Universal Soldier Movies in Order & How Many Are There?
The Universal Soldier movie franchise is a popular action film series that has entertained audiences for over two decades. The films follow the story of genetically enhanced soldiers, known as Universal Soldiers, who are designed to be the ultimate killing machines. The franchise has undergone numerous changes over the years, including changes in casting, production companies, and even film distribution.
If you are a fan of action movies and want to know more about the Universal Soldier film franchise, this article will provide an overview of the movies in order and how many there are. From the original 1992 film that launched the franchise to the latest direct-to-video release, the Universal Soldier series has captivated audiences with its intense action sequences, futuristic technology, and intriguing plotlines. So, let’s dive into the world of Universal Soldiers and discover the full extent of their cinematic adventures.
How many Universal Soldier movies are there?
There are currently six Universal Soldier movies in the franchise, with the first film released in 1992. The movies follow the story of genetically enhanced soldiers brought back to life after their deaths to serve as part of a top-secret military program. Each film builds on the world and mythology of the previous movies, introducing new characters, plotlines, and twists to keep things fresh. To help you navigate this action-packed series, here is a complete list of the Universal Soldier movies in order of their release date:
- Universal Soldier (1992)
- Universal Soldier II: Brothers in Arms (1998)
- Universal Soldier III: Unfinished Business (1998)
- Universal Soldier: The Return (1999)
- Universal Soldier: Regeneration (2009)
- Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning (2012)
Now let us see what is the best way to watch Universal Soldier movies in order.
Universal Soldier movies in order
Universal Soldier franchise is pretty complicated to follow in order, so we will show you the best way to watch Universal Soldier movies here. It can be sorted in three different timelines, all starting with the original 1992 movie. Let’s check it out below.
First Timeline
The first Universal Soldier timeline starts with the original Universal Soldier movie and continues with its two sequels, Brothers in Arms and Unfinished Business. Let’s see what these movies are about.
Universal Soldier (1992)
Directed by Roland Emmerich, Universal Soldier is the first film in the franchise. It follows the story of Luc Deveraux (Jean-Claude Van Damme), a soldier killed in Vietnam who is brought back to life as a part of a secret government program. Luc and another soldier named Andrew Scott (Dolph Lundgren) are genetically enhanced and turned into super-soldiers known as “UniSols.” But when they regain their memories of their former lives, they go on a mission to expose the program and take down those responsible for their transformation.
Universal Soldier II: Brothers in Arms (1998)
Directed by Jeff Woolnough, Universal Soldier II: Brothers in Arms follows the story of Luc’s brother, Eric Deveraux (Matt Battaglia), who becomes a UniSol after he is killed in a failed mission. Eric is forced to fight against his kind and is tasked with taking down another rogue UniSol targeting politicians and businessmen.
Universal Soldier III: Unfinished Business (1998)
Directed by Jeff Woolnough, Universal Soldier III: Unfinished Business features Gary Busey as a government official who revives a group of UniSols to help him steal a cache of diamonds. But when the UniSols begin to develop their wills and personalities, Busey’s plan quickly falls apart, and the super-soldiers go rogue in a bid for their freedom. Luc Deveraux, now working as a civilian, is brought back into the fray to take down the UniSols and stop them from causing further havoc.
Second Timeline
The second Universal Soldier timeline starts again with the original Universal Soldier movie and continues with Universal Soldier: The Return (1999). Let’s see what these movies are about.
Universal Soldier (1992)
Directed by Roland Emmerich, Universal Soldier is the first film in the franchise. It follows the story of Luc Deveraux (Jean-Claude Van Damme), a soldier killed in Vietnam who is brought back to life as a part of a secret government program. Luc and another soldier named Andrew Scott (Dolph Lundgren) are genetically enhanced and turned into super-soldiers known as “UniSols.” But when they regain their memories of their former lives, they go on a mission to expose the program and take down those responsible for their transformation.
Universal Soldier: The Return (1999)
Universal Soldier: The Return (1999) is the fourth film in the Universal Soldier franchise and stars Jean-Claude Van Damme as Luc Deveraux, who is now working as a technical expert on the UniSol program. When a new model of UniSol, named SETH (Michael Jai White), goes rogue and begins killing people, Deveraux is called back into action to stop him. Along the way, Deveraux teams up with a reporter named Veronica Roberts (Heidi Schanz) and another UniSol named Romeo (Bill Goldberg) to bring down SETH and the evil corporation that created him. As they battle their way through the corporation’s headquarters, Deveraux must confront his inner demons and come to terms with his past as a UniSol.
Third Timeline
The third Universal Soldier timeline starts again with the original Universal Soldier movie and continues with Regeneration (2009) and Day of Reckoning (2012). Let’s see what these movies are about.
Universal Soldier (1992)
Directed by Roland Emmerich, Universal Soldier is the first film in the franchise. It follows the story of Luc Deveraux (Jean-Claude Van Damme), a soldier killed in Vietnam who is brought back to life as a part of a secret government program. Luc and another soldier named Andrew Scott (Dolph Lundgren) are genetically enhanced and turned into super-soldiers known as “UniSols.” But when they regain their memories of their former lives, they go on a mission to expose the program and take down those responsible for their transformation.
Universal Soldier: Regeneration (2009)
Directed by John Hyams, Universal Soldier: Regeneration takes place several years after the events of the previous films. A terrorist group has taken over the Chornobyl nuclear plant and threatened to blow it up. To stop them, the government revives a group of UniSols, including Luc Deveraux (Jean-Claude Van Damme), to take on the terrorists. However, things quickly go wrong when the terrorists kidnap Luc’s daughter and force him to confront his past as a UniSol. Meanwhile, a new generation of super-soldiers, called NGU (Next Generation UniSol), are unleashed on the battlefield, making the fight even more intense.
Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning (2012)
Directed by John Hyams, Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning follows the story of John (Scott Adkins), a man whose family is killed by a group of rogue UniSols led by Luc Deveraux (Jean-Claude Van Damme). Seeking revenge, John sets out to track down and kill Deveraux. Still, as he gets closer to his target, he discovers a conspiracy involving the government, the UniSol program, and a mysterious figure known as “The Program Director” (Peter Hyams). As John fights through the UniSols and uncovers the truth behind the program, he must also confront his memories and the possibility that he may be more than just an ordinary man.
Do you need to watch Universal Soldier movies in order?
You should watch Universal Soldier movies in the order we have suggested above. The franchise is pretty complicated to watch, so separated in these timelines would be the best way to watch it.
Will there be more Universal Soldier movies?
The Day of Reckoning has ended with a cliffhanger, and we hope there will be at least one more movie to finish it up. Still, for now, unfortunately, there are no new about the new sequel.
