“The Crow” franchise is a unique blend of dark fantasy, action, and revenge, known for its gothic style and haunting narrative. However, navigating through its various films and TV series can be quite perplexing due to its multiple continuities and reboots. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to watch “The Crow” movies and TV series in order, along with an explanation of how each installment fits into the franchise’s complex continuity.
The Crow Movie Series in Order of Release
To fully grasp the progression of “The Crow” franchise, it’s essential to watch the films in the order they were released. Here’s a breakdown:
- The Crow (1994)
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, MGM+, Paramount+
- This original film, starring Brandon Lee as Eric Draven, is the cornerstone of the franchise. It tells the story of a rock musician who returns from the dead to avenge his murder and the rape of his fiancée.
- The Crow: City of Angels (1996)
- Where to Watch: PlutoTV
- The first sequel features a new character, Ashe Corven, portrayed by Vincent Perez. Set in the same universe as the original, it follows a similar storyline of revenge and resurrection.
- The Crow: Salvation (2000)
- Where to Watch: Freevee, Peacock, PlutoTV, The Roku Channel, Tubi
- Starring Eric Mabius as Alex Corvis, this third entry diverges further from the original story but maintains the core themes of vengeance and the supernatural.
- The Crow: Wicked Prayer (2005)
- Where to Watch: PlutoTV
- The fourth film introduces Edward Furlong as Jimmy Cuervo and explores new themes while keeping the franchise’s dark and vengeful spirit.
- The Crow (2024)
- Where to Watch: Not currently available
- A reboot starring Bill Skarsgård as Eric Draven, this film marks a fresh start for the franchise with a new continuity. It does not require prior knowledge of the original films.
Understanding the Continuity
The “Crow” franchise is divided into three distinct continuities:
- Original Movie Continuity: Encompasses the four original films (1994-2005). Each film introduces a new character taking on the mantle of the Crow, linked by the common theme of revenge and supernatural resurrection. Notably, the character Sarah, played by Rochelle Davis, appears in both the first two films.
- TV Series Continuity: The Crow: Stairway to Heaven (1998-1999) features Mark Dacascos as Eric Draven. This series exists in its continuity, separate from the movies. It reimagines the comic book’s story and is not connected to the film series.
- Reboot Continuity: The 2024 film, starring Bill Skarsgård, is a complete reboot and stands alone from the previous movies and TV series. It offers a new take on the Crow mythos, independent of the original films.
Is the TV Series Canon?
The Crow: Stairway to Heaven is not canon in the movies. It presents an alternate version of the storyline with different actors and plot elements. Watching the series is optional if you’re focusing on the movie continuity, and vice versa.
In Summary
To enjoy the “Crow” franchise, start with the original 1994 film and follow the release order through to “Wicked Prayer” if you want the full experience of the original continuity. For fans of the reboot, the 2024 film is a fresh start. The TV series offers an alternate take but is not essential for understanding the films.
Whether you’re planning a marathon or exploring the series for the first time, this guide should help you navigate the intricate world of “The Crow” with ease.
