All 3 ‘Alex Cross’ Movies and a Show in Order (Including Chronological Timeline)

As a seasoned gamer and movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that the Alex Cross franchise is a rollercoaster ride of suspense, mystery, and psychological thrills. Having grown up reading James Patterson’s novels, it was an exhilarating experience to see my favorite detective brought to life on screen by the legendary Morgan Freeman and the dynamic Tyler Perry.

The ‘Alex Cross’ film series is centered around the fictional character Alex Cross, a detective and psychologist invented by author James Patterson. This character is renowned for unraveling intricate crimes and pursuing serial killers. Initially, Morgan Freeman played the role in the first two adaptations, but later Tyler Perry stepped into the character in the final installment. At present, the series encompasses three films, along with a live-action television season, with further seasons on the horizon. Today, we’ll guide you on how to watch them sequentially.

Editor’s Note: This watch order was updated in November 2024 with the latest news regarding the franchise.

All 3 ‘Alex Cross’ movies in release date order

The initial installment of the ‘Alex Cross’ series hit theaters in 1997, and it received a blend of positive and negative responses. Critics appreciated Morgan Freeman’s performance, but one major point of contention was the film’s substantial departure from the original source material, which seemed unnecessary given the abundance of alternative tales to draw upon.

Nevertheless, the movie eventually gathered a cult following, and a whole mini-franchise was born. Here are all ‘Alex Cross’ movies in release date order:

‘Kiss the Girls’ (1997)
‘Along Came a Spider’ (2001)
‘Alex Cross’ (2012)
‘Cross’ (2024) – 8 Episodes

Are all ‘Alex Cross’ movies connected? What’s the best way to watch them?

Each Alex Cross film shares a common protagonist but doesn’t strictly follow a unified narrative or sequential plot progression; instead, they can be seen as individual adaptations that don’t necessarily depend on each other.

Each film took a unique approach to adapting one of Patterson’s novels, and the 2012 movie essentially started anew by breaking away from the loose timeline set up in the first two films. Therefore, it would be most beneficial for you to watch these movies in the order they were released.

Complexities arise as well, given that a live-action series has been launched, possessing its unique narrative thread and capable of being enjoyed independently from the films.

All ‘Alex Cross’ movies in chronological order

Previously noted, these two films, ‘Kiss the Girls’ and the reimagined ‘Alex Cross’ starring Tyler Perry, share the same temporal setting. This is because the latter serves as a revamp of the original series or “universe.

1. ‘Kiss the Girls’ (1997)

In the initial installment of the series, the storyline was adapted from the novel ‘Kiss the Girls’. Detective Alex Cross from Washington D.C. finds himself embroiled in a mystery when his niece and several other young women go missing in Durham, North Carolina. This investigation leads him to a ruthless abductor named Casanova, who holds women captive at an isolated location. Joining forces with survivor Kate McTiernan, Cross embarks on a mission to free the imprisoned women before they suffer grave consequences. As he navigates the situation, he understands the necessity of following the kidnapper’s rules to secure more time for their rescue operation.

2. ‘Along Came a Spider’ (2001)

In the sequel of the series, the storyline was adapted from the book ‘Along Came a Spider.’ Former detective and psychologist Alex Cross is lured back into active duty when the child of a U.S. senator, Megan Rose, gets abducted by Gary Soneji. Partnering with Special Agent Jezzie Flannigan, who faces accusations for the security failure, Cross embarks on a mission to locate Soneji and save Megan. As Soneji mimics the notorious Lindbergh kidnapping, Cross is propelled by the need to apprehend the kidnapper swiftly and secure Megan’s release, noticing the unsettling similarities between this case and his knowledge of real-life crime cases.

3. ‘Alex Cross’ (2012)

In the third film adaptation, the storyline follows ‘Cross,’ a novel. The protagonist, Detective and Psychologist Dr. Alex Cross, is drawn into investigating the murder of Yau in Detroit, which leads him to a cunning serial killer dubbed The Tiger. As Cross delves deeper into the case, he uncovers The Tiger’s grand ambition to control crime syndicates globally, and recognizes that his loved ones, particularly his pregnant wife Maria, are in grave danger. Struggling between his duty to uphold justice and his affection for his family, Dr. Cross agrees to work with the FBI as a profiler in Washington D.C., aiming to safeguard Maria and disrupt The Tiger’s lethal plans, thereby establishing a tense battle against time that escalates into a high-risk endeavor.

4. ‘Cross’ Season 1 (2024)

In the heart of Washington D.C., we find Alex Cross – an unwavering homicide investigator with a knack for forensic psychology, and a devoted father. Tragedy strikes when his wife is brutally taken, leaving him wrestling with deep-seated anger and reluctant to seek help. However, he’s drawn into a tangled web of intrigue surrounding the killing of a prominent local activist. Matters grow even murkier when the police chief, pushing for a swift resolution, and another Black detective, acting as the public front of the investigation, pile on the stress in an already challenging scenario for Cross.

As a gamer, I’d put it this way: In the game, I play as Alex Cross, a detective and forensic psychologist, with my trusted partner Detective John Sampson (portrayed by Isaiah Mustafa) by my side. My loving grandmother, Regina “Nana Mama” Cross, is played by Juanita Jennings. Alona Tal takes on the role of FBI agent Kayla Craig, who aids me in my investigations, and Samantha Walkes brings Elle Monteiro to life, my love interest and the head of a nonprofit organization.

Where to watch the above-mentioned movies?

As a fellow gamer and movie enthusiast, here’s how I might put it:

‘Cross’ can also be watched only on Amazon Prime Video.

Will there be more ‘Alex Cross’ movies?

The 2012 ‘Alex Cross’ film won’t be followed up with any more movies because of its disappointing box office results. As for the ‘Cross’ series on Amazon, we’re still unsure about whether it will continue for another season or not – stay tuned for updates as they become available!

2024-11-18 12:44