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Underworld (film series)

Underworld is an action horror film series about a secret war between vampires and lycans, a werewolf species referred to in the films as lycans.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Underworld is an action horror film series about a secret war between vampires and lycans, a werewolf species referred to in the films as lycans. The series began with Underworld in 2003 and is known for centring on Selene, a vampire Death Dealer played in most films by Kate Beckinsale. The franchise was created by Kevin Grevioux, Len Wiseman, and Danny McBride.

Premise

The series depicts a hidden war between vampires and werewolves, called lycans within the films. Its story is usually told through the perspective of Selene, a vampire assassin known as a Death Dealer.

Release history

The live-action films were released as Underworld (2003), Underworld: Evolution (2006), Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009), Underworld: Awakening (2012), and Underworld: Blood Wars (2016).

Creative background

The franchise is credited to Kevin Grevioux, Len Wiseman, and Danny McBride. Len Wiseman directed the first two films, while later entries were directed by Patrick Tatopoulos, Måns Mårlind and Björn Stein, and Anna Foerster.

Series structure

The franchise includes a central film continuity built around the vampire-lycan conflict. Some sources also note an animated short anthology, Underworld: Endless War, associated with the series.

Key facts

  • The series follows a long-running conflict between vampires and lycans.
  • Kate Beckinsale appears as Selene in most of the films.
  • The main live-action films are Underworld, Evolution, Rise of the Lycans, Awakening, and Blood Wars.
  • Rise of the Lycans is a prequel to the earlier films.
  • The franchise was created by Kevin Grevioux, Len Wiseman, and Danny McBride.
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Canadian context

The series has been widely available in Canada through theatrical release, home video, and streaming/television distribution, and it remains part of Canadian English-language genre-film fandom.

Frequently asked questions

What is Underworld about?
It is about a secret war between vampires and lycans, with much of the story following Selene, a vampire Death Dealer.
How many Underworld movies are there?
There are five live-action feature films in the main series.
Who created the Underworld series?
The series is credited to Kevin Grevioux, Len Wiseman, and Danny McBride.
Who plays Selene?
Kate Beckinsale plays Selene in most of the films.
Is Rise of the Lycans a prequel?
Yes. It is described as a prequel to the earlier films in the series.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underworld_(film_series)
    Supports: Series premise, creators, and central characters.
  2. Underworld Wiki - Fandom — https://underworld.fandom.com/wiki/Underworld_(series)
    Supports: Film list, release dates, and directors.
  3. IGN — https://www.ign.com/articles/how-to-watch-the-underworld-movies-in-chronological-order
    Supports: Number of feature films and mention of animated short set.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0320691/
    Supports: Synopsis of the first film and lead cast.