Step into the thrilling, post-apocalyptic world of the Maze Runner franchise with our ultimate chronological watch guide. Discover the interconnected narrative, meet the courageous Gladers, and unravel the dark secrets of WCKD, ensuring you experience every heart-pounding moment as intended.
The Maze Runner film series captivated audiences between 2014 and 2018, establishing itself as a significant entry in the young adult dystopian genre that surged in popularity during the 2010s. Directed by Wes Ball, this thrilling adaptation of James Dashner’s best-selling novels introduces viewers to a world ravaged by a deadly virus and controlled by a mysterious organization known as WCKD.
At its heart, the franchise follows a group of teenagers, led by Thomas (Dylan O’Brien), who awaken in a perplexing maze with no memories of their past. Their journey quickly evolves into a desperate fight for survival and a quest for the truth, navigating treacherous landscapes and uncovering shocking revelations about their existence and the post-apocalyptic world they inhabit.
The core cast, including Dylan O’Brien as the determined Thomas, Kaya Scodelario as the enigmatic Teresa, Thomas Brodie-Sangster as the loyal Newt, and Ki Hong Lee as the agile Minho, delivered powerful performances that anchored the action-packed saga. Their collective struggle against seemingly insurmountable odds and their unwavering commitment to friendship became central to the series’ enduring appeal.
The Maze Runner Films in Chronological Order
To fully appreciate the unfolding narrative and the escalating stakes, watching the Maze Runner movies in their release order is the definitive way to experience the story. Each installment builds directly upon the events of the last, deepening the mystery and intensifying the Gladers’ fight for freedom.
- The Maze Runner (2014)
- Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015)
- Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018)
1. The Maze Runner (2014)
The journey begins with The Maze Runner, which premiered in 2014 and introduced audiences to a terrifying new world. The film centers on Thomas, a 16-year-old who wakes up in a metal elevator with no recollection of his past, only to find himself in a vast, enclosed area known as the Glade. This community is populated exclusively by teenage boys who have also lost their memories and are trapped by a massive, ever-changing maze that surrounds them.
The Gladers have established a rudimentary society, but their ultimate goal remains escape from the maze, which is patrolled by fearsome biomechanical creatures called Grievers. Thomas’s arrival, and later that of Teresa—the first and only girl—ignites a new hope, pushing the group to defy the rules and seek a way out. The film received positive reviews for its direction, acting, and tone, with Entertainment Weekly notably calling it a “better-than-average” young adult adaptation.
Produced on a budget of $34 million, The Maze Runner proved to be a commercial success, grossing nearly $348 million worldwide. Its strong performance laid the groundwork for the two sequels that would follow.
2. Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015)
The sequel, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, plunges Thomas and the surviving Gladers into an even more desolate and dangerous world. Released in 2015, this installment picks up immediately after their escape from the maze, revealing a post-apocalyptic wasteland known as the Scorch. This barren landscape has been ravaged by solar flares and a terrifying disease called the Flare virus, which transforms infected humans into zombie-like beings known as Cranks.
The group is initially led to a facility run by Janson (Aidan Gillen), who claims to offer a safe haven. However, with the help of new ally Aris (Jacob Lofland), they quickly discover that WCKD’s sinister experiments are far from over. This realization forces them to flee into the unforgiving Scorch desert, where they encounter new allies like Brenda (Rosa Salazar) and Jorge (Giancarlo Esposito), who guide them toward the elusive Right Arm resistance.
Despite mixed critical reviews, which nonetheless praised its action sequences and performances, The Scorch Trials continued the franchise’s commercial success, earning $312 million worldwide against a $60 million budget. The film escalated the stakes, transforming the story from a maze escape into a full-blown struggle for survival against a global catastrophe.
3. Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018)
The epic conclusion to the trilogy arrived in 2018 with Maze Runner: The Death Cure. This final installment sees Thomas leading his group of Gladers on a perilous mission to rescue their friend Minho from WCKD’s clutches. Their quest brings them to the heavily fortified Last City, WCKD’s primary stronghold and a place more dangerous than anything they’ve encountered before.
The production of The Death Cure faced significant delays when lead actor Dylan O’Brien suffered a serious on-set injury, including a concussion, facial fracture, and brain trauma, necessitating a six-month hiatus for his recovery. The film was eventually released on January 26, 2018.
Despite critical opinions describing the dialogue as “template-standard” and plots as having “improbable getaway schemes,” the film delivers a gripping and emotional conclusion to the franchise. It explores powerful themes of commitment, sacrifice, and the enduring fight for independence, leaving a lasting impact on viewers. While it grossed $288 million worldwide, slightly less than its predecessors, it provided a dramatic and poignant finale to the dystopian tale.
Beyond the Trilogy: The Fever Code Prequel
Fans eager for more lore might be interested to know that there’s potential for further exploration of the Maze Runner universe. A movie based on James Dashner’s prequel novel, “The Fever Code,” is reportedly in development. This installment promises to delve into the origins of the maze itself and provide deeper insights into the characters’ pasts before they entered the Glade. While not yet released, its potential offers an exciting prospect for fans to complete their journey and understand the foundational elements of WCKD’s experiments.
Where to Watch The Maze Runner Movies
For those looking to marathon the entire Maze Runner saga, the films are widely available across various streaming platforms:
- All three Maze Runner films are currently streaming on Netflix.
- Viewers can also watch the full series on Disney+.
- Additionally, the film series is available to rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.
Whether you’re revisiting the dystopian world or discovering it for the first time, The Maze Runner movies offer an intense and captivating viewing experience filled with action, suspense, and thought-provoking themes of survival, friendship, and the ethical boundaries of scientific experimentation.
