To watch the Left Behind movies, you should follow their chronological release order, which also aligns with their respective series continuities. There are two distinct film series based on the popular book franchise: the original trilogy from the early 2000s and a more recent reboot series.
The Original Left Behind Trilogy
The initial film adaptations of the Left Behind books form a trilogy released in the early 2000s. These movies are widely considered the original film series and should be watched in the following sequence:
- Left Behind: The Movie (2000): This film introduces the immediate aftermath of the Rapture, following Captain Rayford Steele, journalist Buck Williams, and their struggles in a world plunged into chaos.
- Left Behind II: Tribulation Force (2002): Continuing directly from the first film, this movie focuses on the formation of the "Tribulation Force" as they begin to resist the growing influence of the Antichrist.
- Left Behind: World at War (2005): The final installment of the original trilogy explores the escalating global conflict and the Tribulation Force's efforts against the Global Community.
This trilogy's classification and titles are detailed on the Left Behind Wiki - Fandom, which lists them under "Original Trilogy."
Later Left Behind Adaptations
In addition to the original trilogy, there are more recent films that act as reboots or new continuations of the story, independent of the early 2000s films. If you wish to watch all the Left Behind movies, include these after the original trilogy:
- Left Behind (2014): This film is a standalone reboot of the story, offering a fresh take on the Rapture event. It features Nicolas Cage as Rayford Steele.
- Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist (2023): This film serves as a direct sequel to the 2014 Left Behind movie, continuing the narrative of the Antichrist's rise to power.
Comprehensive Watch Order
For a complete viewing experience that includes all film adaptations released to date, follow this chronological order:
| Order | Title | Release Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Left Behind: The Movie | 2000 | The first installment of the original trilogy. |
| 2 | Left Behind II: Tribulation Force | 2002 | The second film in the original trilogy, continuing the story of the Tribulation Force. |
| 3 | Left Behind: World at War | 2005 | The concluding film of the original trilogy. |
| 4 | Left Behind | 2014 | A standalone reboot of the story, starring Nicolas Cage. |
| 5 | Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist | 2023 | A direct sequel to the 2014 film. |
This order ensures you experience the original narrative arc first, followed by the more recent interpretations. Whether you choose to watch only the original trilogy or delve into all available films, understanding their release and continuity helps in following the complex apocalyptic narrative.
