johansson will portray a leader of extraction experts tasked with safely retrieving individuals or specimens from perilous scenarios. This chapter will involve a mission to assist scientists in collecting vital dinosaur DNA from a newly discovered, isolated territory where these ancient creatures have established their domain.
Directed by Gareth Edwards, Jurassic World Rebirth seems to offer a return to a more straightforward storyline with a smaller ensemble cast, while introducing novel elements and threats. The trailers hint at experimental dinosaurs—creatures deemed too hazardous for the original park—presenting fresh challenges for the protagonists. The film is set for release on July 2, 2025.
There Are Also Jurassic World TV Shows
In addition to the films, the Jurassic Park franchise has expanded its reach through animated TV shows that cater to a younger audience. These series, while aimed at children, still feature some thrilling dino action that may be intense for some. The first series, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, debuted in 2020 and follows a group of young dinosaur fans at a camp on Isla Nublar.
However, chaos ensues when the dinosaurs break free from their enclosures, forcing the campers to band together for survival. After five successful seasons, the show concluded in 2022 but was followed by a sequel series titled Jurassic World: Chaos Theory, which explores the characters’ lives after exiting the island into a world where dinosaurs now roam alongside humans.