It Movies: Release Order
Based on Stephen King's 1986 novel, these two theatrical films adapt the story of the Losers Club - a group of outcast kids who band together to fight Pennywise the Dancing Clown, a malevolent entity that feeds on fear and emerges every 27 years to terrorize the town of Derry, Maine. The first film focuses on the group as children in the 1980s, while the sequel follows them as adults returning to Derry nearly three decades later to confront the creature once more.
This release order watch list contains the 2017 and 2019 theatrical films directed by Andy Muschietti, which became massive commercial successes. The story was previously adapted as an excellent 1990 TV miniseries starring Tim Curry as Pennywise, and the theatrical films' universe has since expanded with the HBO series Welcome to Derry, which explores earlier cycles of It's reign of terror.
Linear Timeline: Release Order = Story Order
It
In a small Maine town, seven outcast children must confront their fears and face off against a malevolent entity that appears as a terrifying clown named Pennywise.
It: Chapter Two
Twenty-seven years later, the adult members of the Losers' Club are forced to return to their hometown of Derry when the evil entity Pennywise resurfaces to terrorize the town once again.
Other Film Series
Children of the Corn
A horror franchise following the murderous cult of children who worship a malevolent entity called He Who Walks Behind the Rows across multiple timelines and locations.
Five Nights at Freddy's
A supernatural horror film series based on the popular video game franchise, following encounters with possessed animatronics at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza.
Halloween
The iconic slasher franchise following masked killer Michael Myers across multiple timelines and reboots spanning over four decades.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Four films exploring alien pod people replacing humans, each updating the concept for different eras and anxieties.
Phantasm
A surreal horror franchise following young Mike Pearson and ice cream vendor Reggie in their ongoing battle against the interdimensional Tall Man and his deadly silver spheres.
The Conjuring Universe
Supernatural horror franchise following paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren and their haunted cases.