Before he made us believe a man could fly and before he made arguably the quintessential '80s buddy cop movie, Richard Donner directed a terrific supernatural horror film that feels like a predecessor of the "Final Destination" franchise: "The Omen." One of the best '70s horror movies, "The Omen" is a movie about an adopted child, Damien, who may be the prophesied antichrist, whose very existence means the coming of the end of the world and utter ruin for humanity.

Uncover the Sinister Secrets of the Antichrist's Rise to Power

The Omen Movies in Release Order: Tracing Damien's Chilling Journey

For those who have never witnessed this bonkers franchise, or those who simply want to revisit "The Omen" movies but don't know where to start, the best approach is to watch them in the order they were released. This linear progression allows viewers to experience Damien's story unfolding as it was intended, without any narrative disruptions. The "The Omen" franchise is neatly structured, with each sequel directly building upon the events of the previous installment, making it easy to follow the chronology.Beginning with the original 1976 film, audiences are introduced to the mystery surrounding the adopted child Damien and the growing suspicion that he may be the prophesied antichrist. As the story progresses through the sequels, "Damien – Omen II" (1978) and "Omen III: The Final Conflict" (1981), viewers witness Damien's transformation from a child to a powerful adult, grappling with the implications of his sinister destiny. The franchise even includes a made-for-TV sequel, "Omen IV: The Awakening" (1991), further expanding the narrative.For those seeking a comprehensive experience, the 2006 "The Omen" remake can be included, though it is not considered part of the main timeline, serving as a beat-for-beat recreation of the original film with a modern setting. By starting with the 1976 classic and following the sequels in their release order, viewers can fully immerse themselves in the chilling and captivating journey of the antichrist's rise to power.

The Omen Movies in Chronological Order: Unraveling the Conspiracy

Alternatively, for those who prefer to experience the "The Omen" franchise in chronological order, the viewing order can be adjusted to begin with the prequel, "The First Omen" (2024). This approach offers a unique perspective, allowing viewers to witness the early stages of the conspiracy to bring about the antichrist's arrival.Starting with "The First Omen" provides a different narrative experience, as the audience is privy to the institutions and individuals desperately trying to cling to their power by any means necessary, even if it means sacrificing the world to maintain control. This prequel sets the stage for the events that unfold in the subsequent films, offering a deeper understanding of the underlying forces at play.Following the chronological order, the viewing experience would be: "The First Omen" (2024), "The Omen" (1976), "Damien – Omen II" (1978), "Omen III: The Final Conflict" (1981), and "Omen IV: The Awakening" (1991). While this approach may spoil the big reveal of the original film, it provides a unique perspective on the conspiracy and the lengths to which the powers that be will go to ensure the antichrist's rise to power.

Exploring the Chilling Depths of the "The Omen" Franchise

Regardless of the viewing order, the "The Omen" franchise is a cinematic experience worth exploring. From the original 1976 film's gripping mystery to the increasingly deranged and thrilling kills in the sequels, the series offers a captivating exploration of the antichrist's journey. The third installment, "Omen III: The Final Conflict," in particular, features a standout performance by Sam Neill, whose portrayal of the adult Damien Thorn feels particularly timely in the current political climate, with its themes of cult-like power and the rise of fascism.Throughout the franchise, the filmmakers have skillfully blended elements of supernatural horror, political intrigue, and the exploration of the human condition. The series delves into the nature of evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the lengths individuals and institutions will go to maintain control, even at the expense of the world's destruction.Whether viewers choose to experience the "The Omen" movies in release order or chronological order, the franchise provides a thrilling and thought-provoking journey that continues to captivate audiences decades after its inception. The chilling legacy of "The Omen" remains a testament to the enduring power of horror storytelling and the enduring fascination with the concept of the antichrist.