Men in Black is a science-fiction, action-comedy movie franchise with the first movie being released in 1997. Since then, this franchise grew in popularity, and Men in Black movies became one of the best in the genre. The franchise follows the story of a group of agents called Men in Black. Their duty is to monitor extraterrestrial activity on Earth and to keep the world safe from any alien threats. Let’s see how many Men in Black movies are there and in what order to watch them.
How many Men in Black movies are there?
There are currently four Men in Black movies. The first movie was released in 1997, the second one five years later in 2002, and the third one was released 10 years later after the second movie in 2012. The fourth installment of this franchise, Men in Black: International was released in 2019 and also introduced us to the new cast.
The first three movies follow the adventures of two Men in Black agents, Agent K and Agent J. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones are the main characters in the first three movies, and they are partners that go on missions to save the planet against various alien threats. The fourth movie: Men in Black International introduced us to the new cast with Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth in leading roles.
Men in Black movies in order – at a glance
When the first Men in Black movie was released, it became an instant hit because it offered a new and different approach to movies about aliens. The first movie left plenty of room for this franchise to develop so it was only a matter of time before sequels will follow. Five years later the sequel followed and the third one was released ten years later. The first three movies wrapped up a story about Agent J and Agent K perfectly, so the fourth installment in this franchise introduced us to some fresh faces in the Men in Black organization.
These are Men in Black movies in order of their release:
- Men in Black
- Men in Black II
- Men in Black III
- Men in Black: International
In the first movie, agent J works as a police officer who is recruited into the Men in Black organization and introduced to the fact that there are aliens living among humans and there is a whole wide world out there beyond his current knowledge. As he becomes a partner with Agent K, they embark on an adventure of saving the world.
In the sequel to the first movie, we see agents J and K teaming up again to stop an alien threat. This time, they have to deal with an alien disguised as Victoria’s Secret model. The third installment of the popular franchise sees Agent J going back in time to save Agent K from being killed by an alien Boris, and the fourth movie has Agent M and Agent H on a mission to resolve the case of having a mole inside the organization.
What is the best way to watch Men in Black movies?
Men in Black movies are best enjoyed by watching them in order of release, in my experience. This means starting with the first movie, then watching the second movie, then the third, and eventually the fourth movie. By watching the movies in this order, you’ll be able toconnect more with the characters and the storyline of the movies which is advisable.
By watching it this way, you get to experience a nice development in the story. First, there is an introduction of Agent J into the organization and his recruitment, then we get familiar with the world filled with various aliens and after that, we are led on various adventures alongside the main characters. There is also a gradual development in relationships between main characters in the first three movies, so when the third movie has Agent J going into the past to save Agent K, we get to find out more about Agent K’s past about which he does not speak of much in the first two movies.
The first three movies, if watched by order of their release give you a well-rounded story around the main characters so it is advisable to watch them this way. The fourth installment in the franchise introduces us to some new characters that are also very skilled, and there are some similarities to the first movie in the franchise as there is also one more experienced and popular agent while his partner is more of a rookie.
Men in Black movies in order by release date
Men in Black movies are released as followed:
1. Men in Black ( 1997 )
Agents J and K are part of a secret organization that monitors and deals with extraterrestrial activity on Earth. When an alien threat that could destroy the world emerges, they must give their best to prevent that from happening. An action-packed movie that’s filled with laughs, suspense, and some great action sequences. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones make a funny iconic duo.
2. Men in Black II ( 2002 )
The sequel to the first movie sees agents J and K teaming up again to stop an alien threat. This time, they have to deal with an alien disguised as Victoria’s Secret model. There is just one problem, K seems to have no memory whatsoever that he was a part of Men in Black organization, and he is the only person with information that can save the world at the same time.
3. Men in Black III ( 2012 )
The third installment of the popular franchise sees Agent J going back in time to save Agent K from being killed by an alien Boris. Agent J finally gets to know Agent K and his private life more than he ever thought he would. Action-packed and funny just like the previous two installments.
4. Men in Black: International
Men in Black: International introduces us to the new agents, Agent M and Agent H among others. Agent H is a legendary member of the Men in Black organization as he saved the world alongside his partner when the alien threat was imminent. However, he has never been the same since, so a young rookie agent, Agent M has to keep him in check when they go on a mission to find out if there is really a mole inside the agency and who might that be.
Where to watch Men in Black movies?
You can watch all four movies on Amazon Prime Video. These movies are currently unavailable on Netflix.
Do you need to watch Men in Black movies in order?
You can watch each of these Men in Black movies as a stand-alone movie and you will surely be entertained, in my experience. But, in order to get the full experience of these movies, it is advisable that you watch them by their release date. That way, you’re really able to connect with the storyline and character development will make more sense.
Are Men in Black movies connected?
The first three movies are well connected because the main characters are the same, the storyline is involved around them and their relationship as partners and friends. Throughout all three movies, there is a similar thematic at hand as it involves saving the world against alien threats, but there is also plenty of humor and charisma intertwined with the characters as well.
The fourth movie has new characters and it expands the organization across the globe, we get to see other branches of the organization in other countries, but the narrative is similar to the first three movies, so it can be said that the fourth movie adds up to the first three movies, but not so much.
Will there be more Men in Black movies?
There is no official release date set for the fifth Men in Black movie and not much is officially known, there are only speculations. However, according to the sources, there is a high chance that we will get to see the fifth installment in this franchise with Agent M and Agent H back.
