Jurassic Park and World Movies Ranked: Worst to Best
The release of a new Jurassic Park franchise film always sparks debate and nostalgia. Since Steven Spielberg unleashed Jurassic Park upon the world in 1993, the series about cloned dinosaurs running wild has become a cinematic touchstone. While the original is widely regarded as a masterpiece, subsequent entries have generated varied reactions, each adding to the ongoing saga, highlighting new thrills, or occasionally showing signs of franchise fatigue. With Jurassic World: Dominion marketed as a concluding chapter, it’s the ideal moment to revisit every film in the Jurassic Park and World series, ranking them from worst to best.
6. Jurassic World: Dominion (2022)
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Jurassic World: Dominion showcases moments that surpass some other entries in the series, but its significant lows and squandered potential ultimately place it at the bottom of this ranking. The premise of dinosaurs roaming freely across the globe offered boundless narrative possibilities. Instead, the plot focuses on a convoluted kidnapping storyline and a corporate conspiracy centered around giant mutant locusts – a bizarre deviation from the core dinosaur conflict. This locust subplot barely intersects with the larger dinosaur crisis, which, disappointingly, is presented as largely resolved off-screen. The film’s concluding message seems to be a passive acceptance of co-existing with dinosaurs, lacking depth or meaningful exploration.
This narrative weakness is unfortunate because the action sequences are often technically impressive, occasionally nearing the craftsmanship seen in Spielberg’s original. The visual effects are frequently strong, and the returning cast members share enjoyable dynamics, with DeWanda Wise delivering a standout performance as Kayla Watts. However, this talent and technical skill feel misapplied, serving a story that feels fundamentally misguided. Dominion expends considerable runtime on a convoluted fetch-quest structure that advances the overarching plot very little. It fails to delve into significant questions about humanity’s “dominion” over nature, sidelining the compelling setup established by its predecessor in favor of the franchise’s most disjointed and ultimately inconsequential storyline. While Colin Trevorrow demonstrates directorial competence, the film is hampered by a screenplay that fails to capitalize on its promising concept.
5. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)
Director: J.A. Bayona
The distinction between the fifth and fourth entries on this list is marginal. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom lands slightly lower primarily due to its striking lack of originality and memorability. The plot largely mirrors The Lost World: Jurassic Park, revisiting familiar scenarios and ideas with minimal innovation. New elements introduced often feel underdeveloped or serve merely as transparent setup for the next installment. While Jurassic Park III wasn’t groundbreaking, Fallen Kingdom‘s position as the fifth film makes its reliance on established tropes less excusable.
Furthermore, the story suffers from numerous plot holes and features arguably the series’ blandest and most cartoonish collection of characters. Moments intended perhaps for levity, like Owen Grady’s (Chris Pratt) slapstick escape from lava or a dinosaur seemingly winking at the audience, detract from the intended tone. Despite these flaws, Fallen Kingdom isn’t entirely without merit. J.A. Bayona’s direction results in some stunning cinematography, especially in how dinosaurs are framed and revealed. The visual effects represent a high point for the modern trilogy. A few sequences generate genuine tension, and the plot does touch upon ethical questions regarding animal conservation when the animals are apex predators. However, it fails to explore these themes with nuance, leaving Fallen Kingdom feeling like little more than a bridge to what should have been a more compelling successor.
4. Jurassic Park III (2001)
Director: Joe Johnston
Jurassic Park III often functions as a guilty pleasure, but it’s undeniably a lesser entry in the franchise. Unlike its predecessors, which attempted to weave thematic depth into their dinosaur-driven plots, this third installment prioritizes straightforward, mindless entertainment. While simplicity isn’t inherently negative, the noticeable dip in craftsmanship, visual effects quality, and character development contributes to its status as the most disposable Jurassic Park film. It contains some of the series’ most illogical moments, epitomized by the infamous scene where a Spinosaurus uses a swallowed satellite phone’s ringtone to lure the protagonists. At times, the film veers dangerously close to feeling like a low-budget, made-for-TV creature feature.
Sam Neill’s return as Dr. Alan Grant is the film’s saving grace. He effortlessly embodies the character’s original charm and intelligence, even when interacting with a less compelling supporting cast. Director Joe Johnston also delivers some effective and entertaining action set pieces, notably the harrowing Pteranodon aviary sequence and the intense Spinosaurus attack during a rainstorm. Though Jurassic Park III makes no pretense of philosophical depth, its lean runtime prevents it from overstaying its welcome. It serves its purpose as a basic dinosaur chase movie but stands as a stark reminder of how far the series had drifted from the high benchmark set by the original.
Alan Grant and the Kirby family hiding from a menacing Spinosaurus inside a crashed plane in Jurassic Park III
3. Jurassic World (2015)
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Initial reactions to Jurassic World were often euphoric, mine included. Seeing the park finally open and operational, bustling with tourists and attractions, was a thrilling experience. Director Colin Trevorrow succeeded in recapturing much of the awe and wonder of the original Jurassic Park, presenting John Hammond’s dream realized, albeit temporarily. The park’s design felt immersive and detailed. While incorporating familiar franchise elements, Jurassic World also introduced innovations, particularly with its hybrid dinosaur, the Indominus Rex. This new creature served as both a menacing antagonist and a potent symbol of corporate greed and the dangers of escalating spectacle purely for entertainment – a theme resonating with modern blockbuster culture itself.
The characters, while sometimes criticized, are generally memorable and well-performed, undergoing clear development arcs and interacting effectively. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard lead a solid cast. However, the film suffers from an overreliance on CGI that hasn’t aged as gracefully as the practical effects of its predecessors. The dinosaur visuals, though generally adequate, sometimes lack the tangible presence found in the earlier films. The plot occasionally dips into overly simplistic or goofy territory, though it often balances this with sufficient heart and charm. Despite its flaws, Jurassic World revitalized the franchise with energy, creativity, and a spectacular climactic battle that remains a highlight for many viewers, proving it certainly did something right.
2. The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Often overshadowed by its monumental predecessor, The Lost World: Jurassic Park is a film that reveals its strengths upon re-evaluation. While it doesn’t quite capture the magical sense of discovery of the first film, it excels as a darker, more suspense-driven thriller, showcasing Steven Spielberg’s continued mastery of action and tension. Sequences like the RV dangling over a cliff or the terrifying Compsognathus attack are masterfully executed, rivaling the best moments of the original. The film predominantly utilizes atmospheric nighttime settings, enhancing the sense of danger and suspense. It also takes an unexpected turn in its third act, bringing the dinosaur threat directly to the mainland. While the increased use of CGI results in slightly less consistent visual effects compared to the first film, they remain largely impressive for their time.
The human characters, led by Jeff Goldblum reprising his role as Ian Malcolm, are perhaps less iconic than the original ensemble but remain distinct and engaging, with evolving dynamics that hold audience interest. Thematically, The Lost World delves deeper into the consequences of human interference with nature, exploring the ethical complexities of responsibility towards these resurrected creatures, even when acting with good intentions. It questions when intervention is necessary and when restraint is paramount. Initially perceived by some as an underwhelming follow-up, The Lost World now stands as a well-crafted, intense, and significantly underrated sequel, securing its place as the second-best film in the Jurassic Park franchise.
1. Jurassic Park (1993)
Director: Steven Spielberg
It comes as no surprise that the original Jurassic Park claims the top spot. Steven Spielberg’s 1993 masterpiece was more than just a blockbuster; it was a cinematic revolution. Its groundbreaking use of digital effects set a new standard, yet it wisely balanced CGI with state-of-the-art animatronics and practical effects. This seamless blend created dinosaurs that felt astonishingly real, blurring the lines between the artificial and the tangible. Spielberg’s masterful direction imbues scenes with incredible weight: a sick Triceratops evokes empathy, a stampede of Gallimimus inspires awe, and the iconic T-Rex attack remains one of cinema’s most terrifying sequences. Modern filmmaking could learn much from this balanced approach to visual effects.
Beyond the spectacle, Jurassic Park features a cast of deeply engaging and well-developed characters. Alan Grant (Sam Neill), Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), and John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) are not just running from dinosaurs; they are debating the profound ethical and philosophical implications of Hammond’s creation. The film dedicates significant time to these discussions, ensuring the human element is as compelling as the prehistoric stars. Even scenes devoid of dinosaurs, like Hammond’s poignant conversation with Sattler about his ambitions and her counterarguments about respecting nature, are riveting. Accompanied by John Williams’ unforgettable score, Jurassic Park is a perfectly paced adventure film, a technical marvel, and a timeless exploration of ambition, nature, and consequence. Its enduring legacy and influence are undeniable, making it the unshakeable pinnacle of the franchise.
