Night at the Museum - Watch Order: Release Order

2006 - 20143 Films5h 11m3.5 Average

The Night at the Museum trilogy follows Larry Daley, a down-on-his-luck father who becomes a night security guard at the American Museum of Natural History, only to discover that an ancient Egyptian tablet brings all the exhibits to life after sunset.

This watch order presents the complete trilogy in its intended sequence, following Larry's journey from clueless newcomer to confident guardian of the museum's magical secrets. Note that a 2022 animated sequel featuring Larry's son was released on Disney+, but focuses on different characters and uses a completely different format from the original live-action trilogy.

Linear Timeline: Release Order = Story Order

1
Night at the Museum poster

Night at the Museum

20061h 48m3.7
Director: Shawn Levy
Cast: Ben Stiller, Carla Gugino, Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, Bill Cobbs

Chaos reigns at the natural history museum when night watchman Larry Daley accidentally stirs up an ancient curse, awakening Attila the Hun, an army of gladiators, a Tyrannosaurus rex and other exhibits.

ActionAdventureComedyFamilyFantasy
2
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian poster

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

20091h 45m3.3
Director: Shawn Levy
Cast: Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson, Hank Azaria, Robin Williams

Hapless museum night watchman Larry Daley must help his living, breathing exhibit friends out of a pickle now that they've been transferred to the archives at the Smithsonian Institution. Larry's (mis)adventures this time include close encounters with Amelia Earhart, Abe Lincoln and Ivan the Terrible.

AdventureFantasyActionComedyFamily
3
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb poster

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

20141h 38m3.4
Director: Shawn Levy
Cast: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, Ricky Gervais

When the magic powers of The Tablet of Ahkmenrah begin to die out, Larry Daley spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever.

AdventureComedyFantasyFamily