Universal Soldier - Watch Order: Release Order

1992 - 20124 Films6h 35m3.1 Average

The Universal Soldier franchise follows reanimated soldiers enhanced into super-warriors, but has undergone multiple reboots and timeline changes throughout its history. The series began with the original Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren film and has evolved through different continuities and tonal approaches.

This release order includes all feature films in the franchise, though note that two made-for-TV sequels from 1998 exist that aren't listed here. The series is known for its reboots and retcons, so be sure to check out the different timeline orders up top.

1
Universal Soldier poster

Universal Soldier

19921h 43m3.5
Director: Roland Emmerich
Cast: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, Ally Walker, Ed O'Ross, Ralf Moeller

An American soldier who had been killed during the Vietnam War is revived 25 years later by the military as a semi-android, UniSols, a high-tech soldier of the future. After the failure of the initiative to erase all the soldier's memories, he begins to experience flashbacks that are forcing him to recall his past.

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2
Universal Soldier: The Return poster

Universal Soldier: The Return

19991h 22m3.2
Director: Mic Rodgers
Cast: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Kiana Tom, Bill Goldberg, Michael Jai White, Heidi Schanz

Luc Deveraux, the heroic former Universal Soldier, is about to be thrown into action once again. When SETH, the supercomputer-controlled ultra-warrior, decides to take revenge and destroy its creators, only Luc can stop it. All hell breaks loose as Luc battles SETH and a deadly team of perfect soldiers in a struggle that pits man against machine and good against evil.

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3
Universal Soldier: Regeneration poster

Universal Soldier: Regeneration

20091h 37m2.9
Director: John Hyams
Cast: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, Andrei Arlovski, Mike Pyle, Corey Johnson

When terrorists threaten nuclear catastrophe at Chernobyl, the world's only hope is to reactivate decommissioned Universal Soldier Luc Deveraux. Rearmed and reprogrammed, Deveraux must take on his nemesis from the original Universal Soldier and a next-generation "UniSol" that seems almost unstoppable.

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4
Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning poster

Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning

20121h 53m2.8
Director: John Hyams
Cast: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Scott Adkins, Dolph Lundgren, Andrei Arlovski, Mariah Bonner

After his wife and daughter are murdered in a home invasion, a widower named John now finds himself up against an army of Universal Soldiers in relentless pursuit, led by a mysterious leader who promises to set UniSols free from their conditioning.

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