Hannibal Lecter is one of the most iconic and famous villains in pop culture. The feared and scheming cannibalistic serial killer originated in literature, but made his biggest impact on film with the release of “The Silence of the Lambs.” From there, a successful franchise developed, including other films and a television series.
But did you know that “The Silence of the Lambs” is not the first chronological film in the “Hannibal” universe? Also, did you know that this movie wasn’t even the villain’s first appearance in a movie?
If you are not familiar with and are interested in learning more about the “Hannibal” universe by looking at all the works in chronological order of events, continue reading, because we will explain it better.
What is the origin of Hannibal?
Hannibal Lecter’s journey begins in the novel “Red Dragon”, written by Thomas Harris and originally published in 1981.
However, Hannibal gained considerable notoriety in Harris’ next novel, “The Silence of the Lambs,” published in 1988. However, large-scale recognition came with the film adaptation of that book, when the character was played by Anthony Hopkins.
Thus, with the success of the film and the character, Thomas Harris had the opportunity to create two more works with the villain: “Hannibal” (1999) and “Hannibal Rising” (2006), which were subsequently also brought to the screens cinematographic. cinema.
What is the right order to watch Hannibal?
Next, check out the right order to watch the Hannibal franchise:
Although it is the last “Hannibal” film released, “Hannibal: Origin of Evil” is the first in chronological order of the events of the franchise. Based on the 2006 novel of the same name, the work explores the origin story of Hannibal Lecter and his evolution as a cannibalistic killer.
The plot covers Hannibal’s childhood in Lithuania during World War II, when his entire family is murdered. He then follows his youth to France, where he becomes a medical student.
However, when Hannibal remembers details about his sister’s death, he begins a quest for revenge, transforming into the killer we know.
Gaspard Ulliel plays Hannibal Lecter, and the cast also includes Gong Li, Rhys Ifans and Dominic West.
Available to Amazon Prime Video subscribers.
This is an optional choice. “Hannibal” is a production worth seeing independently. It features its own narrative, inspired by the books “Red Dragon” and “Hannibal.” Here the famous villain is played by Mads Mikkelsen.
The series has no direct connection to the released films. However, if you are a completionist and want to watch everything related to the “Hannibal” universe, you can follow this production after seeing “Hannibal: Origin of Evil”.
With 3 seasons, the first two focus on when FBI agent Will Graham meets Hannibal Lecter before the latter becomes a famous serial killer and is arrested. Season 3 creates its own adaptation of “Red Dragon.”
Available for rental and purchase on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Based on the novel of the same name, his story is the second in the chronology of events of the “Hannibal Lecter” universe. Directed by Brett Ratner, Anthony Hopkins returns for the third time as Hannibal Lecter. The film also stars Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes, Emily Watson, Harvey Keitel and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
In the plot, former FBI agent Will Graham (Norton) enlists the help of serial killer Hannibal Lecter (Hopkins), who is imprisoned in a mental institution, to catch another killer known as “The Tooth Fairy” (Fiennes) . Years earlier, Graham helped capture Lecter, who nearly killed him, leading the agent to retire from duty due to trauma. Now providing an auxiliary service to the police, Graham seeks the help of one killer to penetrate the mind of another.
Available to watch for free on Netmovies. Also available for Oldflix and Looke subscribers.
Acclaimed director Michael Mann directed this film which is another adaptation of “Red Dragon”. Therefore it is also the second film in chronological order of events in the series.
This was the first film in the “Hannibal” series to be released. However, many people tend to ignore it due to the absence of Anthony Hopkins in the role of Lecter. Also, in this film the cannibalistic serial killer is called Lecktor and is played by Brian Cox.
However, “Hunter of Assassins” is one of the few films in the series to have received general critical acclaim. Furthermore, the film is recognized as one of the best thrillers of the 80s and one of the main works of Michael Mann’s acclaimed filmography.
Available to Amazon Prime Video subscribers.
“The Silence of the Lambs” is the third film in the chronological sequence of events of the series. It was this film that marked the beginning of the franchise’s success and introduced the general public to the iconic villain Hannibal Lecter, immortalized by Anthony Hopkins.
Directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Jodie Foster in the lead role, the film received widespread critical acclaim and won 5 Oscars, including Best Film, Best Actor for Hopkins and Best Actress for Foster.
The plot revolves around Clarice Starling (Foster), a young FBI agent-in-training who is assigned to assist in the investigation of the serial killer of women known as “Buffalo Bill.” In the quest to solve the case, Clarice seeks the collaboration of Hannibal Lecter (Hopkins), locked up in a maximum security psychiatric hospital.
And a bonus recommendation: the character Clarice received her own series in 2021, the story of which is set after this film.
Available for rental and purchase on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
And finally we have the film “Hannibal”, which concludes the saga. Hopkins returns for the second time as Lecter in this film directed by Ridley Scott. The film also stars Julianne Moore as Clarice Starling, Gary Oldman, Ray Liotta, Giancarlo Giannini, Zeljko Ivanek, Frankie Faison and Francesca Neri.
In the film, Hannibal Lecter, who escaped from prison in “The Silence of the Lambs”, lives hidden in Europe and continues his cannibalistic habits. However, when he is discovered, the killer resumes contact with FBI agent Clarice Starling, who is going through a terrible time. Additionally, the disfigured Mason Verger (Oldman), one of Hannibal’s surviving victims, seeks revenge on the serial killer.
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Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
