Is It Necessary to Watch All the Parts of Jurassic Park to Understand the Latest Part?

Deciding whether to watch all the parts of the Jurassic Park franchise to fully appreciate the latest installment can be a complex question. While it is not strictly necessary, there are several compelling reasons to consider watching the earlier films for a more enriching experience. This article explores the benefits of watching the entire franchise and the argument against it. By the end, you should have a better understanding of what each perspective entails.

Character Development

One of the most substantial advantages of watching all the Jurassic Park films is the depth of character development. Many characters have intricate arcs that span multiple films, and understanding their backgrounds and motivations only enriches the viewing experience. Professor Alan Grant's (Sam Neill) journey from a curious academic to a seasoned guide, for example, is a defining characteristic of the franchise. Similarly, Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) grows from a shadow of her former self in Jurassic Park to a confident and capable scientist in Jurassic World. The character of Owen Grady (Chris Prince), portrayed in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Spellbound, showcases a transformation from a broken individual to a person of honor, which is pivotal for the storyline.

Plot Continuity

The franchise often weaves plot elements and themes from earlier films into the latest installment. Plot continuity is crucial, as it provides context and background for the new storyline. For instance, the central theme of the first Jurassic Park surrounding the ethical implications of genetic engineering is referenced throughout the series. In Jurassic World, the Cretaceous-Tertiary impact event is revisited, and in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, the genetic imprint left by the first park is directly impacting the events. If you are familiar with these earlier plot points, you will have a more comprehensive understanding of the latest film's twists and turns. Watching the entire series ensures that you are not missing any key references or plot points that could otherwise leave you in the dark.

Thematic Consistency

The Jurassic Park franchise consistently delves into recurring themes such as the ethics of genetic engineering, the consequences of human actions, and the relationship between humans and dinosaurs. Each film explores these themes in its unique way, building a rich tapestry of narrative threads. In Jurassic Park, genetic engineering is the core ethical question, while Jurassic World raises concerns about corporate greed and ethics. The ethical dilemma in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom revolves around the impact of past actions and the sense of responsibility towards the creatures. By watching the earlier films, you can better appreciate these recurring themes and their evolution, deepening your understanding of the franchise as a whole.

Not Necessarily

However, not everyone needs to watch all the parts of the franchise, as some argue. Simply watching the 2015 film Jurassic World serves as a strong foundation for understanding the plot and characters. This film acts as a standalone entry in the franchise, with a sequels that logically flow from it. The 2018 sequel, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, must be watched, as it directly builds upon the events of the 2015 film and establishes the narrative for the next installment. The 2022 film Spellbound also builds upon Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. The first film from the original trilogy, Jurassic Park, can be engaging to watch if you want to explore the core ethical questions of the franchise, and the second film, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, builds on the first and introduces new villains like Ingen and the Sunny.

Conclusion

While it is not strictly necessary to watch all the parts of the Jurassic Park franchise, doing so can significantly enhance your appreciation of the latest installment. Character development, plot continuity, and thematic elements are just some of the reasons why the entire series is highly recommended. However, for those with limited time or specific interests, watching only the core films, particularly Jurassic World and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, can still provide a solid understanding of the latest part of the franchise.