All 7 ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ Movies In Order (Including Animated Movies)

Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a great portrayal of growing up in the United States. The whole franchise is enormously popular in the States, and although illustrated books are the primary source material for the franchise, there are also other derivative materials that comprise the franchise. In this article, we are going to bring you all of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies in order. You’re going to find out some basic information about the movies and how you should watch them. The article is, of course, going to include both the live-action series, as well as the animated reboot series.

Editor’s Note: This watch order was updated on January 1, 2024, with the release of Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever.

All 7 ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ movies in release date order

The ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ franchise currently consists of 7 movies in total and one short film. 4 of those movies were live-action series, while the latter 3 movies are part of the animated reboot series. The first movie was released in 2010, while the latest arrived in December of 2023. Let’s see the release date order of the entire ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ franchise.

1. ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ (2010)
2. ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules’ (2011)
3. ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days’ (2012)
4. ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Class Clown’ (2012-Short)
5. ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul’ (2017)
6. ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ (2021)
7. ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules’ (2022)
8. ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever’ (2023)

Are all ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ movies connected? What’s the best way to watch them?

Technically all ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ movies are based on the same books, but not all are set within the same continuity. The first 4 movies are, as we’ve already mentioned, live-action movies adapting the first 4 books. 3 movies released between 2021 and 2023 are also adaptations of the same books but serve as fully animated reboots of the franchise. As you can see, this complicates watch order somewhat, but generally, the best course of action is to watch all the movies in their release date order, if you’re interested in all installments, that is.

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ movies in chronological order

The chronology of ‘The Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ franchise is fairly straightforward since they follow the in-book chronology. There are no reboots and prequels that you should keep an eye out for.

1. ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ (2010)

The first installment in the franchise was based on the first book. It’s based on Eleven-year-old Greg Heffley, who documents his daily experiences in a diary, expressing his aspirations to become “rich and famous.” Currently navigating middle school, he shares the ups and downs, from the absence of stall doors in the boys’ bathroom to the challenges of securing a lunch seat on his first day.

2. ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules’ (2011)

‘Rodrick Rules’ was based on the second book under the same name. Before starting seventh grade, Greg Heffley’s mother, Susan, encourages him and his older brother Rodrick to spend more time together, offering financial incentives. When Greg returns home, Rodrick sees a local talent show as an opportunity for his band, Löded Diper. However, their relationship takes a hit when a church incident involving stained pants leads to public humiliation and tarnishes Susan’s reputation.

3. ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days’ (2012)

The third movie was based on the third and fourth books, with the majority of the themes being adapted from the fourth book. The Heffley family goes to the local pool and encounters Lenwood Heath, a reformed friend of Rodrick’s working as a lifeguard. Lenwood attends a strict military school, and Frank considers enrolling Greg as he enters eighth grade. Concerned about Greg’s summer activities, Frank dismantles the TV, leading Susan to start a book club. In an effort to bond, Frank takes Greg fishing and to a Civil War reenactment, but his clumsiness frustrates Greg.

4. ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Class Clown’ (2012-Short)

This short chronologically takes place following the events of the third movie. The short is told through Greg’s point-of-view as he explains his humorous experience

5. ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul’ (2017)

The fifth movie was mostly based on the ninth book of the same name with some elements from the 7th, 8th, and 10th books. The Heffley family, along with Greg’s friend Rowley, dines at Corny’s restaurant, where Susan announces a road trip to Meemaw’s 90th birthday. Greg is tasked with rescuing Manny from a play area tube, but it goes awry, leading to an embarrassing incident posted online as the “Diaper Hands” meme. To escape the embarrassment, Greg plans to attend the Player Expo convention near Meemaw’s house without his parents knowing, hoping to meet his gaming idol. However, Susan enforces a technology-free road trip, complicating Greg’s plans.

6. ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ (2021)

This is the first installment in the animated reboot franchises, and like the live-action movie of the same name, it’s based on the first book.

7. ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules’ (2022)

With their parents away for the weekend, Rodrick convinces Greg to throw a party, invoking memories of “The Heffley Brothers.” Rodrick sends party invitations, and Greg recruits Rowley to help, but they end up doing all the work while Rodrick gives orders. After being locked in the basement, Greg takes incriminating photos for “blackmail.” The next morning, they receive a call that Manny is sick, and their parents are returning. Rodrick urges Greg to clean up, and they scramble to hide the evidence. Just as they finish, a bathroom door mishap nearly exposes their antics to their arriving parents and Manny.

8. ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever’ (2023)

The latest installment in the animated series did not adapt the third book in the franchise but rather the sixth book. During the Christmas season, Greg aims to behave well to earn the Mega Station 9000 video game console. With two weeks remaining, his mother, Susan, introduces Elfrendo, a creepy stuffed elf doll believed to monitor their behavior for Santa. Elfrendo becomes a source of irritation for Greg as the family tries to embrace the holiday spirit.

Where to watch the above-mentioned movies?

All ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ movies, both live-action and animated, can be watched on Disney+. The movies can also be purchased or rented via Amazon or Apple TV Store.

Will there be more ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ movies?

There will be more ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ movies. Jeff Kinney recently announced that they plans to adapt all books into animated movies for Disney+, and as you probably know, there are a lot of books to adapt.

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