Blade Runner watch order
Blade Runner movies in order, release and chronological. Updated October 20, 2026.
Watch Blade Runner (1982), then Blade Runner 2049 (2017), set 30 years later. The anime series Blade Runner: Black Lotus (2021), set in 2032, is optional and sits between the two films.
How to watch the Blade Runner movies in order: the full guide
All 3 films and series in the Blade Runner franchise, in release order and in chronological (story) order. The first in release order is Blade Runner (1982); the first in chronological order is Blade Runner (set in November 2019).
Release order
- Blade Runner (Movie, 1982): Deckard hunts replicants in 2019 Los Angeles.
- Blade Runner 2049 (Movie, 2017): K uncovers a secret 30 years later; Deckard returns.
- Blade Runner: Black Lotus (Series, 2021): An anime series set in 2032; optional.
Chronological order
- Blade Runner (set in November 2019): Deckard hunts replicants in 2019 Los Angeles.
- Blade Runner: Black Lotus (set in 2032): An anime series set in 2032; optional.
- Blade Runner 2049 (set in 2049): K uncovers a secret 30 years later; Deckard returns.
Common questions
What order should I watch the Blade Runner movies in?
Watch Blade Runner (1982), then Blade Runner 2049 (2017), set 30 years later. The anime series Blade Runner: Black Lotus (2021), set in 2032, is optional and sits between the two films.
How many Blade Runner movies and shows are there?
There are 3 titles in the Blade Runner franchise: 2 films and 1 series, released from 1982 to 2021.
How long does it take to watch all the Blade Runner movies?
About 9 hours for all 3 titles, counting every episode. The essentials only (2 titles) take about 5 hours.
What is the first Blade Runner title in chronological order?
Blade Runner, set in November 2019. In release order the first is Blade Runner (1982).
Which Blade Runner titles can I skip?
Blade Runner: Black Lotus. They are spin-offs, side stories or non-canon entries; the main story holds without them.