All 3 Riddick Movies in Chronological & Release Date Order
Riddick movies are some of the best Sci-Fi/action movies ever. But, they were filmed in a bit strange way, especially if we include the animated movie ‘The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury’ as well. This is why we have decided to make this article and give you the chronological order of watching the whole Riddick franchise.
So, let’s start first with how many Riddick movies are there. We will let you know if it is important to watch them in order and give you the chronological order of watching Riddick movies.
All Ridick movies ordered by release date
There are currently three live-action Riddick movies, with a fourth in development (and I really hope it will see the light of day). Those movies are, in their release date order:
- ‘Pitch Black’ (2000)
- ‘The Chronicles of Riddick’ (2004)
- ‘Riddick’ (2013)
There is also a short animated movie called ‘The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury’ (2004), which connects the live-action movies ‘Pitch Black’ and ‘The Chronicles of Riddick’.
Riddick movies in chronological order
The chronological order of Riddick movies is as follows:
- ‘Pitch Black’ (2000)
- ‘The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury’ (2004)
- ‘The Chronicles of Riddick’ (2004)
- ‘Riddick’ (2013)
Summary of Riddick movies:
1. ‘Pitch Black’ (2000)
The Riddick franchise began with a film that remains the best despite its lower budget compared to its successors. This movie was a unique blend of Sci-Fi and horror, a touch of horror that subsequent films lacked.
A spaceship crashes due to a meteor shower on a desolate desert planet. Among the survivors is the notorious assassin, Riddick, portrayed by V. Diesel. Upon discovering a source of water and an abandoned plant, the crew initially perceives Riddick as their primary threat, given the planet’s three ever-shining suns and perpetual daylight.
However, they soon uncover the presence of lethal subterranean creatures that shy away from light. As they grapple with this revelation, they learn of an imminent eclipse. All three suns will be obscured, plunging the planet into prolonged darkness. This sets the stage for the crew to become easy prey.
In this dire situation, Riddick emerges as their unlikely savior.
2. ‘The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury’ (2004)
The subsequent entry in the Riddick series is a brief animated film. It bridges the live-action movies ‘Pitch Black’ and ‘The Chronicles of Riddick.’
Set shortly after the events of ‘Pitch Black,’ the story follows Riddick and the two other survivors, Jack and Imam. Their journey takes a turn when they encounter a mercenary ship. Riddick, the fugitive prisoner, becomes ensnared by a malevolent woman. She has a peculiar passion: collecting the galaxy’s most sought-after criminals.
3. ‘The Chronicles of Riddick’ (2004)
The ‘Chronicles of Riddick’ is the second live-action installment in the Riddick series. Boasting a heftier budget, it leaned more heavily into action than its forerunner.
Having evaded a brutal abduction from his hideout planet, where he’s been for years, the Furian outlaw Riddick, played by V. Diesel, hijacks a spacecraft bound for Helion Prime. Once there, he unexpectedly visits Imam Abu al-Walid, portrayed by K. David. Imam was the sole individual aware of Riddick’s location after their shared ordeal with the creatures in “Pitch Black.”
Contrary to Riddick’s suspicions, Imam hasn’t betrayed him. Instead, he’s desperate for Riddick’s help to combat the Necromonger invasion, a menace looming over humanity across the cosmos. Though Riddick is initially dismissive of both Imam’s plea and insights from Aereon (J. Dench), a being hovering between life and the afterlife, the brutalities of the Necromonger and their leader (C. Feore) compel the unyielding Furian to reconsider.
Drawing parallels with “Star Wars” and borrowing aesthetics from “The Matrix,” this Riddick sequel impresses with its captivating special effects and a production design influenced by diverse mythologies. Yet, despite its visual allure, the film faced critical backlash. It failed to recoup its investment, delaying the highly anticipated third live-action movie.
Nevertheless, anticipation persisted, fostering hope.
4. ‘Riddick’ (2013)
‘Riddick’ picks up five years following Kyra’s demise, with Riddick now holding the title of Lord Marshal of the Necromonger fleet. However, his reign is short-lived as he soon finds himself stranded on a planet eerily reminiscent of the one in “Pitch Black.”
On this blistering planet, Riddick confronts a new alien predator. When he triggers a distress beacon, it catches the attention of two incoming spacecraft. The first vessel brings aboard a different breed of mercenaries, while the second is helmed by a familiar face from Riddick’s history.
Do you need to watch Riddick in order?
No, you don’t need to watch Riddick movies in order, but if you do, you will find some nice connections between the movies.
Where to watch ‘The Chronicles of Riddick’ movies?
All movies in ‘The Chronicles of Riddick’ franchise can be found on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime. The only exception is ‘Dark Fury,’ which can only be found on Amazon Prime.
Will there be a fourth Riddick movie?
At present, a fourth installment in the Riddick series titled ‘Riddick 4: Furya’ is indeed in the works. The first hint of this sequel came in 2014, followed by the film’s director, David Twohy, confirming in 2015 that the movie would carry an R rating and delve into an origin story.
Fast forward to July 21, 2019, Vin Diesel revealed on his Instagram that he had received the script for ‘Riddick 4: Furya’ from Twohy.
Details about the movie are still under wraps, but according to IMDb, the storyline will trace Riddick’s journey back to his home planet. This is a world he scarcely recalls, and fears may be in devastation. There, he encounters fellow Furyans battling to survive against a novel adversary.