How Many Jason Bourne Movies Did They Make? The Definitive Guide

There are five films explicitly featuring Jason Bourne as a central character and bearing the Bourne name. These films, with Matt Damon in the lead role for four of them, comprise the core of the Bourne franchise. One additional film, The Bourne Legacy, expands the universe but focuses on a different protagonist.

The Bourne Filmography: A Complete Overview

The Bourne franchise has captivated audiences worldwide with its intricate plots, stunning action sequences, and exploration of government conspiracies. Understanding the complete filmography, including the roles and connections between each movie, is essential for any fan.

The Core Bourne Films: The Matt Damon Era

This section details the movies where Matt Damon portrays Jason Bourne. These films established the franchise’s signature style and solidified Bourne’s place in action movie history.

1. The Bourne Identity (2002): This film introduces Jason Bourne, a man found floating in the Mediterranean Sea with amnesia. He possesses incredible combat skills but no memory of his past. He embarks on a journey to discover his identity while being pursued by shadowy figures.

2. The Bourne Supremacy (2004): Bourne is living under the radar when he’s framed for a CIA operation gone wrong. He is forced to return to the world he left behind to clear his name and uncover the truth behind his past involvement in Treadstone.

3. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007): This film concludes the original trilogy. Bourne continues his search for his identity, tracking down the creators of Treadstone and facing the consequences of his past actions. He uncovers deeper secrets about his recruitment and transformation into a deadly operative.

4. Jason Bourne (2016): Years after disappearing, Bourne is pulled back into the world of espionage when a former colleague provides him with information about his father’s role in Treadstone. This film explores new layers of conspiracy and Bourne’s personal connection to the program.

The Bourne Legacy: Expanding the Universe

This film takes place in the same universe as the other Bourne movies, but features a different protagonist and expands on the scope of the government programs.

1. The Bourne Legacy (2012): This film stars Jeremy Renner as Aaron Cross, an operative from a similar program called Outcome, which is designed to create super-soldiers. When Treadstone is exposed, Outcome is also targeted, forcing Cross to fight for survival. While not directly involving Jason Bourne, it provides crucial context to the wider Bourne universe and other enhanced operative programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Bourne Films

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the Bourne movies, providing further insight into the franchise.

H3: Was there a Bourne 5 with Matt Damon?

Yes, Jason Bourne (2016) is considered the fifth film in the series, featuring Matt Damon reprising his role as the iconic character. It marked Damon’s return to the franchise after skipping The Bourne Legacy.

H3: Is The Bourne Legacy considered canon?

Yes, The Bourne Legacy is generally considered part of the official Bourne canon. Although it features a different protagonist, it exists within the same universe and references events from the original trilogy. It expands upon the world and reveals the existence of multiple similar programs besides Treadstone.

H3: Why didn’t Matt Damon do The Bourne Legacy?

Matt Damon did not appear in The Bourne Legacy because he and director Paul Greengrass felt they had concluded Jason Bourne’s story in The Bourne Ultimatum. They eventually returned for Jason Bourne after finding a compelling new story angle.

H3: Will there be another Bourne movie?

The possibility of another Bourne movie is frequently discussed. While no official announcements have been made regarding a sixth film featuring Jason Bourne, the studio has expressed interest in continuing the franchise. The success of Jason Bourne (2016) has fueled speculation, and fan interest remains high.

H3: Who directed the Bourne movies?

Doug Liman directed The Bourne Identity. Paul Greengrass directed The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum, and Jason Bourne. Tony Gilroy directed The Bourne Legacy.

H3: What order should I watch the Bourne movies in?

The recommended viewing order is chronological by release date:

1. The Bourne Identity (2002)
2. The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
3. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
4. The Bourne Legacy (2012)
5. Jason Bourne (2016)

This ensures you follow the narrative development and character arcs in the intended order.

H3: What is Treadstone?

Treadstone is a top-secret, black ops program run by the CIA. It is responsible for creating highly skilled assassins, including Jason Bourne. The program utilizes psychological conditioning and physical training to transform ordinary individuals into deadly operatives with enhanced abilities and a lack of moral constraints. Treadstone is a central theme throughout the series, driving much of the plot and character motivations.

H3: What is Outcome?

Outcome is another black ops program similar to Treadstone, featured prominently in The Bourne Legacy. It focuses on creating operatives with enhanced physical and cognitive abilities through pharmaceutical enhancements. While Treadstone focused on psychological conditioning, Outcome relied on medication to achieve similar results. The existence of Outcome reveals a broader network of clandestine government programs.

H3: Is there a Bourne TV show?

Yes, there is a Bourne TV show called Treadstone. It explores the origins and legacy of the CIA’s Treadstone program and follows new sleeper agents around the world as they are mysteriously “awakened” to resume their deadly missions. The series offers a deeper dive into the Treadstone methodology and expands the Bourne universe.

H3: What are Jason Bourne’s special skills?

Jason Bourne possesses a unique combination of skills, including:

• Exceptional combat abilities: He is highly proficient in hand-to-hand combat, firearms, and various martial arts.
• Linguistic proficiency: He speaks multiple languages fluently.
• Strategic thinking and adaptability: He is able to quickly assess situations and adapt his tactics accordingly.
• Espionage and infiltration skills: He is adept at gathering intelligence, blending into different environments, and evading detection.

These skills are a result of his training in the Treadstone program.

H3: Where was The Bourne Ultimatum filmed?

The Bourne Ultimatum was filmed in several locations around the world, including:

• Moscow, Russia: The film features scenes set in Moscow, although much of the filming was done elsewhere.
• Paris, France: Several key scenes take place in Paris.
• London, England: London serves as a prominent location for the film’s climax.
• New York City, USA: A significant portion of the film is set and filmed in New York City.
• Tangier, Morocco: Tangier is used for several action sequences.

The diverse filming locations contribute to the film’s global scale and sense of intrigue.

H3: What makes the Bourne movies so popular?

The Bourne movies are popular for several reasons:

• Realistic and grounded action: Unlike some other action franchises, the Bourne movies emphasize realistic and believable combat, creating a sense of visceral excitement.
• Intriguing plots and conspiracies: The films delve into complex government conspiracies and moral ambiguities, keeping audiences engaged with the story.
• Strong character development: Jason Bourne is a compelling and relatable character, driven by a desire for self-discovery and a sense of justice.
• Fast-paced and suspenseful storytelling: The films maintain a consistent sense of tension and urgency, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
• High production values: The Bourne movies feature stunning visuals, impressive stunts, and a distinctive visual style that sets them apart. The combination of these elements contributes to the franchise’s enduring appeal.

In conclusion, while there are five core Jason Bourne films and one spin-off, the franchise has left an undeniable mark on the action genre. Its blend of realism, intricate plotting, and compelling characters continues to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying its place as a modern classic.