Death Race Movies: Release Order
The Death Race franchise presents two completely different takes on the concept of deadly vehicular racing. Roger Corman's original films from 1975 and 2017 offer satirical, campy commentary on media violence and dystopian society, while the modern reboot series starting in 2008 delivers grittier prison-based action focusing on the mythology of the masked driver Frankenstein.
This release order watch list includes both timelines, jumping between the absurdist tone of the Corman films and the high-octane action of the modern reboot series. You should expect tonal whiplash but will experience the full evolution of this cult franchise.
There are 2 other watch orders available – see the links up above.
Death Race 2000
In a dystopian future, the government sponsors a deadly cross-country race where drivers score points by killing pedestrians. The mysterious champion Frankenstein must compete against four other teams in this violent spectacle that has become America's most popular entertainment.
Death Race
In a dystopian future where prisons have become corporate entertainment venues, inmates are forced to compete in a brutal televised racing competition for the amusement of global audiences.
Death Race 2
In a brutal prison where inmates compete in a deadly vehicular combat sport called Death Race, a convict must fight for survival behind the wheel against dangerous criminals and weaponized cars.
Death Race: Inferno
Carl Lucas, known as Frankenstein, needs just one more victory to win his freedom in the brutal Death Race competition. Transferred to a desert prison for his final race, he must navigate new challenges while the Death Race program faces potential commercialization.
Death Race 2050
In the overpopulated world of 2050, the government creates a deadly cross-country racing competition where drivers score points by eliminating people with their weaponized vehicles.
Death Race: Beyond Anarchy
A Black Ops specialist infiltrates a maximum security prison to compete in a deadly car race against the legendary driver Frankenstein.
Other Film Series
Divergent
A dystopian trilogy following Tris Prior as she discovers her Divergent nature and leads a rebellion against the faction system controlling post-apocalyptic Chicago.
G.I. Joe
A live-action franchise based on the toy line, featuring military action films with continuity complications between the main series and later reboot attempts.
Mad Max
A post-apocalyptic action franchise following the lone warrior Max Rockatansky as he navigates a dangerous wasteland filled with marauders and survivors.
RoboCop
A cyberpunk action series about a critically wounded police officer transformed into a cyborg law enforcer in dystopian Detroit.
Ryan Reynolds
Canadian actor known for his quick wit, comedic timing, and action-hero charisma across romantic comedies, superhero films, and dramatic thrillers.
Universal Soldier
A sci-fi action franchise about reanimated soldiers turned into enhanced super-warriors, following multiple timelines and reboots across different continuities.