The Hellboy cinematic universe, while not as expansive as Marvel or DC, offers a fascinating journey into a world of demons, folklore, and supernatural heroism. The most straightforward and generally recommended way to watch the Hellboy movies is in the order of their release, which preserves the intended narrative flow and avoids any chronological confusion.
The Chronological and Release Order of Hellboy Movies
Watching the Hellboy movies in release order is the easiest and most logical approach. It ensures you experience the stories as they were originally intended to unfold, preserving the surprises and character development in the way the filmmakers envisioned. This order is as follows:
- Hellboy (2004)
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
- Hellboy (2019) – Reboot
This order also aligns with the internal chronology, as each film picks up roughly after the events of the previous one (with the exception of the 2019 reboot, which presents an entirely new origin story).
Understanding the Different Hellboy Universes
It’s crucial to understand that there are effectively two separate Hellboy universes on film. The first two movies, directed by Guillermo del Toro and starring Ron Perlman, form a distinct continuity. The 2019 film, directed by Neil Marshall and starring David Harbour, is a complete reboot with no connection to the earlier films.
This distinction is essential because, while the characters and core concepts are the same, the tone, style, and narrative details differ significantly. Knowing that you’re jumping between universes helps manage expectations and appreciate each film on its own merits.
Why Release Order Works Best
While some might argue for a chronological approach based on in-universe events, the release order is preferable for several reasons:
- Narrative Flow: The release order preserves the intended storytelling progression.
- Character Development: Seeing Ron Perlman’s Hellboy grow across two films is a different experience than seeing David Harbour’s interpretation immediately.
- Avoiding Spoilers: Watching the reboot first might inadvertently spoil certain plot points or character arcs from the original duology, even if the details differ.
- Understanding the Evolution: The different approaches to filmmaking between del Toro and Marshall are better appreciated when viewed in the order they were created.
A Deeper Dive into Each Film
Hellboy (2004): Del Toro’s Vision Begins
This film introduces us to Hellboy (Ron Perlman), a demon summoned to Earth as a baby by Nazi occultists. He’s rescued and raised by Professor Trevor Bruttenholm (John Hurt) and becomes a powerful agent for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD). The film follows Hellboy as he battles the resurrected Grigori Rasputin, who seeks to unleash chaos upon the world. It establishes the core characters, the BPRD, and the film’s unique blend of action, horror, and humor.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008): Expanding the Mythology
The sequel delves deeper into the folklore and mythology of the Hellboy universe. An ancient Prince of the Elves, Nuada (Luke Goss), seeks to reclaim the Earth for his people by unleashing the Golden Army, an unstoppable force of mechanical warriors. Hellboy and the BPRD must stop Nuada and prevent a war between the human and magical realms. This film is visually stunning and expands on the world-building established in the first film.
Hellboy (2019): A Grittier Reboot
The 2019 reboot offers a darker and more brutal take on the Hellboy mythos. This film sees Hellboy (David Harbour) facing off against the resurrected sorceress Nimue, the Blood Queen (Milla Jovovich), who aims to bring about the end of the world. The film is based more directly on the Hellboy comics and features a more horror-centric tone, with significantly more violence and gore than the previous installments. It features the Wild Hunt, a crucial story element from the comics, and aims to reboot the franchise for a new audience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there a comic book reading order that mirrors the movies?
While the films draw inspiration from the comics, there isn’t a direct comic book reading order that perfectly aligns with the movie storylines. The comics are vast and cover a much wider range of stories and characters. The 2019 reboot is more closely based on specific comic arcs, particularly The Wild Hunt and The Storm and the Fury. Starting with Seed of Destruction, the first Hellboy comic mini-series, would be a good starting point for comic readers.
2. Will there be more Hellboy movies with Ron Perlman?
Sadly, a third Hellboy movie directed by Guillermo del Toro and starring Ron Perlman is highly unlikely. Despite fan demand and numerous attempts, the project never materialized due to budgetary constraints and creative differences. While both del Toro and Perlman have expressed interest in revisiting the character, the 2019 reboot effectively closed the door on that possibility.
3. What’s the difference between the del Toro Hellboy movies and the reboot?
The primary differences are in tone, style, and narrative approach. The del Toro films are known for their whimsical, fantastical, and character-driven stories, while the reboot is darker, more violent, and more directly adapted from specific comic book arcs. The characterizations of Hellboy also differ significantly.
4. Should I watch the Hellboy animated movies?
Yes! There are two Hellboy animated movies: Hellboy: Sword of Storms (2006) and Hellboy: Blood and Iron (2007). They’re canon within the del Toro universe and feature the voices of the original cast (Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones). They’re well-regarded and expand on the lore in interesting ways. Viewing them after Hellboy (2004) and before Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008) is recommended.
5. Is the 2019 Hellboy movie a sequel or a reboot?
The 2019 movie is a reboot. It completely restarts the Hellboy story, featuring a new cast and a different interpretation of the characters and mythology. It’s not connected to the previous two films.
6. Who is better: Ron Perlman’s Hellboy or David Harbour’s Hellboy?
This is subjective and depends on personal preference. Ron Perlman’s portrayal is often praised for its charm, wit, and world-weariness, while David Harbour’s Hellboy is generally considered grittier, angrier, and more volatile, aligning more closely with some interpretations of the comic book character. Both actors brought their unique talents to the role.
7. Is there a Hellboy extended universe outside of the movies and comics?
Yes, there are several Hellboy novels, short stories, and video games that expand on the universe. These provide additional depth and insights into the world of Hellboy and its inhabitants.
8. Does the 2019 Hellboy movie have any post-credit scenes?
Yes, the 2019 Hellboy movie has three post-credit scenes. They hint at potential sequels and introduce new characters from the Hellboy comics. However, due to the film’s poor reception, these storylines are unlikely to be continued.
9. Where can I watch all the Hellboy movies?
Availability varies depending on your region and streaming services. They are often available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies & TV, and Vudu. They may also be streaming on services like Hulu, HBO Max, or Netflix at different times.
10. Which Hellboy movie is the best?
Many fans consider Hellboy II: The Golden Army to be the best of the films. It features stunning visual effects, compelling characters, and a captivating story that expands on the world-building of the first film. However, personal preferences vary.
11. Is it necessary to know the Hellboy comics to enjoy the movies?
No, it’s not necessary. The movies are designed to be accessible to viewers unfamiliar with the source material. However, knowing the comics can enrich your experience and provide a deeper understanding of the characters and mythology, particularly with the 2019 reboot.
12. Will there be more Hellboy movies in the future?
The future of the Hellboy film franchise is uncertain. The 2019 reboot was not a critical or commercial success, which has likely put any immediate plans for sequels or reboots on hold. However, given the enduring popularity of the character and the rich source material, it’s possible that we will see Hellboy on the big screen again in the future, perhaps with a different creative direction.