Ranking All Jurassic Park & World Movies: From Dino Disasters to Thrilling Triumphs

For more than three decades, the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World series has captivated audiences by combining pulse-pounding action and the wonder of dinosaurs reborn. From Steven Spielberg’s pioneering concept to the most recent installment, these films have developed while remaining faithful to their essence – people playing with nature and experiencing the repercussions.

Across a timespan of nearly three decades (1993-2025), this series consists of seven movies that combine grand scale, scientific intrigue, and edge-of-your-seat survival elements in each installment. I’ll be sharing my personal rankings for these films, discussing their individual strengths and weaknesses, focusing on factors such as impact, narrative, and dinosaur-centric excitement.

Here are my thoughts on the series, movie by movie, explaining what I liked or disliked about each one, considering its overall effect, storytelling, and dinosaur action.

Jurassic World: Dominion (2022)

In this sixth installment, the Jurassic World trilogy reaches its conclusion by gathering familiar and fresh faces in an exciting reunion. The story takes place in a universe where dinosaurs are freely wandering, focusing on Owen Grady, played by Chris Pratt, and Claire Dearing, portrayed by Bryce Dallas Howard, as they discover a sinister corporate scheme involving genetically modified locusts.

The comeback of Alan Grant (Sam Neill), Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), and Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) seemed both sentimental yet somewhat obligatory, as the narrative became overly complex and diminished the dinosaur-centered action. Although it grossed more than a billion dollars at the box office, the movie’s disorganized plotline and lack of clarity make it the least impressive installment in the series.

Jurassic Park III (2001)

In the third part, Alan Grant is tricked into returning to Isla Sorna, where he helps a pair in search of their missing child. This journey is swift and action-packed, but it doesn’t capture the enchantment that comes with Spielberg’s direction, as someone else took charge this time around.

The discovery of new dinosaurs such as the Spinosaurus certainly sparks interest, yet the narrative lacks depth, and the characters aren’t particularly memorable. Nevertheless, the intense raptor confrontations and a commendable acting job by Sam Neill make it an engaging watch, despite not quite reaching the level of the classics.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

In this fifth installment, the storyline transitions to an exciting rescue operation aimed at safeguarding dinosaurs from a volcanic explosion on Isla Nublar. Characters Owen and Claire reappear, accompanied by fresh characters such as Maisie Lockwood (played by Isabella Sermon), as we delve into a more ominous narrative involving corporate malfeasance and genetic manipulation.

Initially, the film provides pulse-pounding dinosaur excitement; however, the latter part, which unfolds in a spooky mansion, seems like an entirely different production. The Indoraptor is a bone-chilling new character, yet the story’s inconsistent mood prevents it from reaching its full potential.

Jurassic World: Rebirth (2025)

Five years after the events of ‘Dominion,’ I find myself embarking on an exhilarating journey in this seventh installment. As a covert ops expert and paleontologist, I’m Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), partnered with Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey). Our mission? To traverse a treacherous island in pursuit of dinosaur DNA for a groundbreaking medical discovery. The masterful Gareth Edwards is at the helm, delivering a fresh yet comfortingly familiar cinematic experience.

The movie presents fresh beings such as the D-Rex and Mutadons, boasting stunning visuals and a more compact narrative. Despite the minimal character growth, its thrilling action sequences and references to the original, such as the raft scene from Michael Crichton’s book, give it an edge.

The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

In this new version, Spielberg once again takes the helm for the follow-up, which unfolds four years after the initial storyline. Here, Ian Malcolm spearheads a team on Isla Sorna to study dinosaurs, only to have their work disrupted by a corporate conspiracy. Jeff Goldblum’s witty charm is on full display as he reprises his role as our sarcastic protagonist, with Julianne Moore joining the cast as Sarah Harding, a talented paleontologist.

Although it manages to evoke some of the initial movie’s wonder through impressive scenes such as the T-rex chase, the ending in San Diego seems misplaced. Despite being daring and innovative, it fails to attain the sheen of the original film.

Jurassic World (2015)

In the fourth remake of the series, we see the establishment of a functional dinosaur-themed amusement park on Isla Nublar called Jurassic Park. However, when the genetically modified Indominus rex escapes, the park’s manager Claire Dearing and raptor trainer Owen Grady find themselves in a race against time to avert disaster.

As a fan, I can’t help but feel exhilarated as I step back into this action-packed world, awestruck by the stunning visuals that unfold before me. Chris Pratt’s infectious charm certainly steers the ship, yet it seems that the narrative veers heavily on nostalgia, falling short of matching the original’s depth. Despite this, the experience is undeniably thrilling, although I can’t shake off a feeling of emptiness at its core.

Jurassic Park (1993)

Speaking naturally, one could say: ‘Jurassic Park’, the original that kicked things off, is a stunning blend of awe and fear, masterfully directed by Steven Spielberg. It tells the story of scientists Alan Grant, Ellie Sattler, and Ian Malcolm who visit John Hammond’s dinosaur-filled amusement park. However, the peace is shattered when the dinosaurs escape their enclosures.

As a true admirer, I can’t help but marvel at the groundbreaking CGI, the unforgettable John Williams score, and the masterful blend of awe and suspense that this cinematic masterpiece sets. From the terrifying T. rex chase to the nerve-wracking kitchen scene with the raptors, it remains a timeless classic that continues to roar louder than any other.

2025-07-07 12:21